How To Pack A Carry-On, According To A Frequent Flyer

Checking a bag isn’t just annoying when you're wasting precious minutes of your vacation at baggage claim or when it inevitably gets lost—it can also put a serious dent in your travel budget. But travelling light is a skill that requires a little bit of planning and a good carry-on suitcase.

Katherine Johnsen, a.k.a TikTok’s Carry-On Queen, is a Toronto-based entrepreneur and content creator who averages over 70 flights a year and the daughter of a former Air Canada flight attendant. Here, she shares her top carry-on packing tips.

How to pack a carry-on suitcase

Plan ahead

The number one mistake people typically make is to pack without intentionality. “It's really important to take 20 minutes to think about where you're going and what you’ll be doing,” says Johnsen.

It’s also a good idea not to pack items you've never worn or don’t feel comfortable in—you likely won't wear them.

@beachykj THE ULTIMATE european summer carry-on packing list - screenshot the full list at the end #carryonqueen #carryontravel #howtopackasuitcase #carryonluggage #beisluggage #awayluggage ♬ Wes Anderson-esque Cute Acoustic - Kenji Ueda

Go back to basics

“I’m a big believer in packing a lot of base layers, like white T-shirts and black tank tops,” adds Johnsen. They’re versatile, they don’t take much space and they can be paired with statement pieces to create outfits for every situation. 

Roll with it

Johnsen’s most controversial packing opinion? “Packing cubes are not the best use of space for a carry-on.” Instead, she rolls most of her clothing. Doing away with the structure of packing cubes allow space for extra clothes. (Johnsen still recommends packing cubes in checked bags to keep things organized.)

To prevent wrinkles on delicate fabric, like silk, she lays those items on top of a cotton shirt, fold it, then roll, like her flight-attendant mother taught her to. She folds pants and denim and packs soft-shelled shoes that can be squished down to save space. 

(Photo: Courtesy of Katherine Johnsen)

Bulk up

“I wear my biggest sweater and my chunky shoes on the plane,” explains Johnsen.

Wearing your bulkiest items during the flight is a tip that comes especially handy in winter. Case in point: Johnsen was able to pack all of her clothes, three coats and several pairs of shoes in just a carry-on during a trip to Paris last December.

@beachykj Replying to @Laura Geddes liquid edition!! Just a few of my favorites!! Lmk if you have any faves #carryonqueen #carryontravel #liquidsfortravel #skinceuticals #makeuproutine #carryonmakeup #carryonessentials #traveledition #awayluggage #skinfix ♬ Wes Anderson-esque Cute Acoustic - Kenji Ueda

Streamline your liquids

Even if you've got all of the above down to a science, restrictions on liquids make carry-on beauty packing challenging.

When it comes to her beauty routine, Johnsen will usually opt for a solid or powder version of her must-have products whenever possible. This allows her to prioritize travel-size versions of the liquids she really can’t live without, like her sunscreen and her favourite conditioner.

Keep all your liquids in a pouch in your personal item—not your carry-on bag—so they are easily accessible when going through security.