Saving on airfare is essential, as it is the main cost of a trip, especially if it is international.
Nowadays, with the advent of low-cost airlines, practically all airlines have adopted a system that includes only hand luggage in their initial airfare prices. In other words, it is not possible to check a bag without additional cost.
As a result, tickets are usually 20% to 30% cheaper with the same airline.
However, when opting for low-cost airlines, the reduction in price can reach up to 80%.
For example, on a flight from São Paulo to New York the price difference was 56%.
In other words, a huge saving on airfare and consequently on the total costs of your trip.
Click on the images to see the details.
It is clear that low-cost airlines do not only save on luggage, but also on the services they offer.
On the one hand, this has enabled more people to travel.
On the other hand, it has created a challenge: how to travel with so little space for clothes and equipment, etc.
At first glance, it may seem impossible. However, with these definitive tips and some advantages of traveling with only carry-on luggage, you will adapt easily.
Advantages of traveling with only hand luggage.
- Speedy boarding: Check in online and go straight to the boarding gate, without having to wait in line at the airport.
- Quick arrival: When you land, you can leave the airport directly, as there is no need to wait for your checked bags.
- Lower risk of loss: Never worry about losing your luggage.
- Easy movement: Getting around is simpler and faster.
- Less chance of problems at customs: You will rarely be stopped, since agents tend to focus on those who carry a lot of luggage.
The big secret is the art of packing an efficient carry-on bag.
To help with this task, I have prepared this post with valuable tips for those who want to travel with only hand luggage, saving money and thus traveling more and better.
To achieve this goal, it is essential to improve the concept of minimalism, that is, having only what is really necessary.
Most of the time we carry items that end up not being used.
However, it is not enough to just take the essentials. It is essential to know what to take.
To do this, some essential information is needed, and that is exactly what you will find below.
1 - Know the measurements and weights permitted in carry-on luggage.
Usually, one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse are allowed.
There is no clear standard, but most are around the following maximum measurements: 55 x 45 x 25 cm.
A personal item with the following maximum measurements: 35 x 25 x 55 cm (length x width x height), including handles, pockets and wheels, is generally a bag that fits under the seat.
Attention! The two items (personal item and carry-on bag) together must weigh no more than 10 kg!
See this article from Skyscanner with the restrictions of various airlines.
See here the best-rated carry-on bags on Amazon within these measurements.
2 – Improve your concept of what is necessary.
The vast majority of people believe that they really need everything when they go on a trip.
The concept of minimalism helps a lot and saves on airfare.
Another thing is to wear something more than once, especially for women who have some difficulties with this.
There are several tips on how to wear clothes to make it seem like you have more than you actually do.
You can also wash your clothes.
3 – Don’t take anything you’re not sure you’ll use.
You know that special outfit for a gala event that you want to have in case something happens? Don’t take it with you, because 90% of the time it won’t happen and it will be wasted space.
If you don’t wear the outfit on a daily basis, there’s a good chance it will end up at the bottom of your suitcase and come home crumpled.
4 – Think of all possible combinations.
This is one of the most important rules! Don’t take clothes that don’t match. Choose basic items that can be combined and worn on different trips.
This way, you can wear the same outfit without anyone noticing.
The more basic items, the better and the easier it will be to combine.
Not to mention that it’s always good to save time when choosing what to wear while traveling.
5 – Choose lightweight fabrics that don’t crease or create volume.
For those who are frequent travelers, you already know that clothes made of more technical fabrics (thin, wrinkle-free, odor-free, quick-drying, etc.) are good for your travel needs.
These fabrics reduce weight and space, helping you save on airfare.
Choosing clothes that are suitable for traveling light is just as important as not choosing too many clothes.
Dressing in layers is super important to avoid carrying heavy coats.
If you need one, choose to carry it by hand, saving space and weight in your carry-on bag.
6 – Only take multi-purpose shoes that have already been tested in everyday use.
Only take shoes, sandals and even flip-flops that you are sure you can wear to exhaustion without hurting your feet.
I usually only take one pair of sneakers with me and another in my suitcase. If I am traveling for tourism, I take another pair of sneakers and if I am going to wear something more formal, a pair of sneakers will help.
This reduces the need for more shoes and saves on airfare.
When I am going hiking, I usually pack my trekking boots and another pair of sneakers in my hand luggage.
7 – Purchase special travel equipment and accessories.
All the products we use daily are large, but they all have compact and much lighter versions for traveling.
The weight and volume are included in the cost of the plane ticket, as they use more fuel and cargo space.
The smaller, the better! Even if they are not as efficient, they will help when it comes to keeping the weight and space within the limits of hand luggage, thus helping to save on the plane ticket.
Creams and shampoo are not necessary in the original quantity, using smaller bottles will save weight and space.
In addition, some can be purchased at the destination.
For women, reduce the number of accessories options, especially those that weigh too much.
Don’t forget the limits and specifications for liquids in hand luggage. It is important to follow the rules so that you do not have to check your luggage at the last minute or throw away your favorite product. Remember to label all containers and place them in sealed bags to avoid problems, especially on international flights.
Sealed bags, I use the ones from Sea to Submit.
8 – Don’t take a bunch of bags, backpacks and shopping bags on your trip.
Those who are going want to return and the price of the plane ticket is the same, that is, if you don’t include baggage on the outward journey, there is no way back.
Since your space and weight are limited, there is no point in taking many bags, because you won’t have room to bring things, or you will have to pay for checking them in.
Paying for unplanned baggage destroys the savings on the plane ticket.
My carry-on bag is a 30-liter Deuter backpack.
I did this trip in the Dolomites for 12 days with only the 30-liter backpack.
I have my soft bag, for emergencies, but it weighs only a few grams and is the size of a closed fist when empty. See the options on Amazon.
9 – Choose a lightweight carry-on bag with plenty of interior space.
Choosing the right suitcase is very important, because the weight includes the suitcase itself.
So the lighter the suitcase, the more space and weight you can carry.
The internal space is also essential to accommodate your luggage.
It is important to remember to check the size of the suitcase, to make sure it is within the permitted limits.
There is no standard, but the vast majority have dimensions of approximately 55 X 45 X 25 (H, W, D).
Every saving in weight and space helps to save on the cost of the airfare.
See this article from Skyscanner with the restrictions of various airlines
Also take into account that on shorter flights the type of aircraft can radically change the dimensions of the luggage.
Choosing a different color can help identify your carry-on luggage, of course most of the time it will be with you, but you can check it in on some occasions.
10- Pack your suitcase in advance and make the most of every space.
Packing your suitcase correctly also helps you save on airfare.
One of the most important tips is to pack your suitcase in advance. This will help you take only what you need.
First, separate everything you need, and after a few days or hours, check to see if you can remove anything.
Repeat this process as many times as you want, the better.
The art of packing things inside your suitcase improves each time you pack.
Make the most of every inch of your luggage to put something in.
The space inside your shoes can accommodate some bottles, socks, etc.
Put everything inside airtight or vacuum-sealed bags, which can save a lot of space.
Organize each bag the way you will need it during the trip, so that you only open the ones you need, making your life easier during the trip.
Set aside an airtight bag for dirty clothes, so that you don’t mix them up during the trip and it is easier to take them to the laundry.
Dry bags, I use the ones from Sea to Submit.
11 – Make it clear that there will be no order list.
Especially when traveling internationally, friends and relatives always want you to bring something.
If you only have hand luggage, this is not possible.
If someone really wants something, then they should pay the cost of checking a bag.
If you pay and the money doesn’t come out of your pocket, you can also save on airfare.
12 – Leave heavier and more sensitive objects in your personal bag.
If you are traveling with a camera, notebook, books and other heavier objects, it is best to put them all in your personal bag.
Each passenger can board with one carry-on bag and one more personal item (which can be a shoulder bag, a backpack or a small bag).
This bag is unlikely to be weighed at check-in, so leave more sensitive and heavier objects inside it.
Coats can be carried in your hand luggage, so they do not take up space in your bag or carry-on luggage. Bulky shoes should be worn.
Some products, such as portable batteries, should be in your personal bag.
13 – Avoid headaches and unexpected costs.
In addition to knowing and being within the rules of what you can and cannot take in your carry-on luggage, it is also important to know the exact weight of your luggage.
Having a shirt or a computer can make a big difference in the weight.
So having a scale to check the weight of everything you are carrying is essential.
Before leaving home, weigh your carry-on luggage to make sure it meets the airline’s standards.
A good way to save on airfare is to avoid having the attendants ask you to check the item and incur an extra expense that was not included in your budget.
