Checklist

Nothing extra: carry-on checklist for budget airline flights

Flying a low-cost carrier without checked luggage saves money and baggage claim time. The main rules: your bag must fit the sizer (often 40×30×20 cm), and liquids must follow strict limits.

Plan a trip with minimal luggage

Baggage savings are part of the overall budget — read how to save money while traveling and check totals in the budget calculator. Compare budget airline fares before locking dates. If you stitch flights yourself, see our airport self-transfer guide for layover buffers.

Clothing (capsule approach)

Core pieces (3 tops per 1 bottom: everything mixes by color and style).
Bulkiest items on your body (wear jacket, jeans, and heaviest shoes on the plane).
Clothes rolled or packed in compression cubes (saves up to 30% of space).
Minimal shoes: 1 pair of sneakers (on you) + 1 pair of light sandals in the bag.

Toiletries and liquids (strict rules)

All liquids decanted into containers of 100 ml or less.
All containers in one clear bag (about 20×20 cm, 1 liter max).
Liquid shampoo and gel swapped for solid bars (solid shampoo is not counted as a liquid).

Tech and documents in the cabin

Power bank in carry-on (not allowed in checked baggage).
Laptop / tablet at the back of the bag for quick removal at security.
Documents in an easy-access zip pocket — verify against the documents checklist.

For a road trip with more luggage, see the road trip car checklist and the road trip planning guide.

Create your own route

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