Carry-on tips: rules per airline + smart packing

Save €30-€50 per flight by traveling with carry-on only. Here are the rules per airline and 10 smart packing tips.

Carry-on rules per airline (2026)

KLM/Transavia: 55x35x25cm + 12kg. Ryanair: 40x25x20cm small bag free, 55x40x20cm + 10kg = €10 extra. Easyjet: 45x36x20cm free. Wizz Air: 40x30x20cm free.

Pack tip 1: choose the right bag

A 40L backpack like Osprey Farpoint 40 fits all major airlines as carry-on. Weighs only 1.2kg empty so you can pack 9kg+ of stuff.

Pack tip 2: roll, don't fold

Rolled t-shirts and underwear take 30% less space. Pack large items (jeans) at the bottom, small things on top.

Pack tip 3: compression cubes

Eagle Creek Pack-It compression cubes (€20 set) squeeze your stuff 40% smaller. Best investment for frequent flyers.

Pack tip 4: wear heavy items on board

Hiking boots, winter coat, sweaters - wear them on the plane. Frees up 2-3kg of carry-on weight.

Pack tip 5: power bank in carry-on

NEVER in checked baggage, only carry-on. Maximum 100Wh (most phone power banks are 50Wh).

Pack tip 6: 100ml liquid rule

All liquids in a clear 1L zipper bag, max 100ml each. Solid soap and toothpaste tablets don't count as liquids.

Pack tip 7: shoes save space

Maximum 2 pairs (the wearing ones + one extra). Pack socks inside shoes. Saves a lot of bag space.

Pack tip 8: digital documents

Save passport copy, boarding pass, travel insurance in your phone + email. No paper to lug around.

Pack tip 9: laundry on the road

Bring travel laundry soap (€5). Wash underwear and t-shirts in the hotel sink. Lets you travel longer with less clothing.

Pack tip 10: leave space for souvenirs

Pack 70% full at departure. Leaves room for a wine bottle, ceramics or that vintage jacket you'll buy.