Updated October 2026 · By TripPack
For a carry-on only trip, keep liquids in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less inside one quart-size bag, carry every power bank and spare lithium battery with you, and leave knives and loose blades at home. TripPack’s carry-on packing list trims quantities so a week fits in one bag.
TripPack’s carry-on only packing list starts from a 5-night city trip with no checked bag. Quantities are trimmed for one bag, and the list adds the TSA liquids bag and travel-size bottles. Add laundry where you’re staying and TripPack caps clothes at a week’s worth — that’s how people go carry-on for two weeks or more.
| Item | Carry-on | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Liquids, gels, creams, pastes, aerosols | Yes, 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less each, in one quart-size bag | Yes |
| Medications; baby formula, breast milk, baby food | Yes, over 3.4 oz in reasonable amounts; tell the officer | Yes |
| Power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh | Yes | No |
| Spare lithium-ion batteries of 101–160 Wh | Up to two, with airline approval | No |
| Solid deodorant, bar soap | Yes, not counted as liquids | Yes |
| Disposable and cartridge razors | Yes | Yes |
| Knives, multi-tools with a blade, loose razor blades | No | Yes, sheathed or wrapped |
| Hiking poles | Blunt-tipped only | Yes |
What is the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule?
For carry-on bags, TSA allows liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in travel-size containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item, all in one quart-size bag. Anything larger goes in checked baggage. Any liquid that alarms during screening needs extra screening.
- Exempt: medications, and baby formula, breast milk and baby food in reasonable amounts. Tell the officer at screening.
- Not liquids: solid items like bar soap, shampoo bars, stick deodorant and solid perfume don’t count toward your quart bag.
- The container size counts, not what’s left in it. A half-empty 6 oz bottle is still too big.
What are the rules for power banks and batteries?
The FAA requires spare lithium batteries — including power banks and phone charging cases — to travel in carry-on bags only, with the terminals protected from short circuits. Lithium-ion batteries are limited to 100 watt-hours (Wh) each; with airline approval, you can bring up to two spares of 101–160 Wh. To work out watt-hours, multiply amp-hours by volts: a 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7 V is about 74 Wh. Airlines can set stricter limits, so check yours. If your carry-on gets gate-checked because the overhead bins are full, take the power bank and spare batteries out and keep them with you in the cabin.
How big can my carry-on be?
Carry-on and personal item size limits are set by each airline, not by TSA, and they differ — especially on budget airlines, where some fares include only a small personal item that must fit under the seat. Measure your bag including wheels and handles, and check your airline’s baggage page before you fly. Some airlines outside the US also limit carry-on weight.
How do I fit a week in one bag?
- Build a small wardrobe. Pick one color palette so every top works with every bottom. For carry-on trips, TripPack packs about 0.6 tops per day and one bottom for every three days.
- Wear your bulkiest things on the plane: jacket, heaviest shoes, thickest sweater.
- Two pairs of shoes, max. One on your feet, one in the bag.
- Use packing cubes. Compression cubes press clothes flatter and keep the bag organized when you open it at security.
- Plan a laundry stop on trips longer than a week. Detergent sheets are dry, so they don’t count as liquids.
- Skip what your hotel has: hair dryer, shampoo, body wash.
What goes in my personal item?
Put the things you need during the flight, or can’t afford to lose, in the bag under the seat: passport or ID, wallet, phone, power bank, medications, headphones, your quart bag of liquids (so it’s easy to pull out at security), an empty water bottle to fill after security, and a layer for the cold cabin.
What are common carry-on mistakes?
- Full-size sunscreen, shampoo or toothpaste in the main bag.
- Pocket knives or multi-tools with blades — not allowed through security.
- Snow globes and spreads like peanut butter, which TSA limits to 3.4 oz in carry-on like other liquids.
- Packing too many “just in case” outfits. You’ll rewear your favorites anyway.
FAQ
How many liquids can I bring in a carry-on?
As many travel-size containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less as fit in one quart-size bag. Medications and baby formula are exempt in reasonable amounts.
Can I bring a power bank in my carry-on?
Yes — and it must go in your carry-on, not in checked baggage. The FAA limit is 100 Wh per battery; spares of 101–160 Wh need airline approval, up to two per person.
Sources
- TSA: liquids, aerosols and gels rule — checked Oct 16, 2026
- TSA: traveling with children (formula, breast milk) — checked Oct 16, 2026
- FAA PackSafe: lithium batteries — last updated Aug 11, 2026; checked Oct 16, 2026
- TSA What Can I Bring: solid deodorant — checked Oct 16, 2026
- TSA What Can I Bring: disposable razors — checked Oct 16, 2026
- TSA What Can I Bring: multi-tools — checked Oct 16, 2026
- TSA What Can I Bring: hiking poles — checked Oct 16, 2026
- TSA What Can I Bring: snow globes — checked Oct 16, 2026