The Perfect Hand Luggage Packing List — What to Pack & What to Leave

Pack Smart, Travel Light

Packing your carry-on efficiently can make the difference between a smooth airport experience and a stressful one. Here is the ultimate hand luggage packing list.

The Essentials (Never Leave Without)

• Passport/ID and boarding pass
• Phone with airline app and boarding pass downloaded
• Wallet with bank card and some local currency
• Keys (if driving to/from the airport)
• Medication in original packaging with prescription if needed
• Phone charger and portable power bank

Clothing

For Short Trips (1-3 Days)

• 2-3 tops/shirts
• 1 extra pair of trousers/shorts
• Underwear and socks (1 per day + 1 spare)
• 1 versatile jacket or cardigan
• Sleepwear (a t-shirt works)

Packing Tips

• Roll, do not fold: Rolling clothes saves 30% more space
• Wear your bulkiest items: Heavy shoes and jackets go on your body, not in your bag
• Use packing cubes: They compress clothes and keep everything organised

Toiletries (The 100ml Rule)

All liquids, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on must be:

• In containers of 100ml or less
• In a single clear, resealable bag (20cm x 20cm max)
• One bag per person

What Counts as a Liquid

• Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner
• Sun cream and moisturiser
• Foundation, mascara, lip gloss
• Deodorant (spray or roll-on)
• Contact lens solution
• Hair gel, wax, or mousse

What Does Not Count

• Solid deodorant sticks
• Lipstick (solid)
• Powder cosmetics
• Solid perfume

Check your airline's specific limits with our Carry-On Packing Rules tool.

Electronics

• Laptop: Remove from bag at security (unless CT scanner airport)
• Tablet: May need to be removed separately
• Power bank: Must be in carry-on (not checked luggage). Max 100Wh for most airlines.
• Headphones: Noise-cancelling recommended for flights

Food and Drink

• Solid food: Sandwiches, fruit, and snacks pass through security freely
• Empty water bottle: Fill after security
• Baby food: Exempt from 100ml rule (may be tested)
• Avoid: Soup, yoghurt, hummus (count as liquids)

What NOT to Pack in Hand Luggage

• Sharp objects (knives, large scissors)
• Full-size toiletries (buy travel-size)
• Heavy books (use a Kindle)
• Too many "just in case" items

See our complete security guide for the full prohibited items list.

Airport-Specific Packing Tips

Different airports have different enforcement levels. At London Heathrow, Dublin, and Manchester, bag sizing is strictly enforced. Check our Wait Time Estimator to plan your time, and use our airline check-in links to check in before you arrive.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Rule

For a 5-day trip with carry-on only:

• 5 sets of underwear and socks
• 4 tops
• 3 bottoms
• 2 pairs of shoes (wear 1, pack 1)
• 1 jacket/coat (wear it)