Luggage for short-haul flights
Check the limits for carry-on and checked baggage on short-haul flights.
Reading time 🕗 7 minutes | January 19, 2024 | Author Karolina Lesicka | Editor: Klara Krysiak
Whether you're going on a city break, a longer mountain trek, or a business trip, packing a backpack for the plane requires a good plan. In this guide, we'll advise you on how to pack your backpack, the order in which to pack your items, and how to cleverly stash them so that the most essential things are always at hand.
Do you enjoy traveling light and avoiding extra time spent on baggage claim at airports? Or perhaps a backpack provides you with greater freedom of movement? If your trip is only for a few days, packing in a backpack can be a great solution.
The carry-on luggage you can take with you on board the plane should have dimensions of 55 × 40 × 23 cm and weigh between 8 and 12 kg, depending on the class of travel.
Before your departure, be sure to check what you can bring on board the plane in addition to the mentioned backpack.
For your comfort, test your backpack before your trip. Check if it has comfortable straps, compartments, and side pockets that will make it easier for you to organize your favorite items.
Wondering how to pack a backpack for the plane? Here's a cheat sheet to help you efficiently pack all the necessary items for your trip:
You already know how to pack in a backpack, but you're unsure where to start? Begin packing by:
When it comes to packing the top part of the backpack, it should be reserved for items that you will frequently take out. By placing documents, outerwear, a first aid kit, or cosmetics there, you can be sure that you'll access them quickly and easily, without the need to unpack the entire backpack.
Cosmetics
When packing cosmetics, maintain minimalism and only bring those that you can't do without while traveling.
Choose cosmetics in sizes permitted in carry-on luggage (up to 100 ml) or transfer them to smaller plastic containers. If you don't have miniature containers at home, you can buy them at larger drugstores or order them online.
First Aid Kit
If you need to bring medication you take, be sure to keep them in its original packaging.
Pack the medication along with cosmetics or in a separate ziplock bag. It's important to keep them in one place and easy to present when asked.
Documents
Outerwear
In the case of heavily air-conditioned planes, add a lightweight jacket or sweater to the top of your backpack.
How to pack a backpack for the plane to fit all the necessary items? We have a few useful tricks!
Roll your clothes. It's a great way to fit more things in your backpack and also to prevent them from getting wrinkled when taken out. Arrange clothes tightly to hold each other in place and prevent them from unfolding. You can roll outfits separately for each day so that in the morning, you only need to take out the appropriate roll. This will help you check before departure if you have a complete outfit for each day.
Replace your fanny pack with a cosmetics bag. Your favorite fanny pack can serve as a cosmetics bag for carry-on luggage. Upon arrival, it can serve as a handy pouch for documents or your phone to keep them close by.
Organize the space in your backpack using drawstring or cloth bags. This way, you'll quickly find what you need and put it back in place even faster.
Don't bury your phone deep in your backpack; always keep it handy. While at the airport, you'll likely need to check not only the time but also detailed departure information on your e-ticket.
Are you going on a short trip for a few days? If so, you're probably wondering how to pack a backpack for 2–3 days. To make it easier, we've compiled our list of must-haves below, so you'll be ready for any adventure!
Preparing for a longer trip and want to bring your favorite hiking backpack? No problem. A backpack exceeding the dimensions of 55 × 40 × 23 cm will be checked into the hold and will be waiting for you at your final airport.
Luggage with large dimensions and weight should be packed slightly differently to avoid unnecessarily straining the spine.
How to pack a hiking backpack? Here, packing zones still apply, but the distribution of weight must be different. Below you will find our tips.
Zone 1: Bottom of the backpack
Place soft items at the bottom of the backpack, such as a sleeping bag, quick-dry towel, or thermal underwear. Why? The bottom of the large backpack should contain items with large volume, but not too heavy. These are items that won't be needed during the day but will secure the middle part of the equipment.
Zone 2: Middle of the backpack
In the middle of the backpack, pack the heaviest and least convenient items: camping cookware, stove, spare shoes, vacuum-packed food. Why? In this zone, we can properly secure and arrange them so they won't pinch or bother us when we wear the backpack.
Zone 3: Top of the backpack
This is the best place for items that are needed frequently but remain lightweight: first aid kit, water bottle, a warmer jacket for changing weather, light equipment. It's important to ensure that nothing heavy ends up here, which could cause imbalance during hiking.
Zone 4: Backpack sides
This is the best space for a tent or a sleeping mat. Their external placement provides easy access and allows for quick setup upon arrival at the campsite.
Zone 5: Top pocket
We recommend placing a headlamp, flashlight, multi-tool, or knife here. It's also a great place for utensils, wallet, or documents.
Remember
If you're traveling by plane, your wallet and personal documents (ID card or passport) must be in your carry-on luggage, which you take with you on board the plane.
Do not put them in the pockets of the backpack you check in! Transfer your documents to your large backpack only after arriving at your destination.
We know that for adventure seekers, the best option is a sturdy backpack that provides comfort when frequently changing locations, camping in the wild, or traveling by public transport. Therefore, we have no intention of discouraging you from using this type of luggage.
Avoid these mistakes, and flying with a backpack won't be a problem at all:
How to pack a backpack for the plane? Just take a little time and attention to this task, and you will definitely bring everything you need on board.
By following our 6 tricks, you can always enjoy a comfortable and organized journey without giving up your favorite backpack.