How to properly pack a carry-on, plus other tips to avoid checked bag fees this summer
Summer travel season is almost upon us, and with rising jet fuel costs impacting everything from airfare to baggage fees, there's never been a better time to perfect your packing skills to become a carry-on queen or king.
Whether you're a frequent flier looking to trim your existing routine or an occasional traveler in need of a new method to avoid overpacking, these expert tips can help save space and money.
Tips to help avoid sky-high checked luggage fees
Major carriers including JetBlue, United, and American Airlines charge upward of $50 for a passenger's first checked bag on most domestic flights, with Delta, Alaska and Southwest not far behind at $45 each.
Most U.S. carriers discount the price by $5 or $10 for those who pay for their bags online ahead of travel and before arriving at the airport, depending on the flight and airline.
Partner credit cards such as the United Explorer, AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, Delta Gold American Express, and Rapid Rewards for Southwest all offer a free first checked bag for the cardmember and companions on the same reservation.
Additionally, general travel cards will often reimburse cardholders up to a certain amount per year in checked baggage costs incurred, including Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum.
How to pack a carry-on suitcase like a pro
Another obvious money-saving option is to avoid checking a bag altogether and getting savvy with space inside your carry-on suitcase instead.
Regular jetsetter and ABC News weather anchor Sam Champion shared some of his favorite tips for travelers on "GMA" on Tuesday.
Roll clothes, don't fold
The rolling method helps tightly compress clothes, allowing you to fit more in your carry-on bag, according to Champion.
Katherine Johnsen, the daughter of a flight attendant, who has gone viral for her packing tips on social media, also backs the clothes-rolling method and told "GMA" previously she suggests putting silk items inside of cotton clothes, then rolling together. She said the rolling method helps keeps clothes from getting too wrinkled.
The one exception, according to Johnsen, is larger items like denim or sweaters.
Champion said that for jackets or blazers, he flips them inside out, folds them, and lays them flat across the top once everything else is packed, with a dry clean or thin garment bag in between.
Stuff shoes with socks, cables and more
Champion suggested a strategic method for utilizing any empty space in a carry-on, packing things like socks, charging cables, pill bottles or other small items inside shoes.
Since shoes can take up lots of space, consider wearing the larger bulkier pair on the plane to travel.
Champion suggested placing one shoe at the top and another at the bottom, with the soles facing the exterior, to bookend the clothes and contents in between.
Downsize products into smaller bottles and containers
Another tip to save on space is to opt for travel-size toiletries wherever possible. Remember to put it all inside a plastic, see-through dopp kit or bag to keep things contained in case of leaks or spills and to ensure your suitcase makes it through security screening without being flagged.
Use the 'Sudoku method' for capsule-wardrobe packing
To compress your packing list even further, try laying out your favorite neutral clothing items in a three-by-three grid, including three tops, three bottoms and three layering pieces that can be worn together in a variety of combinations.
Be sure to pair your outfit combinations with the shoes you intend to wear on your trip as well, so you can maximize this strategy even further and cut down on unnecessary accessories.
You'll end up with plenty of outfit combinations and shouldn't have to worry about overpacking with this method.
