Best Packing Cubes For Carry-On Luggage (2020)

Your carry-on luggage is your security bag. It should hold all of your most important (and favorite) things you might need during your flight or in case of a flight delay. Carry-on refers to the bag or luggage you’re allowed to take on the airplane. In contrast, checked luggage refers to the bag or luggage that must be checked into the cargo compartment of the airplane. In this blog post, we focus on the best packing cubes you need to be using for your carry-on luggage. Keep reading for the good stuff!

What items should be inside a carry-on luggage?

Blue carry-on luggage with essential items like passport

When packing your carry-on luggage, think about which items will help you survive the flight. If you have a connecting flight, what if you experience delays? With these thoughts in mind, packing a carry-on is much easier. Follow these simple steps below and you’ll be good to go.

Must-Bring Items in Your Carry-On:

✓ Travel Documents – Keep your travel documents inside your carry-on luggage or personal bag at all times. Traveling domestically? If you’re planning to use a state-issued ID for your domestic flight, make sure it’s Real ID Compliant. Otherwise, you’ll need to bring your passport with you. When you’re traveling internationally, prepare your passport, visa, boarding pass and itinerary as well. It also helps to have photocopies (or screenshots on your phone) of these important documents in case you lose them or if there’s an emergency.

Did You Know? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and national emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security is extending the deadline for the REAL ID enforcement – the new deadline is October 1, 2021. Read the whole statement here.

✓ First Aid Kit (Medications) – Pack your medications (pain relievers, aspirin, antacids, etc.) in your carry on for easy access whenever you need them. Don’t forget about the 3-1-1 liquids rule (which we covered in another blog post). In a nutshell, liquid containers must be smaller than 3.4 ounces and should be stored in a clear, quart size toiletry bag. Don’t forget to pack your prescription medications as well! Check this post to learn how to make your own First Aid Kit for travel.

✓ Valuables – Your most precious items (that you could not imagine losing) should all be safely with you on the plane. These items include jewelry, makeup, birth control, computers, money and credit or debit cards. Pack them either in your carry-on or personal bag. Never pack these items in your checked luggage. In some regions, you risk losing them to airport officials!

✓ Electronics (Entertainment) – Have you seen how checked bags are tossed around during check in? Packing your gadgets and laptops in there could potentially lead to damage. Additionally, some airplanes don’t have in-flight entertainment, especially on short-haul flights. Bring your smartphone or tablet on the plane, but make sure to download your favorite tv series, playlist, etc. before boarding. For readers, bring along a portable reading device like the Amazon Kindle.

✓ Toiletries – Freshening up after a long flight is a must (especially if you’re meeting family or clients). Bring the essentials such as toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and deodorant. If you have space to spare, add in travel-size shampoo, conditioner and soap. Toiletries must also abide by the 3-1-1 liquids rule and should be packed in a clear toiletry bag as well. In case your flight is delayed or rebooked (it happens!), you’ll be prepared because you’ll have your toiletries handy!

✓ Snacks – If you’re not a fan of airline food, pack some snacks in your carry-on. As long as these snacks aren’t liquid, gel or cream in consistency, the sky’s the limit to what you can pack. If you have kids with you, bring along healthy snacks like oatmeal cookies, granola bars and fruits. This ensures that nobody in the family gets hungry (or haaangry) throughout the flight.

Did You Know? Several airlines’ food and beverage services during flights are not available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some airlines recommend their passengers to pack their own snacks and refillable water bottle before boarding. Learn more about specific changes multiples airlines have implemented regarding their in-flight food and beverage services here.

✓ Set of Extra Clothes – A long flight can leave you feeling sticky and gross. Do yourself a favor and pack an extra set of clothes for each member of the family. Bring an extra pair of underwear, socks, a top and bottom. At least you’ll have peace of mind if you have a long delay or your checked luggage gets lost.

✓ Other Gear – For in-flight entertainment, bring your own soundproof headphones or earphones. While some airlines do provide earphones, they usually aren’t comfortable or high quality. For a comfy nap, you can also bring an eye mask and earplugs (especially if you’re a light sleeper). For filling out immigration forms and papers, bring your own pen for convenience. Pack your own lightweight blanket, scarf or jacket (maybe even extra warm socks) if you get cold easily.

✓ Baby Essentials (For Parents) – Diapers, wipes, formula and feeding bottles… These are just some of the baby essentials you can’t forget when you’re flying with a baby. You might also need a pacifier, baby-friendly snacks, many bibs / towels and entertaining toys for the little one. Stay tuned until the end because we’ll recommend the ideal bag for all moms out there!

✓ Portable Water Bottle – Each member of the family should have his or her own bottle. After passing security, you can fill it up with water in the airport gate area. You can also ask the flight attendant to fill it up with water instead of asking each time you need it.

✓ Hygiene Kit – Last but not the least is a hygiene kit. With the pandemic in mind, it’s natural to be more conscious and cautious of your surroundings, especially when traveling. You can’t entirely avoid all the germs at all times but with a handy hygiene kit, you can certainly minimize the contact and risk of getting infected. Make sure you are packed with antibacterial wipes, tissues, face masks, disposable gloves, thermometer, nasal spray and eye drops, 70% solution alcohol in a travel spray bottle, and a hand sanitizer.

Pro Tip: You can bring up to 12 ounces of one liquid hand sanitizer container in your carry-on bags until further notice. TSA made this medical exemption in light of recent events. Take note that all other liquids, gels, and aerosols in your hygiene kit must still follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule. Read more about the TSA’s coronavirus-related updates here.

The best packing cube system for your carry on

Best packing cubes systems for carry on from Junyuan

Using clear packing cubes is the best way to organize carry-on luggage because of its easy packing perks and easy access through airport security. At Junyuan, we’ve made it easy for you. Choose from our clear packing cube sets to make packing for your next trip a breeze.

✓ The Complete Bundle – Opt for the two-color combo and split your suitcase in half by color! This packing cube system is ideal for families, couples wanting to share (or split) a suitcase, or solo travelers packing a month’s worth of clothes. With this bundle, you’ll get two sets of each size packing cube, a set of folding boards, a laundry bag and two shoe bags. That’s 12 items!

Best packing cubes for carry on luggage system for organization

✓ The Starter Set – This set is a great option for each member of the family (especially with older kids). Each member of the family can get his or her own Starter Set in their favorite color. This set includes one cube in each size – an extra small cube, a small cube, a medium cube and a large cube. Assign a specific color for each family member for easy identification!

Turquoise packing cubes best system for carry on luggage

**Reasons to use packing organizers for your carry-on luggage and why you’re missing out**

Your carry-on luggage always seems to be the bag opened and closed twelve times before you actually board your flight. Why? Airport security makes you take out liquids and electronics from your carry-on bag of course. You get hungry and need your snacks (7 minutes after getting to the airport). You left your new magazine at the bottom of the bag and the list continues…

Without clear organized packing cubes, life is a chaotic mess. With Junyuan cubes, easily open your suitcase and pull out the specific cube you need to access. Zip it up and slip it back in – no problem, no hassle, no messing up your organized suitcase!

With Junyuan cubes, you can:

✓ Pass through security in a breeze – Each of the packing cube systems we mentioned above contains an extra small packing cube. You can store all your liquids in this TSA-approved clear toiletry bag and just take it out during airport security. Always remember the 3-1-1 liquids rule – no more than 3.4 ounces per bottle.

✓ Easy access to important items – With kids, there’s always a need for rummaging through the carry-on bag for the items they want. Every hour or so, they might ask for something different. Pack all snacks in a small packing cube so your kids don’t need to whine each time you have to find the snack they want. Traveling with a baby? Pack all diapers and wipes along with a changing pad in a separate packing cubes. Likewise, infant formula and bottles can go in another packing cube. With this packing organization system, accessing items you need is so easy you’ll be proud of how organized you are.

✓ Be more organized and experience less hassle – Without packing cubes, you’ll go through your entire bag or suitcase to find what you need. And when you lose items, it can lead to extra hassle or delays. Packing cubes keep you organized, efficient and on top on your packing game.

How to use packing cubes for carry-on luggage

As mentioned, we have four different sizes for our Junyuan cubes. From the cutest extra small packing cube to our largest packing cube, all these sizes are included in the sets above. If you’re wondering which items you should pack inside these cubes ( and how much can fit inside), we’ve got you covered.

✓ Extra Small Packing Cube – Our quart-sized, see-through toiletry bag, follows the standards set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It works well for storing cosmetics, skin care items and other toiletry products. Liquids stored in 3.4-ounce containers can also be packed in this toiletry bag. This size is also great for storing smaller airplane essentials such as passport, headphones, tissues, notepad, and chapstick.

Turquoise extra small TSA approved toiletry bag from Junyuan

✓ Small Packing Cube – Ideal for storing smaller items such as snacks! This cube is also great for storing your medications and first aid kit essentials. Another option for this size is to pack undergarments such as bras, underwear and socks. Your travel documents can also be stored inside a small packing cube. Take the cube out during immigration or customs inspection for easy access.

✓ Medium Packing Cube – If you’re traveling with a baby, store extra diapers, wipes and the changing pad in this size cube. If you need to change your baby’s dirty diaper in the bathroom, just bring this packing cube with you for easy access. This size cube is also great for packing blouses, shirts, and pants. Most of our customers can fit 3-5 summer outfits in this cube!

✓ Large Packing Cube – The large packing cube can be used for storing bulkier items such as jackets, jeans, and sweaters. This is a must have if you’re planning on traveling carry-on only. This cube can store more than you think! Pack multiple pairs of pants, sweaters, and multiple outfits in there.

Turquoise clear large packing cube for carry-on luggage

Recommended Carry-On Bags for Moms

Mom wearing knitted shirt with carry-on bag

For families, especially moms, it’s best to bring a carry-on suitcase and in addition a separate personal bag. Pack your most essential items in your easy-access personal bag and the less essential items in your carry-on suitcase. For example, you would want easy access to snacks, water bottles, important electronics, and reading material. We recommend the following carry-on bags for moms:

✓ Evecase Diaper Backpack – For moms with babies, this is one of the best and affordable diaper bags you can find. It’s lightweight, durable and waterproof, plus it comes with its own changing pad. It’s roomy on the inside and comes with several pockets outside (we all love pockets).

Best mommy diaper bag for airplane carry-on luggage

✓ Hauptstadtkoffer Alex Luggage – If you want a hardside spinner suitcase that would truly last you for years, the Hauptstadtkoffer Alex Luggage is our best recommendation. For under a hundred dollars, this suitcase’s durability and quality is of no question. It fits perfectly in the overhead bin compartments and has roomy storage for all your less essential plane items. Lots of color options to choose from!

Before a flight, the last thing you want is an endless abyss of carry-on chaos.

With packing cubes, you can easily avoid these scenarios. Separate items, organize by category, pack efficiently, and easily find items. Choose either our Complete Bundle or Starter Set for an easier carry-on luggage experience! We want you to experience how easy packing should really be!

P.S. New to the packing cube game? Click here for a more detailed guide – including the different types of travel cubes and the BEST brands to choose from.