With Brits continuing to prioritise travel in 2026, particularly short-haul trips, city breaks and budget airline holidays, the way people pack is evolving. More travellers are opting for hand luggage only to save time and avoid extra fees, yet many are still being caught out by oversized cabin bags or overweight suitcases, facing charges of up to £60 at the gate or £65 for exceeding hold luggage limits.
As a result, travellers are increasingly looking for smarter, more organised ways to maximise space while staying within airline restrictions.
In response to this shift, Nick Gaskin, Sales & Marketing Director at IT Luggage has shared practical advice to help travellers pack more efficiently, whether they’re travelling light with cabin bags or checking in a full suitcase.
Hand luggage: Essential cabin packing tips
As hand-luggage-only travel becomes increasingly common, making every inch of space count is key.
Create a micro essentials kit
“Treat your cabin bag as a safety net,” says Nick. “Include essentials like underwear, key toiletries – remembering liquid limits – medication and a charger. That way, you’re covered for delays or lost luggage without relying on airport shops.”
Pack one complete spare outfit
Rather than throwing in random extras, pack a full outfit using crease-resistant fabrics. This ensures you stay comfortable and presentable if plans change or bags are delayed.
Carry a boarding pass backup
“Technology fails more often than people expect,” Nick explains. “Keeping a screenshot or printed boarding pass avoids stress if airport Wi-Fi or apps stop working at a critical moment.”
Keep in-flight items within reach
Store items like headphones, snacks and lip balm in a small pouch that fits under the seat, so you don’t need to access the overhead locker mid-flight.
Check-in suitcase: Smarter packing strategies
For longer trips or checked bags, organisation is key to avoiding overpacking and keeping belongings in good condition.
Pack by outfit, not by item
Grouping complete outfits together — including accessories — makes getting ready easier and prevents packing combinations that don’t work.
Weigh as you go with packing cubes
“Packing cubes aren’t just for organisation — they’re great for managing weight,” says Nick. “Weigh each cube as you pack it. It’s much easier to adjust before everything goes in the suitcase than deal with excess baggage at the airport.”
Position shoes strategically
Place shoes heel-to-toe around the edges of your suitcase and fill them with socks or smaller items to maximise space and help them keep their shape.
Separate clean and worn clothes
A lightweight laundry bag keeps worn clothes contained, helping maintain freshness and making unpacking simpler when you return home.
Combine rolling and folding
Rolling softer items like T-shirts saves space, while structured garments such as jackets should be folded to reduce creasing. A mixed approach delivers the best results.
Photograph your packed suitcase
“Taking a quick photo before you travel is a simple but effective step,” Nick adds. “It can support insurance claims if luggage is lost and acts as a reminder of what you’ve packed.”
Nick Gaskin comments:
“Packing well isn’t about fitting more in; it’s about travelling smarter. With more people choosing flexible, shorter trips and hand-luggage-only options, organisation and preparation can make a huge difference to the overall travel experience.
A few simple habits can save time, reduce stress and help travellers feel more in control from departure to arrival.”
For the perfect hand luggage to carry these essentials, visit: https://itluggage.com/collections/cabin-luggage
