What to Pack in Your Carry-On This Summer (and What to Leave at Home)
You know the moment. It's 5am, the Uber is two minutes away, and you're sitting on your suitcase trying to make the zip meet in the middle. Three swimsuits, four pairs of shoes, a hairdryer "just in case". Then at the gate, someone ahead of you gets pulled aside to weigh their bag.
We've been that person. More than once.
So this summer we're doing it differently, and we want you to come with us. Carry-on only, no checked bag fees, no waiting at the carousel, straight out the door and into the sunshine. Here's exactly what to pack in your carry-on for a summer trip, plus the tricks we use to keep it light.
First, know your carry-on allowance
Before you pack a single thing, check your booking. Weight limits change between airlines and even between fare types, and the gate is not where you want to find out.
- Jetstar is the strictest. Starter fares give you 7kg in total, split across one main bag and one small item. If you can pack for Jetstar, you can pack for anyone.
- Qantas and Virgin Australia can be a little more generous depending on your fare, but the standard cabin bag size of 56 x 36 x 23cm still applies.
- Liquids only matter on international flights. Flying out of Australia, every liquid, gel and aerosol needs to be 100ml or less and fit in one clear 1 litre bag. Domestic flights within Australia don't have that rule, so your full-size sunscreen can come along.
Our rule of thumb: pack to 7kg and you'll never stress at check-in again.
Your summer carry-on packing list
This is the list we use for a 5 to 7 night beach trip. Swap things in and out, but try to keep the numbers.
Clothes
- 2 swimsuits (one drying, one wearing)
- 1 cover-up that doubles as a dinner dress
- 3 tops that all work with your bottoms
- 2 bottoms, think linen pants and denim shorts
- 1 light layer for the plane and air-conditioned restaurants
- Underwear and sleepwear for the trip
Shoes
- Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane
- Pack 1 pair of sandals that can go from beach to dinner
- That's it. Truly. Shoes are the number one reason carry-ons go over 7kg.
Toiletries
- Sunscreen, SPF 50+
- Travel-size shampoo, conditioner and body wash, or solid bars to skip the liquids bag altogether
- Moisturiser, lip balm with SPF, a small makeup bag
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and any medications in their original packaging
The in-flight bits
- Passport or ID, phone, cards and boarding pass
- Headphones, charger and a power bank (power banks must stay in your carry-on, never your checked bag)
- Sunnies, an empty water bottle to fill after security, and a snack
- Something to read for the delay that always happens
5 ways to keep your carry-on under 7kg
- Weigh it at home. A $15 luggage scale has saved us more in excess fees than we'd like to admit.
- Roll, don't fold. Rolled clothes take up less room and crease less. Linen still creases, but that's half its charm.
- Plan outfits, not items. If a top doesn't go with both bottoms, it stays home.
- Wear the heavy stuff. Your sneakers, your denim jacket, your biggest hat. You'll take it off once you're seated.
- Leave room for the way home. That market find in Byron or the bottle of local olive oil needs somewhere to go.
Our two-bag carry-on system
Most airlines let you bring a main bag plus a small personal item. We use both, and here's how.
The main bag: Cove Daily Traveller Tote
The Cove Daily Traveller Tote is the bag we designed for exactly this. It holds your rolled outfits, your toiletries and your in-flight bits, then slides under the seat in front of you. [CONFIRM: 1 to 2 specific features, e.g. laptop sleeve, zip closure, trolley sleeve, internal pockets.]
And once you land, it stops being a travel bag. It's your beach bag on day one, your market bag on day two, and your work tote when you're home and pretending you're not still on holiday.
The small item: the Waist Bag
The Waist Bag keeps the things you reach for every five minutes on your body: passport, phone, cards, lip balm. No digging through your tote at security, no patting your pockets at the gate. [CONFIRM: 1 specific feature, e.g. adjustable strap, RFID pocket, water-resistant fabric.]
Wear it crossbody on the plane, around your waist on the coastal walk, and you've got your hands free for the important stuff, like holding a gelato.
Carry-on packing FAQs
Can I take sunscreen in my carry-on?
Yes. On domestic flights within Australia there's no liquid limit, so a full-size bottle is fine. On international flights it needs to be 100ml or less and go in your clear liquids bag.
How much can I fit in a 7kg carry-on?
More than you'd think. A week of summer clothes, one pair of sandals and travel-size toiletries usually comes in around 5 to 6kg, leaving room for your in-flight bits.
Does a tote count as a personal item?
On most Australian airlines, yes, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. Check your airline's size rules before you fly.
Can I take a power bank on the plane?
Yes, but only in your carry-on. Power banks are banned from checked luggage, and some airlines have extra rules about using them in flight, so check before you board.
Pack light, travel happy
The best trips start the second you walk out the door, not after 40 minutes at the baggage carousel. Pack less, wear the sneakers, and save the extra room for the stories you'll bring home.
Wherever you're headed this summer, we'd love to see where your bags end up. Tag us @murphandmurph so we can come along for the ride.
Shop the Cove Daily Traveller Tote
With love, Anna & Cath
