First let me say, that the options for carry-on luggage is continuously growing and improving. All depending on how “fancy” you want your luggage, you can find bags that include hidden pockets for personal documents, water bottle holders, charging cords…you name it, they have it.

It can be confusing trying to follow all of the TSA laws when it comes to packing your carry-on. On top of the liquids rule, there are a few other items that should ALWAYS go in your carry-on bag. You won’t find these on the TSA website, as they are more general rules that will make sure you are never without your most important items.

Liquids 3 – 1 – 1

The law reads like this: 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.

So make sure you remember Liquids 3 – 1 – 1 when packing your carry-on bag.

3 – 3.4 ounces per bottle

1 – 1 large ziploc bag

1 –  1 bag per passenger

Because if you are over the liquid limit, it will be thrown out. And that is never fun.

Medications

Medications should always go in your carry-on bag. Just imagine that your checked luggage is lost. Would you be in a panic? You can avoid this by always packing all of your medications in your carry-on bag. Make sure they are labeled with your name. So don’t put a bunch of pills in a ziplock bag – bring the actual bottle so it is clear they are prescribed to you.

Liquid Medications do NOT count towards the 3 – 1 – 1 liquids rule, but be sure that they are clearly labeled as medications with your name on them. For example, vials of insulin.

Passport or Photo ID

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it is easy to tuck your wallet into a larger bag while you are packing if it seems to fit better. You will need your photo ID to check your luggage, and also to get through TSA Security. And if you are traveling with a Passport, be sure to keep that safe and with you at all times.

Cash

Most of us aren’t used to carrying cash anymore. I have found that traveling through airports and checking into hotels are one of the few times I really need it. I like to tip at least $1 per bag, whenever anyone handles or assists. So that would be on the shuttle from parking to the airport, curbside checkin, shuttle drivers and bell services at your hotel. So do the math and keep plenty of $1’s and $5’s handy. You’ll give them out like candy on a travel day.

Snacks

If you have a bottle of water with you before you arrive at the airport, you’ll have to throw it out when you go through TSA security. But snacks are allowed! Just make sure your snacks don’t fall under the liquids category – so no yogurt, applesauce, some fruit…I’ve even seen peanut butter thrown out. Stick with chips, crackers, cookies, protein bars…enough to keep you full in the event of a travel delay.