Zone 1 Boarding

The Art of the Carry-On

Your carry-on isn’t just backup luggage: it’s your personal command center for everything you need in-flight and the first 24 hours of your trip. With the right system, you’ll glide through security, protect your essentials, and never worry about lost luggage again. Here’s my foolproof method, refined over dozens of getaways.

When you travel often (and with style) your carry-on isn’t just luggage. It’s your in-flight lifeline and travel insurance. Here’s exactly how I organize mine for function, safety, and elegance.

The Rolling Carry-On

I always travel with a hard-sided rolling carry-on (mine is a Rimowa) and I can’t recommend it enough. But any good rolling carry-on luggage will do. Here’s why:

• Hard shell: Protects delicate or valuable items.
• Rolling wheels: Essential for balancing your tote on top so you don’t strain your shoulders.
• Built-in number lock: Non-negotiable. If you sleep during your flight or leave your bag unattended momentarily, you don’t want anyone accessing your valuables.

What goes inside the rolling luggage

• One day outfit + one evening outfit, including undergarments and footwear. Try to find the smallest night shoes to pack and wear the day shoes on the plane. That way, if your checked luggage gets lost, you still feel prepared and chic.
• All prescription medication, plus essential over-the-counter meds. My personal list of medication to bring in your checked baggage available here.
• Valuables: Jewelry, watches, sunglasses, and anything sentimental or expensive. Never pack these in checked bags.
• Wallet, passport will have to stay in the tote. I normally use apple pay for any purchases after security for ease.
• Designer bags: I nest smaller bags inside each other (think Russian nesting dolls) to bring multiple options without taking up unnecessary space.

The Tote Bag

I use the Goyard Artois tote: it’s structured, zips shut completely (a must), wipes clean easily, and the sturdy handles never let me down. It’s not wildly original, but it’s stylish, discreet, and gets the job done.

What goes in the tote:

• Laptop + iPad: You’ll need to remove these at security, so keep them easily accessible. Never pack them in your roller.
• Liquids: Store all liquids in one (or up to three) clear pouches like Stasher bags. Each item must be under 100ml (3.4 oz) and the total liquid volume should not exceed 1 liter (approximately a quart-size bag). You’ll also need to take these out during security screening.
• Reading material: Kindle or a slim book. keep weight in mind.
• Your passeport
• Travel documents: Boarding passes, confirmations, and lounge passes, ideally digital.
• The Zone1Boarding AirPlane Pouch (Click here for what’s inside)