Traveling with a Rimowa cabin suitcase can be a dream—sleek design, durable build, and smooth wheels—but dealing with airlines with strict baggage rules? That’s a nightmare no one wants. 

If you’re a frequent flyer or planning a trip, knowing how to make the most of your Rimowa while avoiding extra fees or having to check it at the gate can save you a lot of hassle. 

In this post, we’ll share some of the best tips and travel hacks to show how easy it is to avoid baggage fees or wait at the baggage carousel when traveling with a Rimowa cabin suitcase.

If you’re a business traveler who needs to maximize every inch of carry-on space or a leisure traveler looking to streamline your packing, these hacks will help you outsmart even the most restrictive airlines.

1. Know the airline’s exact baggage dimensions

Weighing cabin suitcase

Every airline has its own size and weight restrictions for carry-ons. Some airlines tend to change their baggage policies more frequently than others.

You may think you are familiar with what you can bring on board, but before you travel with luggage, check the airline’s website for up-to-date limits.

Some airlines allow slightly larger bags, so you can take advantage of this with a cabin-sized Rimowa that fits perfectly into their regulations.

One convenient tool for checking is SeatGuru, a fantastic free resource that provides detailed and up-to-date information on airline baggage policies. It’s easy to navigate and helps you stay informed, regardless of the airline you’re flying.

Also, ensure that your luggage dimensions match the airline baggage policy to avoid paying extra fees or repacking your suitcase at the boarding gate.

2. Invest in compression packing cubes

Rimowa packing cubes for cabin suitcase

Image Source: Rimowa

Compression packing cubes are great, and Rimowa has one of the best, longest-lasting cubes available. Crafted from resilient, water-repellent, and recycled materials, the lightweight Rimowa packing cubes can help keep your items organized and compressed to save space. 

Gone are the days when you had to dig through your suitcase to find a phone charger or cardigan. Packing cubes make everything neatly sorted, labeled, and easily accessible. Plus, they help maximize space in your suitcase, a lifesaver when dealing with strict carry-on limitations.

3. Roll, don’t fold

Another great space-saving packing solution is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling your items keeps them as compressed and compact as possible so that you can fit even more into your packing cubes and Rimowa cabin suitcase. 

You may even find that rolling instead of folding will keep your clothes wrinkle-free.

4. Wear your heaviest items

If you think you will be bringing along some heavy clothing, such as a jacket, boot, or scarf, on your trip, instead of packing them inside your Rimowa luggage, we recommend wearing them. 

Although you may not be able to put on everything at once, wearing some will help keep your carry-on bag lighter and free up space for lighter, more essential items.

Pro tip: Shoes and jeans are often the heaviest items, so plan your travel wardrobe carefully. Coordinate outfits in advance to limit the number of bulky items you pack. 

5. Make the most of your personal item

Most airlines allow one carry-on and one personal item, like a backpack, a tote, or a sling clutch. So be sure to use this to your advantage by packing essentials, like electronics or toiletries, in these bags, leaving more room in your Rimowa for clothes and other bulkier items.

Be aware of the items you’ll want to bring on the flight or those that must be removed from your garment bag at security (such as food, passports, gadgets, etc.). Keep them close at hand to prevent going through your stuff and having to repack everything needlessly.

6. Build a travel capsule wardrobe

Keeping things hassle-free while traveling is all about simplicity, and one of the best ways to do that is by creating a versatile wardrobe that you can mix and match.

Stick to neutral-colored clothing. Even if you don’t plan to build a complete travel capsule wardrobe, opting for neutral tones allows you to mix and match outfits without worrying about clashing colors. Think black, white, grey, navy, or beige—these hues complement almost anything.

If you worry about how you will keep your clothes fresh and feel tempted to carry more than necessary, remember laundry is always an option! 

Most destinations will have places where you can wash your clothes to refresh your wardrobe mid-trip without packing half your closet. The result? A lighter, more efficient suitcase and a more enjoyable travel experience.

Related reading: How Using a Quality Suitcase (Rimowa) is the First Step to Responsible Travel.

7. Follow the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule

One of the simplest strategies for packing a carry-on, especially for a week-long trip, is to apply the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule, as shown below.

  • One hat
  • Two pairs of shoes
  • Three bottoms
  • Four tops
  • Five pairs of socks
  • Six pairs of underwear

This guideline ensures you pack just enough without overloading your suitcase, which attracts baggage fees. Taking more than the above items on the list means taking more than necessary for a trip, and if we’re being sincere here, you could easily get away with a lot less if you re-wore clothes or did some laundry while you traveled.

8. Be smart about toiletries

Depending on the type of trip you’re about to take, it might be in your best interest to leave some of these toiletry items off your packing list entirely. You can buy them when you reach your destination, saving space in your hand luggage for other important things, like your favorite travel sleep-on shirt or extra space for souvenirs.

9. Wear a travel vest

Wearing a travel vest is a brilliant hack for maximizing space. Photographers and travel journalists have been using these vests, or wearable luggage, as they are sometimes called to beat baggage fees for a long time.

These vests come with multiple pockets, allowing you to store small but essential items like electronics, gadgets, chargers, or snacks.

Shifting these bulkier items out of your carry-on allows you to free up space for clothes or other necessities.

In addition to helping frequent travelers create space in their travel luggage, a travel vest makes TSA security much easier. Simply remove your jacket and place it in a bin, knowing that all your gadgets are securely stowed in one place. 

A travel vest is a smart investment for frequent flyers looking to cut costs and keep things organized.

Pro tip: Don’t settle for the first vest you find. Research beforehand to ensure a comfortable fit and pockets to keep your things secure.

10. Organize with your traveling companions

There’s nothing as much fun as finding a companion to plan a trip with. Not only is it more enjoyable, but it also presents the opportunity to save on baggage space and fees.

By coordinating together ahead of time, you can share essential items like toiletries, gadgets, or chargers, avoiding duplicates and freeing up space for more important things.

Be sure to cover the basics, like packing a first aid kit, emergency contacts, and important travel documents, ensuring you are all prepared for the unexpected.

As a bonus tip, stash a set of clean clothes and underwear in each other’s bags. This small but clever trick ensures you won’t be left without fresh clothes, even if one bag gets delayed or lost.

Pro Tip: Some airlines even allow passengers of the same booking group to share baggage allowance; take advantage of it.

11. Put things into your shoes

Every inch of space counts, especially when dealing with airline restrictions. Therefore, you should tuck smaller items like socks, chargers, and underwear into shoes or the empty corners of your suitcase. 

Shoes provide a rigid, structured compartment perfect for smaller items such as jewelry (earrings, necklaces, and watches). Just remember to wrap them in bubble wrap to keep them safe. This simple tip can free up significant room in your carry-on.

Hats can be used in the same way. Place your hat upside down in your bag and fill it with smaller items like socks or accessories. This saves space and helps prevent your hats from getting crushed or losing their shape during transit.

Takeaway: Master the art of traveling light

Size may matter, but weight is just as important when flying with restrictive airlines. Investing in a sturdy yet lightweight suitcase, like a Rimowa cabin suitcase, is key for smooth, hassle-free travel.

With a Rimowa cabin suitcase, you can avoid fees, stay organized, and breeze through airports.  It may take some practice to perfect your packing, but following the packing hacks we’ve shared today will help you ditch the heavy, oversized luggage and fully embrace the freedom of traveling light. 

Looking for more travel tips or thinking about upgrading your luggage? Check out our guide:  How to Buy a Rimowa (Everything You Need to Know). 

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling:

What items are prohibited in carry-on luggage?

Prohibited items include sharp objects, liquids (over 100 ml per container), firearms, ammunition, batteries, aerosols, flammables, and other items. Most tools can also not be packed in carry-on bags, as they can cause harm. Always check the airline’s specific rules to avoid confiscation at security.

What should I do if my carry-on exceeds the size limit by 1 inch?

If your Rimowa exceeds the size limit by a small amount, some airlines will require you to gate-check your bag and, often, pay a hefty fee. However, you can still avoid such issues by deflating expandable compartments or removing items that make the bag bulky. If that’s not an option, be prepared to check the bag and pay any fees.

How can I effectively pack a carry-on for international trips?

To pack effectively for international trips, plan your trip efficiently, list everything you will need, focus on versatility, and implement some of the tips we have shared above, like being smart about toiletries and following the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule. 

Choose clothing that can be mixed and matched, and pack the essentials—don’t overdo it. Utilize packing cubes and prioritize must-have items in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost. Keep important documents, medications, and valuables in your Rimowa cabin suitcase.