Will it all fit?

Start with the biggest items

Shoes, toiletry bags, and electronics cases take the most space. Put them in first, around the edges and at the bottom. This creates a stable base and fills gaps that small items can nest into later.

Roll, don't fold

Rolling T-shirts, pants, and casual clothes reduces wrinkles and uses less volume than stacking flat. Rolled items also fill odd-shaped spaces better than folded rectangles.

Keep liquids and electronics on top

You will need to pull these out at security. A clear zip bag with your liquids near the top of the bag saves time and avoids unpacking everything in the security line.

Watch the depth, not just length and width

Many travelers forget that airlines measure depth too. A bag that is 55 x 35 cm on the outside might only be 18 cm deep once you account for padding, wheels, and handles. Always measure the full exterior.

Common mistakes

• Counting shoes as "1 liter" when a pair of boots can be 4 liters or more.
• Forgetting that a packed bag expands slightly, especially soft-sided ones.
• Not accounting for items you buy during the trip. Leave at least 2 liters of spare space for souvenirs or snacks.
• Assuming all 55 x 40 x 20 cm bags are the same. Internal layout, padding, and wheel housings vary by brand.

What this checker assumes

Item volumes are rounded estimates for typical versions of each product. Your actual jacket might be thicker than average, or your laptop might be smaller. Use the numbers as a planning guide. If the fill bar shows above 90 percent, consider removing something or wearing your bulkiest item on the plane.