Short trips are the sweet spot for Indian wanderers—whether it’s a quick weekend escape to Jaipur, a three‑day business meetup in Singapore, or a mini‑vacation to Goa. The biggest challenge? Squeezing everything you need into a carry on luggage while obeying airline cabin‑bag limits. In this post we’ll share a carry on packing list for a 3‑day trip, reveal how to pack carry on luggageefficiently, and give you travel light packing tricks that keep you stress‑free at the airport.
Understanding Cabin‑Bag Limits for Indian Airlines
|
Airline |
Cabin Bag Size (in) |
Weight Limit |
Extra Allowance |
|
Air India |
55 × 35 × 20 cm |
7 kg |
One personal item (laptop bag) |
|
IndiGo |
55 × 35 × 20 cm |
7 kg |
No extra pocket for domestic |
|
Vistara |
55 × 35 × 20 cm |
7 kg |
Same as above |
|
SpiceJet |
55 × 35 × 20 cm |
7 kg |
Same as above |
|
International (e.g., Emirates) |
56 × 45 × 25 cm |
7 kg |
Often includes a personal item |
Tip: Measure your bag at home—many Indian travellers discover they’re over the limit only at the check‑in counter.
The Ultimate 3‑Day Carry‑On Packing List
|
Category |
Items (Qty) |
Packing Tips |
|
Clothing |
3 × t‑shirts, 2 × trousers/jeans, 1 × light jacket, 3 × underwear, 3 × socks, 1 × sleepwear |
Roll clothes (see next section) |
|
Shoes |
1 pair comfortable walking shoes, 1 pair sandals/flip‑flops |
Place shoes in a shoe bag at the bottom |
|
Toiletries |
Travel‑size toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, razor, face wash, moisturizer, hand sanitizer (all ≤ 100 ml) |
Use a transparent zip lock bag |
|
Tech |
Smartphone, charger, power bank (10,000 mAh), laptop/tablet (if needed), headphones |
Keep electronics in easy‑access pocket |
|
Documents |
Passport, printed e‑ticket, hotel confirmation, travel insurance |
Use a passport holder |
|
Health |
Basic meds (painkiller, antacids, any prescription), mask, sanitizer |
Pack in a small zip‑pouch |
|
Extras |
Sunglasses, reusable water bottle (empty for security), compact umbrella |
Place in outer pocket |
Total weight: Aim for ≤ 6.5 kg to give you a margin for airline variations.
How to Pack Carry‑On Luggage – Rolling vs. Folding
Rolling Method (Ideal for 3‑day trips)
-
Lay each garment flat.
-
Roll tightly from shoulder to hem.
-
Stack rolls vertically—makes the bag look like a “tissue box”.
Benefits
-
Saves up to 30 % space vs. folding.
-
Reduces wrinkles—great for Indian cotton shirts.
-
Allows you to see each item without unpacking.
Folding + Packing Cubes
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Use small compression cubes (e.g., Amazon’s “eBags Packing Cubes”) for underwear and accessories.
-
Fold bulkier items (jacket, jeans) and place them at the bottom.
Pro Tip for Indian Travellers:
Place a silica gel packet or a small cotton roll at the bottom to absorb humidity—helpful during monsoon season.
Cabin Bag Packing Tips – Maximise Every Inch
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Utilise every pocket – Tuck socks into shoes, use the internal zip pocket for a spare charger.
-
Layer strategically – Heaviest items (shoes, toiletries) at the base; lightweight clothing on top.
-
Compress with a travel‑size vacuum bag – Great for packing a light sweater for a chilly night in Shimla.
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Keep liquids separate – A transparent zip bag speeds up security at Delhi & Mumbai airports.
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Carry a fold‑over tote – Pack an extra tote in the cabin bag; if you buy souvenirs, you can fold it and use it as your return bag.
Travel Light Packing – The Minimalist Mindset
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One‑type‑fits‑all clothing – Choose neutral colours (black, navy, beige) that mix‑and‑match.
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Multi‑purpose items – A lightweight scarf can be a shawl, blanket, or sun‑shield.
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Digital documents – Store boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and travel insurance PDFs on your phone.
-
Leave “just in case” at home – You can always buy toiletries or a t‑shirt at your destination (India’s local markets are cheap!).
Quick Checklist Before You Close the Bag
✅ All liquids ≤ 100 ml, inside a clear zip bag
✅ Passport & tickets in an outside pocket for easy access
✅ Weight under 7 kg (use a kitchen scale)
✅ Nothing protrudes from the bag that could be flagged at security
Conclusion
A well‑planned carry on packing list means you glide through security, arrive with a tidy cabin bag, and have everything you need for a 3‑day adventure—whether you’re touring the forts of Jodhpur or attending a conference in Dubai. Follow the rolling technique, respect airline size limits, and adopt a travel‑light mindset, and you’ll never have to check a bag again.
