Our trips are usually longer than 2-3 days, so we don't usually fly with just a “personal item.” But, on occasion, we do have those sorts of trips. And if the flight is relatively short, and we don't mind where we're sitting on the plane, we have opted on rare occasions for the no-frills basic economy fares made popular by airlines like Spirit, Sun Country, Frontier, and Ryanair (in Europe.) Even the “big three” of Delta, United, and American offer “basic economy” fares these days.
But all those super cheap fares are predicated on you not taking anything that won't fit under the seat in front of you.
So, if you really don't mind not having seat selection, or not taking several changes of clothes, you can skip the “carry-on” that goes in the overhead compartment and save hundreds of dollars on the cheap airlines and basic economy fares. If you're willing to take those fares to places like Europe, and do a lot of clothes washing in your hotel sink, you can really save a bundle.
Here are our ultimate minimalist packing tips for packing for basic economy flights.
Table of Contents
Personal item packing list
For a two night, three-day trip, or longer if you don't mind doing some wash:
Clothing
We've long maintained that one of the main keys for minimalist packing is merino wool garments. They pack down small, can be worn multiple days without acquiring odors (even socks,) and can be easily washed out and dried in a hotel bathroom, if necessary.
- 3 sets Ex Officio underwear (These are light, comfortable, and easily washable. Perfect for travel.
- 3 pairs of Point 6 merino wool socks
- 2 Unbound Merino wool t-shirts
- 2 shirts (I'm a big fan of the light weight and zipper pockets of Clothing Arts travel shirts.)
- 1 pair of pants (I've found the Kuhl brand to be great, lightweight travel pants.
- 1 pair shorts/bathing suit
- 1 Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket (This can be worn on the plane, if need be.)
- 1 extra And extra pair of lightweight Xero shoes which are our favorite light travel shoes. Check out their shoe finder feature to find the right pair for you.
If your traveling during cooler weather, you can substitute long sleeve merino wool undershirts, and add a down vest or a merino hoodie.) They fit in the bag as well, and you can wear the vest on the plane if you need to.
Minimal Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Medicine (various meds reduced into one bottle)
Other stuff
- Laptop
- Kindle
- Spare glasses
- Charger and cables (see our favorite travel accessories here)
- Notebook and pencil
Packing cubes are optional, and some people find them helpful. While I use them for our “carry-on” bag, I don't think the organization packing cubes provide for this minimal list is essential.
The minimalist bag or backpack
Honestly, we have so many random backpacks in our basement closet I didn't feel it necessary to buy one for this purpose. But if I were buying one today, I'd definitely get the Osprey Daylite™ Expandable Travel Pack 26+6 It's 17 x 13 x 6 inches (43 x 33 x 15 cm.) and can expand another inch or so if the airline allows and you need the room. I looked at it in a shop, and it would make a great personal item. I especially like all the pockets to keep things organized.
Another option is the Patagonia Refugio 26L Pack, which measures 18 x 12 x 6.5 inches (45 x 30 x 17 cm.) We love the Patagonia brand in general. This one doesn't organize as well as the Osprey, in my opinion. But, it would work.
Some airline personal item size regulations
The stickler airlines have bag sizing boxes at check-in. If your bag doesn't fit, you'll be paying a hefty fee to gate check it.
- American Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8 in. (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
- Delta: “It fits under the seat”
- JetBlue: 17 x 13 x 8 in. (43 x 33 x 20 cm.)
- Southwest: 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 in. (47 x 34 x 22 cm.)
- Frontier: 18 x 14 x 8 in. (45 x 35 x 20 cm.)
- Spirit: 18 x 14 x 8 (45 x 35 x 20 cm.)
- United: 17 x 10 x 9 (43 x 25 x 23 cm.)
Check out more of our ultra-light packing tips:
Our Ultra Light Packing List for Men
Our Ultra Light Packing List for Women
Our Favorite Travel Accessories
How to be Comfortable on the Plane
Make Your Own Travel First Aid Kit
Our 50 Favorite Travel Tips
Our Personal Item Packing List, for when you're also using a carry-on