Expert Tips To Fit A Week Of Vacation Clothes Into A Carry-On

16. The "DIY Pillow Hack"

Airlines don’t count travel pillows as a piece of luggage, making them the ultimate packing loophole. Instead of bringing an empty pillow, use a zippered travel pillowcase and fill it with soft clothing items like T-shirts, leggings, or a hoodie. This trick gives you extra packing space while still keeping you comfortable on long flights. For an even more structured approach, buy a compressible travel pillowcase that expands when filled. Some travelers have successfully packed an entire extra outfit inside their "pillow," allowing them to bring more clothes without using valuable carry-on space. This hack is especially useful if you're traveling somewhere with unpredictable weather. You can stuff a packable down jacket or fleece inside and pull it out when needed, rather than packing a bulky coat separately. Not only does this method free up suitcase space, but it also ensures that you always have a soft, comfortable pillow for long-haul flights, airport layovers, or even impromptu naps on train rides.