After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on.

After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on.

      I've done quite a bit of traveling this year—really a lot. I took a 17-hour flight to Seoul and a 10-hour trip to Athens. I also flew to Milan (twice), Montreal, and Miami (also twice), along with several trips to and from Chicago, my hometown, for weddings, holidays, and hair appointments (yes, I do occasionally fly back home to get my hair done—blame the pricing in New York City and my long-time colorist's impressive skills). While I might not have achieved Diamond Medallion status on Delta in 2025, I was close, and throughout my travels, I've gathered some helpful insights about flying.

      First off, I really dislike checking bags. The anxiety I experience watching the baggage carousel spin without my beloved TUMI trunk appearing is just not worth the extra capacity, plus it complicates navigating the five flights of stairs in my Upper West Side apartment when I have an early 7 AM flight (which is my favorite time to fly). Traveling with only a carry-on gives me a freeing sense, assuming I know how to pack it properly, which I've mastered this year. I’ve learned all the essential tips for packing a carry-on, making even a two-week trip to Italy feasible without checking a bag. And yes, I’m eager to share those tips. We don’t keep secrets here at Who What Wear, but you likely already knew that.

      Scroll down to see all the luggage, bags, packing tools, and in-flight must-haves that I used during my travels covering over 100k miles in 2025.

      **Luggage**

      **TUMI**

      **International Carry-On**: I've owned this suitcase for around four years, and it truly accompanies me everywhere. Even on the rare occasions when I do check a bag, I still bring this one along to safeguard any particularly valuable items. Its hard-shell exterior makes me feel my prized possessions are protected, plus I appreciate the easy-to-use locking system that provides extra peace of mind. It's attractive, too.

      **Away Travel**

      **The Bigger Carry-On: Aluminum Edition in Silver**: This aluminum hard-shell carry-on suitcase comes highly recommended if you're looking for quality luggage at a more affordable price. It features an internal compression system to help maximize space, and it includes a limited lifetime warranty that covers damage to the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers.

      **Bags**

      **Bottega Veneta**

      **Andiamo in Black**: Frequent travelers, trust me—this is the essential bag for your journeys. What makes the Andiamo bag ideal for navigating airports and busy city streets is its multiple strap options, magnetic closure, and interior zip pockets. You can carry it as a top handle, shoulder bag, or crossbody without needing to adjust anything. It’s spacious, allowing you to keep all your essentials handy rather than leaving them in your hotel room, and the magnetic closure helps prevent anyone from rummaging through your bag. The internal zip pockets add extra security for items like your wallet and passport.

      **Longchamp**

      **Travel Bag Expandable**: Ever found yourself frustrated after shopping too much on a trip, forcing you to buy another piece of luggage you didn't need to get everything home? I have the solution. I've had this expandable Longchamp bag since high school, when I bought it at the airport in CDG, Paris, and it’s still holding up well. I use the smaller version as my "personal item" on the way to my destination, and if I shop while I’m away, I can conveniently unzip it to access the larger version for checking. Problem solved!

      **Accessories**

      **TUMI**

      **Small Madeline Cosmetic**: This bag isn’t just for trips; it goes with me daily to the gym, work, and every preview, presentation, dinner, and event I attend for work. It’s practically attached to me and makes getting ready on the go a breeze. When closed, it’s surprisingly compact, which is a blessing when trying to fit it into an already-full tote bag.

      **Away Travel**

      **The Insider Packing Cubes in Cherry Red**: Two words: Packing cubes! I can’t remember how I managed before discovering them. They make packing substantial amounts of stuff—which I've never quite figured out how to avoid—feasible with just a carry-on. Personally, I use three cubes in my carry-on: one large one for my clothing, a medium one for workout gear and undergarments, and a smaller cube for medications, vitamins, protein bars, Tylenol, and other essentials.

      **Louis Vuitton**

      **Passport Cover**: The best feature of this passport cover is that you can have it stamped at Louis Vuitton stores during your travels. It may not be the most practical item, but it’s definitely fun and stylish.

      **Bose**

      **Quietcomfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones**:

After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on. After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on.

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After accumulating over 100k Delta Miles, I've finally uncovered the key to traveling with only a carry-on.

All the necessary packing items for traveling light.