When traveling, if you are getting on a plane and want to avoid checking a bag, you need to make sure of a couple of things. 1st that your bag is within the measurements of the airline you are flying requirements. Different airlines have different rules; even if TSA says your bag passes, the airline can refuse it at the gate and make you check the bag there. For all of us that know, the worst thing you can do is check a bag at the gate because there is no telling where it will end up. It could be on your plane, the next plane, a plane that leaves earlier, or a plane going to a different destination. So always check your airline bag size requirements.
Next, you should always check the weight requirements; you should double-check the airline requirements. However, my rule is to be less than 10 lbs; you are good.
To meet my weight requirements, I pack interchangeable clothes. I wear a jacket and don't pack it. I don't pack any body products and make sure the destination has a Walmart or somewhere I can shop for them. Or if I am not staying at a hotel, I double-check if I can get it stocked or ship it over before my flight for it to be stocked. I will wear the shoes I will wear and only pack one extra pair of shoes. I put my undergarments in a pouch so they won't be thrown everywhere if I am "randomly" searched. If I need to bring my laptop, I take out the other pair of shoes.
So if you see someone with just a bookbag and a purse, road warrior, I see you. It is the best way to get in and out of TSA while meeting most airline requirements.
