The 2026 Carry On Rules Refresh for Packing Faster and Parking with Less Stress

A few small decisions made at home can shape how smoothly your travel day runs. With carry-on rules changing regularly, it’s a good time to check what still makes sense to pack and what might need a rethink before your next trip.

Having a carry-on packing list helps you move through the airport more easily, giving you more control over your timing. That same focus on timing makes onsite parking at Melbourne Airport a practical choice. Whether you're walking to the terminal or taking the shuttle, the right parking option helps everything run more smoothly once you arrive. But first, let’s take a look at what you can (and should) bring in your carry-on.

Your carry-on isn’t just a smaller tote or daypack. It’s where the most useful personal items for your journey live. Whether you're heading off for a short domestic trip or a long-haul flight, a good carry-on packing checklist can shape how easily you move through the airport and settle in once you're on board.

Here are the carry-on essentials that still make the cut in 2026:

• Travel documents and money: Keep your passport, boarding pass, travel insurance details, credit cards and any cash together in one pouch you can access quickly at check-in and before airport security.
• Health and personal care: Pack prescription medications, a basic first-aid kit, lip balm, sunscreen, floss and any other travel essentials you’ll want with you in the cabin.
• Food and hydration: An empty water bottle you can refill after screening is always a good idea. Snacks are also useful, especially if you're travelling through multiple terminals or waiting between meals.
• Tech and entertainment: Your iPad, a charger, and either noise-cancelling headphones or AirPods make the journey more comfortable. A book or pen (and a pair of earplugs) can also come in handy if you prefer to switch off from screens.
• Comfort items: Even if you’re packing light and travelling carry-on only, you can still pack small items to make the trip easier. Pack a breathable and quick-drying t-shirt or a long-sleeve, warmer sweater for an overnight or international flight.

A quick travel tip: airline carry-on rules shift from time to time, especially for international travel, so it’s always worth checking your airline’s website for carry-on size and weight limits before you arrive at the airport. If you're flying to or through the United States, look out for TSA-approved guidelines, as they may affect what you can carry in your bag.

A carry-on that’s organised by access, not just space, can save time at screening and help you move through checkpoints with fewer delays. These packing tips are all about layout, not volume. But what works for one person might not suit the way you move. A layout that reflects your travel style, whether you’re a checklist traveller or a true travel light type, is the one that works best.

Here’s how to pack with speed and simplicity in mind:

• Group by use, not category. Pack items together based on when you’ll need them. Things you’ll reach for mid-flight (like an eye mask or a small toiletry bag) should sit at the top.
• Think minimalist, not just compact. Travelling with less helps, but so does avoiding unnecessary layers. Think one hairbrush, one reusable water bottle, one pair of flip-flops.
• Use packing cubes or soft organisers. These keep your carry-on from turning into one big tangle, especially if you're carrying multiple pairs of socks or pairs of underwear.
• Match your clothes to the climate. If you’re heading into a new season, have layers like a lightweight jumper or scarf packed last, so you can grab them on arrival.
• Keep toiletries grouped and ready. Store your travel-sized cosmetics, hand cream and deodorant in one clear bag that can be pulled out quickly at security if needed.

A well-packed carry-on makes the lead-up to your flight feel more predictable. You’re not stopping to reorganise at the counter or fumbling for small items at the gate. That kind of flow can also change how you plan your arrival.

Once your bag is sorted, the next thing to plan is how you'll get to the terminal, and that often starts with where you’ll park.

If you’re skipping checked luggage, parking onsite supports a more consistent airport routine from arrival through to departure. Being close to the terminals also means you're not adding extra steps at either end of your trip.

Here’s how it can support a smoother experience:

• Keeps your arrival timing more predictable
• Reduces time spent getting between your car and the terminal
• Helps you have a smoother start and finish to your journey
• Makes group travel easier to manage

For first-time travellers and frequent flyers alike, the right parking option depends on how long you’ll be away, who you're travelling with, and how close you'd like to be to the terminal.

Here’s a quick look at the onsite parking options you can pre-book online:

• Value Car Park: A good fit for longer trips, this open-air car park offers the most cost-effective onsite parking option. A free shuttle bus takes you to Terminals 1 and 4 every 15 minutes, 24/7. During peak travel periods like school holidays, Value Express is also available here. This seasonal valet-style service lets you drop offyour car at the Value Express area near Bus Stop B, so you can hop on the shuttle to your terminal while our team parks for you.
• Terminal Car Parks: A short walk from check-in, these multi-level car parks are right across from the terminals. The T123 Terminal Car Park connects easily to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 via a covered link bridge, ideal if you're flying with Qantas, Virgin Australia or on an international trip. Flying Jetstar, Rex, Link Airways or even Virgin Australia? The T4 Terminal Car Park sits just 100 metres from the Terminal 4 entrance. Both locations offer short-term and long-term parking, with a mix of open-air and undercover bays.
• Premium Car Park: Want to stay even closer while still keeping control of your keys? Located on Level 1 of both the T123 and T4 Terminal Car Parks, the Premium Car Park offers the closest self-park, undercover bays just steps from the entrances.
• Melbourne Airport Valet: Located on Level 1 of the T123 Terminal Car Park, Melbourne Airport Valet is the closest option to the terminals without parking the car yourself. Just hand over your keys and head straight inside. No need to look for a bay. It’s a solid option if you’re flying early, juggling more than a carry-on or travelling during the school holidays when things tend to move more slowly.
• Qantas Valet: Also located on Level 1 of the T123 Terminal Car Park, Qantas Valet offers a quick handover close to Terminal 1. There’s no need to book here. Just drive in, hand over your keys and head straight to check-in. You can even request car cleaning while you’re away. The service is open to all travellers, but Qantas Frequent Flyers earn points every time they park here.

Every carry-on choice you make has a flow-on effect. The right travel packing list helps you move through the airport more smoothly, and that same thinking applies to where and how you park. Timing matters, and planning both together can take the pressure off departure day.

For more support before you fly, you can explore our Parking FAQs or sign up to Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals newsletter for tips and offers that align with your trip planning.