To maximize your carry-on space in 2026, you must shift from "folding" to "rolling" or using compression packing cubes. Rolling your clothes tightly—known as the "Army Roll"—squeezes out trapped air and allows you to stack items like cordwood, often fitting 30% more than flat folding. Packing cubes are essential for organization, but "compression" versions with a secondary zipper are the real space-savers, physically shrinking your clothes into dense bricks. Another pro tip is to utilize "dead space" by stuffing socks, chargers, and underwear inside your shoes. For bulky items like winter coats or boots, follow the "Rule of Wear": wear your heaviest items on the plane instead of packing them. Additionally, consider "decanting" your toiletries into flat, flexible travel pouches rather than round bottles, which create awkward gaps in your bag. By choosing a "one-bag" versatile color palette (like black, white, and denim), you can mix and match fewer items to create more outfits. Lastly, always check your airline's specific 2026 dimensions, as many international carriers have tightened limits to 55 x 35 x 23 cm to fit the new, smaller overhead bins.