I fly home for the holidays every single year, which means I've become painfully familiar with all the classic carry-on mistakes travelers tend to make - mostly because I've made every one of them myself. From overstuffing my bag until the zipper begs for mercy to forgetting essential travel accessories that would've saved me from airport mishaps, I've learned exactly what works and what absolutely doesn't.
I spent 15 years working in the travel industry, specifically as an airline check-in and gate agent for the majority of that time. During those years, I encountered a variety of amusing, shocking, and often frustrating mistakes made by passengers. As someone who has traveled to over 40 countries, I know how stressful flying can be. However, being courteous to airline agents will actually increase your likelihood of receiving help, ensuring you board your flight and take off seamlessly.