'As a frequent flyer, here's how I travel carry-on only (without going over the weight limit).'

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The most seasoned frequent flyers navigate the airport with ease and rarely queue for anything.

The secret? They only travel with carry-on baggage.

Think about it: when was the last time you saw someone in corporate attire waiting for their checked luggage?

Watch Mamamia's Lifestyle Editor, Amy, on the must-pack travel essentials. Post continues below.

While everyone else is packed like sardines trying to catch a glimpse of their bags on the carousel, they're already in the Uber on the way to their destination (before the price surge).

I used to be one of those sardines.

I'd always fall into the trap of buying the cheapest plane ticket and getting stung paying for checked luggage on top.

Now when I fly domestic, I only travel with carry-on and it's an absolute gamechanger. This is how I do it.

Choosing the right airline.

For domestic flights with Jetstar and Virgin there is only 7kg of carry-on included in the airfare.

You can pay extra to increase this carry-on limit, or you can consider more premium airlines with extra baggage included.

One of the reasons I love flying with Qantas is because they allow all passengers 14kg total carry on.

This includes one overhead bag (56cm height x 36cm width x 23cm depth), one underseat bag (1 backpack or 1 large handbag) and a personal item (1 cross body bag, 1 small handbag or 1 laptop in a slim bag).

This carry-on allowance alone is more than enough to see you through a week-long trip, so long as you don't fall into the following trap…

Choosing the right bags.

While most standard carry-on suitcases are designed to fit domestic flight size requirements, the weight of the suitcase can vary significantly.

The Rimowa Original Cabin Suitcase, for example, weighs 4.3 kg. That is before you pack anything in it! I mean, if you can afford a $2,230 carry-on bag you can probably afford to cop a fine at the airport for going over the weight limit.

However, if the luggage lady with the portable scales also gives you anxiety, then you may want to opt for a lighter suitcase!

I love to travel with the Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 4-wheel cabin suitcase because it only weighs .9kg. Another clever option is the July Carry On Light Expandable suitcase that weighs only 2.2kg yet still has a capacity of 40L when expanded.

Totes and weekender bags are technically the lightest option, but you'll never see a frequent flyer with one because they are a pain to lug around airports, not to mention the strain they put on your neck and shoulders.

Prepping your outfits.

After I consider the weight of my luggage and other essentials, such as my laptop, which weighs roughly 1.51 kg, that leaves me with very little space for clothing.

This is why outfit planning is key!

Image: Supplied.

Before packing anything in my suitcase, I try on each outfit with shoes and accessories. Once I'm happy with an outfit, I'll find ways to mix and match the pieces to create multiple looks.

For a recent 3-night, 4-day trip to Sydney, I was able to create four looks from one denim co-ord. Denim is a heavier material, so I made sure to wear this set on the plane with my second-heaviest item, my leather jacket.

In my suitcase I packed the following wardrobe essentials: two white tanks, an oversized t-shirt, a pair of wide-leg pants, an activewear set, underwear and socks.

To maximise space in my case, I rolled the clothing and placed them in lengthways.

This left a whole other section of my suitcase for an evening bag which I stuffed with my socks and underwear, a dressier pair of shoes and a small beauty and toiletries bag. There was even space left over to make one considered purchase on my trip!

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What not pack.

Unlike an international trip where you need to pack for an extended period of time and every possible situation, you can be a bit more cut-throat with the items you exclude from your carry-on luggage for short-term domestic trips.

For example, I never pack any hair tools or even a hairbrush when I travel with carry-on only.

Instead, I'll wash and blow dry my hair the night before I fly and pop a comb in my handbag.

You can always rely on standard hotel amenities to get you through, such as a hair dryer, a shower cap and body lotion.

When I'm really tight on space, I'll also leave my beloved travel steamer at home and instead place a bath towel over my garments and use the hotel iron instead.

I've also been known to travel without PJs — who needs them when there is a hotel robe available?

Image: Supplied.

Finally, never underestimate the power of a trench coat.

Not only are they a stylish wardrobe staple, a trench coat can come in very handy on your travels.

I have a water-resistant trench coat with a detachable hood which provides me with protection from the rain and cooler temperatures.

Most trench coats also have very deep pockets if you are a kilo over the limit and happen to run into trouble at the departure gate.

You didn't hear it from me!

Listen to the latest episode of Mamamia Out Loud for what women are actually talking about. Post continues below.

Feature image: Supplied.