With the news that American Airlines will begin charging $15 per checked bag for tickets purchased from today — and other major airlines are likely to follow suit — we have one hyphenated word of advice: carry-on.

Get the most bang for your bag by packing efficiently. Our tips for stowing a vacation's worth of wardrobe and accessories into a single carry-on bag follow:

1. It's in the bag.

Start with a bag that's big enough to contain your belongings but not dislocate your shoulder if carried through a half-mile-long airport. The bag shouldn't exceed airline size standards, either. Most airlines limit carry-ons to 45 to 50 linear inches, meaning the dimensions of width, length and height cannot total more than that when added together. (Check the airline's Web site for details.)

A sturdy Tepper Jackson Jitney bag ($166; www.passengersonly.com) is deceptively roomy. Some small roll-ons work, too — keyword being small.

2. Color coordinate.

Building your wardrobe around one versatile color palette — neutrals, black and white, etc. — means you'll yield more outfits from fewer clothes. Even if there's a fancy dinner on the agenda, the simplest of separates can look polished if they're well matched and dark in hue. Ladies, that's your cue to pack a little black (wrinkle-free) dress; gents might want to pack a dark button-down shirt.

3. Three's company.

One packing trick is to wear layers on the plane, such as two shirts. That saves room in the bag for other things. We do know, however, that for a weeklong trip, it's possible to pack three shorts or skirts and three pair of slacks in the pictured carry-on, along with three blouses or shirts and three T-shirts or tank-tops. If you must bring three pairs of shoes, wear the heaviest pair on the plane; the packed pairs should be lightweight and compact — like sandals or slippers.

4. Material science.

Polyester and silk bulk and wrinkle. When packing light, opt for wrinkle-resistant, lightweight fabrics that air-dry easily, such as synthetics. Some clothing companies manufacture lines of shirts blended with silver, which allegedly discourages bacteria. We tested one, wearing it for more than a week without washing it; it didn't stink.

5. Roll with the punches.

Rolling up individual items of clothing, as opposed to folding them, saves space and often combats wrinkles. If you must lay items flat, travel-friendly companies such as Eagle Creek and Flight 001 manufacture packing envelopes that achieve similar results. Or save your plastic dry-cleaner bags and put individual items in them before folding or rolling. Clothing later emerges miraculously wrinkle-free from the plastic cocoons.

6. Law and order.

The way you pack your bag is just as crucial as what's inside. Place heavier items — such as shoes and jeans — on the bottom; lighter items — T-shirts and toiletries — go on top. Fill in the nooks and crannies with accessories, socks and underwear (rolled, natch), and don't forget to use your person: Consider wearing a versatile outer layer (casual blazer for women, sport coat for men) that can be dressed up or down. And guys, if you need a tie, keep it wrinkle-free by wearing it on the plane.

7. Do your laundry.

Packing light means recycling what you've got. That's what that little clothesline in your hotel shower is for. Pack a 2-ounce bottle of Dr. Bronner's Magic 18-in-1 Peppermint Pure Castile Soap ($2.49; www.drbronner.com; doubles as shampoo, hand soap and toothpaste), plug the tub and you're good to go.

8. Think small.

Using travel-sized sundries — like toothbrushes, toothpaste, nail files and the like — really does save space. You're going to need it on the way home, for all those souvenirs. Or if the souvenirs are really worth it, mail them home.

9. Know the rules.

For those of you new to carrying on, Transportation Security Administration (www.tsa.gov) requires that all carry-on liquids be in 3-ounce bottles and stowed in a 1-quart clear plastic bag. Zip-closure bags can break; consider investing in something sturdier, like the Container Store's clear zippered envelopes in a trio of sizes (from $2.49; www.containerstore.com) or Sephora's signature clear makeup bag ($4, www.sephora.com). Or if you insist on Ziploc, use the freezer-weight bags.

10. Be practical.

Do you really need to tote two hard-cover books for the plane ride? Do you really need to bring five necklaces for your three-day weekend? As you're packing, repeat this mantra: Less is more.