Despite the fact that airlines are losing fewer bags year after year, for many travelers it’s the fees – not the wait at baggage claim – that leave them complaining the most. The savvy flier, of course, will tell you to carry-on your bag and avoid paying the extra charge.

But that presents a new set of problems. You’re restricted to just one bag, and it must be small enough to fit in an overhead compartment. Some low-cost airlines, like Frontier and Spirit, even charge for use of overhead space.

Of course, there are workarounds. “Typically, the airlines are allowing a laptop, purse, or an item that can fit under your seats without a fee,” said Tom Spagnola, a senior VP at travel website, CheapOair. So, it’s not just about packing light but packing smart, especially if you’re bringing a lot of tech onboard.

Do what we do: If you’re bringing two bags, your larger carry-on luggage should hold only items that you don’t plan to access during the flight. Common sense dictates: Don’t stash your iPad in the overhead compartment, and then throw a hissy fit when the flight attendant is blocking your way during beverage service. Should you need to check the bag in case overheads are full, you won’t be missing those items. Looking for a carry-on? Check out the Away, from two former Warby Parker execs, which has a compression system to keep things flat.

Keep your tech at arm’s reach – headphones, tablets, chargers, etc. – in a small backpack in the under-seat space. But even this needs planning: We’ve stashed things in a backpack, only to find it difficult to search through it due to the space constraints of seating area. The key is to stay organize, and the best-designed products will offer more room than you expect. There are even under-seat bags that have enough room for a weekend trip. Here’s some new carry-on gear that will help you maximize the limited space at your feet.