Getting your carry-on bag ready for a flight can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. To make the most of your space and be ready for your trip, all you need is a simple plan and a short list of things to bring to the airport and on the plane.
Our team has put together a list of essential items to help you decide what to pack in your carry-on bag. Take a look at the packing list provided here to help you prepare for your upcoming trip. After that, continue reading to find out more about what you should pack.
Things You Should Always Pack in Carry-on Bag
Passport Holder
If you are traveling to another country, you can use a TIGARI Passport Holder to keep your travel document safe and easily find it in your carry-on bag. Make sure to have your passport easily accessible at airport security, when you’re boarding the plane, and when you’re filling out entry forms. Keep your passport holder and a pen nearby. After you reach your destination, make sure to keep your passport wallet in a secure place at your accommodation. If you prefer to have it with you, you can store it in your travel purse, belt bag, or backpack to keep it safe while you explore.
Travel Wallet
Keep your credit cards and cash safe by using an RFID wallet like the Travelon RFID Blocking Single Zip Wallet. This wallet stops scammers from wirelessly stealing your personal information. This travel wallet is very handy because it can also hold most smartphones.
TSA-approved Liquids Bag
When you pack your carry-on bag for a flight, make sure you have a clear quart-sized bag that follows the Transportation Security Administration rules for liquids and gels. Some Dopp kits or toiletry bags come with a separate bag for travel-size liquids that can be removed. Alternatively, you can purchase a reusable clear bag that is approved by the TSA on Amazon. Make sure to place any liquids or gels you are bringing with you in this bag. This includes items like shampoo, lotion, liquid makeup, and hand sanitizer.
Remember that any liquids or gels you bring must be in small bottles or containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. Just a reminder: When going through security, you’ll need to take out the clear quart-sized bag from your carry-on bag. It might be helpful to pack it in an external pocket or a spot in your carry-on suitcase that is easy to find. If you want to know more about TSA regulations, you can read our article about what you can bring in your carry-on bag.
Toiletry Bag
Put your toiletry bag in your carry-on so you can easily freshen up and have important items like toothpaste and deodorant in case your checked luggage gets lost during the trip. It’s a good idea to pack toiletries that are helpful for traveling, especially since the air on planes can be dry. Even if you don’t use them every day at home, they can still come in handy during your trip.
According to U.S. News senior travel editor Marisa Méndez, it’s a good idea to pack a facial moisturizer and a body lotion in your toiletry bag. “I always get dry skin when I’m on flights, so it’s great to have something that can help soothe my skin,” she says.
“I always enjoy using facial spray to feel refreshed after a flight,” says Elizabeth Von Tersch, who is also a senior travel editor at U.S. News. She always has one in her purse. “Mario Badescu and Evian are both excellent.” These facial sprays can moisturize your skin after being in a dry environment on a plane or give you a refreshing boost during the day.
Glasses Case
If you wear glasses to see better or if you want to bring your favorite sunglasses, it’s important to keep them safe while they are in your carry-on bag. If you have more than one pair of glasses, you can use a case like the foldable Dagne Dover Remi Glasses Case, which can hold up to three pairs. Another option is the Lug Eyeglass Holder & Mini Pill Case, which is suitable for both eyeglasses and contacts.
Travel Pillow
Taking breaks during your journey can help you feel more energized when you arrive at your destination and make the time go by faster. But nothing can really ruin your style like a stiff neck from sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
If you’re looking for a comfortable neck pillow for travel, consider the highly rated Cabeau Evolution S3 or the MLVOC Travel Pillow, which is available for less than $30 on Amazon. If you’re looking for a travel pillow that can also be used as a packing cube, you should check out the Tube pillow. It has enough space to hold up to three days’ worth of clothing.
Valuables
If you’re bringing valuable items like jewelry or watches that would be hard to replace, make sure to pack them in your carry-on bag. Checked bags have a higher chance of getting lost. If you’re looking for a jewelry case that is easy to find and perfect for storing rings, cufflinks, or earrings, the Lug Mini Swizzle is a great choice.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes can be used to organize more than just clothing and shoes. Make the most of the space in your carry-on bag by using these convenient travel compartments. Eagle Creek’s PACK-IT line offers highly rated compression packing cubes. However, many travelers also highly recommend the Veken Packing Cubes, which are often priced at $20 or less on Amazon. If you want to save even more space, you should consider using Lug’s compression packing cubes.
Luggage Tracker
Even if you bring a carry-on bag, it’s a good idea to attach a luggage tracker like an Apple AirTag or a Tile Pro to it for added security. If you and your bag get separated, you can easily find out where you left it, especially when you’re tired from traveling.
Zippered Pouches
The Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags are smaller than packing cubes, zippered pouches, and silicone bags. They are great for storing a variety of items, such as snacks and scrunchies. If you are traveling with your family, it’s a good idea to use different colored pouches for each person’s belongings. This way, you can easily identify each person’s items without having to take everything out of the bag.
Hand Sanitizer
Traveling can expose your body to many germs that you don’t want. If you carry a bottle of travel hand sanitizer, you can keep your hands clean when you’re out and about, even if there’s no bathroom nearby. If you want to clean surfaces like airplane tray tables, arm rests, or tables, it’s a good idea to have some disinfecting wipes with you.
Mini Clip Bag
Get a small bag with a carabiner clip, like the CALPAK Luka Key Pouch, that you can easily attach to the outside of your bag. This is useful for keeping items like gum, hand sanitizer, or travel wipes easily accessible. After you arrive at your destination, you have the option to attach it to a belt loop or slide it onto your wrist using the elastic band. This is convenient for holding your room key, lip gloss, and other small items.
Lip Balm
When you’re on a flight, the air is dry and the high altitude can make your skin and lips feel dry. If you want to prevent dry lips, you should bring a moisturizing lip balm with you. Aquaphor has a new stick option that you can try. Additionally, if you choose a balm instead of a liquid moisturizer, you won’t have to keep this product in your clear TSA-approved liquids bag.
Wired Earbuds or Headphones
If you want to connect directly to the in-flight entertainment to watch a movie or block out your seatmates, you can buy affordable wired earbuds like this highly-rated set by Jogteg. You can bring them in your carry-on bag so you can always have them with you, even on flights where they don’t provide free headphones.
Bluetooth Wireless Adapter
Having in-flight entertainment can make your travel day go by faster, but using wired headphones that are connected to the seatback can feel a bit restricting. Also, you might need to disconnect your device to allow your seat mates to get in or out. To avoid any problems, you can use Twelve South’s AirFly ($35 or less on Amazon) to connect your wireless headphones to the in-flight system. AirFly wirelessly transmits audio through Bluetooth.
E-reader or a Great Book
It’s always a good idea to have a book or magazine in your carry-on bag. If you experience a flight that is delayed, a layover that is long, or a plane that has not-so-great in-flight entertainment, having a good book will help you pass the time.
Eye Mask
When you’re traveling, a good eye mask can help you block out light from overhead, seatback screens, and plane windows. This is useful whether you’re on a red-eye flight or traveling internationally. The Nodpod Sleep Mask is very relaxing because it has weight.
Power Bank
It can be difficult to find a charging station at the airport, and there are rules about carrying batteries in your carry-on bag for any flight. An option that follows the guidelines of the Federal Aviation Administration is the Anker 537 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K for Laptop). This device can quickly charge a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. It will keep your devices running, even on a long flight.
Snacks
“Even if you plan to eat at the airport or on the plane (if that’s possible), make sure to bring some snacks,” advises Amanda Norcross, a content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News. “Flying can be unpredictable and stressful for many travelers, and feeling hungry (also known as ‘hanger’) can make things even worse.” Some good snack options to pack in your carry-on include trail mix, granola bars, crackers, pretzels, dried fruit, and popcorn. Another tip is to bring chewing gum in your carry-on bag. Chewing gum can help freshen your breath and also assist with relieving ear pressure during the flight.
Travel Adapter
If you are traveling internationally, it is important to know that different countries use different plug shapes. To ensure that you can charge your devices and other electronics, it is recommended to pack a universal adapter or converter. Before you buy, think about what you’ll need, especially the shape of the wall outlet plugs and the voltage in the countries you plan to visit.
A travel adapter, like the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter on Amazon, allows you to use U.S. plugs in electrical outlets worldwide. On the other hand, a travel converter, such as the ALLWEI International Travel Adapter, changes the voltage of the electricity. If you are traveling from the U.S. to another country, you will need both of these devices in order to use electronics such as laptops, curling irons, and hair straighteners. However, if your device is dual voltage, like the BaBylissPRO Nano Mini Straightening Iron, you will not need both devices.
Travel First-aid Kit
If you have small injuries like blisters from new shoes or unexpected cuts and scrapes, it’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit with Band-Aids and triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporin in your bag.
Activities or Games
If you have a long flight or layover, or if you just need something to keep you occupied, it’s helpful to have activities like a small coloring book with mini colored pencils or compact games.
“Once, Méndez took a small coloring book and a small set of pencils on a flight, and it had a profound impact on their life,” Méndez says. Leilani Osmundson, a senior digital producer for travel at U.S. News, enjoys bringing a deck of cards and portable two-player games with her and her husband to keep themselves entertained.
Reusable Water Bottle
It is important to drink enough water when traveling. Bring a Corkcicle Canteen Triple Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with you when you travel. You can fill it up at the airport before your flight and refill it during your trip. What’s even better is that an insulated bottle can keep drinks cold for several hours.
