What to Pack in Your Carry-on

It can be challenging to decide what to pack in your carry-on versus what to leave in your checked bag. For shorter flights, you may not need much. However, on longer flights, it’s important to have your carry-on well-prepared with entertainment, snacks, and other essentials to ensure a smooth, relaxing journey.

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Travel Documents: Do Not Forget!

Passport and/or ID – Always keep your identification and travel documents in a secure, easily accessible place.
Boarding Pass – Whether printed or on your mobile device, be sure to have it handy.
Wallet – Carry your credit/debit cards and some cash in local currency.
Travel Insurance if applicable – It’s nice to have this printed out, because you may not always have internet service. Keep it in your carry-on, in case your bag were to get lost.

If You Plan to Get Some Rest

It is important on long flights to get some rest to help prepare your body for the time changes and reduce incoming jet-lag. Ensuring you have the right items in your carry-on can make all the difference. Here are some essentials I always make sure to pack with me:

Earplugs – Headphones may do as well if you are just looking to block out background noise. You’ll be extremely thankful that you brought some earplugs when you are trying to rest and there happens to be a crying baby aboard your flight or noisy passengers around you.
Eye Mask – It can be hard to sleep if the passenger next to you has their overhead light on or the brightness of their television screen all the way up. An eye mask will block out all light.
Neck Pillow – It is often difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position when on a plane. Neck pillows provide comfort when trying to get some rest.
Travel Blanket – If you aren’t flying first class, it is nice to bring along a longer, soft blanket. I love my travel blanket that doubles as a pillow.
Seat cushion or lumbar support pillow – If you have room, these items provide extra comfort!

Entertainment

You do not want to get on a long flight without some entertainment! I always bring my own headphones for the in-flight entertainment systems. Though complimentary headphones are typically provided, they often run out. There are plenty of things you can bring to keep yourself entertained. Here are some ideas:

Activity books – crossword, sudoku, etc. – For our last long haul trip, I got us all travel games and puzzles activity books! It was nice to give my eyes a break from the screen every once in a while.
Books/ebooks – Paper and hardback books add extra weight and take up space in your bag. Ebook devices save space and can hold many different books!
Technology – Whether it be my phone, iPad, or laptop, I always have something for listening to music and watch my favorite shows. Tip: Pre-download a few shows/movies before your flight!
- Long haul flights will typically have tv’s with shows, movies, and games and the airline will provide you with headphones. However, I always make sure to have a few things downloaded on my personal device, just in case!
Chargers – Do not forget chargers for all of your devices! Phone, headphones, iPad, etc.
- Outlet converter – If you are traveling to a country with different outlets, you may want to pack your outlet converter in your carry-on.

Other:

Water Bottle – Bring an empty bottle to fill up after passing through security or purchase one at the airport to stay hydrated. It is super important to stay hydrated when flying, because airplanes have low humidity levels that lead to dehydration. You should drink about 8 ounces of water every hour (more if you are drinking coffee or alcohol as well).
Snacks – Airplane snacks are not cheap. I always make sure to pack at least one snack item just in case I get hungry in between meals. Healthy foods that are easy to snack on without making a mess are best (such as a granola bar).
- Long haul flights typically have free meals and snacks throughout the duration of the flight!
Valuables – I keep all of my most valuable objects with me in my carry-on. Things that are irreplaceable or too expensive for you to lose. If your luggage were to be misplaced or lost, you would not have to worry about these items.
Medications – You should pack any necessary medications, EpiPens, and necessary papers for these in your carry-on.
Change of Clothes – You may find it necessary to pack an outfit in your carry-on in case your checked luggage gets lost or delayed getting to your destination.
Deodorant, cleansing body wipes – Some travel size items that you can use to freshen up when needed. It will make you feel better and will make the people around you feel better.
Toothbrush/Toothpaste – For a long flight, you may also want to brush your teeth when you land, or even after you eat. If you don’t wish to bring your toothbrush, some mints can be helpful as well.
Chapstick – Due to the dry air on airplanes, have some chapstick handy in case you need it.
Acne Spot Treatment and moisturizer – like I said, it is dry up there! Your skin may produce extra oil to make up for the lack of moisture in the air, which can cause breakouts.
Feminine Products
Hair Tie / Comb

What to Wear:

I also opt to dress comfy and casual. Wearing comfortable shoes that are not too tight and loose pants, such as leggings or sweatpants, are good for blood circulation. Having an extra layer, such as a light jacket or sweater is helpful because it can get cold up in the air!