Let’s face it—packing for a flight can be a deeply stressful affair. We’ve all made the rookie mistake of forgetting something crucial or packing things we’ll never use (I’m looking at you, four pairs of extra shoes). Your carry-on bag should be your survival kit for the skies: your personal fortress of comfort, organization, and entertainment. So, here are some essential things to pack in your carry-on luggage, complete with handy tips for each item. Because no one wants to be that person in the airport.
1. Passport/ID and Travel Documents
It’s a no-brainer, but it’s always worth saying: don’t forget your passport and ID. Store them in an easy-to-reach, secure location.
Tip: A travel wallet with slots for your passport, boarding pass, and any other documents will save you from the frantic shuffle when it’s time to board.
2. Phone and Charger (Or You’re Essentially Lost)
Your phone is the lifeline of your trip. Without it, you’re just a person wandering aimlessly with no map, no entertainment, and no means of communicating with anyone.
Tip: Bring a portable charger too. You’ll thank me when your phone hits 3% mid-flight.
3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Airplanes are noisy, and if you’re lucky enough to sit next to someone who thinks “quiet” is a foreign concept, noise-cancelling headphones will save your sanity.
Tip: Look for over-the-ear styles if you want to drown out crying babies, or just use the earbuds to silence your own rage.
4. Travel Pillow (For When You Need a Nap, Not a Crick in Your Neck)
When you’ve been awake for 12 hours and your neck feels like it’s been twisted in ways no human body should endure, a travel pillow will be your best friend.
Tip: Opted for an inflatable travel pillow to save space. Bonus points if it has a neck hole that actually supports your head.
5. Hand Sanitizer and Disinfecting Wipes (Because Airplanes Are Essentially Flying Petri Dishes)
Let’s be honest, you’re sitting in a metal tube with hundreds of strangers. Pack your hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, and go ahead and wipe down everything within a 10-foot radius before you settle in. It’s science.
Tip: Get small travel-sized bottles (under 3.4 oz) to avoid angry TSA agents and so you can still carry-on other things.
6. Snacks (Because Airport Food is a Scam)
Airplane snacks are a joke, and the airport is no better and expensive. Pack some protein bars, trail mix, or a small sandwich to keep from getting hangry.
Tip: Choose non-perishable options that won’t get squished or spill everywhere. Granola bars and fruit leather are your best bets.
7. Water Bottle (Hydration is Key)
You know the drill: Stay hydrated, but airport water is absurdly priced. Refill a bottle once you’re past security.
Tip: Use a collapsible water bottle to save space when it’s empty.
8. Lip Balm and Hand Cream (You’re Not a Lizard)
Airplane cabins are essentially deserts in the sky. Dry lips and cracked hands are inevitable. Start Hydrating your skin a few days before your flight and remember to lock in that hydration. If the air-conditioning dries out you eyes, add a moisturizing eye drops in the mix.
Tip: Get a multi-purpose balm that works for lips, elbows, or any other dry patches you might encounter.
9. Medications and Prescriptions (Don’t Leave Home Without Them)
Whether it’s your daily medication or an emergency stash of aspirin, pack them in your carry-on. Taking a Probiotic before, during and after your flight will help you keep you immune system strong and not get sick when you reach your destination.
Tip: Keep medications in their original containers to avoid TSA confusion and to have all the info in case of an emergency.
10. A Good Book or E-Reader (Escape Reality for a Few Hours)
Because reading is the only thing that makes sense when you’re trapped in a metal tube for hours. An audiobook, crossword puzzle or Sudoku works great too.
Tip: Download a book before you board to avoid spending half the flight struggling to connect to Wi-Fi.
11. Eye Mask and Earplugs (For When You Just Need to Sleep)
Trying to sleep on a plane is like trying to sleep during a circus act. Block out the world with an eye mask and earplugs.
Tip: Pick up a silk eye mask—they’re soft, comfortable, and prevent those dreaded “sleep creases” when you wake up.
12. Travel-Size Toiletries (Because TSA Hates Full-Sized Shampoo Bottles)
If your shampoo is bigger than 3.4 ounces, it’s a no-go. Pack all your liquids in small travel bottles or even better swop it out for a non-liquid alternative
Tip: Use clear, reusable pouches to keep your liquids organized and avoid any unsightly leaks.
13. Change of Clothes (Because Anything Can Happen)
You might spill coffee on yourself, your flight might get delayed, or you might have that moment when you realize your deodorant has failed you. An extra rolled up shirt takes no space and can also be used as neck support when you trying to sleep.
Tip: Choose comfy, wrinkle-free items—leggings, a T-shirt, and a cardigan are a solid combo.
14. Plastic Bags for Dirty Clothes (or anything really)
A few plastic bags or reusable pouches will come in handy for dirty clothes or shoes. Trust me, no one wants to open their carry-on and discover that their deodorant exploded all over their favourite sweater.
Tip: Grab resealable bags that you can toss out once you’ve arrived at your destination.
15. Tissues and Wet Wipes (Life Happens)
You can’t predict a nosebleed or the need to clean up a random spill. Pack a small pack of tissues or wet wipes.
Tip: Baby wipes are your best friend—they work for face cleaning, hand cleaning, and yes, those little “emergencies” on the plane.
16. Travel Insurance Details and other important documents (Just in Case the Universe Has Other Plans)
Accidents happen, flights get delayed, and luggage goes missing. Having your travel insurance details or copies of passport can save you a lot of stress.
Tip: Print out a hard copy and also keep an electronic version on your phone.
18. An extra pair of socks(Don’t look down, the floor is really dirty)
The airlines try their best but lets admit it, they can’t clean the floors as much as they like. Packing an extra pair of socks or Slipper-socks to change into can add to your comfort and keep you clean
Tip: Get the ones that have a anti-slip grip on.
19. A Small First-Aid Kit (For All the What-Ifs)
A small bandage can make a big difference when you need it. Pack a few essentials: band-aids, pain relievers, and maybe even some blister patches (because those new shoes? Not so comfortable after the 5th hour of walking through terminals).
Tip: A Nasal saline spray can help clean and open the nasal passages if you feeling stuffy in the air.
20. A Pen (Because Paperwork, Oh the Paperwork)
Whether it’s filling out customs forms or making a quick note to yourself, having a pen in your carry-on will prevent you from asking the flight attendant for one (which is an ordeal on its own).
Tip: Always keep a pen in your bag. This will make customs and immigration a breeze.
21. Sunglasses (For When You Step Outside)
It’s a classic—there’s nothing worse than stepping off a plane into bright sunlight and realizing you left your sunglasses at home.
Tip: Keep your sunglasses on top of your carry-on so they don’t get squished.
22. Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot (For Your Digital Independence)
If you don’t trust airport Wi-Fi (and let’s be real, who does?), pack a portable hotspot.
Tip: Buy an unlimited data plan for peace of mind during long layovers.
23. Comfortable Socks (Because Your Feet Deserve a Break)
There’s nothing worse than sitting in a confined space with shoes that are too tight or socks that are too scratchy.
Tip: Compression socks are great for long flights to keep your circulation going.
24. Anti-Theft Bag (Because Your Stuff is Important)
Theft can happen anywhere, and airports are prime spots for pickpockets.
Tip: Invest in a anti-theft backpack or bag with locking zippers to keep your valuables safe.
25. Charger for Your E-Reader (Because Who Wants to be left not knowing what happens in the end)
You know the one—the person who accidentally drained their e-reader battery by mid-flight.
Tip: Pack an extra charging cable just in case your device goes rogue.
26. A Good Travel Blanket (Because Blankets on Planes Never Do the Job)
Planes are cold, so bring your own snuggly blanket.
Tip: Invest in a lightweight, compact blanket that can easily fit into your carry-on or opt for a oversized scarf that is soft and stylish.
27. Travel-Sized Detergent (For When You Don’t Have Time to Do Laundry)
Because sometimes you just need to wash a few things before your next leg.
Tip: Liquid detergent pods are small, TSA-friendly, and convenient. Or hand washing sheets will work on a pinch.
This tip is great if you traveling with kids.
Last but not least: don’t forget your sense of humour. Flights are stressful, airports are confusing, and delays happen. But it’s all part of the adventure! Take a deep breath and remember: you’re on vacation (eventually).
There you have it—27 essential things to pack in your carry-on luggage! With these items, you’ll be prepared for whatever the skies throw your way. Safe travels!
I’m a firm believer in lists because I realized it takes the stress out of packing, so use this guide and make your own list. Add items that will make the journey more comfortable for you and your needs.
