Packing your carry-on like a pro can make all the difference between a smooth flight and a stressful one. After years of traveling and countless flights, we’ve perfected the ultimate carry-on packing list to keep you comfortable, entertained, and prepared for anything mid-air!
Let’s be real—after years of full-time travel, countless flights (both short and long-haul), and a few hard-learned lessons, we’ve pretty much perfected the art of packing our carry-on.
From 12-hour flights across the Pacific to quick weekend getaways, we know exactly what to bring (and what to leave behind) to make flying as smooth as possible.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or heading out on your first big trip, this ultimate carry-on packing list will make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable, stress-free journey.
Carry on essentials for every flight
No matter where you’re going or how long the flight is, these are the must-have items we always pack in our carry-ons:
1. Passport / ID / wallet / visa
You won’t get very far without these!
Double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and that you have any necessary visas printed or downloaded.
Make sure you have your wallet with your travel credit card and a debit card for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
Money-saving tip: We NEVER use cash exchanges! The fees are high and you are almost guaranteed to get an unfavorable exchange rate. Instead we travel with our Charles Schwab debit card, which reimburses you for all ATM fees and withdraw cash (if necessary) as soon as we reach our destination.
→ Related: Find out which credit cards will get you the most points and which ones we personally use and recommend in our guide to travel credit cards.
2. Hand sanitizer
Airports and airplanes are basically germ central. A small travel-sized hand sanitizer keeps your hands clean when soap and water aren’t an option.
We’ve been traveling with this hand sanitizer spray from Dr. Bronner’s for years now. We like to spritz and wipe down the in-seat screen, tray table and seat belt as soon as we find our seats.
Hand sanitizer wipes are also a good option that don’t count towards your liquids allotment.
3. Refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated is key when flying! Bring an empty bottle through security and fill it up before boarding.
Many airports, hotels, and cafes now have refill stations, making it easier than ever to stay hydrated without constantly buying bottled water. You’ll not only save money (have you seen the price of water at airports these days!?), but you’ll save plastic waste as well!
We’ve had our Hydroflask water bottles since 2011, and are pretty obsessed, but any brand will do!
4. Snacks
In our experience, the worst thing you can do when arriving at a new destination you’re unfamiliar with after a long flight is to arrive on an empty stomach!
Airplane food is hit or miss (and usually very overpriced at the airport). Bring some of your favorite snacks so you’re not left getting hangry mid-flight.
5. Kindle
Forget lugging around heavy books—my Kindle Paperwhite has been a total game-changer. It lets me bring an entire library on every trip without adding extra weight or bulk to my bag.
Just be sure to download your books before takeoff!
Hot tip: We use the Libby app, which connects to our library card, to borrow e-books from our local library. This way we’re not spending tons of money on Amazon as we crank through new titles on each trip. It even lets you borrow and download audiobooks to your phone!
6. Noise-canceling headphones
The hum of the plane, crying babies, chatty seatmates… noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver. We love our AirPod Pros because they take up virtually no space and still block out all the noise.
7. Phone and other electronics
Of course you’ll want your phone by your side in any scenario, but it comes in handy as a source of entertainment on flights.
Be sure to download music, podcasts, audiobooks, and movies/shows before your flight. There’s nothing worse than relying on in-flight WiFi that doesn’t work!
We also pack all of our other electronics (lap tops, our DSLR camera, etc.) in our carry-on bags as well, as these things are extra important to us and we don’t want to risk them getting lost or damaged in our checked luggage.
8. Charging cords
Don’t forget your phone and AirPods charging cords so you’re not stuck with a dead battery mid-flight!
And on that note…
9. Portable battery pack
Outlets aren’t always available, so a portable power bank is essential for keeping your devices charged on long travel days.
We’ve had a few different power banks over the years, but this one is hands down the BEST.
We got our first one in 2015, and we have been loyal fans ever since.
This one is a bit bulkier than some power banks, but it will charge your phone seven times before it needs to be charged itself. Plus, it can charge two devices at once, which is a game changer.
10. Critical medications
Bring any necessary medications in your carry-on, including any prescription medications and medical devices you regularly use. These items are important for your health and you wouldn’t want to risk them getting delayed or lost in your checked baggage.
We also recommend bringing a few basic medications you might wind up needing on a flight including Dramamine, Advil, allergy meds, Melatonin (or a sleep aid), and Tums—just in case.
Tip: Use a pill case to count out exactly how many pills you might need for each day of your trip. Or you can sort the meds by color – Advil in Monday, allergy meds in Tuesday, etc. etc. This takes up a lot less space than packing individual containers for each medication.
11. Layers
Anyone else always get cold on flights, or is it just me? There’s something about long haul flights that can chill you to the bone! And those thin blankets they hand out never seem to cut it.
It’s always a good idea to pack layers in your carry on so you have something to warm up with, just in case. A cozy hoodie, blanket scarf, or packable down jacket is always in my carry-on bag. (And sometimes I pack all 3!)
Carry on packing list for long haul flights
If you’re flying internationally or have a long flight ahead, these extra items will make your journey way more comfortable. Trust me.
12. Travel adapter
If you’re heading abroad, pack a universal adapter so you can charge your devices as soon as you land.
We’ve tried all sorts of different iterations of this type of device throughout the years, and they have seriously improved over time.
Here are two we personally own and recommend for different types of travelers:
a) Best for solo travelers
(or those with few devices)
This minimalistic travel adapter is really well designed and has 1 plug and 4 USB ports. It also has a built in system to change the configuration so you can plug into the wall throughout multiple countries.
b) Best for couples or family travelers
If you’ve got lots of devices to charge, this one’s for you!
It has 3 plugs and 4 USB ports, meaning you can charge SEVEN things at once! Now that we travel with a child, we have a lot more devices to charge (IYKYK), so we really have to maximize our charging station!
13. Eye mask & ear plugs
I’m not one who usually sleeps with either, but on a long haul flight, these items are essential. Block out light and noise to actually get some sleep on the plane.
14. Chapstick, lotion, lozenges & chewing gum
The dry airplane air is brutal on skin and lips. I always make sure to have chapstick and travel-sized lotion in my carry-on to combat dryness. Aquaphor is a great option you can use as chapstick and coat the inside of your nose with if you are really dry.
Lozenges and chewing gum also help prevent a dry throat and keep your ears from popping during takeoff and landing.
15. Small toiletry kit
A freshen-up kit is key for long haul flights! Plus it’s a good idea to have in the case that your checked bag doesn’t make it to your destination—at least you’ll have the basics to tide you over for a few days if necessary.
We pack everything in small travel-sizes to adhere to TSA guidelines and not take up too much space. Here’s what we usually bring:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Floss
- Face wash & moisturizer
- Face sunscreen
- Deodorant (this is my favorite mini sized deodorant!)
- Feminine hygiene products
Other products you may need:
- Eye glasses
- Contact lenses
- Contact solution (this typically doesn’t count towards your liquids as it’s considered a medical necessity)
16. No-Jet-Lag Pills (optional)
We started using these homeopathic “No-Jet-Lag” pills when traveling through many time zones a few years back. It may be a total placebo effect, but we feel like they actually make a difference!
These aren’t for everyone, but might be something you want to test out on your next long haul flight.
→ Related: We have an entire article dedicated to our best tips for combatting jet lag!
17. Compression socks (optional)
Sitting for long periods can lead to swollen ankles or even blood clots. I (Katie), have never tried them myself, but our team member Amanda swears by them:
I never take a flight longer than 3 hours without putting on my compression socks. I couldn’t tell you how they work, but apparently they help keep your circulation up to prevent clotting and those blue spider veins that most women dread.
18. Change of clothes & clean underwear (optional)
If your checked bag gets lost (it happens!), having a fresh outfit and clean underwear in your carry-on can be a lifesaver.
Trust us, we’ve been there! This is unfortunately one of those tough lessons we’ve had to learn the hard way. On more than one occasion, our checked luggage has been delayed and didn’t show up at our destination until a few days after we arrived.
Luckily we always come prepared with travel insurance, which covers us in the case of baggage loss or delay. However, it’s nice to have a few essentials on hand right away.
We usually pack a single change of clothes for each of us (based on the weather in our destination) and a few pairs of clean underwear each in our carry-on. That way we can at least have a clean set of clothes to change into as soon as we get that first (and oh so necessary!) post-flight shower in.
→ Related: One thing we NEVER leave home without that doesn’t take up any space in our carry-on: Travel insurance! Find out the best travel insurance policy for your next adventure.
Items we choose to leave behind
These are totally personal decisions, but we’ve found that some common “must-have” flight items just aren’t worth the bulk. Especially as items that are typically only used on the flight, but then you have to carry them in your luggage for the rest of your trip.
Neck Pillow
Most airlines provide pillows on long-haul flights, and many planes now have adjustable headrests with side flaps that let you rest your head comfortably.
Large over-ear headphones
While some travelers swear by them, our AirPod Pros do the trick for us and take up way less space.
iPad/tablet*
We used to bring an iPad for movies, but honestly, our phones work just fine for this. Plus, it’s one less thing to carry, or worry about getting lost or stolen!
*When traveling with kids, we do bring a tablet for our daughter to watch her shows on long flights, but when it’s just the two of us, the ipad stays at home.
Items that are prohibited on flights
Before packing your carry-on, double-check that you’re not bringing anything prohibited. Here’s a general list of items you can’t bring in your carry-on:
- Liquids over 3.4 ounces (unless medically necessary)
- Sharp objects (knives, scissors, razors)
- Flammable items (lighters, matches, aerosols)
- Sporting equipment (bats, golf clubs, etc.)
- Tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.)
For a full list, always check with your airline or TSA guidelines.
Packing your carry-on smartly can make all the difference between a stressful flight and a smooth, comfortable journey. Stick to the essentials, leave the unnecessary extras at home, and don’t forget to download your entertainment before takeoff!
Let us help you travel better…
Be sure to check out our Travel Planning Homepage for resources on everything you need to know about how to plan a trip, from packing to budgeting and more! Or you can read some of our favorite articles about planning your next trip below.
- How to Plan a Trip in 10 Simple Steps
- Expert Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
- Genius Tips for Booking the Best Airbnb
- Our Favorite Travel Essentials
- This is the one thing we NEVER travel without!
- Tips to Fight Jet Lag (that actually work!)
- How to Get an International SIM Card
→ Traveling as a family? Don’t miss our family travel articles!
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We want to hear from you!
Which of these carry-on essentials can you not live without? Is there anything you always pack in your carry-on bag that wasn’t on this list? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!