Carry on Essentials List for Travelers

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Don’t know how to pack a carry on bag for airplane?

Unforeseen circumstances, such as lost or delayed baggage, can occur at any time, especially during connecting flights. That’s why it’s crucial to pack a well-equipped carry-on bag, which can save you from headaches and help you survive the first few days without your main luggage. If you’re a first-time traveler, planning your carry-on for a comfortable and stress-free journey can be overwhelming. But fret not! In this blog, we will guide you through the essentials you need to pack in your carry-on, ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible.

Discover our carry on essentials list for effortless packing of your carry-on bag.

1. Carry on Essentials List

What to pack in carry on bag for flight?

Check out this thoughtfully curated list of carry on essentials that will simplify your packing process.

1.1 Travel Documents, Cash and Credit Cards

Always carry your passport, visa, boarding pass, and other critical documents in your carry-on bag. Don’t forget to pack a paper or electronic copy of your travel insurance and hotel booking. Keep these documents in a waterproof pouch for added protection. Don’t put your wallet in your checked baggage. Always keep it in your cabin bag.

Items you shouldn’t forget to pack in your carry-on:

Passport, ID, and visa (if required)
Driver’s license
Credit/debit cards
Photocopies of important documents (passport, ID, travel insurance)
Boarding pass/ticket
Travel itinerary
Any necessary travel insurance documents
Emergency contact information
Hotel reservations or accommodations details
Cash (both local and foreign currency)

1.2 Electronics and Accessories

It is advisable to always carry electronics in your carry-on bag instead of checking them in at the check-in desk.

Items you shouldn’t forget to pack in your carry-on:

Smartphone and charger
Laptop or tablet and charger
Headphones or earbuds
Power bank (ensure it’s within airline regulations) – keep in mind that you are not allowed to pack power banks in checked baggage!
Travel adapter (if traveling internationally)
Travel lock for securing your carry on bag during your flight.

To keep all your small electronics and cables organized, use a packing cube or a special electronics organizer.

Is power bank allowed in checked baggage? No. Powerbanks should always be placed in carry-on bag and never in checked luggage. This precaution is due to the slight possibility of rechargeable lithium-ion battery powerbanks overheating, which could potentially lead to a fire hazard.

1.3 Medications and Health Essentials

Make sure to pack your medications in your carry-on bag. This way, even if your baggage is delayed, you’ll still have immediate access to all your necessary medications.

Items you should pack in your carry-on bag:

Prescription medications
Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, antacids, etc.)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lens solution, etc.)
Face mask and hand sanitizer

1.4 Entertainment

Ensure you have entertainment prepared for your flight.

As well as keep books, magazines, and tablets in your carry-on in case your bag is delayed. This way, you’ll have something to read or watch.

Items you should pack in your carry-on bag:

Book, e-reader, or magazines
Downloaded movies or TV shows

1.5 Toiletries

To ensure preparedness for any potential delay or loss of your checked bag, it is highly advisable to carry travel-sized toiletries in your cabin bag. This way, if your checked bag is delayed, you will have essential items such as shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste and a toothbrush readily available. These toiletries will prove particularly convenient if you arrive at your destination during late or early hours when stores are closed.

When traveling by air, it’s important to follow the 3-1-1 rule:

Containers of liquids, gels, or aerosols in your carry-on must not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in size.
These containers must fit into a single, quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag.
Each passenger is allowed only one quart-sized bag, which must be presented separately for security screening.

Mini toiletries you should pack in your carry-on bag:

Travel-sized toiletries (3.4 ounces or less) – shampoo, shower gel, face wash, etc.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
Facial wipes or cleansing cloth
Deodorant
Lip balm
Hand sanitizer
Moisturising lotion

To keep all your toiletries in one place and to prevent spills, use a TSA-approved toiletry bag or a ziplock bag.

Clothes in a suitcase — A person packing their clothes – Photo by Timur Weber

1.6 Comfortable Clothing

During a flight, turbulence or an unfortunate accident caused by a fellow passenger can lead to unexpected spills or mishaps. By having an additional set of clothing readily available, you can spare yourself the discomfort of traveling in stained or damp garments for the entirety of your journey.

Furthermore, long-haul flights can be quite uncomfortable if you’re not dressed in the right attire. Opt for comfortable clothing made of breathable cotton and consider dressing in layers. Don’t forget to choose comfortable footwear as well. If you’re planning to travel overnight, it’s a good idea to pack a light blanket or scarf for added warmth and coziness.

Clothing items you shouldn’t forget to pack in your carry-on:

A light jacket or sweater (airplanes can get cold)
Extra pair of socks (for good foot hygiene)
Scarf or shawl (or a blanket for extra warmth)

1.7 Extra Change of Clothes

Despite the best efforts of airlines, there may be instances where baggage is lost or delayed.

By keeping essential items, such as a spare set of clothes, in your carry-on, you can ensure that you won’t be left without proper attire while waiting for your bag to catch up with you.

Clothing items you shouldn’t forget to pack in your carry-on:

Extra change of clothes
Underwear and socks
Extra pair of shoes
Destination-specific clothes such as shorts, flip-flops and swimwear (if your checked bag gets delayed, you won’t end up wearing jeans in a tropical destination)

To keep all your clothes neatly organized, use a packing cube.

1.8 Valuables

It is advisable to refrain from keeping valuable items in your checked baggage.

Although airlines make their best efforts, there are instances where baggage may be delayed or lost entirely. Additionally, there is a risk of damage or unfortunate theft of baggage or its contents.

Always keep these items in your carry on bag:

Jewellery or small valuables
Laptop, camera, or other expensive electronics
Important work-related items

All of these are great carry on essentials for short flights.

But what about travel essentials for long flights?

2. Carry on Essentials for Long Flights

In addition to the above-mentioned, consider packing these in your cabin bag.

2.1 Snacks and Hydration

During long flights, meals are usually served at specific intervals, and the timing or options offered may not always meet your satisfaction. By having snacks readily available, you can eat when you’re hungry and prevent any discomfort or irritability caused by hunger.

Consider packing these in your cabin bag:

Reusable water bottle (empty before security, refill after) – fill your bottle with water right before the flight!
Snacks (granola bars, protein bars, nuts, dried fruit)
Pre-packaged hummus cups (smaller than 3.4 ounce / 100 ml) with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips
Wraps and sandwiches (avoid smelly toppings like tuna or eggs and drippy fillings)
Dried fruits
Crackers
Gum or mints

2.2 Travel Comfort

When taking a short flight, you can do without travel comfort items like a neck pillow, eye mask, or lightweight blanket.

However, it’s worth considering packing them for a long flight. At the very least, a travel pillow will greatly enhance your comfort during the journey.