When traveling, it’s good to keep the essentials handy. We’ve all found ourselves on a plane, bus, or train wishing we hadn’t packed certain items in our stowed bag. Our ultimate carry-on packing list will ensure that doesn’t happen again!
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Why use our ultimate carry-on packing list?
It’s good to pack light. Although, if you’re traveling by car, it’s totally ok to break that rule. Ha! Learning to pack in only carry on luggage is a feat in itself. After all, who wants to pay to check their bag? No one!
There are certain items that are essential to always place in your hand luggage. Consequently, that’s true no matter where you’re going and for how long. Having a carry on only packing list can be really helpful!
You may be gathering travel essentials for long haul flights or merely have a short jaunt. Either way, it’s a good idea to pack necessary items that stay with you during your travels.
There is always a chance that checked baggage may get lost. Plus, you and your sweetie will enjoy having a few comfort items within reach.
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Make sure to know the airline regulations for carry-on luggage size before you pack.
Tip: Check your carry on luggage size.
This is so important! Many have been in line to get on a flight, only to see someone get stopped because their bag is too large. TSA does NOT check this for you when you check-in, so you need to accept responsibility for your carry on luggage size being compliant as you board the plane.
The bags need to fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat. Airline regulations vary slightly, and there is a handy list here of the various sizes. Having a smaller bag ensures that you won’t stress if there isn’t room in the bins above the seats.
Don’ts for what to pack in carry-on bag for flights.
This is truly important, and—of course—you can’t take guns and explosives. We aren’t going to cover the obvious stuff. However, there are a lot of things that people simply don’t know about. Take a peek at the list below of things that won’t pass through a TSA check.
- Liquid-filled bottles. This includes water bottles, soda, coffee…etc. Once you pass through TSA, you can purchase and carry these things.
- More than a quart-sized bag of liquids. This is taken directly from the TSA website. “You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.”
- Sharp objects. That includes scissors, knives, loose razor blades. You CAN take nail clippers, tweezers, and knitting needles.
For a full, complete list of what you can and can not bring in your carry-on luggage, just click here. The list also tells you what items are not allowed in checked luggage. It’s really handy and answers all the questions!
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Breeze through your TSA check by knowing what you can and can not pack in your carry-on luggage.
9 Things: Our Ultimate Carry-on Packing List
1. Refillable Water Bottle
Water bottles need to be empty as you pass through TSA. However, feel free to fill it up once you go through it. A collapsable, reusable water bottle is an eco-friendly thing to have on any trip beyond just your carry on luggage!
2. Prescribed Medicine
Any necessary medication should always be with you. If it gets lost in checked luggage – yikes! Prescription medicine is one of the most important things for your health, so keep it with you at all times. It’s a must for any carry-on only packing list.
3. Change of Clothes
This includes undies, an outfit, and possibly PJs if they will fit in the bag. In case your checked bags don’t make it through, you will want to have an opportunity to freshen up.
4. Electronics (& Chargers!)
This includes your camera, phone, and laptop. You don’t want these items getting lost, broken, or stolen. Therefore, take them in your hand luggage. Don’t forget their corresponding chargers! If you want to do a bit of work at the airport, having your laptop close is important.
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Don’t forget to take your chargers along, too!
5. Toiletries
These are essential to take on the plane, as is your toothbrush and toothpaste. You need to be 100% sure to have toiletries with you in case your suitcase isn’t at my final destination. This also includes makeup, depending on what your itinerary is upon arrival.
6. Skin Hydration
Take a lip moisturizer and face cream along. Flights can be very dehydrating, so set yourself up for success and look refreshed when you land. Drinking water in route will help, too.
7. Something to Do
Yes, there are lots of movies on flights. Therefore, take headphones (although many flights offer disposable ones, and the new iPhone plug won’t work). Have a book for really lengthy flights.
Consider taking a notebook and pen if you want to jot a few things down or journal. Some hobbies are great for on the go like knitting or drawing. Consequently, it’s all in what you like to do.
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Create a comfortable space for yourself while you are traveling by plane.
8. Comfy Essentials
No ultimate carry-on packing list would be complete without a few creature comforts. That could be a travel pillow, neck roll, sleeping mask, and a blanket or large scarf to keep warm. You may look a bit crazy, but you’ll arrive well-rested and ready to go.
9. ID, Wallet, and Passport
Anything that you need for identification and normally carry in a purse, is essential to take along. You will need to show your ID, and a credit card is also handy. If you have cash, store it safely, and also keep your ID close and secure.
10. PPE
Yes, if you are traveling nowadays, it’s essential to think about the health of yourself and others. That means taking a mask and taking hand sanitizer (TSA approved size in your toiletry bag).
11. Snacks
Airport food can be expensive, and you’ll probably be satisfied with just a snack bar or trail mix. Keep treats close at hand so that you can easily grab them when hunger strikes.
What’s on your ultimate carry-on packing list?
What is on your carry-on packing list for long flights or short trips? Are you always tweaking your list and wondering what to pack in your carry-on bag for flights? We’d love to hear any ideas you may have in the comments below!
Love our ultimate carry-on packing list? Save it!
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Photos: Holly Ann Photography, Nappy, Gabrielle Henderson, Gustavo Fring, Ethan Sykes
JamieNo matter how many times I travel I always refer to my trusty carry-on packing list, because inevitably I’ll forget something otherwise! And great shot out on the tip of checking your luggage size, I’ve fallen foul of this one too many times with different airlines having different rules. The refillable water bottle is my must have on any length flight, staying hydrated is so crucial when traveling and it’s easy to forget. I also love you called out a change of clothes, too often I find travelers forget this critical piece, or at the very least a pair of clean knickers. Great list!
Chloe BeaverLoved this! Great comprehensive tips. My favorite packing hack is using shampoo/conditioner/body wash bars instead of liquids. It’s more sustainable, so easy to pack and travel with (don’t have to worry about travel size bottles or liquid measurements), and works just as well. Thanks for sharing!
MikeWe also have the following in our carry on. A snack + noise cancelling headphones and a music player that isn’t our cell phone + hand sanitizer and extra masks + a few of airplane size booze bottles….just in case 😉
LilyThis is good to know, as I’ve never traveled in an airplane. Pinning this for the future!
Debra SchroederI’m a carry-on gal. I can’t remember the last time I checked a bag, maybe a couple years ago because I was brining back wine. I keep everything in my carry-on so it can get quite heavy. I pack lots of snacks for myself in case I need something once I land and chocolate for the crew.
Ummi NadrahI only bring carry-ons when I travel, so yes, I do have all of these comfort items with me on a flight. Most important for me are lipbalm, eye mask, a book, some snacks, and a light jacket. Also, toothpaste and toothbrush if it’s an overnight flight.
Neely MoldovanYES! My husband always laughs at me about the change of clothes but I love to be prepared.
blair villanuevaI’ve learned to pack minimalist to save me from paying extra. But due to COVID, I have to update my packing list including the safety and sanitary items that I usually need. Hope we can travel overseas soon!
Ami BhatCheck, check and all check! I have all of these in my pack. In addition to this, my camera kit also, comes in. Good that you have put it all together in this list. I will now use this to cross check in case I have forgotten anything
Shreya SahaThis is actually a pretty cool list of things to carry. Chargers and headphones are super essential for me of course along with the mobile because of mobile camera. Hydration kit is also very important. Mask and sanitizer has become a part of our everything.
Trisha VelarminoSuch a complete list! Also, I find number eight super important for long travels, since sometimes we under estimate confort and neck pain by trying to liberate bag space. When it comes to posture, it´s worth it to carry one more item in order to have a good time and energy after getting down of the plane!