The Ultimate Carry-on Packing Guide
Not sure what to pack in your carry-on? Learn how to pack like a pro with my ultimate carry-on packing guide—covering everything from airplane essentials and handy airport tips to TSA guidelines & more. The perfect carry-on packing guide for any destination getaway.
Check out below my ultimate carry-on packing guide, including everything you will use and nothing you won’t!
CARRY-ON BAG
Depending on the type of trip, there are a few bag options you may wish to use for packing. Below are my two best go-to carry-on bags that I alternate depending on the length of the trip.
Small Suitcase
I am in love with the I Fly Fiber Tech Carry-On Suitcase. It’s amazing! I use this bag for the majority of my trips. It comes in three handy sizes a small carry-on, medium & large. You can also get the set which includes all three cases, or the two-piece set.
What I love most about this bag is the large spacing, durability & hardshell casing. The other feature I love is its super smooth 360-degree double wheels for easy transport. Plus, they recently launched a new collection featuring all-new colors and designs.
Large Tote
For smaller trips, I usually like to take a large tote with me on the plane. I got this large leather tote bag for Christmas one year, and I have been using it ever since. This bag fits everything I need, like my laptop and other travel accessories.
It has two pockets on the inside and can hold quite a bit of weight. It’s super durable and is handmade in Germany. It also comes with a sturdy shoulder strap as well.
Hot Tip! I always like to attach something colorful or different to my bags. Just in case someone else has the same, doing so will allow you to spot the difference and avoid taking home the wrong bag.
OUTFIT
I am pretty relaxed when it comes to an airplane outfit. It really depends on where I’m going, but I usually like to wear just a comfy tee and sweats. However, these other clothing items are my essentials, and I always pack them no matter where I’m going.
Cozy Sweater
No matter what, I always get cold on planes. So I always make sure that I pack a lightweight sweater in my bag so I can pull it out whenever I need it.
Compression Socks
So the first time I flew back to Australia from the United States, I had really bad swollen feet from not using compression socks. It’s so important to make sure you are walking around, creating circulation, and wearing compression socks to avoid leg health issues such as Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Studies have shown that people wearing compression socks can significantly reduce their chances of getting DVT whilst traveling.
Underwear
For a quick refresh during long-haul flights, make sure you pack a spare pair of undies in your bag. I always make sure I have a pair so I can quickly change during my flight.
Shoes
If you don’t qualify for TSA pre-check, then you will need to take off your shoes during airport security. I find it best to wear something that’s quick & easy to take off so I can head through security a lot more smoothly.
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SNACKS
Muesli bars
Airplane food isn’t always the best. Unless you are flying long-haul, you generally only get one snack during your flight. Sometimes the airline may not even provide food, so it’s always best to pack your own.
This is also handy if you have certain food requirements. I normally throw in a few RX bars and a piece of fruit. A bag of mixed nuts is always good to have as well.
Empty Water Bottle
Always make sure to bring an empty water bottle with you on the plane. Drinking loads of water will keep you hydrated and feeling less fatigued. The airline attendant is usually more than happy to fill your bottle for you.
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SLEEP
Travel Pillow & Eye Mask
Getting enough sleep on a plane can be quite difficult. Having the right pillow definitely helps to get to sleep a lot easier. Right now, my favorite travel pillow is the Roomy Roc neck pillow and Eye Mask from Slip.
This pillow is super sturdy, with great support all the way around, which I love, and it is perfect for any kind of travel. The eye mask is soft & comfy and blocks out the light really well.
Ear Plugs
I never used to wear earplugs on a plane until recently, and now I can’t travel without them. If you are a light sleeper like me, then do yourself a favor and pick up a pair of earplugs. I got mine from Amazon, and they work a treat.
BEAUTY
Low humidity on a plane can not only make your body dehydrated, but it can also take a toll on your skin.
Face Mask
I love taking face masks on a plane they make me feel so fresh and hydrated. Still loving this face mask from Glam Up. I normally pack two, one for me and a friend.
Moisturizer with SPF
Prefer a window seat? Making sure you are using an SPF moisturizer when you fly is super important. You might be unaware of the amount of UVA exposure you are getting from sitting next to the window and having the window shade up.
Seeing as you’re significantly closer to the ozone layer, the amount of UVA exposure you are getting is considerably more powerful.
Be prepared and always travel with some sort of SPF. Make sure you swap out the window seat for the aisle every now and then to reduce your chances of harsh sun exposure.
Lip Balm
Dry skin and chapped lips are not a good look. You want to keep those lips nice and moisturized. My favorite lip balms at the moment are the Drunk Elephant lip balm, Go-to Skincare Lips, a super balm, and my trusty fave, the medicated lip balm by Blistex.
*Remember the TSA liquid allowance indicates containers larger than 100ml are not accepted. Be sure to store all liquid products in a resealable transparent bag.
REFRESH
A little freshness throughout your flight can make you feel like a million bucks. These four beauty essentials will keep you feeling fresh all day long.
Mini Perfume
A little spritz of perfume can make all the difference. After sleeping or when you’re just about to land is a good time to throw on some perfume.
Facial Wipes
Flying on a plane normally means there is no shower. Pack a few facial wipes, and you will be good to go. I love these ones from Honest Beauty.
Hydrating Face Mist
This may seem a little extra however, it’s the best little pick-me-up. Anything with rose, lavender, or aloe is my favorite to use. Facial Spray is great for hydrating, soothing, and making you feel more awake and refreshed.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
I generally pack my toothbrush and toothpaste. If you do happen to forget, you can always ask the flight attendant, as they usually have some spare travel packs at the back of the plane.
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TECHNOLOGY
Long hours on a plane can get very boring. Be sure to bring enough items to entertain yourself during your flight.
Headphones
Great for watching endless amounts of movies and TV shows. Make sure you get a pair that are noise-canceling so you block out any extra noise in the background. I love these from Sennheiser, the HD 4.50 BTNC noise-canceling headphones.
Phone
With the growing rate of modern technology, phones these days usually come with games, apps, and books built-in for entertainment. Just be sure to turn your phone on airplane mode and make sure your data roaming is switched off so you don’t pile up any unwanted international roaming fees.
Chargers / Adaptors
Be sure to pack any universal adaptors or chargers you might need. There’s nothing worse than dealing with a dead phone when you arrive.
Kindle / Tablet
Great for games and reading books. I love to read actual paper-bound books personally, but I do like to watch movies or play games on my tablet.
Hot Tip! Avoid losing your cords & air pods at the bottom of your bag. Keep them all together in a handy tech organizer pouch.
MOST IMPORTANT
The below items are the most important items you can pack. Don’t stress too much if you forget some of the items above. These can easily be replaced. The most important items to bring with you are:
Passport and travel documents, Wallet and Credit Cards, Valuables (laptop, jewelry, camera, etc.) & Medication.
*Remember never to pack important or expensive items in your checked baggage. Always take these with you in your carry-on. Bags go missing every day. You don’t want to risk losing your most valuable items.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE
No matter where you are traveling to, I always recommend getting travel insurance. You will feel more at ease knowing that if something was to go wrong, you have coverage for your bag, flights, or any type of medical emergency.
I hope you found this carry-on packing guide helpful! Be sure to check out my travel shop for more amazing travel essentials, beauty guides, tips & more.
Just a heads up! This post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission that helps support this blog.
You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own, and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.
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