Packing for a trip is exciting….but it can also be overwhelming. With a little planning and a good list of what to pack in a carry-on bag, you can maximize space in your bag of choice and still stay within airline requirements when flying. What’s more, you’ll have all your travel essentials close by and accessible, as well as some extras to make the journey more enjoyable. Utilizing your carry-on bag and personal item capacity can even reduce baggage fees and decrease lost baggage incidents, which is a bonus these days!
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Travel wallet (with travel documents and credit cards)
A good travel wallet is essential. It is a easy way to make sure you have credit cards, identification and any travel documents close to you at all times. If you’re planning to keep your bag under the seat in front of you, a zip closure RFID wallet is keeps cards and documents organized and safe. If you prefer to put your bag in one of the overhead bins, a travel neck wallet is a great way to keep your cards and documents on your body. Whichever option you choose, you want a wallet that is easy to find during check-in, security screenings, boarding and customs, along with RFID security to avoid having your personal information stolen while traveling.
Passport holder
If you’re traveling internationally, a passport holder can secure your passport and make it easy to find in your carry-on bag. You’ll need access to your passport when you board your flight and when you’re filling out entry forms, so keep the passport holder and a pen within reach. Many styles include room for credit cards, boarding passes, and customs documents to keep all the necessary items organized for customs and boarding your flight. Once you arrive at your destination, put the passport wallet in your crossbody or travel belt to ensure the essentials are safe while you explore and/or get to your hotel.
RFID Blocking Card
Thieves are everywhere. Simply place your credit/debit cards or any other RFID-enabled contactless Smart Cards near a RFID Blocking Card and you’re safe and ready to go.
Phone Holder
360° Versatility Flexible Viewing: This airplane travel essentials phone holder offers 360° rotation and multi-angle adjustment, perfect for in-flight use. Enhance your in-flight experience by effortlessly tailoring the position for movies, reading, or checking flight information.Experience the freedom of capturing high-quality videos and photos effortlessly, wherever your adventures take you
This is another great option for both your phone and a tablet. The FLIGHT FLAP mobile phone holder for desk and travel folds and bends to adjust to your device but retains its shape and secures your device at any angle, anywhere.
Jet Lag Remedy
Magnesium won’t cure jet lag—but it can help you fall asleep faster and feel more relaxed while your body adjusts, which makes a big difference when traveling.
The Boiron Jet Lag Relief Kit is a homeopathic travel remedy designed to ease common symptoms of jet lag
Travel size toiletries
TSA is a real stickler for this. They will search your bag (delaying you getting to your plane) and remove anything that does not meet the requirements. REMEMBER….no liquid over 3oz!
I like to use TSA approved containers. There are many to choose from, I find these useful. Plus….they come in a plastic bag that will protect against any leaks that might happen. (Click on the picture for a direct link to the product.)
I have just started using this pocket-sized toothbrush with toothpaste in the bristles. It is specifically designed to provide quick and easy oral care on the go. Each toothbrush is individually wrapped, so no need to worry about it getting dirty.
Tech cord organizer
Keep your charging cords organized and easy to find. Nothing worse than have your phone or tablet die and not charger! This organizer is two sided and holders a LOT of cords and plugs.
Portable Phone Charger
Nothing is worse than having your phone die while traveling. I use this portable charger with a build in foldable USB-C connector .
Pop Socket Card Wallet
This pop socket wallet is a sleek and secure way to carry your credit cards and ID along with your phone. Magnetically attaches to your phone. It has an attached phone grip, so you can avoid phone drops and kickstand your phone. Holds up to 3 cards and is RFID protected.
Wireless AirFly Connector
Wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment while traveling. Use your AirPods, earbuds or wireless headphones anywhere with no more cords in the way. AirFly
Prescription medications
Always keep your prescription medicines with you….do not put in checked luggage. I love to use a pill organizer.
Traveling for a longer time and need more storage? These color-coded pouches make it easy to organize medication by day, time, or family member.
Travel Jewelry Case
Along the same lines, DO NOT PACK YOUR JEWELRY IN CHECKED LUGGAGE! I always keep all my jewelry in my carryon bag, so that I know where it is at all times. I have found this jewelry case works really well.
Another great option for jewelry is this grain leather jewelry storage box that includes 12 velvet transparent storage bags. It can be carried separately or placed inside the jewelry box to prevent jewelry oxidation affect the use.
Sea Pass Card Holder
What do you use to carry your sea pass card? Many people use a lanyard to keep it easily accessible. I like to use a smaller crossbody bag to hold my sea pass, phone, chapstick and hand sanitzer. You will want to have something in your carry on, since you will be receiving your card as soon as you board.
Sea Sick Patches
Do you suffer from motion sickness? These sea sick patches will make your travel experience more enjoyable. AND….they are Capt Kate and crew member approved! These are the exact same ones she uses when sailing, flying and in the car.
Hand Sanitizer
If you are like me and have sensitive skin, an effective yet gentle hand sanitizer is a must have item. I have found Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer to work best for me. AND…it comes in lots of great scents!
Airplane Tray Cover
Okay, this thing is genius. I wish it had been available when our kids were young! It slips over the tray and provides several pockets for your phone, computer, book, etc. AND…it gives you a clean, sanitary surface for snacks and drinks. Machine washable. Tray cover
Travel blanket/pillow
I like to bring a compact, lightweight, pocket sized blanket when we travel. Airplanes and even cars can get cold. This can also be used as a pillow and is one of my essential trip items.
Prefer just a neck pillow? This is an excellent choice – our daughter who is a crew member uses this all the time when traveling and even in her cabin.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Staying hydrated while traveling is SUPER important. I love these space-saving roll-able and collapsible water bottles. While obviously convenient on the cruise ship, even more than that I love how they don’t take room in my luggage or beach bag when not being used.
And to help with hydration and immune support, I use Liquid I.V. packets. They taste great and provide 2x faster hydration than water alone. It comes in lots of delicious flavors…just mix in your water bottle and go!
Chapstick
Airplane air is very drying. So is the sun! A good chapstick is essential. Use one with SPF to protect you lips. I’ve used Burt’s Bees for years!
Hand Lotion
Keep your hands protected also. I love all the products from Old Whaling Company, which is based in Charleston, South Carolina. All products are hand made in South Carolina, vegan, gluten free and never tested on animals This moisturizing body butter hydrates the skin without leaving an oily residue I keep this in my carryon, my everyday bag AND by my bed! They have lots of wonderful scents. Coastal Calm reminds me of the ocean.
Apple Air Tags
I always put an AirTag in my carry on and in my everyday bag. If something happens and it gets lost or stolen, you can quickly locate it and retrieve if possible (if stolen, get police assistant to retrieve).
I use a fun, colorful AirTag holder to attach them to the inside of my bags.
Perfume Atomizer
I love to wear perfume every day but hate carrying around a big bottle when I travel. I found this travel atomizers to be answer. Just fill at home and drop in your carryon.
Tablet or Computer
Keep yourself entertained. I like to load books, movies and games onto my iPad. AirPods are a good idea too….no one wants to listen to their neighbors entertainment.
Change of clothes
Unless you are doing carry on only, it is smart to bring along a change of clothes in case your luggage goes missing. Who wants to arrive at your destination and not have clear clothes for the next day.
Travel Journal
I love having a detailed journal of my cruise. Keep track of every detail: your route, location, weather, plans at sea, plans on the shore, evening shows to see, memories, friends made, and more.
What do you pack all this in?
I have several bags that I use for different types of travel.
If checking bags and you only need something to take on the plane, it is nice to have a smaller bag with swivel wheels that fits under the seat. This bag is my all-time favorite…so many great storage options and fits a large computer. Available in several colors.
My daughter uses this one from London Fog. As a cruise crew member, she travels a lot and really likes the storage.
If only using a carryon and not checking bags, it is nice to have a larger roller bag with plenty of storage. I just recently started to do carryon only for shorter trips and have found this one by TravelPro works really well.
Along with this, I like to use another bag that fits over the trolley handle. I use this for all the things I want easy access to while traveling. It has lots of great storage and a padded computer sleeve.
I recently used this laptop bag while traveling in Europe. It has TONS of storage and a zipper top closure.
Prefer a backpack style bag? This one is sturdy, has tons of storage and stylish. It also has a sleeve to fit over the handle of your suitcase.
What not to pack in a carry-on bag
When packing a carry-on bag or suitcase, it’s important to note that some items are prohibited on all flights, due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The prohibited list includes aerosol products (such as anti-static spray or pepper spray), lithium or lithium-ion batteries (be sure to disconnect them if they are built into your luggage), firearms and ammunition, flammables and explosives. For more details on what you can and can’t pack in your carry-on, visit the TSA’s What Can I Bring? and the FAA’s Pack Safe websites.
I hope this helps you decide what to pack in your carryon bag. If you have any suggestions, please comment below.
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