What To Pack In A Carry On Bag – 8 Tips To Pack Everything You Need

If you’ve ever wondered what to pack in a carry on bag, look no further, we’ve got a comprehensive list of all the things you should take with you on the plane. Of course here also applies to check with your airlines for their specific rules and regulations regarding what can and cannot be taken in your cabin luggage, as well as what size and weight limits apply.

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Documents – Keep These Handy

Put all of your important documents in your hand luggage to have them handy and to prevent them from ending up being lost or stolen. These include your passport and other ID, your tickets and boarding pass, itineraries, hotel bookings, directions, as well as copies of all your important documents.

Also, take your wallet with all your credit and other bank cards, as well as some cash in the currency of your destination.

Medications – Don’t Get Caught Out

Make sure to take all of your daily medications with you on the plane, you never know whether you might get stuck in transit and won’t have access to your checked luggage or even worse, your luggage might end up in a different place to you, and in the worst case scenario, your luggage might get lost.

It might be difficult to nearly impossible to fill a script overseas. Also, take over-the-counter medications with you that you might need on the plane, such as anti-nausea tablets, sleeping tablets or just something for a headache.

Valuables – Keep It Safe

Things like your camera, jewelry, laptop or tablet, e-reader etc. all belong into your carry-on bag. Again the rule applies that you shouldn’t leave those things in your checked luggage, just in case it could get lost or broken into.

You don’t want to start your holiday or business trip by ringing your travel insurance to replace expensive items.

Of course you’d have your phone in your hand luggage as well, but also remember to take your phone charger, as it could come in handy and many airports offer power points next to seating areas.

Toiletries – Freshen Up

Some airlines provide you with a small tube of toothpaste and toothbrush on longer flights, but not all of them do so. To be on the safe and fresh side, take a travel sized tube of toothpaste and mouthwash plus a toothbrush and also some facial wipes to freshen up before you either continue onto your next flight or arrive at your destination. Also, take deodorant, some make-up and a comb or brush to tidy your hair.

Remember to check the Liquids Rule of your specific Airline. According to TSA, you are permitted to have a quart-sized bag containing liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes which you can take in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. All of these are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

If you are a wearer of contact lenses, don’t forget your travel sized contact lens solution and container for lenses, as well as your prescription glasses and/or sunglasses.

Also of good use are some tissues in travel size and some sanitizer.

Change Of Clothes – Adapt To Climate

Bring spare clothes to change into when you get to your destination, especially if it is a different climate. Take a change of underwear to freshen up. Also, always take a jacket or jumper with you as it can get cold on a plane, but don’t pack it, you can just carry it over your arm or wrap it around your waist.

Maybe a scarf might be handy too to avoid getting a sore throat from the air conditioning on the plane.

I always take swimwear just in case. Some airports have pools you can use during a longer transit and it’s heaven to stretch and swim after a long flight.

Another item I always take, which doesn’t take much room, are flip-flops. They are handy when going to the bathroom while you’re in your comfortable socks on the flight, as well as easy to change into once you arrive at your warm destination.

Comfort – Make The Best Of Your Flight

To have a more comfortable experience during your flight, take an inflatable neck pillow to avoid neck stiffness and to keep from nodding off and ending up on your neighbour’s shoulder for support.

An eye mask will keep those annoying little reading lamps shut out and help you catch up on some sleep, or at the least aid in getting some rest. Your eyes will thank you, especially as the air conditioning can cause dry eyes.

Ear plugs will also help you to doze off and you won’t have to hear your neighbour snort over the latest funny movie.

Last but not least take a bottle of water, buy it after the security check. The water bottles on a plane are rather small and won’t keep you hydrated for long. Take a snack as well to get through the wait for the next complimentary meal or until your flight arrives at destination.

Entertainment – Don’t Get Bored

To keep you from getting bored, take some magazines to keep you entertained until the inflight entertainment system is ready to go or until you can use your devices again.

Take your favourite book on your e-reader or listen to the audio book version, or maybe buy the latest book from one of the outlets at the airport; pocket version of course.

Games are a good idea to keep you and your family busy during the flight.

If you are on a business flight and have emails to answer or documents to read through, this is a great opportunity to get some work done.

Remember

Always check which items are allowed to be taken in your carry-on and which aren’t. Contact your airline for details.

You can also check out my post about what not to pack in a carry on bag. 

Write a packing list to remember all your important items. Lay out all of your items before packing and tick them off.

Safe and enjoyable travels!