Heading to your next adventure? Don’t forget to pack these essential items in your carry-on luggage!

A Travel Agent’s Must-Have Packing List For A Comfortable Flight

Are you tired of forgetting crucial items when you travel? Packing can be daunting, especially regarding your carry-on bag, which holds the in-flight essentials for a comfortable journey. Over years of travel and learning from my packing mistakes, I’ve refined my carry-on packing list to ensure I have everything nearby. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a novice explorer, here are the top items that always find a place in my carry-on bag.

This page contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission.  Learn More

My Bag

Before we take a deep dive into what I carry in my bag, let’s take a moment to discuss the bag itself. I am not talking about the roller bag you put in the overhead compartment. That’s a conversation for another time. Today, we are discussing the carry-on bag you keep under the seat in front of you. This way, all the items you need during your flight are always accessible.

Since this bag will share valuable space with your feet, you may want to keep the size down as much as possible. I am only 5 feet tall, so I don’t require much leg room, and I like to carry a larger bag to hold all the extra things I may pick up during my travels, so my preferred backpack is a bit larger. I am also a woman of comfort and convenience, not known for packing light. I think convenient pockets are essential to look for in a bag. I especially look for that convenient outside zipper pocket to stash my passport and phone at the last second before throwing it all on the TSA conveyor belt. I also want a deep side pocket to keep my reusable water bottle, as I prefer it is on the outside of my bag in case it leaks.  It is also essential that the straps be thick so they are easy to carry. Finally, it must have a strap to securely fasten it to my roller bag when walking around the airport. I have recently tossed my traditional backpack because it wouldn’t attach to the roller bag.  Who wants to carry something when you can roll it!?  Am I right? Buy On Amazon This is the bag I am currently obsessed with. It checks all the boxes. It has a front pocket to keep my travel documents and phone handy, a deep side pocket for my water bottle, tons of organization, and a strap to attach to my roller bag. The bonus is it’s an adorable and stylish bag.

 Travel Documents:

First and foremost, never leave home without your travel documents. Before leaving for the airport, check to be sure they are in your bag, then double-check, and then check again for good measure. This includes your passport, boarding pass, travel insurance details, and necessary visas. Be sure to keep them organized and easily accessible so you can breeze through security checks and immigration. I love this passport case because it has slots to keep a credit card, some cash, and my Global Entry card. It also has a pouch that holds a luggage tracker, which is handy if you forget things in security or leave your bag behind when using the restroom.

Passport Pouch:

Buy On Amazon

Headphones:

Block out the noise of the bustling airport or the hum of airplane engines with a pair of quality headphones. Opt for noise-canceling ones for an immersive audio experience, especially during long flights. Earbuds are also handy for blocking out that chatty woman next to you, watching an in-flight movie, or listening to your “relaxation.” playlist to catch a nap. The problem with earbuds is one of the things that can be easily lost at the bottom of your bag. I love this earbud case with a clip to hook it on my bag.

Ear Bud Case:

Buy at Amazon

Snacks:

Avoid the overpriced and often uninspiring airport food by packing your favorite snacks. Granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, or even sandwiches can stave off hunger during long layovers or delays. Lately, my travel snack and guilty pleasure of choice has been gummy worms.

Reusable Water Bottle:

Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your journey. Many airports now have refill stations, helping you save money and reduce plastic waste. I prefer one that is insulated, thin, and has a straw.

Tip:

You may want to disconnect the straw when not in use, as the atmospheric pressure can cause your water to leak out of your straw. Buy at Amazon

Lip Balm:

The air on a plane is super dry and dehydrating. The perfect environment for chapped lips. Here is what I am currently loving as it is super moisturizing and seems to hold up to the dryness in the plane. Buy at Amazon

Toiletries:

Pack a small pouch with travel-sized toiletries like toothpaste, a toothbrush, facial wipes, hand sanitizer, moisturizer or moisture spray, and a travel-size deodorant. Freshen up during layovers or after a long flight to feel rejuvenated.  I pack these all together in a small toiletry bag to pull them out and take them to the restroom. The one I like is sized perfectly, and one side is clear in case you need to pull it out for the TSA.

Toiletry Bag:

Buy at Amazon The air on a plane is super dry and dehydrating. The perfect environment for dry skin. Here is a link to the Elf’s Holy Hydration spray that I am loving right now, as it is super moisturizing and convenient to carry. Buy at Amazon A few other items in my pouch include this moisturizing spray for a quick spritz when my face is feeling dry, the hand sanitizing wipes that smell amazing, and the covers for my toothbrush that doesn’t take up much space.

Steripod Toothbrush Cover:

Buy at Amazon

Sanitizing Wipes:

These Orange Bergamont sanitizing wipes smell amazing. I love this moment of luxury. Buy at Amazon

Entertainment:

Whether it’s a book, e-reader, tablet, or puzzle book, having something to entertain yourself is crucial, especially during long flights or delays. Choose something that can keep you engaged for hours without an internet connection. I always have a book handy, usually a quick and engaging read.  All the recommendations have worn me down, so my current pick is “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas. Here is the link if you want to give it a go! Buy at Amazon

This is one of my new favorite in-flight gadgets. It attaches your phone to the seat back tray so you can watch movies at eye level to avoid that stiff neck from looking down for two hours. I have used this on my last few flights and love it! It only takes a small amount of valuable space in your bag.

Phone Holder:

Buy at Amazon

Charging Cords and Portable Charging Devices:

Don’t forget to pack the chargers for all your electronic devices and a good quality portable charging device. Some planes now have charging capabilities, but unless you are traveling business class, this is not likely, and you don’t want to run out of juice in the middle of a movie! I pack my phone, chargers, watch chargers, camera chargers, earbud chargers, and laptop chargers together in an organizer to save space and prevent them from getting tangled. This way, I know where everything is if I need to reach for a cord quickly. I have linked my cord organizer and portable charging device below.

Cord Organizer:

Buy at Amazon

Portable Charging Device:

Buy at Amazon

Medications:

Don’t forget any essential medications you may need during your journey. Never pack medications in your checked baggage if you and your bags get separated. You also want to have them handy if you have any issues on the flight. Always check the rules of your destination because some countries do not allow pain medication, muscle relaxers, and a few others. Never pack more medication than you need for your travel days, plus a few extra days.  Always carry a copy of your prescription, especially when traveling internationally. I carried printed prescriptions for a long time, but now everything I carry shows in my pharmacy app, so I can prove it has been prescribed. Here are the links for the small one I carry in my backpack with anything I could need while on my flight, and the other I pack in my roller bag with daily prescriptions and things I may need on my trip. Buy at Amazon

Change of Clothes:

Pack a spare set of clothes, including underwear and socks, in case of unexpected delays or lost luggage. Even if I am checking a bag, I pack a few items of necessary clothing in my roller bag to hold me over for a day or two if my luggage doesn’t make it to my destination. I do not pack enough clothing in my carry-on bags to justify using compression bags or packing cubes, but they save valuable space when used in a roller bag. I always carry a few items in my backpack to keep me comfortable during my flight, such as socks, underwear, and a sweater or hoodie. I will pack an additional outfit for long-haul flights.

---

So here is your sneak peek into what is in my carry-on bag. By including these carry-on essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for any travel scenario that comes your way. Remember to tailor your packing list to your destination and personal preferences, but these essentials are an excellent starting point for stress-free travels. Happy travels! If you found this list helpful, share it with your fellow travelers. And for more travel tips and inspiration, stay tuned to our blog for future updates. Safe travels!