How many times have you asked yourself while packing: should I place this item in my carry on or check-in bag? Fret not – you’re not alone! I have found myself in this dilemma time and again. That’s why I am writing this travel resource. These are the top 30 items you should carry in your carry-on luggage, and 7 items you should not carry.
Disclaimer – Some products below contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a small commission if you buy from these links, but at no additional cost to you.
Essential items for your carry-on bag
These items are absolute essentials that you need to take with you. They offer the most value to make your flight a breeze.
1. Refillable compressible water bottle (with filter)
Do you find yourself having to trash your water bottle as you enter the security line? And then buying bottled water after crossing the security check? Save your money and get a refillable water bottle instead. You can compress it when not in use (hello, space saving hack!) and fill it up after you cross security.
My favorite bottle is this functional one from Amazon available in a wide array of colors. Another option ideal for outdoor trips is this one with a filter!
2. Sanitizer
If there’s anything that the Covid pandemic has taught us, it’s to never underestimate the power of a tiny hand sanitizer. I don’t think I can bring myself to travel without a hand sanitizer anytime soon.
These refillable bottles are perfect for travel!
3. Wallet
This is a self explanatory one. Do not, I repeat, do not leave it behind on your entryway table.
4. Noise-canceling Headphones
This is one item which may be costly, but I can’t stress how much it has saved me. During long flights with bawling babies and their sheepish parents, you will be thankful for a set of noise canceling headphones. You obviously can’t blame the kiddos for having a rough time, but you can prepare for them!
My Bose headphones have been in my essentials list for the last 4 years which I highly recommend! Whether you pick this one, or another, I can confirm that they will make it to your essentials list very quickly.
5. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are seriously one of the most underrated but essential items to carry with you in your travels. No matter what my destination is, I usually find myself reaching for them often. If you wear prescription glasses, this is a must!
6. Compression socks
Sometimes, long flights can cause swelling in your legs since you remain in a sitting position for a long duration. This swelling can be combated by using compression socks.
This set from Amazon has been a lifesaver for me! An added bonus is that you can also use them at the gym too!
7. Phone charger
Place it in the front of your carry-on bag where you can easily access it during your flight. Trust me, you’ll want to take it in and out.
8. Layers of clothing
Make sure you have layers on or in your carry-on bag to easily access them once you enter the freezing flight. To keep myself nice and toasty, I usually carry my trusty Patagonia jacket. It makes for a nice flight companion, plus is super useful in all outdoor activities I do at my destination!
Wear your bulkiest layer on the flight to save on baggage weight and space. Once you enter the flight, you can shed those layers and store them in front of your seat, or in an overhead bin!
Travel docs for your carry-on
Travel documents are absolutely some of the most important items for you to carry with you! Any time I travel, this is the section I worry about the most! Use my list below to create your own, and add your items depending on your travel lifestyle.
9. Passport / ID
Whether flying international or domestic, you will definitely need to carry some type of identification on you.
10. Visa or Travel document
When flying internationally, you need to carry a visa or some type of travel document. Always double check that you are carrying all required documentation required by the country you are visiting.
11. Medical Insurance
I was initially annoyed when I had to produce evidence of medical insurance on my first Europe trip. But with age comes wisdom (sigh). And now I know that this is something I will always highly recommend for all travel. Being able to have that piece of mind when you go enjoy yourself is truly priceless! I have used Geo Blue for many international trips and although, have not had to use them (thankfully), I’d recommend them for their competitive rates.
12. Medication
Always important, but something some of us forget (guilty!). Consider also carrying a small first aid kit especially if you intend to be outdoors or with kids.
Entertainment and Tech
Alright, this is probably the most fun part of the travel planning. You get to decide what will keep you awake in the connecting airport in the middle of the night.
13. Tablet or Laptop
Entertainment is not always guaranteed when flying. Also, you can’t always rely on the entertainment system on the flight to work. So, it is best to have some entertainment of your own. Download your favorite series from Netflix on your tablet before you leave your house.
14. Book or Kindle
I love reading books on a flight. All the better if it is a physical book! But a light paper-white Kindle is a great choice too!
15. Camera and charger
You’re going to be on vacay, and you’re most likely carrying a camera (expensive or otherwise). Make sure to pack it in your carry-on bag to avoid any mishaps with your checked baggage.
Additionally, don’t forget to pack your other electronic items such as a camera stand, Gimbal stabilizer and /or GoPro, if you love to take plenty of photos and videos.
All your expensive electronic gear should be in your carry-on bags to minimize the change of damage.
Subscribe to my list and get travel tips and ideas!
Skin care and Make up
This section contains all the essential skincare products and make-up items for your carry-on I’d recommend you pack. They will help you emerge looking fresh-faced and your airport look on point.
16. Deodorant
This one is obvious!
17. Make-up
I generally like to carry a couple of make-up items to look fresh and somewhat less bleary-eyed if I have a long haul flight in front of me. And it usually includes eyeliner and lipstick or lip gloss.
18. Lip balm
A lip balm is a must! Trust me, your soft, non-chapped lips will thank me later. I stan this one from Burt’s Bees and if you get it, you will too.
19. Face wipes/ fresheners
To get the bleary eyed look off your face once you land! This soothing one from Burt’s Bees (yup, I really like them!) made with clean products will make you look fabulous and awake in no time!
20. Moisturizer
Thanks to the extra cold air in the airports and flights, my skin is usually screaming for moisture at the end. Take some moisturizer or hand cream to give your skin some relief.
21. Sunscreen
If you are heading to a beach or sunny destination (lucky you!) don’t forget your sunscreen. This is especially true if you travel to a place that recommends using reef-safe sunscreen (eg. Hawaii) and you can bet that it’ll be crazy expensive at your destination!
22. Refillable Bottles for sunscreen and moisturizer
Speaking of sunscreen, this nifty little refillable set contains different sized bottles for different needs. For the sunscreen and moisturizer I mentioned above (shampoo and conditioner should go inside your checked bag), pack some from home and you’ll be all set.
These bottles are really helpful if you use expensive or hard-to-find products. In fact, consider buying your reef-safe sunscreen at home, and use the bottles to fill to your desired amount.
23. Toothbrush and toothpaste
You know you need these. In addition, if you want to keep your dentist happy, throw in some floss as well.
If you are planning to take your hiking boots on a trip, wear them in your flight and save space.
Miscellaneous items for your carry-on
This section contains all the items for your carry-on bag that are nice to have. However, they have helped me in different situations many times and you should consider packing them.
24. Mouth freshener
First of all, you will most likely catch up on your beauty sleep in your flight. Feel extra fresh with a mouth freshener after you wake up from your snoozing.
25. Tissues
Next up are tissues. The cold temperature in the airport and the flight makes my nose runny. So, a pack of tissues are super handy.
26. Hair tie
Don’t you just hate it when you’re about to eat, look down at your plate, but your long hair gets in the way? Me too! Pack a hair tie and avoid those pesky hair-on-your-face moments! My favorite is this spiral hair tie that keeps my ponytail in good shape minus the painful hair breakage.
27. Eye mask
Wanna feel extra bougie? Get yourself an eye mask and catch some snoozes on your flight. This is essential if you get a seat next to the restrooms (my condolences). And you can bet people will be going in and out the entire duration of the flight, and blinding you every.single.time.
This one made from 100% mulberry silk is full of rave reviews and will undoubtedly make you feel so fancy!
28. Clear plastic bag
I have found it helpful to pack my liquids in a clear plastic bag. This makes it easily retrievable while going through security. Interestingly, I have noticed that US airports don’t really ask to remove liquids (and even if they do, if you leave something in your bag no one gives you grief). But, in other countries, they are a stickler for this rule! Get this TSA approved clear bag and you won’t need to worry about liquids in your carry-on.
29. Foldable Slippers
We fly economy most of the time, and slippers are an upgrade we don’t usually get lol. These adorable ones (men’s linked here) are even machine washable! Once you are inside the airplane, take off your shoes and slip these on. When not in use, fold and pack them away.
30. Spare set of underwear
Confession time: I forget about this from time to time, but an extra pair of underwear is super helpful if your bags get lost. Best to go shopping in your destination with a change of clothes!
Bonus - Snacks!
I dunno about you, but I definitely like nibbling from time to time. My favorites to pack are cereal bars.
Items to NOT bring in your carry-on bag
On the flip side, there are 7 things I do not recommend taking in your carry-on bag, or wearing to the airport.
1. Expensive stuff
Expensive anything really, like luxury bags or jewelry, will have you constantly worrying about them. The only exception is electronics that you need for photography or videography.
2. Shoes with laces
You will be required to take them off during security check, which can be annoying and time consuming.
3. Belts
Alright, for some of us, this might be necessary. But belts that are purely decorative? Ditch them! You will be asked to remove it during security and you don’t wanna deal with the hassle.
4. Earrings
Same as above, you may be asked to take them off.
5. Metallic Hair clips
I have actually been asked many-a-time, “What’s that in your hair”, while being scanned in. And I had to show the officer that it was just an innocent little hair clip. Forego this minor hiccup and go hair clip free.
6. Bottled water
Bottled water will be confiscated during your security check. Ditch it, and opt for a refillable bottle instead re: my first recommendation.
7. Liquids > 100 ml or 3.4 oz
Liquids above 100 ml or 3.4 oz won’t be allowed through security. If you have any, it’s best to pack them in your check in luggage.
What about your carry-on bag?
Now, you know what items to pack in your carry-on and what items to avoid. But, what about your carry-on bag itself?
Here are some options that I recommend.
Carry-on luggage bag
Name Brand Carry-on: Samsonite 20 inch
More affordable option (I have used and loved one for 4 years now!): Amazon Basics softside
Personal Item (Laptop or Purse)
The maximum dimension for a personal item for most airlines is 18 inch * 14 inch * 8 inch. However, each airline tends to have its own restrictions. So, it is a good idea to double check the dimensions for your airline before you fly.
Here’s the best, affordable travel backpack I have found that includes compartments for electronics (laptop, tablet, etc.) as well as a section for wet items (think, shampoo, lotion, etc.). The rave reviews speak for themselves too!
So, there you go! Now that you know all about the items for your carry-on bag, and items that you should avoid, have fun packing for your next trip!
Did I miss any item you consider essential for your carry-on bag? Let me know in a comment down below, I’d love to know!
Enjoyed reading this article? Don’t forget to follow me for my latest stories!
My next trip is next week! So perfect timing for this list. Thank you so much!