While many airlines have rules and restrictions around carry-on suitcases and checked luggage, practically all tickets will allow travelers to bring a personal item such as a briefcase or backpack. When travelers think about things to bring on a plane, they often overlook some basic but helpful items. Be sure to pack these in your carry-on bag (not your suitcase!) before your next flight.
1. Fully-Charged Power Bank
No more scrambling for outlet space at the airport! This device is just 10cm tall and 3cm wide but provides up to two full charges. Plus, many planes still do not have outlets at each seat. You’ll be glad you packed this if your phone or tablet runs through it’s battery life mid-flight.
Depending on the type of charger your phone and tablet use, you may need to purchase another cord to actually charge your device. Try this 4-inch iPhone charger and micro-USB charger.
2. Travel Blanket
If you’re always cold on airplanes, this compact blanket fits perfectly in the side pocket of a backpack but unrolls into a large 55″x70″ sheet that’s warmer than it looks. Plus, it comes with a convenient carrying case to keep it clean.
3. Headphones
To take advantage of the inflight entertainment, don’t forget headphones (and an adapter if you have a phone or device without a headphone jack). If you’re particularly sensitive to sounds, consider noise-cancelling headphones (or simple ear plugs!).
4. Sunglasses
If another passenger leaves their window covering open, the sun can be really bright up at 30,000 feet. Throw a pair of shades in your carry-on and be sure they are accessible during the flight.
5. Refillable Water Bottle
Being at high altitude dehydrates your body, so pack a water bottle to fill up at the airport after you clear security. This saves money and keeps plastic water bottles out of landfills. Air-insulated bottles keep water cold, but if you’re short on space, try a collapsible bottle.
6. Snacks and Gum
If there’s turbulence in flight and the cabin crew isn’t able to serve snacks, don’t be left hungry! Try easy-to-pack items like dried fruit, granola bars, nuts, pretzels, or snack mix. Chewing gum can also help equalize pressure in your ears, especially on ascent and descent.
7. Chapstick and Lotion
Because the air on planes is low in humidity, your skin can out skin quickly. Have lip balm (Burt’s Bees Ultra Conditioning is my favorite) and a 3-oz hand cream (like affordable Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Hand Cream) readily available to stay moisturized.
8. Hand Sanitizing Wipes
Instead of hand sanitizer, a travel pack of cleaning wipes like Wet Ones or Purell will save space in your liquids bag. Plus, you can use them to wipe down your seat, armrests, and tray table to kill any germs from previous flights and passengers.
9. Medication
Prescriptions are the most important, but don’t forget to pack a small bottle of over-the-counter pain reliever and allergy pills for sudden needs. Throw these in your backpack rather than your carry-on suitcase so you can reach them easily at any time.
10. Copies of Important Documents
Keep a copy of your driver’s license, passport, and visas. No one ever plans to lose their identification documents, but if it does happen, it’s much easier to work through getting replacements if you have a copy. Make hard copies or take photos of the front and back of each document.
If you’re traveling with another person, consider carrying a second copy of each other’s documentation as well (I like to text photos to my companion as a backup).
11. Entertainment
Whether you’re taking a short flight or an overnight between continents, an e-reader, tablet, book, journal, or crossword puzzle don’t take up much space. Pack something in your bag to keep you busy and entertained on the plane.
12. Travel-Sized Hairbrush
If you’ve got long hair, being able to detangle after a flight instantly feels refreshing. I also keep an extra couple of hair ties on the handle of the hairbrush, just in case I forget or break one.
13. Essential Toiletries
If you’re on an overnight flight, having some personal hygiene items will help you feel a little cleaner. A toothbrush & toothpaste, contact solution or eye drops, makeup removing wipes, and deodorant will go a long way.
14. Extra Set of Clothes
If you’re positive you’re bringing your luggage on the plane with you, this isn’t necessary. However, on some full flights, overhead bin space may fill up, requiring you to check the bag you intended to keep in your sight. In case your checked luggage is delayed (or worse, lost), you’ll be glad you packed a clean set of clothes in your backpack.
15. Valuables
Even if you’re carrying on your suitcase as well, it’s best to pack any valuables like jewelry or electronics in your personal item. If you end up needing to check your bag, you do not want to be without these, and you don’t want to have to dig through your suitcase on the jet bridge to pull items out before boarding the plane.
Ready to get packing for your next flight? Where are you headed? For inspiration, check out popular destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee or Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on the blog.
