No matter where in the world I travel, my carry-on packing list is nearly always the same. I almost always bring a personal item and a carry-on suitcase to ensure I have everything I need for a comfortable flight.
Wondering what to pack in a carry-on bag for a flight? Or, what to pack in a carry-on for an international flight?
This guide has you covered with essentials to ensure you arrive at your destination well-rested and ready to go!
And don’t miss my affordable must-have travel products.
At a glance, here are my top things to pack in a carry-on:
Keep scrolling for a complete breakdown of my favorite travel bags, plus everything else to put in your carry-on!
Carry-On Luggage
Most airlines offer passengers a personal bag and carry-on luggage. Here are my recommendations for the best “personal item” backpacks & totes and carry-on luggage!
Backpack (Personal Item)
- Brevite The Runner: I have a ton of camera equipment (and computer stuff), so this is my go-to carry-on for every trip. I love this backpack because it is a functional, compact, and lightweight camera backpack that can also be an everyday backpack for commuting, work, travel, and anything in between.
- Monos Metro Backpack: It’s chic, water-resistant, made of ultra-microfibre vegan leather. You can “build” what you need with their QuickSnap™ Modular Kit System and use them interchangeably with the Metro Backpack and Metro Duffel!
- No Reception Club The Getaway Bag: This is a total game changer for moms. It’s beautifully designed with smart organization and easy-access compartments so you can change, feed, and entertain your little one on any journey.
The Sidekick
No Reception Club
If you’re traveling with young kids, this is one of those bags you’ll be grateful for a hundred times over while traveling. It works as both a hip pack and a dopp kit, keeping toiletries, wipes, and diapers neatly organized. The compartments make mid-flight diaper changes in cramped lavatories so much easier, and the water-resistant interior allows for quick cleanups on the go.
Shop Now
Tote (Personal Item)
These are some of my favorite totes (instead of a backpack) to carry on as a personal item. Be mindful that while the most common personal item size limit is 18 x 14 x 8 inches, not every airline is the same, so be sure to confirm!
- Lo & Sons O.G. 2: I love this tote as I can easily access my laptop, Kindle, and more. It fits all the essentials: laptop, water bottle, snacks, and more.
- Monos Metro Duffel: This sleek, water-resistant duffel is lightweight, has a cross-body strap, and “a place for everything.” It has room for a laptop, and the inner side pockets are perfect for keeping your water bottle.
I also love that both these duffels have suitcase sleeves so you can attach them to the handle of your suitcase.
Weekender (Carry-On Luggage)
If you prefer soft luggage to a carry-on suitcase, these are some of my favorite duffels and weekenders for travel! Regardless of the brand you pick, always look for a spacious interior with plenty of room for all your essentials.
- The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel: Designed like a cubby system that keeps everything organized, which is a lifesaver when you’re packing for you and your little ones. There’s a spot for shoes or laundry, an insulated pocket for snacks or a water bottle, and plenty of ways to carry it, from tossing it over your shoulder to wearing it as a backpack. Best of all, it folds completely flat for storing.
- Beis Weekender: Another great choice if you like a sleek, structured style. It has a separate bottom compartment that’s perfect for shoes or toiletries, and the trolley sleeve makes it easy to slip over your suitcase when you’re travelling with multiple bags.
Suitcase (Carry-On Luggage)
If you’re bringing a carry-on suitcase, these are some of my favorites! Regardless of the suitcase you pick, always look for pieces that have spinner wheels—having four wheels and the ability to roll your carry-on upright is a game changer.
- Monos Carry-On Pro Plus: A favorite because of the padded external pocket. This is a great option for light packers who want to combine their personal item with a carry-on and only travel with one bag. The only downside for me is that it’s not expandable. So, in the case your airline allows a larger bag as a carry-on, you’re limited to one size.
- Beis The Carry-On: This suitcase is expandable and has a convenient retractable bag-attach-strap that I often use to carry my hats with a hat clip. It also has a built-in weight indicator on the side handle, so you know if you’ve overpacked.
Both brands make some of the highest-quality and most beautiful luggage on the market, so you really can’t go wrong with either!
Liquid Pouches
- TRUFFLE TSA-approved cases and pouches are my go to for my carry-on liquids when packing for a flight. They’re beautiful and made from high-quality materials so they’ll last for years to come. I’ve had mine for over 6 years now and they still look brand-new!
My favorites are the standard-size Clarity Jetset Case and the small-sized Clarity Pouch — both adhere to TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids!
In-Flight Sleep Essentials
Some airlines don’t offer pillows, blankets, or any amenities to passengers unless they’re in business or first class. It’s always best to be prepared with your own comforts to make the journey as smooth as possible!
CURVD Earplugs
Everyday Earplugs
Never underestimate the joy of traveling with a good set of earplugs! They will not only make your flight more enjoyable but could save your sanity on your trip. As a light sleeper and someone who is sensitive to loud noises, I always travel with my CURVD earplugs. Grab the case clip to easily attach your CURVD earplugs to your purse or bag. They’re sustainable, stylish, comfortable and offer up to -30dB noise reduction.
Shop Now
trtl Pillow
Neck + Travel Pillow
I’ve tried EVERY type of travel pillow, and the trtl Travel Pillow is by far the best of the lot. It offers good support to your neck and head, holds your head in an ergonomic position, and I love that it’s so easy to wash!
Shop Now
Manta Sleep Mask
3D Eye Mask
The most important features of a good eye mask are that it blocks out all light and isn’t too tight around your head or eyes. This Manta Sleep Eye Mask is my favorite! It is contoured for comfort and creates a complete seal around your eyes to block out the light. I swear by it.
Shop Now
Travel-Friendly Shoes & Outfit
My flight outfits change depending on my destination, but I always make sure I have the essentials that make me feel clean and refreshed (even if I’m not that well-rested). These items will keep you comfy and looking your best once you touch down!
Hands-Free Sneakers
Kizik
It might sound funny to have a preferred shoes for flying, but Kizik runners and sneakers slip on and off “hands-free,” making them my go-to shoes for travel days.
You can literally step in and out of them without your hands, which is a dream for traveling and TSA lines—especially now that I have a toddler in tow!
I have the Lima and Vegas styles and highly recommend them for ANY occasion. You can use my coupon ‘THEBLONDEABROAD10’ here.
Shop Now
Cashmere Wrap or Sweater
Quince
Finding the perfect travel layer is like finding the perfect partner. I’m not kidding. Once you find “the one,” you’ll never leave home without it. I’ve found that a long cardigan or wrap is perfect for flights.
I recommend investing in a high-quality cashmere wrap — that way you can wear it while traveling as well as at home and between trips.
Shop Now
Hat Clip
TOPTOTE
I don’t often pack my hats in my luggage because they usually get squished. Plus, an easy way to look your best after a long flight is to have a stylish piece of headwear on hand, whether it’s a baseball cap or even a beanie.
You can opt for “packable” hats meaning they can be rolled and still retain their shape!
When traveling with wide-brimmed hats, I always travel with a TOPTOTE hat clip to easily secure my hats to my bag.
Shop Now
Compression Socks
Comrad
I always pack a pair of knee-high compression socks to stay safe and comfortable on long flights. On a serious note, long flights can wreak havoc on leg health. Travel-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition which causes blood clots following long-haul air travel.
Studies have concluded that airline passengers who wear compression stockings during flights of four hours or more can significantly reduce their risk of DVT as well as leg swelling. Look for socks with a level of 8-20 mmHg to add to your carry-on list.
Shop Now
Travel-Friendly Snacks
Most airlines serve up a couple of options for snacks or meals on board, but it can vary by distance and flight time—and the quality of food is typically quite poor. I like to think of meal options as “cardboard” or “indigestion.” Always pack some snacks that you know make you feel good and satisfied, especially on long-haul flights!
Snacks
I’ll typically bring a piece of fruit, a healthy snack bar, and some raw nuts to snack on during the flight. I try to avoid high-allergen nuts like peanuts for the safety of other passengers.
Here are more TSA-Approved Snacks to Pack for Your Next Flight!
Items to Hydrate
Commercial airplanes have very low humidity, so keeping your skin and body hydrated is important. I know it’s annoying to get up and use the restroom, but trust me, your body will thank you. And your jet lag will be less severe if you stay well-hydrated!
Water Bottle
I highly recommend getting a reusable and collapsible water bottle for your travels. As much as I STAN a Stanley, traveling with them is a nightmare.
I always travel with a Vapur anti-bottle. It rolls up small enough to fit in your pocket when empty and it is leakproof. Most airports have water bottle filling stations and flight attendants will usually fill up your bottle if you ask.
Eye Patches & Cream
For me, one of the worst effects of travel is tired eyes. I’m obsessed with Patchology eye patches—they don’t slide around, and I can even sleep with them during long-haul flights! And, between using the patches, I recommend applying a hydrating eye cream throughout the flight.
Lip Balm
My favorite travel lip product is Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm—made with organic, all-natural ingredients and no nasties. It’s super hydrating with the best, smooth texture! For a more intensive lip treatment, I love Patchology Lip Service Gloss-to-Balm and their Hydrating Lip Gels.
Tinted Moisturizer
A good tinted moisturizer has the coverage benefits of a foundation and the moisturizing qualities of face lotion. My favorite, affordable option is the Tarte BB blur-tinted moisturizer with SPF 30!
Hand Lotion
I always pack a luxurious hand creme—your skin dries out so much on flights, so I use this everywhere for extra moisture!
Cleanse
Long travel days can leave you feeling unclean and uncomfortable. These items will keep you feeling fresh!
Hand Sanitizer
It’s not new news that airplanes are blanketed in bacteria. Do your best to keep clear of germs and do your part not to spread them. I love this plant-based sanitizer spray and these disinfectant hand wipes for keeping bacteria at bay.
Wipes
I love traveling with biodegradable body wipes to freshen up, they’re perfect for an array of uses while traveling. I typically pack oil-free facial cleansing wipes and organic feminine hygiene wipes on every flight. Check out my Tips for Traveling with ‘Aunt Flo’ before your next trip.
I recently became obsessed with these essential oil towelettes for a little pick-me-up too!
It may sound like a whole lotta wipe, but you’ll thank me on that 24-hour travel day with no shower!
Brighten
With limited carry-on space and limitations on liquids, it’s best to bring less makeup onboard. Here are my fav products to bring that moneymaker back to life!
Mascara
A little mascara can go a long way and can help brighten your eyes after a flight. This is a great travel-sized mascara option!
Under Eye Concealer
A good under-eye concealer should be hydrating and shouldn’t dry out and crease. I love this ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer because it helps hide imperfections, it hydrates, and it’s from one of the top clean beauty brands.
Refresh
A little freshness is a life-saver on a travel day. These items will keep you feeling refreshed both on and off your flight!
Deodorant
Do everyone a favor and reapply during your flight. I love a good natural deodorant but for carry-on regulations, an underarm deodorant wipe is also an awesome option.
Eye Drops
Sometimes, a couple of eye drops are all you need to feel refreshed after a long flight. Don’t forget to pack a bottle!
Toothbrush
I typically always pack my toothbrush on a flight, but I like single-use mini brushes for a quick brush-up. I leave them in my purse no matter where I go so I can keep my breath and smile fresh after a meal.
Spare Pair
It never hurts to pack a spare pair of undies and an extra top on long travel days.
Entertain
A long-haul flight can seem daunting, so be prepared with plenty of things to entertain yourself. Here are some ideas to keep clear of boredom!
Tablet
I love the feel of a physical book more than anything, but they can be bulky, which is why I travel with a tablet or a Kindle E-Reader. An iPad is another great option as it keeps all of your apps, music, games, and eBooks stored in one compact device.
Make sure your apps and software are updated and downloaded before you board. Look into the hundreds of travel apps before your flight to help you plan your trip and keep you busy on the flight.
Phone
If you are traveling out of the country, be sure to turn off your cellular data to avoid roaming fees. Smartphones also offer the same features as a tablet with plenty of games, books, and apps to make time go by faster.
Headphones
A good pair of headphones is a wise investment for frequent travelers. I find bulky noise-canceling headsets to be more of a fashion statement than practicality, so I sometimes opt for powerful yet compact wireless earbuds.
And if you prefer using your AirPods instead of traditional headphones that you have to plugin the in-flight entertainment screens, you have to check out the AirFly Pro! It wirelessly transmits audio from in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, gaming devices, TVs, etc., to your Bluetooth headphones.
Electronic Chargers & Adapters
Don’t forget to pack any chargers for devices that you bring in your carry-on! Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need a universal adapter for your plugs.
Don’t Forget
Everything I’ve mentioned so far is replaceable and can be purchased in most places around the world. So, don’t sweat about forgetting the small stuff.
These are the most important things to remember when thinking about what to bring in a carry on:
-
Passport and/or Identification
-
Credit Cards and/or Cash
-
Valuables
Never pack expensive items in your checked baggage, or you may never see them again. I always carry-on my camera equipment, electronics, jewelry, etc.
-
Travel Insurance
I always recommend travel insurance for every trip. I prefer World Nomads Travel Insurance because it’s completely affordable and gives me peace of mind. It covers not only my flights and baggage but also medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Read Ten Reasons to Get Travel Insurance for your Next Trip for more info!
-
Copies of Important Documents
It’s always wise to bring physical copies of your passport and any other travel documents in case of loss or theft.
-
Medications
Of course, you should always bring any medication you require in your carry-on. Keep in mind that you may be required to show proof of prescription or a Doctor’s letter for some medications. I usually bring a small pill case for general ailments such as a headache, nausea, and allergies.
-
Liquid Allowances
Don’t forget the 3-1-1 rule when packing your liquids. Liquids must be under 3.4 ounces, fit in 1 quart-sized plastic bag and you are allowed 1 bag per passenger.
Hope you found my ultimate carry-on packing list helpful for your upcoming trips.
Let me know in the comments your carry-on essentials!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone.
Great blog. I graduated college and packed my bags in 2005…haven’t stopped yet! Just a note that most airlines (maybe all, not sure) will not allow you to open your own alcohol on the plane. It must stay sealed. Too bad!
Good for you! I guess if they don’t see you open it, it wouldn’t be a problem 😉
Great list of travel necessities! I always forget to bring extra socks and always regret it!
thelifeofastudenttraveller.blogspot.co.uk