17 Smart Essentials for the Ultimate Carry-on Packing List

17 Smart Essentials for the Ultimate Carry-on Packing List

Whether your packing for a long-haul flight or a short one, this carry-on packing list will fit any traveler. I created this list over the years and have added to it from various travel experiences. One in particular was when my checked bag got lost (on a direct flight) and I had to borrow my cousins clothes for a few days. Now if I’m checking a bag, I make sure that I have essentials packed in my carry-on.

Planning an international trip? Check out 18 International Travel Essentials for U.S. Citizens

My carry-on packing list:

My rule of thumb is, anything I couldn’t go a day without, comes with me on the plane. Especially if you have a long-haul flight, some toiletries can help you freshen up before landing at your destination!

1. ID, Passport, and Wallet

When flying nationally, you just need your ID and wallet. Make sure your ID is the current REAL ID with the star. If you’re ID doesn’t have a star then you will need your passport to go through security or you can renew your license to get the REAL ID.

Even if you’re flying internationally, bring your ID with you just in case, but at the airport you will only need your passport to go through security and customs.

When packing my wallet, I only bring necessary cards. Besides my ID, I bring my health insurance card, debit card, cash, and one credit card. If traveling internationally, make sure that your credit card has no foreign transaction fees!

Pro tip: When using a credit card, sometimes the machine will ask if you want to pay in USD or local currency. Always choose local currency because that will be the best conversion rate. 

These are the two best travel rewards credit cards with no foreign transaction fees!
Chase Sapphire
Capitol One Venture

2. Compression Socks

This is a new one I’ve added to my carry-on packing list. Since my husband recently had surgery to fix his ruptured Achilles tendon, his doctor recommended that he take aspirin and wear compression socks on our previously booked flight just one month after surgery.

Although surgery increases your risk for a blood clot while flying, anyone can get a blood clot because the air is so dehydrating and your sitting in one spot for a long time.

Pro tip: Get up and move around frequently on long-haul flights and wear compression socks to improve blood flow.

For travel compression socks, Bombas is the best!

3. Medications

Definitely pack your needed medications in your carry-on. If you need to take them at specific times, set reminders in your phone so you don’t miss a dose if there’s a time change. For more information on traveling with medications click here.

4. Floss, Toothbrush, and Travel Size Toothpaste

I used to always pack this in my checked bag until that one time my checked bag got lost. I know buying a toothbrush and toothpaste at your destination won’t break the bank, but having it in your carry-on saves you the trouble.

Pro tip: On long-haul flights, brush your teeth at the time you normally would to keep your body in rhythm.

One thing we do while traveling is keep up with our “bedtime routine”. Since long-haul flights typically happen overnight, we will floss and brush our teeth and wash our faces after dinner and try to sleep on the flight. Then we’ll brush our teeth again and freshen up in the bathroom before landing.

This not only helps us feel fresh and comfortable, but sticking to a “normal” schedule helps us and our toddler feel a sense of “normalcy” instead of one long endless day.

5. Face Cleansing Wipes and Travel Size Moisturizer

Sometimes after flying even short flights, my face feels dry. This is due to the cabin air being so cold and dry. A quick application of moisturizer after landing helps my face feel better!

Pro tip: Just like with brushing my teeth, on long-haul flights I also wash my face. Using a wipe makes it quick and easy to do at my seat or in the bathroom.

6. Glasses + Case, Contacts + Case, and Travel Size Contact Solution

I typically wear my glasses on a flight because of the dry air, and taking a nap (if I can) will dry out my contacts. If we’re hitting the ground running at our destination, I’ll pop in my contacts right before we land or soon after.

7. Phone

I know this one is obvious but I went on a weekend road trip once and left my phone at home!

If you are traveling internationally, make sure you have an international phone plan or an eSim app so you can use your phone.

For mobile data plans when traveling abroad try:
Airalo
Nomad

8. Kindle, iPad, or Other E-reader

Some form of entertainment for you and your child (if you’re traveling with one). If its just you and you want to pack light, your phone will probably work just as well!

9. Headphones With Bluetooth and With an Aux

Obviously you’ll want headphones to connect to your own devices, but some in-flight entertainment systems still use an aux port to connect to headphones.

My toddler and I each have a pair that connects via Bluetooth to our devices and can attach an aux so we can connect to the in-flight entertainment if our flight has it.

10. Laptop

It’s always a good idea to pack anything valuable in your carry-on. Even if you don’t plan on using your laptop on the flight, you don’t want to lose it or have it stolen from your checked bag.

11. Chargers and a Portable Charger

Don’t forget your chargers for all your devices!

Most airports and airplanes have outlets and USB ports easily accessible but sometimes they are all being used or they don’t work. Bringing a portable charger can be a life saver not only while flying, but at your destination as well.

If you are traveling internationally, don’t forget a universal power adapter! You will need one to be able to charge your electronics with your destination’s power outlets.

There is a new airline rule regarding lithium batteries. All lithium batteries must be packed in a carry on and will be confiscated if packed in a checked bag. You can use it on the flight but it must be kept visible to the flight attendants while in use. This new rule is due to lithium batteries catching fire.

12. Snacks

Healthy snacks are essential to getting through a travel day. If you’re budget conscious like me, I’d rather spend money on food at my destination, then at the airport, so bringing healthy snacks is a must. That doesn’t mean that I don’t splurge on a treat every now and then 😉

Pro tip: If you are traveling with toddlers or a babies, feed them during take off and landing to help their ears adjust to altitude changes. 
Do you know what you need when traveling with a baby? Check out What to Pack When Flying With a Baby

13. Liquid IV or Other Electrolyte

As I mentioned before, airplane cabins are cold and dry. Your body easily gets dehydrated. I always bring a liquid IV packet with me and drink it on the plane.

14. Reusable Water Bottle

So many places have water fill stations now! Bring your water bottle empty through security and fill up at a water fill station. Hopefully you won’t have to buy water your whole trip and it cuts down on plastic waste! I find 16-24oz to be the best size.

15. Change of Clothes

Again, just in case your checked bag gets lost, having a change of clothes is huge!

Also, it’s a good idea if your traveling with kids! My baby brother once spilled orange juice on me on a flight and I did not have a change of clothes.

Another good idea, if you have an over night flight and land in the morning, have a clean change of clothes to put on when you land so you have fresh for a new day!

16. Swim Suit

If you plan on swimming at your destination.

A good example for this is when we are planning to hit up the water park, beach, or pool on the day we arrive, we make sure to have our swim suits in our carry on. This way if our hotel room is not ready when we check in, we can use the hotel lobby bathrooms to change into our swimsuits, store our luggage with bell services, and head to the pool!

17. Scarf

This one also depends on your destination but it’s not only if you are going someplace cold.

Some places in Europe, though hot, require you to cover up when entering certain places, like an old church or religious space. Having a scarf is a great way to quick cover your head and shoulders when you step inside.

You can also use a scarf as a blanket on a plane. I have also used it as a blanket for my toddler when on a chilly boat ride!

Conclusion: 17 Smart Essentials for the Ultimate Carry-on Packing List

This ultimate one-size fits all carry-on packing list has all the essentials for every flight. I always try to pack as light as I can while still having everything I need. Don’t stress too much and opt for light packing. Chances are, if you forgot something, you can just buy it at your destination.

I hope this list helps you feel prepared for your upcoming trip!

You may also like:

What to Pack When Flying With a Toddler

5 Safest Areas to Stay in Naples, Italy

Extraordinary Sites to See With 5 Days in Ireland