Let me tell you a little secret. After years of full-time travel dragging overstuffed suitcases through countless airports with my family in tow, I’ve finally mastered the art of carry-on packing.
Trust me, when you’re travelling with teenagers who believe that travel essentials on a plane end with the phone, learning what’s genuinely essential becomes a survival skill!
Today, I’m sharing the must-have carry-on essentials that have saved me time, money, (and sanity) on countless adventures around the globe.
I am also sharing what NOT to pack in your carry-on bag. We also don’t want you to be held up by customers because of an apple in your bag!
Whether you’re planning a quick business trip or a family vacation, these 20 items deserve prime real estate in your travel bag.
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The Ultimate Carry-On Packing List
There are a few airport hacks that we swear by when taking a long flight.
One of these tips is to only take the things that you will use and that will benefit you on the plane.
Use our comprehensive and thorough travel checklist to make sure that you are only taking the absolute essentials. Leave the unnecessary ‘I might need that” things at home.
Make sure you buy the best travel purse for your trip, which is big enough for your belongings.
You will need to know that your essentials are close at hand and small enough to pack down into your bag.
Some genius travel accessories can save you weight and space, including stylish rain ponchos that squash down into almost nothing and travel pants that are light and comfy. The best books about travel are those that will help you pass a long flight.
After you have decided which one of the world’s most unique travel destinations you are visiting (and learned how to find cheap flights), it’s time to pack your carry-on bag with essentials.
We want you to arrive at your destination feeling as relaxed as possible.
Ready? Let’s go…
1: Travel Document Organizer
Nothing causes pre-flight panic like frantically searching for your passport at the check-in counter.
One of my best Airplane carry-on essentials for international travel recommendations is to have a dedicated travel wallet that keeps your passport, boarding passes, and other essential documents organized and easily accessible.
Zero Grid Family Passport Holder is the one I love and recommend.
After losing my passport in Barcelona (and nearly giving myself a heart attack!), this organizer has been my travel saviour.
The multiple pockets keep everything from passports to boarding passes neatly arranged, and BEST of all? The RFID blocking gives me peace of mind in crowded tourist areas. Bye-bye thieves.
Click here for prices
2: Portable Power Bank
Our devices are our lifelines while traveling and finding an available outlet at busy airports can feel like winning the lottery. A high-capacity power bank ensures your phone, tablet, and other electronics stay charged throughout your journey.
This little powerhouse has rescued my family’s devices more than I can count during long travel days!
It’s remarkably compact, considering it can fully charge most smartphones 2-3 times, and it’s so lightweight you’ll forget it’s in your bag until that critical moment your phone hits 2%.
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3: Noise-Cancelling Headphones
I LOOOOVVVEE these headphones!!
Whether it’s the crying baby three rows back or your chatty seatmate, a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones creates your personal oasis of calm. Plus, they’re perfect for enjoying movies or music during long flights.
Worth every penny for the blissful silence they create, even when seated near the airplane engines (or my chatty teenagers).
The battery life is exceptional—I’ve gone entire long-haul flights plus layovers without needing to recharge them.
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4: Reusable Water Bottle
Airport bottled water prices are highway robbery! Bring an empty reusable bottle through security and fill it up at a water fountain after screening. Your wallet and the environment will thank you.
This bottle keeps water cold for an astonishing 24 hours, which feels like magic when you’re exploring steamy Bangkok streets or hiking trails.
I’ve accidentally dropped mine countless times on various adventures, and it still looks nearly new—truly a travel investment!
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5: Compression Socks
Not the sexiest item, I know, but compression socks are a game-changer for preventing swollen ankles and reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis during long flights. Trust me, your future self will be grateful.
Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
Don’t let the granny-sock reputation fool you—these are game-changers for long flights and have prevented the elephant-ankle syndrome I used to suffer.
They’re surprisingly comfortable, and the difference in how my legs feel after a 10-hour flight is absolutely night and day.
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6: Multi-Purpose Scarf or Wrap
This incredibly versatile travel shawl is an essential when it comes to warm accessorizing.
This gorgeous wrap serves as a pashmina shawl, dressy scarf, poncho, blanket, and more. It can also be worn alone or layered elegantly with other clothing.
It is lightweight, breathable and 2x softer than cotton, leaving a soothing, warm feel to your skin.
This fabric has UPF 50+ sun shield and moisture-wicking properties, making it perfect for all weather!
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7: Eye Mask
When it’s time to catch some Z’s, a lightweight eye mask blocks out light from the cabin or your neighbour’s reading light. Those precious hours of sleep make all the difference when you land.
This mask creates the pitch darkness I need to trick my body into sleeping, even when the cabin lights are blazing. The contoured design means there’s no pressure on your eyes, and it doesn’t smudge my mascara—practical beauty wins again!
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8: Travel Pillow
Speaking of sleep, a quality travel pillow prevents the dreaded head-bob and neck pain that comes from awkward aeroplane napping positions. The right one can make economy feel (almost) comfortable.
Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
After trying nearly every travel pillow on the market (much to my husband’s amusement), this one finally lets me sleep upright without waking with a crick in my neck.
The flat back design means your head isn’t pushed awkwardly forward, and the memory foam feels properly supportive rather than like a floppy bean bag.
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9: Moisturizer and Lip Balm
Airplane cabins are notoriously dry. Combat parched skin with travel-sized moisturizer and lip balm. Your skin will arrive looking refreshed rather than resembling dried fruit.
I love this one. It feels gorgeous and lasts for hours. Plus, it is tinted, so I feel glamourous.
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10: Hand Sanitizer
From door handles to tray tables, airports and airplanes are germ havens. A small bottle of hand sanitizer keeps the germs at bay when soap and water aren’t available.
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer
After that family trip where we all caught a stomach bug in Vietnam (never again!), I never travel without trusty Purell. The travel size clips easily to my bag, and the formula doesn’t leave that overpowering medicinal smell like some brands do.
Click here for prices
11: Wet Wipes
Multi-purpose heroes! Use them to clean your hands, wipe down questionable airplane surfaces, freshen up mid-flight, or deal with unexpected spills.
12: Healthy Snacks
Aeroplane food is rarely memorable (unless memorably bad), and airport options can be limited and overpriced. Pack protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit to keep hunger at bay, avoid getting jet lag and save money.
13: Empty Ziplock Bags
These take up virtually no space but have countless uses: storing wet items, organizing small essentials, or containing potential leaks from toiletries. I never travel without a few spares.
14: Basic Medication Kit
Include pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, bandages, and any personal prescriptions. Nothing ruins a trip faster than feeling unwell with no remedies on hand.
15: Toothbrush and Toothpaste
For long-haul flights, being able to brush your teeth can make you feel human again. Opt for the best toothbrush for travel, and you’ll arrive feeling sparkly and clean!
16: Lightweight Change of Clothes
Lost luggage happens to the best of us. Having a spare outfit ensures you’re not stuck wearing the same clothes for days if your checked bag decides to take its own vacation.
17: Travel Journal and Pen
Besides capturing memories, a pen is handy for filling out customs forms. Many countries still require paper documentation, and borrowing pens from strangers isn’t always an option.
I love this one. It is classy and feels like a wonderful gift whenever I open it to write.
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18: Collapsible Tote Bag
This fabulous bag packs flat but can expand to hold souvenirs, serve as a beach bag, or carry groceries during your trip.
It’s also handy if your carry-on is suddenly deemed too large at the gate.
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19: Smartphone Tripod
For solo travellers or family trips when you want everyone in the photo, a compact smartphone tripod is invaluable. Those self-timer vacation shots beat awkward selfies any day!
This clever little tripod has revolutionized our family travel photos—no more awkwardly asking strangers to take pictures or settling for selfies with half our faces cut off.
The Bluetooth remote means you can actually take your time setting up the perfect shot, and it folds down small enough to slip into even a crowded bag.
Click here for prices
20: Paperback Book
While there are many books about travel I could recommend you read while taking your vacation, there is one in particular that I am going to recommend. The Travel Bog Diaries!
Here’s why I think you will LOVE the Travel Bog Diaries.
1: If you are this far down the post, you obviously like my writing style.
2: You love Italy. There are two chapters within this book dedicated entirely to Italy. One was written from Venice, the other from Pompeii.
3: It’s as FUNNY as hell.
4: It was written by MEEEEE!! (Sorry. Couldn’t resist..!)
The Travel Bog Diaries. One Woman’s Hilarious Confessions of Surviving Family World Travel!
And don’t forget!!
#21 Fantastic Travel Insurance
We use World Nomads regardless of whether we are taking a trip for a week or a year, and they are fabulous.
I recently cracked a tooth while eating ribs in Bangkok (as you do) and needed an emergency root canal filling.
World Nomadswere sympathetic, efficient and responsive and the total cost of the dental treatment was covered in my policy. Take a look at the quote box below if you haven’t yet got your insurance.
Please note: We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Now for What NOT to Pack in your Carry-On Bag!
1. Sharp Objects – Yes, That Includes Scissors…
While you might think a tiny pair of scissors for your crafting needs could sneak by security, think again.
Any sharp object—be it scissors, tweezers, knives, or even nail clippers—is a no-go in your carry-on.
Leave those at home or packed safely in your checked luggage to avoid any delays at security.
2: Liquid Limitations – Know the Rules!
This one is commonly misunderstood. You’re allowed to bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on, but only in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less.
Make sure all your bottles fit within the typical quart-sized bag requirement, or you may find your favourite moisturizer tossed at security.
3: Flammable Items – Think Twice Before Packing
Whether it’s a can of aerosol spray, lighter fluid, or even certain types of batteries, flammable items are strictly forbidden in your carry-on bag.
These substances pose a significant safety risk, so it’s best to leave them behind. This includes any fire-starting materials—better safe than sorry!
4: Full-Size Alcohol Bottles – Know the Limits
While you may be tempted to bring a bottle of your favourite wine or spirit onboard (believe me, it happens to me often…), only small quantities are allowed.
Most airlines and security regulations permit travellers to bring alcohol only if it’s in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and packed in a liquid bag.
Larger bottles must go in your checked luggage. If it makes you feel better, alcohol is best avoided anyway. Too much of it causes dehydration and plays havoc with jetlag.
5: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – Know the Restrictions
Many countries have strict regulations on the importation of fruits and vegetables to prevent pests and diseases (new Zealand included).
While you might be able to carry small amounts of certain food items, it’s wise to check the regulations for your destination to avoid having your snacks seized.
FAQ About What You can (and can’t take on a plane)
Q: Can I bring an electric toothbrush on a plane?
A: Yes. You can. We fly with Air NZ, and here is their policy on taking a portable electric toothbrush on a flight.
Q: Can you take a battery-operated toothbrush on a plane?
A: Yes. You can. Read this if you need more reassurance.
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Final Thoughts on the perfect carry-on bag essentials
Remember, the perfect carry-on isn’t about packing everything—it’s about packing smartly. Each item should earn its place by serving a specific purpose or solving a potential travel problem.
We hope you enjoyed reading our compilation of brilliant carry-on bag essentials.
Did I miss something?
If you have just done a plane journey and found travel essentials for the plane that you couldn’t live without, please share it with me either through the comments below or by email.
And if you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends!
Until next time, happy and stress-free travels!
~ Liz
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