Don't Forget These Carry-on Essentials for Your Next Trip

No matter the flight, there are a few items you don’t want to be stuck without while traveling. These carry-on essentials will help make your next flight more comfortable, organized, and enjoyable.

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Carry-on Essentials

Hand Sanitizer and Wipes. This might sound obvious these days. But I always double-check that my carry-on includes sanitizer for my hands and to wipe down the seat, tray, and other high-touch areas.
Hand lotion and lip balm. Planes make my skin so dry and if I don’t have these accessible, I’m uncomfortable the whole flight! My favorite brand for both items is Aveda, their Hand Relief lotion and lip balm are so moisturizing.
Tissues. You never know when a sneeze or runny nose will strike.
Stasher Bags. Silicone, durable, and planet-friendly! Stasher bags can be used for food storage, cooking, and travel. I love them for my TSA-compliant liquids because it’s reusable, easy to clean, durable, and leak-proof! I promise you won’t regret buying these!
Carabiners. This is another genius travel tip which I recently learned! Keep carabiners of various sizes in your carry-on. They make it so easy to connect things to your carry-on bag, luggage handle, or stroller! I found this so useful when I bought some snacks at the airport but was also carrying drinks and holding my son’s hand. So, I pulled out a carabiner and connected the bag to the strap on my backpack. Boom!
Headphones. There have been many instances where I wasn’t planning on watching a show or listening to music but then changed my mind. Or the airplane had entertainment screens and I wish I had my comfortable headphones. Noise-canceling headphones can serve a dual purpose acting as earplugs and headphones. And for kids with tablets… you need these!
Refillable Water Bottle. Earth-friendly and so much cheaper than buying water at the airport. Most airports have water refill stations available, so I always take advantage of them. Make sure to find a water bottle with an option to attach it to your bag or straps, maybe even with one of your carabiners. I always have one handy because thirst always strikes when the airplane service isn’t available. Plus, travel is dehydrating!
Jacket, Scarf, or Blanket. Airplanes are cold! So, bring something to ensure you are warm and comfortable — even if it’s a short flight to somewhere warm.
Electronic Devices. Make sure phones, tablets, gaming devices, etc. are in your carry-on. Also, don’t forget your cords and charging devices to keep everything juiced!
Reading Materials. Magazines are my indulgence while flying. I love to flip through the pages and zone out a little bit. Plus, they are a great way to entertain yourself.
Pen. For some destinations, you need to fill out forms. So, make sure you always have a pen with you.
Eye Mask. My absolute favorite is the SLIP eye mask. It’s so comfortable and doesn’t pull on your hair. It makes you feel a little bit more luxurious when crammed into a tiny airplane seat.
Immunity Boosters. Consider some Elderberry Emergen-C or Airborne for your next flight. Keep your immune system strong when flying.
Snacks! No one is happy when they are hungry, especially when they’re on a plane. And if you’re traveling with kids, then snacks maybe are the most important carry-on essential of all time.

Want ideas for traveling with kids?

If you’re looking for more ideas to keep kids happy and entertained on a flight, then check out this article with Tips for Flying with Kids. It has more ideas specific to what you should pack for little travelers.

Convenient Carry-on Bags

My favorite type of carry-on bag is a backpack because it can hold your laptop and has compartments to keep everything organized. Plus, they can fit under the seat in front of you so everything you need is always accessible. Kids should have their own backpacks too to keep everything together. Also, you might want to consider a small crossbody or waist bag to keep your ID, passport, wallet, and phone close and accessible.

But if you do have a bag and a small suitcase, then check out the Cincha Travel Belt which easily connects any bag to the handles of your luggage. It makes hands-free travel easy and stylish. And for other unique travel gear, read this post.

Don’t Pack These Items in Your Checked Luggage

If you are checking luggage, then it is important to make sure you have all critical items in your carry-on luggage. In case things get lost, stolen, or delayed in transit there are certain things that should remain with you at all times.

Tip: if you are on your departing flight, you might want to consider a change of clothes in your carry-on. And if it’s a warm weather trip, maybe include your swimsuit.