How To Pack A Carry On Bag
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What To Pack In A Carry-On
When preparing for air travel, maximizing your carry-on space while ensuring you have essentials is crucial. I’d love to say I’m one of those people who travel with a carry-on only, but that’s just not realistic sometimes. Especially if you’re traveling in the winter, going on a 10-day trip, or you’re a big girl like me whose clothes take up more space than the average influencer. If that’s the case, you may need more than one bag. Of course, it is nice when you can fit everything into your carry-on if only to save money on a checked bag.
But what to pack in a carry on? Your carry-on should have all your essential items and just in case the airline loses your luggage, you want to have a couple of outfits in there so you won’t be stuck wearing the same dirty laundry or going on an unplanned shopping spree once you reach your destination. I’ve been burned too many times to not include a few versatile outfits in my one carry-on.
But Jenn, how do I fit all of this into one little bag? I’m glad you asked. I’m here to give you tips for packing a carry on. First, let’s get rid of all the superfluous stuff and stick to what you really need. Second, I recommend bringing a backpack or tote bag as your personal item. This is a good spot to pack items you might need during the flight. You’ll stow your personal item under your seat so it’s easily accessible. I detest having to fish for things like my headphones or prescriptions from the overhead bin. I stuff my purse and all my high-use items in my tote or backpack and keep them under the seat in front of me. The carry-on is for things I won’t need during the flight. The goal is to never have to go into that bin.
Below, I’ll break down everything you should pack in your carry-on and as a bonus, everything you should pack in your personal item. I’ll even make a few product recommendations for things I love.
So, let’s get started on these travel tips, shall we? Here’s a comprehensive packing list including everything that you’ll pack outside your main suitcase:
Travel Essentials
These will go in your personal item for easy access.
Passport/ID: Make sure you have your identification and any necessary travel documents.
Boarding Pass: Print or download your boarding pass to avoid delays at the gate.
Wallet: Include cash, credit/debit cards, medical insurance cards, and any foreign currency.
Pen: Always carry a pen especially for foreign travel where you may need yo fill out arrival documents,
Clothing
Clothing will go in your carry on bag. When is comes to how to pack carry on luggage I love packing cubes of compression bags just to maximize space and keep things organized. I’ll make a few recommendations for those later.
Extra Clothes: Pack a change of clothes in case of spills or lost luggage. I recommend one pair of leggings and a comfy, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant dress. I also recommend a pair of your favorite jeans and a few lightweight shirts.
Light Sweater or Jacket: Airplanes can get chilly, so bring a lightweight layer. I love a good hoodie. I usually wear this or tie it around my waist.
Comfortable Shoes: Wear or pack slip-on shoes for ease while going through security. I love Sketchers hands-free slip-ins like the ones below.
Toiletries
Travel-sized Toiletries: Include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and deodorant in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. Rather than buy everything individually, you can opt to buy a convenience kit like the one below. These you’ll pack in a carry on.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Maintain oral hygiene during your journey. I LOVE the Phillips Sonicare One. The battery life is amazing and you don’t get much better when it comes to electric toothbrushes than Phillips Sonicare.
Face Wipes or Sanitizer: These are helpful for refreshing yourself on the go. My choice is Neutrogena’s individually wrapped cleansing wipes. You can slip a few in the side pocket of your personal item without taking up too much space.
Electronics
All of this will go in your personal item, with the possible exception of your laptop. The best way to pack a carry on bag with a laptop is to use a laptop case. Your carry on could get jostled around in the overhead bin and you want to make sure your expensive electronics like a laptop are protected.
Chargers: Bring chargers for your phone and any other devices. I love a 3 way split charging cord like the ones below. This way you only need one cord to charge all your devices. It comes with type C and micro USB port connectors. I also LOVE an international travel adapter with tons of USB ports. Add in a portable charging bank and you’re good to go. All of this will go in your personal item so you an charge your devices in flight.
Headphones: Use comfortable headphones or earbuds for in-flight entertainment. To save space, I recommend earbuds, but if you have tiny ear canals like me it can be difficult to find a pair that fit without falling out. This is why I prefer the over-ear Bose Quiet Comfort Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones. Even if I’m not watching a movie, or listening to music, I have them on just for the noise-cancelling feature. they really help you get some sleep in flight.
Tablet or E-reader: Great for reading or watching shows.
Laptop: If you must stay connected on the road and get work done you’ll need to bring your laptop. I adore my Macbook Air because it’s super lightweight and easy to carry. You can put your laptop in your carry-on, just make sure it has a case to get some added protection.
Health and Safety
Any medications you need to take during the flight will go in your personal item. Everything else will go in your carry on. You’ll keep your hand sanitizer and spare mask in your personal item as well.
Medications: Pack any necessary prescription medications and a small first-aid kit. I like to do this in a toiletry bag or packing cube because I have a lot of medications due to my chronic illness. If you only have a few medications slipping them in your personal item without any other packing should be fine. Just make sure you keep your prescriptions in their original bottles if you are traveling internationally. Carrying pills in a pill organizer without their original bottles can cause issues at customs.
Face Mask: These are still helpful if you have a compromised immune system like me, or if there’s a particularly bad wave of COVID. I like getting a few masks in fun colors. If I have to wear one I might as well match my outfit.
Hand Sanitizer: Keep a small bottle for hygiene. Despite what they say, planes are filthy. Particularly that seatback tray.
Snacks
You’ll pack a couple snacks in your personal item and stash everything else in your carry on.
Non-perishable Snacks: Consider items like granola bars, gum, or dried fruit for munching during the flight. Especially if you’re going on a long-haul flight. Avoid items like nuts because other passengers may have allergies.
Entertainment
A lot of people include entertainment when it comes to what to pack in your carry on. Personally, I like to limit my entertainment to downloadable items like podcasts, music, kindle or audiobooks, movies, and games.
Books or Magazines: Bring reading material for leisure. I prefer to pack my Kindle because it saves space.
Puzzle Book or Games: These are easy to pack and great for passing the time. As I mentioned, I like to download a few apps on my phone so I have something to play inflight that doesn't take up space. Right now, I’m a big fan of Wordscapes.
Miscellaneous
These will go in or attach to your personal item.
Travel Pillow: For added comfort on long flights. I like the Dot & Dot twist memory foam travel pillow because it can be twisted for neck, chin, lumbar, or leg support and this bendable pillow snaps easily to your personal item.
Eye Mask and Earplugs: These help block out noise and light to facilitate rest.
Reusable Water Bottle: I like a collapsable version to save on space. Fill it after passing through security to stay hydrated.
Packing Tips
Use Packing Cubes: These help organize your items and make it easier to find what you need. I love compression bags to help save space. Pack more clothes, socks, and underwear into your carry-on with compression bags.
Double-Check Restrictions: Be aware of the airline's carry-on size limit and prohibited items. You won’t have a weight limit for your carry-on, but you need to be packing light enough that you can easily lift it up into the overhead bin.
Great Carry On Bags And Bags To Take As Your Personal Item
These are some of my favorite bags for traveling. First up, the Wrangler carry-on with attached drink holder. So handy! Second, Tumi’s Voyageur backpack. I received one as a gift and I positively adore it. This backpack has been around the world with me. Finally, a money-saving tote bag that will hold everything you need and give you the durability you want. It’s the perfect under-seat personal item to hold all your worldly possessions.
Final Thoughts On How To Pack A Carry On Bag
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to how to pack a carry on bag. By following this list, you can ensure a more comfortable and organized flying experience. And, if you’re really good, you may even be able to avoid that dreaded checked bag.
