Amidst the excitement of planning the perfect activities and researching the best places to eat in your travel destination, don’t forget that the best trips start with thoughtfully packed luggage. Besides the main suitcase, you also need a carry-on to survive the long flights and stay comfortable during your journey. I am here to help you with the same. Below, find the ultimate carry-on bag essentials list and options for the best carry-on bags to purchase.
Carry On Bag Essentials List
1) Passport/ Passport Cover: This one comes with an air tag slot, so you can easily find your passport in case you misplace it. The hardcover also protects the passport from wear and tear.
2) TSA-Approved Toiletry Bag: A clear toiletry bag to help you organize the cosmetics and toiletries for ease of use during long-haul flights.
3) TSA-Approved Toiletry Bottles: Carry the mini-version of your full-size perfumes, skincare essentials, makeup, and more in these leak-proof, 16-pack toiletry bottles.
4) Portable Charger: A portable on-the-go charger is a must in your carry-on bag essentials list. The one linked comes with built-in cables to charge all kinds of electronics: from Apple gadgets to Android ones.
5) Kindle: Let the time roll as you finish your current read. This is my best long-haul flight time killer. And if you’re a reader like me, Kindle is lightweight and easy on the eyes to both carry and use.
6) Travel Electronics Organiser: If you bring a bunch of electronics on your trip, this organizer is a useful addition to your carry-on. It can carry your wires, adapter, portable chargers, and more in one place.
7) Pill Organiser: Traveling is no excuse to lag behind on your daily vitamins or prescribed medications. This delicate, sturdy, and smartly-sectioned pill organizer keeps your medicines protected and safe.
8) Travel Blanket & Pillow: Long flights and layovers can get uncomfortable. A compact travel blanket and pillow can ensure comfort wherever and whenever.
9) Aviation Earplugs: If you’re sensitive to changes in air pressure, aviation earplugs prevent earaches and also, reduce external noise by up to 20 dBs.
10) Inflatable Travel Pillow: An inflatable travel pillow to support your head, neck, and arms to reduce any unnecessary muscle strain during long naps on flights.
11) Airplane Tray Table Cover With Pockets: Airplane pockets are dirty (more on that later). This compact tray table cover and organizer help you keep your belongings safe and clean.
12) Audio Transmitter For Airplane: Connect upto 2 headphones or AirPods with the in-flight entertainment system using this media transmitter. One of the best essentials for your carry-on bag.
13) AirPods Case: A protective hard case for your AirPods with a keychain and cute design for traveling to and from the destination and within the destination.
14) Antibacterial Soap Sheets: Antibacterial soap sheets to clean your hands with soap and water anytime necessary. Packed with moisturizers and natural scents. these soap sheets will not dry your hands and is safe for use for children and adults alike.
15) Hand Sanitizer: Clean your hands on the go with a mini hand sanitizer.
(Check all my mini travel essentials. )
16) Disinfecting Wipes: Wipe down your airplane seat, door handles, your hands, etc. with these disinfecting wipes in a sachet.
17) Apple Air Tags: To help you keep your suitcase, carry-on, keys, passport, wallet, and everything essential and non-essential safe.
18) Airplane Seat Covers: For someone who has cleaning OCD (like me), this airplane seat cover is a must in your carry-on bag essentials list. It doesn’t slide, has a smooth surface, and comes with pockets and wipes too!
19) Eye Masks/ Lip Butter: Eye masks are great to prevent eye bags from a long, exhausting journey, and lip butter/ masks keep your lips moisturized and plump.
20) Plush Slippers: These plush slippers are soft, warm, and comfortable. They are great for carry-on bag essentials.
21) Motion Sickness Patch: Another essential in your carry-on bag is the motion sickness patch. It works for 12 hours and is a non-drowsy solution for travel sickness.
22) Sleep Aids: Sleep aids like eye masks, melatonin, prescription medicines, essential oils, etc. promise a well-rested journey.
23) Travel Snacks: Having good travel snacks keeps you satiated and happy on long-haul flights. I’ve linked Nutella and Pretzels, but obviously, you can add healthier snacks to your carry-on bag essentials list.
24) A Reusable Water Bottle: I always travel with my Stanley. Empty it before the TSA check and fill it up later.
25) In-Flight Entertainment: Whether you download your favorite TV show or journal, or read your current book, it’s always good to include in-flight entertainment in your carry-on bag essentials list.
Click here for a curated list of all these items.
Carry-On Luggage Ideas
#1 Carry-On Suitcase
This Hanke suitcase is everywhere on the Internet and for all the right reasons. With more than 1500+ positive ratings, it’s certainly an investment that’s worth it.
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#2 Carry-On Backpack
A large travel backpack that holds a ton of items without feeling burdened on shoulders. It’s my favorite for longer flights and layovers.
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#3 Carry-On Tote
The Marc Jacobs tote is a great carry-on bag. Add a tote organizer to arrange all items categorically for ease.
Get Here || Tote Bag Organiser
#4 Carry-On Marshmallow Suitcase
This marshmallow suitcase is cute, aesthetic, and holds a lot for its size. With 400+ positive ratings, it comes with a lock for additional protection.
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#5 Carry-On Luggage With Phone Holder
A hard-shell suitcase with a cup holder and phone holder for smaller vacations or a great additional luggage besides the main suitcase.
