Ask a million different people what they pack in their carry-on luggage and you’ll get a million different answers.
Everybody has their own special way of packing a carry-on.
Some like to pack everything short of the kitchen sink; much like a girl scout, they are always prepared no matter what unlikely situation happens to crop up.
I, on the other hand, am quite the opposite.
I make every effort to pack my carry-on as lightly and efficiently as possible.
Especially if I’m checking a bag anyway, I prefer to put the bulk of the weight I’m carrying anywhere but my back and shoulders.
I suffer from chronic shoulder pain as it is (which is also the main reason I’ll never travel with a backpack again), and the last thing I want to do is exacerbate that pain before a trip that I’m supposed to be enjoying.
My carry-on packing technique has become more sophisticated over time, and I have different essentials depending on the length of the flight.
For the purpose of this article, let’s call anything that’s less than 3 hours a short flight, 3-7 hours is a long flight, and an international flight is anything 7 hours or longer.
Short Flight Carry-On Essentials
Passport Protector
I only wish I had one of these sooner, because my passport has gone through a lot of wear and tear! Mine is a pretty leather one handmade in Bolivia, but I love this simple style as well.
Sunglasses
For those times when your seatmate won’t pull down the window shade and that cloud glare is straight frying your retinas. I particularly love glasses with reflective lenses like this pair from Illesteva.
Prescription Eyeglasses + Case
Because there’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to find your check-in desk because you can’t read a damn thing. I love this style of case because it collapses when you’re not using it so it takes up less space.
Watch
Though on my wrist and not technically in my carry-on, I always fly with a watch on. It makes keeping an eye on the time easier prior to departure and by setting it to the local time at your destination once on the plane, you can easily see how much flight time remains.
This elegant style by Daniel Wellington is one of my most prized possessions.
A Good Book
I might be one of the only people left on Earth who doesn’t read on some sort of e-reader! I’ll probably make the switch someday, but for now, I still carry around old fashioned books. My current read is One Hundred Years of Solitude by one of my all-time favorite authors, Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Headphones
Because music, obviously! Listening to podcasts is another good way to pass the time on flights of any length. My favorites are my noise-canceling Bose headphones to drown out any crying babies.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated while flying is so important! Most airports have drinking fountains where you can fill up an eco-friendly water bottle before getting on the plane, which I always prefer over buying overpriced plastic bottles.
Healthy Human makes vacuum-insulated water bottles in a wide variety of colors.
Maybelline Superstay Lip Color
A little lip color always makes me look and feel more put together. This line by Maybelline is the longest-lasting color I’ve ever found!
Perfume
This is the last of my cosmetics that fly with me on short flights. I travel with small rollerball bottles that easily pass through security checkpoints; it makes for another easy way to feel refreshed after a flight.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Pacifica perfumes–try their Tahitian Gardenia for instant tropical vibes.
Sweater and scarf
I almost always end up cold on planes, so I make sure to pack an extra layer or two. These accessories can also double as a blanket or pillow.
The versatile Chrysalis Cardi from Encircled is a great option because it’s not only a scarf, but a top, a dress, a skirt, or a shawl if you want it to be!
Camera and other electronics
These are easily the heaviest items in my bag; never ever put your valuables in checked baggage!
Since I’m a photographer at heart, I always travel with my Canon DSLR and it stays by my side no matter what.
Long Flight Carry-On Essentials
All short flight carry-on essentials, plus…
Wet Wipes
They can keep your hands clean (because we all know how dirty airplanes can be) and cool you down if the plane gets a bit too warm. It’s nice to have some of the makeup removing wipes as well as a small packet of antibacterial wipes.
Healthy Snacks
I don’t know about you, but I don’t just get hungry, I get hangry when I go too long without food.
And with more and more airlines doing away with freebies and charging for every damn thing on their flights, it’s almost always cheaper to purchase something to snack on beforehand.
Nuts, granola bars or dried fruits make healthy, mess-free options.
Eye Mask
Airplanes never get totally dark, and I’m extremely sensitive to light when I sleep. If I don’t have an eye mask, I can pretty much kiss my chances of resting goodbye.
I find silk eye masks to be the most comfortable.
Earplugs
The only way to drown out the sound of that one screaming baby who just happens to be in the row right behind you.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Whether I brush my teeth before sleeping on the flight or in the first bathroom I find upon landing, it always makes me feel good to get rid of that fuzzy mouth feeling.
International Flight Carry-On Essentials
All long flight carry-on essentials, plus…
Slippers
On flights longer than 7 hours, I’m going to want to get comfortable. Taking off my shoes and slipping into little slippers like these instead is one great way to do this.
And if you’re prone to leg swelling on long flights, it’s a good idea to invest in some compression socks, too.
Makeup bag
My makeup routine is pretty minimal, especially when traveling, but I do like to start fresh after a long flight which is why I bring my makeup essentials in my carry-on.
This includes BB cream, highlighting powder, an eyebrow pencil, and blush (I avoid mascara until I know I’m done sleeping or until I’ve landed).
I’m a huge fan of Stowaway Cosmetics as well, because all of their products are perfectly sized for travel as well as 100% cruelty-free!
What are your top carry-on flight essentials?
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