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There are certain items that I pack in my carry-on luggage each and every time I travel on a plane. I find them essential to a comfortable trip and I think you will agree!
Let’s Pack Your Carry On Luggage!
LIP BALM: Just thinking about being on the plane makes me reach for my lip balm. My go-to’s are either Carmex or EOS.
HAND CREAM: My hands are dry normally, so one of the first things I pack is hand cream. I either opt for the Aveda Hand Relief or L’Occitane (make sure it is under 4 oz!). The cream has to be non-greasy and not sticky…these two fit the bill!
FACE MOISTURIZER OR FACIAL SPRAY: If you are going on a long plane ride, I recommend slathering on your favorite face moisturizer before take-off, or refreshing yourself with a facial spray, like Evian or Avene.
GUM/CANDY: Gum is great for take-off and landing to ease the cabin pressure changes on your ears. Candy is…well, it’s just good to eat!
READING MATERIALS: En route is really one of the few times I get “quality time” to read. I love to bring along my Kindle as it is lighter in weight that a conventional paperback (although I still love to hold and read from the physical book at times). I also like catch up on the pile of magazines that slowly take over my nightstand, and do a few word puzzles. You can opt for the Zinio app on your Kindle or tablet to read magazines if you don’t want the extra weight of a magazine or three.
SOCKS AND SCARF/BLANKET: If I am not already wearing socks, I pop a pair in my bag. Once I’m situated in my seat, I like to take my shoes off and keep my feet warm and comfy. I have always liked blanket scarves and being on a cold plane with one has made me a HUGE fan!
EARPHONES: I use them for the in-flight movies or TV, or to listen to music on my phone or other smart device. I personally love the noise canceling headphones, but ear buds work just as well and are a bit more compact.
HAIRBRUSH: Once we are in our “final descent” I like to spruce up a bit – reapply make-up, fix my hair – you know…the usual!
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION: This should have been one of the first on my list. If you are taking prescription medication, it is highly recommended that you bring it on board with you. Reason being is that if for any reason your checked luggage does not make it to its final destination, you at least have your medications with you.
CLOROX WIPES AND HAND SANITIZER: I am THAT person. Once I am situated in my seat, I use a Clorox wipe to wipe down the arm rests, tray, TV (if applicable) and anything in my immediate vicinity that I am going to be touching. Listen, you don’t know who sat there before you and it is one simple step to help ward off germs! Same with using hand sanitizer before eating, after the bathroom, etc.
TOOTHBRUSH and TOOTHPASTE: After a long flight, I like to freshen up and brush my teeth…especially those flights that are over 5 hours!
ELECTRONICS CHARGERS: I pack these in my carry-on just in case there is a delay or layover. (These include cell phone, Kindle and laptop, if needed.)
EYE MASK: This is totally optional, but if you intend on sleeping on the plane, an eye mask is heaven-sent. It blocks out any light – and along with the noise canceling headphones, you should be able to get a nice little nap in!
Don’t Forget About Luggage Placement
It’s not only about what you pack or how you pack it, but you can’t forget about those times when you need to have luggage placement, more specifically, during those awkward times and limbo periods. For instance, if you have hotel checkout in the morning but you don’t have to take the train until the evening, then something like luggage storage Haymarket Station could work perfectly if you’re in Edinburgh. But in general, luggage lockers will instantly make luggage placement and logistics far easier to handle.
To make packing easier for you I have created a checklist of my must-haves to pack in my carry-on that will ensure a comfortable flight! All you have to do is enter your email address below for FREE access!
Abby says
Great list! I fly often, and I always know what I need to pack, but I inevitably forget something. And I’ve never heard of facial spray, so thank you for that tip!
Dana says
I am the same way, Abby. I can make lists upon lists and still forget something! The facial spray is nice and light (it’s literally just water in an aerosol can).
Ashley says
Thank you for this great list! I’m flying to Greece in July, and this is my first international flight, so I’m definitely saving this list for then! Love checklists.
Dana says
Ashley, I’m glad you like it! Greece is on my bucket list! I hope you have an awesome time!
Elizabeth @ The Ruthless Crafter says
What a great list! As someone who does not fly often this is great information to have. Thanks!
theruthlesscrafter.com
Dana says
Thanks Elizabeth! I hope it is useful for you 🙂
Ruthie says
I love this! I’m traveling on Friday so this is perfect to help me get organized for my trip! Thanks for the tips!
Dana says
Thanks Ruthie! I hope it helps you when packing!! Have a safe trip 🙂
Faye Wilkerson says
Great list. My husband is going to North Carolina next week. He travels a lot lighter, but even he needs some of those things.
Dana says
Faye, my husband travels a lot and he needs some of the things too 😉 They just make the flight a bit more comfortable!
Farrah says
Ah, totally agreed on these! Since I’ve been jetting around all the time, I basically keep my carry-on already packed with all the things I’d need for a weekend trip, and it has most of these! :]
Dana says
Farrah, are there any items in your carry on that I didn’t mention? I’d love to add some more suggestions to the list 🙂
Brooke Knipp says
Oh my gosh! I’m flying ALONE tomorrow and wouldn’t have thought of half of these (or more)! —Because I’m only used to flying with my two small children, so everything I bring is to keep them occupied/fed/happy, etc. I honestly hadn’t even thought to pack a book yet. I will be able to read on the plane. I am SO EXCITED!!! Thanks for the good reminders 🙂
Dana says
How nice is it that you are flying SANS kids?! I’m so excited for you LOL!!! I’m glad my list helped out 🙂 Have a safe flight Brooke!
Sue at Book By Book says
Nice list!
I’m with you on reading time – best part of flying! The only problem with the rise of e-books is that I love to snoop in airports and on planes and see what everyone else is reading! Can’t really do that with e-readers 🙁
I always bring an eye mask, ear plugs and neck pillow – for some quality nap time, too!
Sue
Book By Book
Dana says
Sue, that’s so funny…I try to snoop and see what other people are reading too lolol…and I totally forgot about the neck pillow!
Chantal says
Another great post Dana! Having a list like this is great, it will save us all from running around like crazy at the last minute trying to remember if we packed everything! Thanks for joining the Link-It To Me Link Up Party this week, looking forward to seeing you again next week!
Dana says
Thank you so much Chantal!
kerona says
great list
Dana says
Thanks Kerona!
Maria says
Great list! I also carry a mini makeup bag in case I want to freshen up including a mini-sized perfume bottle. I also like to bring a neck pillow
Dana says
Thanks Maria! Mini-sized perfume bottle is a great idea…I need to add that to my list – thanks!
Kelly says
I also love being able to read on the plane. I feel like i don’t get much time at home in daily life to read for enjoyment. Double yes about the hairbrush. I’m like you, I like to spruce up a bit after getting off of the plane. Especially if it’s been a long ride or if i had connections. Good point about the medication. Always have those in carry on!
Dana says
It is totally my time to catch up on a good book. My husband makes fun of me when I bring a huge stack of magazines too. They are super heavy BUT it’s the perfect time to read through them!
Neely (@Neelykins) says
Face cream is a must!
Dana says
Yes, I completely agree!
The Southern Thing says
Definite must haves! I always travel with everything you listed!
Dana says
Awesome! If there are any other things you pack, I’d love to know!!!
Nicole says
I always wear a scarf on a plane. It’s great to cover up weird smells or block germs. I also always carry socks to slip on through security if you have shoes without socks on.
Dana says
Scarves are a great addition! I love blanket scarves for traveling because they are that much bigger!!
tamara says
great list
Dana says
Thank you Tamara!