Don’t board another flight unprepared!

This comprehensive carry-on packing checklist covers all your in-flight essentials, neatly organized to ensure nothing gets left behind.
Print this list before your next adventure and travel with confidence!
The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Checklist for Stress-Free Travel
Save this list for your next trip and say goodbye to that nagging “I forgot something” feeling!
1. Documents & Wallets:
- Travel Documents: Passport, boarding passes, visa (if applicable), and copies of important documents.
- Passport Wallet/Holder (Optional): Keep your passport and travel documents organized and easily accessible.
- Wallet: Credit cards, some cash, and emergency contact information.
2. Electronics & Other Essentials:
- Phone: Make sure it is fully charged up.
- Phone Charger and Cord: Useful for charging phones on the airport and the planes (when charging ports are available). – I use a travel electronic organizer for this.
- Fully Charged Portable Power Bank: Extra battery to recharge devices when outlets aren’t available. (This is a great travel power bank)
- Travel Adapter/Converter: If traveling internationally, make sure you have the right adapter for your devices so you can charge up during layovers.
3. Comfort Items:
- Travel/Neck Pillow: A good neck pillow can make a big difference in comfort (inflatable ones save space). Here is one of the most popular neck pillows.
- Eye Mask and Earplugs: Essential for blocking out light and noise, promoting sleep. Here is a great contour eye mask.
- Flight Ear Plugs (Optional): Helps regulate ear pressure during takeoff and landing to prevent ear pain.
- Travel Blanket or Large Scarf (Optional): Additional warmth that doubles as fashion accessory. I love this luxury travel blanket.
- Foot Rest Hammock (Optional): Provides comfort and better circulation during long flights. This is a great foot rest hammock.
4. Entertainment Items:
- Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones: Block out cabin noise and engine hum while connecting to the entertainment with an AirFly. These Bose Headphones are great for planes.
- AirFly Adapter: Allows you to connect wireless headphones to the plane’s entertainment system. Grab it from Amazon here.
- Entertainment: Books, magazines, downloaded movies/shows, or a tablet/e-reader.
- Activities or Games: To help pass the time, especially if traveling with children.
- iPhone/iPad Plane Holders: Especially useful for budget flights that won’t have built-in entertainment screens. Grab a handy phone stand here, or an iPad holder here.
5. Toiletries & Health:
- TSA-Approved Liquids Bag: Pack any necessary toiletries in containers under 100ml and in a clear, resealable bag.
- Hand Sanitizer: Keep your hands clean and protect yourself from germs.
- Sanitizing Wipes: For cleaning tray tables, armrests, and other high-touch surfaces.
- Lip Balm and Moisturizer: Dry cabin air can be harsh on skin, so pack these essentials.
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste: For freshening up.
- Face Wipes/Cleanser: Refreshes skin without needing water.
- Deodorant: Stays fresh during long travel periods.
- Medications: Pack any necessary medications, including a copy of your prescription.
- Eye Drops: Can help with dry eyes.
- Face Mist: Quick refresh without needing to wash face.
- Sleep Aid: If you use them to adjust to different time zones.
- Small Pack of Tissues: For various needs during the flight.
- Hair Ties/Clips: Keep hair managed during the flight, especially helpful when sleeping.
6. Clothing:
- Change of Underwear: Essential in case of delayed luggage.
- Fresh T-shirt: For comfort or in case of spills or delays.
- Light Sweater/Jacket: For varying cabin temperatures.
- Comfortable Socks: Keeps feet warm during flight.
- Compression Socks: Can help with circulation and reduce swelling on long flights.
7. Food & Drink:
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during the flight (fill after security).
- Snacks: Pack healthy snacks like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit to keep your energy levels up.
- Chip Clips/Bag Clips: To seal partially eaten snack bags and keep them fresh. Grab Chip Clicks here.
- Gum: Helps with ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
8. Other Essentials:
- Pen: For filling out any necessary forms.
- Small Tote Bag: To store in-flight essentials under the seat (handy if you are not sitting in the aisle seat and won’t be able to get up to grab things from overhead storage bin). – I use packing cubes for this.
Final Thoughts on Our Ultimate Carry-On Checklist
With this comprehensive carry-on checklist, you’ll never board a flight unprepared again.
Your travel experience begins the moment you start packing, so use this guide to ensure you have everything needed for a comfortable journey.
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- What travelers often forget to do before a trip
- What travelers often forget to pack
- Best hotel tips
Visit our blog where we share more travel tips to elevate your travel experience from ordinary to extraordinary.