Carry-On Checklist: Your Carry-On Needs These Items For Long Flight Victory

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Don’t board another flight unprepared!

Travel Luggage Flight Plane

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:

Passport Holder
  • 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:

organising electronics carry on luggage
  • 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:

Best travel blanket for airplane

4. Entertainment Items:

AirFly Pro
  • 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:

Packing carry on luggage
  • 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:

On a plane in a hoodie sleeping
  • 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:

travel carry on luggage packing
  • 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:

Plane carry on luggage bag
  • 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

Carry on checklist for luggage

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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Jolene Ejmont

Originally from South Africa, now living in Australia, Jolene is a wife and a mother to three beautiful daughters. Together with her family, she is embarking on a journey towards changing her current stress-filled life to one focusing on her dreams and her passion for travel. She wants to share her stories in the hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams!