Carry on Bag Essentials: 12 Items You Sould Always Pack
Packing a carry-on bag isn’t just about convenience, it’s about making sure your trip starts on the right foot.
I’ll admit, I’m the type who checks my bag more times than I can count before heading out. Flying makes me a bit anxious, and the thought of forgetting something important is enough to drive me crazy.
Through my travels, I’ve figured out exactly which items I can’t do without—and wouldn’t dare leave behind.
Here are my 12 carry-on bag essentials to keep your travels stress-free!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
12 Essential Items to Pack in Your Carry-On
Struggling to fit in everything? Check out my best tips to pack and maximize space in your suitcase!
1. Passport Holder
This is the first thing to have in your carry-on. Sure, it might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often people misplace or damage their passports.
Your passport is not only essential but also expensive to replace, and it’s made to last 10 years. A good passport holder keeps it safe from wear, spills, and other mishaps, ensuring it stays in great shape for the long haul. Here’s a good one:
- ✈The leather passport is made from the highest quality leather you will find, hand cut and...
- ✈The passport holder is designed to fit perfectly with your passport, vaccine card and other...
- ✈This passport case will bring real convenience for travelers and business people. Passport holder...
2. Portable Charger
I use my phone for everything: boarding passes, itineraries, flight updates, and more. I can’t imagine my phone running out of battery, that’s why I always have my portable charger in my carry-on.
The Anker Portable Charger is a top pick for its impressive capacity, as I can recharge my devices multiple times before it needs a boost itself. Just don’t forget to power it up before your flight—it’s a lifesaver!
- Exceptional Power On the Go: Keep your devices charged for days with 20,000mAh of power. Charge an...
- 15W Full-Speed Charging: With 15W fast charging, you can enjoy the convenience of having your...
- Charge 2 Devices At Once: Comes equipped with 1 USB-C and 1 USB-A port, allowing you to charge two...
3. Reusable Water Bottle
I never purchase bottled water when I travel—my Hydro Flask is always with me. Staying hydrated is a priority for me, especially because of a minor kidney issue, and let’s face it: airport and onboard water prices are ridiculous + single-use bottles aren’t exactly eco-friendly.
The Hydro Flask keeps my water icy cold for hours, and I can refill it at airport water stations before boarding.
- 40 OZ WATER BOTTLE: The stainless steel insulated reusable water bottle keeps drinks cold for 24...
- 24 HOURS COLD. 12 HOURS HOT: Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. The...
- LEAKPROOF: Say goodbye to leaky water bottles. The Hydro Flask Flex Cap is leakproof when closed....
5. Noise-Canceling Headphones
If there’s one travel accessory I’m never without, it’s my headphones. There’s always music or a show keeping me company. But in planes, I often use them only to reduce the aircraft noise.
My go-to pair is the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. The noise-canceling is incredible, blocking out everything around me and creating my own peaceful bubble. They’re perfect for listening to music or simply enjoying the quiet.
- Three levels of world-class noise cancellation for better listening experience in any environment
- Alexa-enabled for voice access to music, information, and more
- Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear sound and voice pick-up
6. Airtag
After having my luggage lost on a trip, I never travel without an AirTag, both in my carry-on and checked baggage (if I have one). I just toss it into my bag, and if it gets misplaced, the Find My app on my iPhone helps me locate it instantly.
It’s simple to set up, and with a battery that lasts over a year, it’s one less thing to worry about. Having this little tracker has completely taken the stress out of keeping tabs on my luggage!
- Keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app
- Simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad
- Play a sound on the built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help
7. TSA-Approved Toiletry Bottles
If you’re sticking to a carry-on, TSA-approved toiletry bottles are a must for your liquids. I once witnessed someone having all his products thrown away at the security check, so take this seriously.
Personally, I keep it simple with just shampoo, shower gel, and toothpaste, so packing isn’t a hassle for me. But if you travel with more products, it’s worth investing in good travel bottles and double-checking your airline’s liquid rules to avoid any surprises.
- 【REUSABLE TRAVEL BOTTLES SET】This is a nice assortment of travel containers in a useful zip...
- 【LEAKPROOF & TSA APPROVED】The top of these travel bottles and containers are very secure. They...
- 【SILICONE & SQUEEZABLE】Made of food grade Silicone which is BPA free and non-toxic, feel soft,...
8. Travel Neck Pillow
Planes are rarely comfortable, but I almost always manage to fall asleep, especially on long-haul flights. The problem? Without proper neck support, I wake up feeling like I’ve been folded into a pretzel.
The Cabeau Neck Pillow is the best neck pillow I’ve ever tried. Its 360-degree support keeps my head steady, and the memory foam provides soft, snug comfort. Plus, it’s compact enough to slip into my carry-on.
- FROM THE MAKERS OF THE BEST TRAVEL PILLOW FOUR YEARS RUNNING - As featured in CNN, Travel + Leisure,...
- B CORP CERTIFIED: We are committed to creating comfort-on-the-go accessories that not only provide...
- EXCLUSIVE PATENTED SEAT STRAPS - Attach our neck pillow for travel to ANY chair, including airplane...
4. Travel Pill Organizer
Don’t forget your medication! Forgetting it could ruin your trip or force you to spend a lot on replacements at your destination.
If you rely on pills, get yourself an organizer for your travels. It keeps everything tidy and easy to access, saving you from rummaging through your bag or risking losing it. Plus, it helps to stay on track with your routine while on the go.
- 【Easy-to-Use Medicine Organizer】 Our compact weekly pill organizer features seven compartments...
- 【7-Day Pill Organizer】 Our weekly pill box holds up to 5 large supplements or 10-12 oval...
- 【Safe Travel Pill Holder】 Our secure travel pill case keeps your medications safe from spills...
9. Kindle or E-Reader
I rely on my phone for watching videos, but when it comes to reading, my Kindle is an absolute must. Unlike bulky physical books that take up valuable space, the Kindle lets me carry an entire library wherever I go. If you’re a book lover who likes to travel light, it’s a game-changer!
For those who prefer a bigger screen (or have kids), a tablet is a great option. It’s perfect for watching movies in high resolution or playing games.
10. Handsfree Phone Holder
There’s no screen on short flights, so I used to struggle trying to prop my phone up on the tray table. But with the Klealook Phone Holder, those days are behind me. It clips firmly to the seat in front, letting me watch shows or movies hands-free in total comfort.
The adjustable clamp fits different phone sizes and attaches to various surfaces, from car seats to table edges, making it a must-have for all kinds of travel.
- Recommended by over 1.2 million travel enthusiasts around the world. This versatile and practical...
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind our quality products and offer a 30-day free return policy....
- Flexible Viewing: Dual joints with 360-degree rotation allow for the best viewing angle, whether you...
11. Hand Sanitizer
This is something I often forget, and every time, I wish I hadn’t.
Washing your hands on a plane isn’t always convenient, and let’s be honest, airplane bathrooms aren’t the most appealing option, especially when you’re about to eat. With how frequently surfaces are touched and how rarely they’re cleaned, having a hand sanitizer on hand is a no-brainer. Plus, it’s just as handy when you’re out exploring abroad!
- Made with 62% ethyl alcohol, Honest plant-based Hand Sanitizer Spray effectively kills 99.9% of...
- Quick-drying formula is made with a combination of naturally-derived glycerin and aloe to help leave...
- Perfect for on the go, especially when there's no soap plus water around; whether you're on a plane,...
12. RFID-Blocking Wallet
Believe it or not, pickpockets are everywhere, even in airports. With so many people in close quarters, it’s the perfect setup for electronic pickpocketing to happen without anyone noticing.
A RFID-blocking wallet safeguards your sensitive information, like credit card details and RFID-enabled passport data, from being scanned in crowded spaces. The risk is much lower once you’re in the place, but having one keeps you covered from gate to gate.
- The Next Generation Wallet: This minimalist wallet for men gives you easier access to your cards and...
- Sustainable Materials: The Ekster Parliament leather wallet is a men’s metal trigger wallet...
- Slim Storage: Store up to 10+ cards, fitting 4-6 in the data protected cardholder while keeping a...
Final Note
It goes without saying, you need to pack your IDs and essential documents to board your flight. But beyond the basics, it’s worth including a few items to make your journey more comfortable.
The list above includes everything I consider a must-have for my carry-on. Nothing excessive, just the essentials that keep me feeling prepared and at ease.
By the way, if you’re looking for a reliable carry-on, here’s the one I use when I’m not backpacking:
- 21" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those...
- PACKING Dimensions: 19.5" x 14.5" x 10.0", OVERALL Dimensions: 21.25" x 15.25" x 10.0", 6.5 lbs.
- 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet...
Happy travels!
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