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27 Carry-On Essentials for Your Next Flight
27
items We travel A LOT, and I've always found it challenging to strike the balance between having all the items I need to stay comfortable and not lugging around a heavy, bulky bag full of items I won't use. After years of trial and error, I've narrowed it ...
Sections
6
The Bag
Essentials
Toiletries
Electronics and Entertainment
Fuel
Long Flight
The Bag
Start here.
It all starts with a reliable tote that is timeless, sturdy, and has ample storage. This one checks all the boxes.
Italian Leather Handwoven Tote in Dark Brown
Essentials
Don't forget to add any tickets or passes you haven't digitally downloaded.
Love this set for protecting your passport and easily spotting your luggage on the carousel.
Nappa Leather RFID Blocking Passport Holder & Luggage Tags Set in Olive
Glamorous sunnies are a must for any vacation.
Barcelona Polarized Acetate Sunglasses in Fawn Tortoise with Brown Gradient lens
Minimize bulk by leaving your wallet at home and stashing your ID and credit card in this holder. It even clips onto your keys for easy access.
The Zip Card Case
I love a refreshing mint after a long day of travel. Bonus, they're great for any motion sickness.
Altoids Arctic Peppermint Breath Mint Hard Candies - 1.2oz
Toiletries
This is a great place to individualize your carry on to make sure it has all the necessities that will keep you looking and feeling your best after a long travel day. I enjoy using many of these products to freshen up during a quick bathroom run after deplaning.
I love this pouch from Madewell to store all my toiletries.
The Makeup Pouch
Flights are a recipe for messy hair. This little brush comes in handy for a quick touch up.
The Mini Dual-Bristle Boar Hair Brush No. 001 for All Hair Textures - Crown Affair | Sephora
We're big fans of SPF in this house. This option is great for re-applying without messing up your makeup.
Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist - SPF 50 - 1 fl oz
Adds a bit of luxury to a hectic travel day. I always apply after I land and deplane in case someone near me as a sensitivity.
Light Blue Eau de Toilette with Lemon & Apple Travel Spray - Dolce&Gabbana | Sephora
These have come in handy on many trips.
Classic Mini Slant Tweezer
Nice way to freshen up after being on a plane for several hours.
Dove Beauty Mini Advanced Care Cool Essentials Antiperspirant & Deodorant Dry Spray - Travel Size - 1oz
Again, big SPF fan. This option is great for re-applying to your body.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 70 - 1 fl oz
I keep this stashed in my pouch for any emergency hangnails.
Glass Nail File
Lips chapped? Dry skin? Dry cuticles? Vaseline has you covered.
Vaseline Lip Therapy Original 0.25oz
If you wear contacts, you know the pain of dried out lenses. Avoid that by keeping a mini solution on hand.
Renu Travel Size Contact Solution for Advanced Lens Care - 2 fl oz
One of the best parts of traveling is trying all the different cuisines. Be prepared for any spills with the Tide stain remover pen.
Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover Pen - 0.33 fl oz
Electronics and Entertainment
Honestly, should be considered essentials.
I switched to corded headphones after losing too many wireless earbuds. And now I wonder, why did we ever give these up?
Apple EarPods (USB-C)
I don't bring my laptop for short flights, but do enjoy watching movies on it or getting some work done for flights >4 hours.
MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop - Apple M4 chip
One cord to charge all your different devices? Yes, please.
Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable, Lightning/Type C/Micro USB Cable, 3ft, Black
Okay, so this is on my phone all the time, but a cute phone case is still a must in your carry on purse.
Shell Shocked | Tortoise Print Case
I never travel without a book. This is the one I took on my last flight.
Happy Place - by Emily Henry (Paperback)
Fuel
Meals can happen at odd times when traveling. Avoid mid-flight hanger and save a few dollars by packing snacks and water.
This water bottle is the PERFECT size. Doesn't take up too much room but still holds enough to stay hydrated. Don't forget to bring it empty and then fill once you're past security.
ENKELSPÅRIG Water bottle - stainless steel/beige 17 oz
Save on airport snacks by stashing a few nut bars in your bag. I also love the chocolate, peanut butter, and blueberry flavors.
RXBAR Nut Butter and Oat Protein Bars Lemon Honey Cashew Butter - 9.7oz/5ct
Long Flight
These items are great for adding comfort to any long or international flight.
Catch some zzz's on your next red-eye with this super comfortable mask.
Sleep Eye Mask - up&up™
Essential for avoiding blood clots and keeping your legs comfy.
Dr. Scholl's Women's Travel Compression Knee High Socks 3 Pack - Walmart.com
I love to multitask and get some extra skincare in while trapped on a long flight.
Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask for Pore Minimizing & Firming Care - Biodance | Sephora
My husband made fun of this when I bought it, but managed to steal it during our last 14+ hour flight. It really is so comfy, I promise you won't regret it.
Brookstone PVC Travel Pillow, Black (BCPP0008)