Top 10 items you should pack in your carry-on from a frequent flier
In most years, I fly well over 100 flights a year so I am pretty well versed in packing for flights. I spend more time in airports and on airplanes than almost anywhere else. Keeping my carry on bag stocked with the essentials saves a lot of time. These are the top 10 items I always pack in a carry-on.
- Passport or ID
Let’s start with an obvious one. Your passport should always be with you on a flight in your carry-on bag. In the rare instance that your bag is delayed, not having a passport or identification can be a problem. This could mean you are unable to check into your accommodation or pick up your rental car. For international flights this can even mean being denied entry into the country you’re visiting.
- Medications
Make sure you pack all of your daily medications in your carry-on bag or at least several days worth. If your checked bag is delayed, not having your medication in your carry on bag could be detrimental to your health. I also never leave home without Advil, Tylenol and Tums. I pack tiny bottles of each one just in case because there is nothing worse than trying to hunt down ibuprofen from a fellow passenger if you get a headache while flying.
- External battery charger and charging cords
While most airline carriers have outlets on flights some, such as budget airlines may not. There is nothing worse than your phone running out of battery on a flight. I use my phone for taking in flight videos, photos of the seat and my meals, and sometimes I will stream a movie on my phone. Just in case the outlets near my seat are broken or I have a layover in a city where finding an outlet is hard, it is really helpful to have a power bank to charge my items. I always keep any charging cords and power banks in my carry-on bag at my seat.
- Snacks
I never get on a long haul flight without snacks. This is especially important if you have dietary restrictions of any kind. I can’t tell you how many flights I’ve been on where catering hasn’t loaded a vegetarian or Kosher meal for someone who requested it. Even if you don’t have dietary restrictions I still pack snacks in case you don’t like the in flight meal or you’re delayed. Just make sure if you’re traveling internationally you discard any fruit or meat before you land as it is usually not allowed to bring those items in.
- Tablet
One item that is always on my check list for my carry-on bag is an iPad full of downloaded movies and shows, a couple podcasts, and a book or two. This is a life saver on long layovers or if I am delayed. Also, having a tablet is great because a lot of airlines, such as American and Delta, allow you to stream movies and shows to your device for free. This is great for flights that don’t have seat-back entertainment.
- Headphones
Headphones are a required item to pack for your carry-on bag. Don’t try to watch your movie or listen to music without headphones in the airport or while on the plane. I usually pack my Airpods for flights under 5 hours, but for any overnight or long haul flights I also put a pair of noise canceling headphones in my carry-on bag. Noise canceling headphones are more comfortable than earbuds for long periods of time.
- Inflatable pillow
While some people love the neck pillows on flights, I personally don’t like them so I pack an inflatable pillow in my carry-on. It comes in a bag that is smaller than my phone and you can adjust it to the firmness you like. I can also use it as lumbar support if needed. An inflatable pillow is also great if you have a long layover and lounge access. I’ve been able to take many nice naps in airport lounges over the years using my inflatable pillow.
- Water bottle
Flying dehydrates you so I try very hard to stay on top of hydration levels. I always bring a refillable water bottle with me and I will fill it up with water before I board the plane. Oftentimes you are sitting on the plane for close to an hour by the time you get served a drink. Remember, you’ll have to empty the water bottle before going through security. I haven’t ever had a problem finding somewhere to refill the bottle before a flight.
- Sunscreen
Did you know that you should always wear SPF on airplanes? You’re actually exposed to more UV rays while in the flying because you’re closer to the ozone layer. Most airplane windows will block UVB rays but not UVA rays, which are the rays that cause photo-aging. Even if your window shade is down, rays even come in through! I always layer on more sunscreen before I board a flight and I keep a small face sunscreen in my carry-on bag. I apply the SPF to any skin that is uncovered.
- Moisturizer
Along with packing sun protection, I always pack a moisturizer in my carry-on bag. Why? The air in the plane is very drying and is very low humidity. Because the low humidity you skin will lose hydration pretty rapidly while you’re flying. To avoid the dreaded “airplane skin” I make sure I moisturize my face and body before I fly. I always pack a small moisturizer in my carry-on bag. Lately, I have actually been “slugging” while flying. Slugging is putting a tiny amount of Aquaphor or petroleum jelly over top of my moisturizer to lock in moisture. (That is a different story for another day.)
All of these in-flight essentials are always in my bag ready to head to the airport. Whether you’re a frequent flier or new to flying, packing these items in your bag will make your flight experience a little easier.
