10 Carry On Bag Essentials

Taking a flight is an exciting experience, but it can be overwhelming too and it’s all too easy to forget something important. A well packed carry on bag should contain every item that you’re likely to need before, during and immediately after you land. In this article, we will help you to prepare a packing list for your carry on bag to ensure that you’re ready to fly.

Choose the Right Carry On Bag

The total size of the carry on bag must not exceed 22”x14”x9” and that includes the wheels and handles. There are many styles to choose from, including: backpacks, soft cases, hard cases and more. Some even have fancy features, such as built-in USB chargers, TSA locks and they may be waterproof. Some manufacturers even offer extended warranties because they have faith in the products they sell. But, the most important feature is that the carry on bag must be able to easily fit in the sizer when you reach the airport. Don’t forget that you can carry some items on your person and it’s always a great idea to wear your heaviest clothes when you fly to save on your luggage allowance. Once you’ve got the right carry on bag to meet your needs, it’s time to think about what you’re going to pack for the flight. 

1.A Passport Holder

For international travel, the last thing that you want to forget or misplace is your passport. Keeping this travel document safe and on-hand to board the plane is an absolute must. Easy access to the passport holder will make it much easier to present your documents at airport security and when you’re boarding your plane. At your destination, the holder should be kept somewhere safe or you could carry it with you. 

2.A Toiletry Bag

This should be in your carry on bag to help you to use deodorant and brush your teeth as you’re traveling. It’s easy to feel down as you fly and taking some time to freshen up can really lift your mood and make the journey more enjoyable. If your checked luggage is lost in transit, it will be helpful to have some toiletries on hand too. The air on planes can become dry and stuffy and adding a body lotion and/or facial moisturizer can help. A good facial spray can help you to feel fresher after flying and they can moisturize your skin for a fast pick-me-up.

3.A Travel Wallet

Traveling is fun, but there are risks and scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their efforts to part you from your hard earned money. All credit cards should be kept in an RFID wall to prevent the theft of personal and financial data. Some models even have space to store a smartphone too for extra security. 

4.Prescription Medications

It’s important to keep prescription medications on hand for the trip and to cover yourself in the event of delayed and/or lost luggage issues. If you need multiple different medications, you might want to consider a travel pill organizer. These are relatively inexpensive, but they can be extremely helpful to avoid confusion when traveling. 

5.TSA-Approved Bags and Containers

When you pack, you’ll need a clear bag that meets the guidelines for gels and liquids set by the TSA. Certain toiletry bags include a removable travel liquid back or you can get reusable bags from Amazon and other retailers. These bags can be used to carry hand sanitizer, liquid makeup, lotions, shampoo and more. The bags or containers cannot weigh more than 3.4oz and they need to be in the carry on bag for easy inspection. Keep them in an external pocket and if you’re unsure about what is allowed consult the TSA regulations. 

6.A Travel Pillow

Taking some time to rest or sleep during a flight can help to pass the time and feel more refreshed when you arrive at your destination. But, it’s all too easy to get a cramp in your neck if you sleep in a bad position. A good quality neck pillow can support your neck as you rest and some products even double as a packing cube. 

7.Packing Cubes

Speaking of packing cubes, these handy items are an excellent way to maximize the available space in your carry on bag. The best compression packing cubes can create even more space to ensure that you can pack all your essentials. 

8.Glasses Cases

Whether you need a glasses case for vision correction or your favorite sunglasses it makes sense to protect these items in transit. You will need ready access to your glasses when you need them and you may have multiple pairs. There are foldable glasses cases that can hold up to three pairs at once and they don’t take up too much space in your carry on bag. 

9.A Luggage Tracker

Although you’re bringing your carry on bag with you it’s still prudent to use a luggage tracker. Products like the Apple AirTag or Tile Pro can be attached to the bag to ensure that it’s easy to track if it’s stolen or misplaced. This is a game changer because it’s easy to lose a bag if you’re tired and jet lagged. 

10.Reusable Zippered Pouches

These are typically made from silicone and they’re perfect for storage. They are a great way to store snacks and other small items that could be “lost” in your carry on bag. Savvy travelers will use multiple bags in different colors for specific groups of items. This color coding system works well when you’re tired and you won’t need to empty out the carry on bag to find a specific item quickly. 

In Conclusion

A well packed carry on bag can contain all the items that you need for your flight. It can also function as a stop gap in the event of lost or delayed luggage. Consider packing a light change of clothes if you have space and don’t forget to keep your valuables with you at all times.