Are you looking for the essentials that you need to keep in your carry on luggage? In this guide we round up everything you need to keep to hand when flying.
Whenever we travel I try to do carry on only so I don’t overpack. But this isn’t always possible depending on the length of travel, expected weather and itinerary activities. However no matter how much luggage you are taking there are things that should always be in your carry on. They are:
Passport or Identification
Depending on whether you are traveling on a domestic or international flight you will need to have either your passport (for international) or photograph identification (for domestic travel) to hand.
Boarding Pass
This one should go without saying but whether you keep this as a digital or a hard copy this is absolutely a must have.
Visas and Immunisation Records / Certificate
Now depending on where you are travel will depend on whether you need to have visa proof or any immunisation records with you. We also keep these digitally on our devices but also have a paper copy of things like our Yellow Fever vaccination certification with us when required as part of entry regulations.
Pen
I always travel with a pen in my travel wallet as at my destinations you will need to fill in immigration paperwork and it is a time saver if you have your own with you.
Mask
Obviously during covid this was an essential, now it is more of a personal choice. I always pop one in my luggage now whenever I travel.
Medication and Prescriptions
Any medications you take should always be packed in your carry on to prevent loss in case of missing luggage. If the medications are not over the counter then you should also pack your prescription alongside the meds in case you are asked for evidence.
Earphones
Airplanes are noisy places so we recommend noise canceling ones.
Electronics
Could include E readers like kindle or an ipad (or you could go old school and pack a traditional book but these are heavier and take up more space in the case).
And remember to have your electronics fully charged before boarding and always keep a charger hand.
Phone and Charger
A must for all travel.
Spare Clothes
Now that I am a family traveler I always keep at least one spare set of clothes with me in case of spillages etc.
Also I always have one extra layer than I would use on the ground because I find I get cold on planes.
Toiletries
I always pack some essential toiletries in my carry on like moisturiser and lip balm. I normally pack the rest of my toiletries in my checked luggage if I have some.
Just remember that any toiletries you do take with you have to be TSA compliant and be packed in a see through zip lock bag for traveling through security.
Ziplocks
I always have a spare ziplock in my carry on in case of breakage when going through security.
Hand Sanitizer and Anti Bacterial Wipes
To make your seat area more sterile.
Water bottle
As you can’t take water through security we recommend either buying water once passed security or have a collapsible water bottle with you that you can refill once through security.
Snacks
I always pack a few snacks for me when going on a long haul flight, extras if I am traveling with my kids.
Just remember to keep your snacks nut free in case there is someone with an allergy on board.
Sleep Aids (for overnight flights)
If you plan on sleeping on the flight you may want to also pack ear plugs, a sleep mask and travel pillow.
Cash and Credit Cards (in both local and destination currency)
Although I usually use credit cards when traveling I always keep some local and destination currency on me for using in taxis and in case of an emergency.
And there you have it our carry on essentials. If you have something you always pack in your carry on we would love to hear it in the comments below.