It’s always a tough decision – what to pack in your carry on bag vs. your checked bag. This is especially true when you’re traveling on a long-haul flight. Even more so if it’s a red eye! Read on for my fool-proof method for packing your carry on.
I like to pack my carry on with three categories in mind:
1) Comfort
2) Entertainment
3) Personal Hygiene
Within each category, there are various items I recommend packing. Here is what it looks like when I laid everything out for a recent trip. All of these items fit in a medium-sized backpack and a medium-sized purse. They both fit under the seat in front of me.
Comfort Items
-A sweater or sweatshirt – planes get cold!
-Neck pillow. This is the one I use but there are many options out there
-Snacks! I’ve found that long-haul, international flights feed you constantly. But it still helps to have a favorite snack with you just in case
-Sunglasses for easy access when you arrive
-Purse/wallet
-Passport and photocopy
-Dramamine if you get motion sickness
-Sea Bands
-Empty water bottle
Entertainment Items
-Case with various cords you may need for your devices; don’t forget an international adapter if you’re traveling to another country
-Magazine(s)
-Headphones with a cord. They’re much easier to use than a spotty bluetooth connection
-eReader
-Tablet (loaded with downloaded movies or TV shows)
Personal Hygiene Options
-Non-alcohol based sanitizing wipes
-Travel toothpaste and toothbrush to use in the airport bathroom when you arrive
-Chapstick
-Mints and/or gum
-Facial cleansing wipes
-Prescription medications in original labeled bottles
-Hairbrush
That’s it! I’d love to hear from you in the comments what you pack in your carry on.