What To Pack in a Carry-On Bag? Here Are Our Essential Items

Allie Calegari

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Including a handy checklist!

In the early days of mine and Becca’s relationship, I vividly recall watching her chaotically pack a carry-on– phone charger thrown in a bag, sweater rolled up, 3 extra pairs of clothes and her medication floating around in an open ziploc bag– I remember thinking to myself, “okay, this is an area where I can definitely help.” I’ve been frequently traveling since I was a baby, both domestic and internationally, and am a type A very organized person on top of it. If there’s anything I’ve got down pat, it’s how to fly. No pre-flight scramble, no drama. Just ask Becca, who now never has to wonder if she’s packed everything she needs!

Whether you’re jetting off on a long-haul adventure, dashing across the country for a work meeting, or simply escaping for a weekend getaway, feeling and looking your best when you travel shouldn’t be left to chance.

Here, we’re sharing our ultimate list of carry-on essentials; everything you need to prep that “personal item” for maximum comfort. From a jet lag mask to a cozy pillow for a plane snooze, we’ve got you covered for every scenario, all within that standard 16 x 14 x 8 inch size limit. Pack smart, travel light and arrive feeling refreshed– your carry-on list awaits!

Comfort Essentials

J.Crew Oversized Silk Bandana

We we love it: Oversize fit is great for multipurpose coverage, 100% silk keeps warmth and protects from that overhead air vent.

Bedelite Travel Blanket and Pillow Set

We we love it: Doubles as a pillow, fleece material is warm and cuddly, and it’s machine washable!

Loop Quiet Ear Plugs

We we love it: These reduce up to 26 decibels of noise and are fun and jewelry-like. The come with a color-coded case, changeable tips for a perfect fit and the silicone is easy to clean.

Saje Clean Hands Hand Lotion

We we love it: Convenient travel size; a little goes a long way; lavender, tea tree oil and aloe vera smell incredible; cleanses hands

Saje Sleep Well Restful Sleep Kit

We we love it: Travel is tough on the body’s natural circadian rhythms. This little travel trio comes with an oil blend, body butter and face mist that contan sleep-inducing herbs valerian root, chamomile and lavendar– all in an easy zippered pouch.

Bombas Compression Socks

We we love it: Comfy cozy and improve circulation.

Hydro Flask with Flex Cap

We we love it: Most airports now have a refillable water station, so this sturdy stainless steel bottle is perfect for making sure you’re always hydrated on trips. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe and non-spill, and it comes in tons of colors!

Apple Air Tag

We we love it: Syncs with iPhone and easily tracks misplaced bags.

Calpak Luka Duffel

We we love it: Chic and lightweight, includes a shoe compartment, fits comfortably over a carry-on suitcase, multipurpose. 

Personal Travel Pouch

Grace & Stella Under Eye Patches

We we love it: Clean, vegan, paraben and sulfate-free ingredients are gentle on sensitive skin, and these de-puffing patches are made with sea moss to energize tired eyes.

Popvibe Clear Travel Toiletry Bag

We we love it: Sleek design that’s TSA approved, multifunctional and so easy to clean.

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Santizer Spray + Touchland Touchette Zippered Pouch

We we love it: This cult classic hand sani is worth the hype. Smells incredible, flat for easy packing, and hydrating. Get the zippered pouch for easy attachment to your carry-on so it’s accessible on the go.

Summer Fridays Mini Jet Lag Mask & Moisturizer

We we love it: We won’t fly without this! This no-rinse, fragrance-free mask if good for all skin types and nourishes, hydrates and calms skin with clean ingredients.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

We we love it: Another beloved Summer Friday product– this silky vegan balm comes in several natural tints and hydrates and soothes dry lips in seconds.

Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray

We we love it: This travel size is so convenient! The lemon, bergamot and lemongrass scent is perfect for leaving that airport bathroom fresher than you found it.

Marvis Travel Toothpaste Set

We we love it: This toothpaste is our favorite, even at home. This travel-sized trio of Marvis favorites includes 1.3oz sizes of Classic Strong Mint, Whitening Mint and Cinnamon Mint so you can land feeling fresh and clean.

Kitsch Satin Eye Mask

We we love it: High-quality satin; soft to touch and gentle on skin; doesn’t absorb moisture from your skin so it stays hydrated while you rest.

Tech Travel Pouch

Away The Tech Case

We we love it: Perfectly stackable and made to pack. Compact size and internal organization zippered system holds all your cables and chargers neatly.

elago Charger Cable Case

We we love it: Keeps Macbook cable clean and tangle-free in a sleek, soft case.

iWalk Portable Charger

We we love it: Great color and design options, lightweight, fast charging, lipstick-sized and convenient.

Apple Airpods

We we love it: Noise cancelling, dust-sweat-and-water resistant, up to 6-hours of listening time per charge, and lightweight.

Tessan International Plug Adapter

We we love it: 150-country plug adaptability, charges up to 5 devices at once, can also be used in the U.S., and has high-speed charging capability.

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