The Ultimate Guide to Packing Your Carry-On Bag

Traveling can be both exciting and stressful, and you might be tempted to simply throw everything into your checked-in luggage so that you can travel light on the plane. But, how well you pack your carry-on bag can significantly impact your journey. An adequately-but-not-overpacked carry-on not only makes your trip more comfortable but also ensures you have everything you need within arm's reach during your flight.

1. Travel Essentials

Travel essentials are items that you will need to board the flight - meaning you will have to bring them onto the flight with you regardless. These include your passport, boarding pass, and any other essential documents.

You will also need to bring along your credit/debit cards, cash, your ID documents, and your phone — these are items that you really wouldn’t want to put into your checked-in luggage in case your luggage gets lost.

If you have any medication that you will need to take during your flight, remember to also pack them into your carry-on bag!

2. Electronics and Accessories

Aside from your travel essentials, you might want to bring along some electronics that might come in handy when you are on your flight.

Some carriers offer USB charging on the flight — and having your phone cable with you would be handy if you need to charge your phone on the flight. Other carriers (especially low cost carriers) offer in-seat power supply at an additional cost; in which case, having a portable power bank with you would be very helpful. However, remember to pay attention to the cabin crew’s safety instructions and not to charge your phone during taxi, take-off, and landing!

If you will be bringing along your laptop for work, these cannot be checked in and will need to go into your carry-on as well.

If you have your own noise-canceling headphones, they can also be a lifesaver on noisy flights.

3. Comfort Items

If you will be traveling long-distance, it is important to bring along some items to make your flight more comfortable. Travel pillows, ear plugs, and eye masks can help you sleep better. If you will be flying full-service, you can usually also request for these items from the cabin crew and you might not need to bring along your own ones.

Compression socks are also useful for long flights, especially since you will be sitting for long hours.

Airplanes can get chilly. Most full-service carriers will provide a blanket, but if you will be flying low-cost, consider bringing a jacket or a compact blanket to keep yourself warm throughout the flight.

As the plane cabin can get very dry, consider also bringing along a wet mask that can help you breathe better. You can also bring along a steamed mask or eye drops to rest your eyes on the flight.

Bring along an empty water bottle that you can fill up at the airport after security clearance. This will help to ensure that you can stay adequately hydrated during your flight in case you aren’t able to get the attention of a cabin crew.

4. Toiletries and Personal Items

It is also useful to bring along some toiletries on your carry-on so that you can freshen up during or after the flight. Dental care items, face wipes, lip balms, and hand sanitisers are good items to bring along.

It is also useful to pack a set of underwear and extra outfits with you in your carry-on bag, in case your checked in luggage gets delayed or lost.

5. Miscellaneous Items

Other useful items to pack along with you could be things like your entertainment - whether it is a book, magazine, ebook, or tablet. These can help to keep you entertained on the flight. A pen will also come in handy for filling out customs forms or for jotting down notes.

Packing Tips

• Check Airline Restrictions: Be aware of your airline’s carry-on size and weight limits.
• Use a Secure Bag: Choose a carry-on with good security features like lockable zippers. Where possible, use a bag that you can stow under the seat in front of you instead of placing them in the overhead cabins. If you need to place your carry-on bag in an overhead cabin, consider bringing along a small pouch or smaller bag that you can put your valuables in, so that you can keep your valuables with you throughout the flight.
• Keep Liquids Accessible: Place liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag and keep them at the top of your carry-on for easy access during security checks.

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