The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide

No matter where in the world I travel, my carry-on packing routine is nearly always the same. I almost always bring a personal item and a carry-on suitcase to ensure I have everything I need for a comfortable flight.

Wondering what to pack in a carry-on bag for a flight? Or, what to pack in a carry-on for an international flight?

Keep scrolling for a complete breakdown of my favorite travel bags, plus everything else to put in your carry-on!

Carry-On Luggage

Most airlines offer passengers a personal bag and carry-on luggage. Here are my recommendations for the best “personal item” backpacks & totes and carry-on luggage!

Backpack (Personal Item)

Because I have a ton of camera equipment (and computer stuff), my go-to carry-on for every trip is a backpack that can fit all the gear. I love this backpack by Brevite because it is a functional, compact, and lightweight camera backpack that can also be an everyday backpack for commuting, work, travel, and anything in between.

My other favorite is the Metro backpack from Monos. It’s chic, water-resistant, made of ultra-microfibre vegan leather. You can “build” what you need with their QuickSnap™  Modular Kit System and use them interchangeably with the Metro Backpack and Metro Duffel!

Tote (Personal Item)

These are some of my favorite totes (instead of a backpack) to carry on as a personal item. Be mindful that while the most common personal item size limit is 18 x 14 x 8 inches, not every airline is the same, so be sure to confirm!

I love a tote so that I can easily access my laptop, Kindle, and more. Look for a tote that can fit all your essentials, laptop, water bottle, snacks, and more—and that you will want to use along your trip!

My two favorites are the Lo & Sons O.G. 2 and the Monos Metro Duffel.

Both are lightweight, have cross-body straps, and have “a place for everything.” They also both have laptop compartments and suitcase sleeves to attach them to your larger luggage easily.

Weekender (Carry-On Luggage)

If you prefer soft luggage to a carry-on suitcase, these are some of my favorite duffels and weekenders for travel! Regardless of the brand you pick, always look for a spacious interior with plenty of room for all your essentials.

The Beis Weekender and Monos Weekender are both equivalent to “carry-on” sized luggage, making them great swaps when wheeled bags aren’t a good fit.

Both offer separate zippered lower storage areas, which I love for separating shoes and toiletries from the main compartment. They both also have built-in suitcase sleeves to fit around the handle of your checked suitcase.

Suitcase (Carry-On Luggage)

If you’re bringing a carry-on suitcase, these are some of my favorites! Regardless of the suitcase you pick, always look for pieces that have spinner wheels—having four wheels and the ability to roll your carry-on upright is a game changer.

My partner’s favorite bag is the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus because of the padded external pocket. This is a great option for light packers who want to combine their personal item with a carry-on and only travel with one bag. The only downside for me is that it’s not expandable. So, in the case your airline allows a larger bag as a carry-on, you’re limited to one size.

My favorite suitcase is The Carry-On by Beis because it is expandable and has a convenient retractable bag-attach-strap that I often use to carry my hats with a hat clip. It also has a built-in weight indicator on the side handle, so you know if you’ve overpacked.

Both brands make some of the highest-quality and most beautiful luggage on the market, so you really can’t go wrong with either!

Liquid Pouches

I love TRUFFLE TSA-approved cases and pouches for my carry-on liquids. They’re beautiful and made from high-quality materials so they’ll last for years to come.

I think I’ve had mine for 6 years now and they still look brand-new!

My favorites are the standard-size Clarity Jetset Case and the small-sized Clarity Pouch — both adhere to TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids!

In-Flight Sleep Essentials

Nowadays, most airlines don’t offer pillows, blankets, or any amenities to passengers unless they’re in business or first class. It’s always best to be prepared with your own comforts to make the journey as smooth as possible!

Travel-Friendly Shoes & Outfit

My flight outfits change depending on my destination, but I always make sure I have the essentials that make me feel clean and refreshed (even if I’m not that well-rested). These items will keep you comfy and looking your best once you touch down!

Travel-Friendly Snacks

Most airlines serve up a couple of options for snacks or meals on board, but it can vary by distance and flight time—and the quality of food is typically quite poor. I like to think of meal options as “cardboard” or “indigestion.” Always pack some snacks that you know make you feel good and satisfied, especially on long-haul flights!

Snacks

I’ll typically bring a piece of fruit, a healthy snack bar, and some raw nuts to snack on during the flight. I try to avoid high-allergen nuts like peanuts for the safety of other passengers.

Here are more TSA-Approved Snacks to Pack for Your Next Flight!

Items to Hydrate

Commercial airplanes have very low humidity, so keeping your skin and body hydrated is important. I know it’s annoying to get up and use the restroom, but trust me, your body will thank you. And your jet lag will be less severe if you stay well-hydrated!

Water Bottle

I highly recommend getting a reusable and collapsible water bottle for your travels. As much as I STAN a Stanley, traveling with them is a nightmare.

I always travel with a Vapur anti-bottle. It rolls up small enough to fit in your pocket when empty, and it is leakproof. Most airports have water bottle filling stations, and flight attendants will usually fill up your bottle if you ask.

Eye Patches & Cream

For me, one of the worst effects of travel is tired eyes. I’m obsessed with Patchology eye patches—they don’t slide around, and I can even sleep with them during long-haul flights! And, between using the patches, I recommend applying a hydrating eye cream throughout the flight.

Lip Balm

My favorite travel lip product is Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm—made with organic, all-natural ingredients and no nasties. It’s super hydrating with the best, smooth texture! For a more intensive lip treatment, I love Patchology Lip Service Gloss-to-Balm and their Hydrating Lip Gels.

Tinted Moisturizer

A good tinted moisturizer has the coverage benefits of a foundation and the moisturizing qualities of face lotion. My favorite, affordable option is the Tarte BB blur-tinted moisturizer with SPF 30!

Hand Lotion

I always pack a luxurious hand creme—your skin dries out so much on flights, so I use this everywhere for extra moisture!

Cleanse

Long travel days can leave you feeling unclean and uncomfortable. These items will keep you feeling fresh!

Hand Sanitizer

It’s not new news that airplanes are blanketed in bacteria. Do your best to keep clear of germs and do your part not to spread them. I love this plant-based sanitizer spray and these disinfectant hand wipes for keeping bacteria at bay.

Wipes

I love traveling biodegradable body wipes to freshen up, as they’re perfect for an array of uses while traveling. I typically pack oil-free facial cleansing wipes and organic feminine hygiene wipes on every flight. Checking out my Tips for Traveling with ‘Aunt Flo’ before your next trip.

I recently became obsessed with these essential oil towelettes for a little pick-me-up too!

It may sound like a whole lotta wipe, but you’ll thank me on that 24-hour travel day with no shower!

Brighten

With limited carry-on space and limitations on liquids, it’s best to bring less makeup onboard. Here are my fav products to bring that moneymaker back to life!

 

Mascara

A little mascara can go a long way and can help brighten your eyes after a flight. This is a great travel-sized mascara option!

Under Eye Concealer

A good under-eye concealer should be hydrating and shouldn’t dry out and crease. I love this ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer because it helps hide imperfections, it hydrates, and it’s from one of the top clean beauty brands.

Refresh

A little freshness is a life-saver on a travel day. These items will keep you feeling refreshed both on and off your flight!

 

Deodorant

Do everyone a favor and reapply during your flight. I love a good natural deodorant but for carry-on regulations, an underarm deodorant wipe is also an awesome option.

Eye Drops

Sometimes, a couple of eye drops are all you need to feel refreshed after a long flight. Don’t forget to pack a bottle!

Toothbrush

I typically always pack my toothbrush on a flight, but I like single-use mini brushes for a quick brush-up. I leave them in my purse no matter where I go so I can keep my breath and smile fresh after a meal.

Spare Pair

It never hurts to pack a spare pair of undies and an extra top on long travel days.

Entertain

A long-haul flight can seem daunting, so be prepared with plenty of things to entertain yourself. Here are some ideas to keep clear of boredom!

 

Tablet

I love the feel of a physical book more than anything, but they can be bulky, which is why I travel with a tablet or a Kindle E-Reader. A tablet keeps all of your apps, music, games, and eBooks stored in one compact device.

Make sure your apps and software are updated and downloaded before you board. Look into the hundreds of travel apps before your flight to help you plan your trip and keep you busy on the flight.

Phone

If you are traveling out of the country, be sure to turn off your cellular data to avoid roaming fees. Smartphones also offer the same features as a tablet with plenty of games, books, and apps to make time go by faster. If you want to stay connected to WiFi, check out the Skyroam wireless device.

Headphones

A good pair of headphones is a wise investment for frequent travelers. I find bulky noise-canceling headsets to be more of a fashion statement than practicality, so I sometimes opt for powerful yet compact wireless earbuds.

And if you prefer using your AirPods instead of traditional headphones that you have to plugin the in-flight entertainment screens, you have to check out the AirFly Pro! It wirelessly transmits audio from in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, gaming devices, TVs, etc., to your Bluetooth headphones.

Electronic Chargers & Adapters

Don’t forget to pack any chargers for devices that you bring in your carry-on! Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need a universal adapter for your plugs.

Don’t Forget

Everything I’ve mentioned so far is replaceable and can be purchased in most places around the world. So, don’t sweat about forgetting the small stuff.

These are the most important things to remember:

• Passport and/or Identification

• Credit Cards and/or Cash

• Valuables

Never pack expensive items in your checked baggage, or you may never see them again. I always carry-on my camera equipment, electronics, jewelry, etc.

• Travel Insurance

I always recommend travel insurance for every trip. I prefer World Nomads Travel Insurance because it’s completely affordable and gives me peace of mind. It covers not only my flights and baggage but also medical emergencies and trip cancellation. Read Ten Reasons to Get Travel Insurance for your Next Trip for more info!

• Copies of Important Documents

It’s always wise to bring physical copies of your passport and any other travel documents in case of loss or theft.

• Medications

Of course, you should always bring any medication you require in your carry-on. Keep in mind that you may be required to show proof of prescription for some medications. I usually bring a small pill case for general ailments such as a headache, nausea, and allergies.

• Liquid Allowances

Don’t forget the 3-1-1 rule when packing your liquids. Liquids must be under 3.4 ounces, fit in 1 quart-sized plastic bag and you are allowed 1 bag per passenger.

 

 

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone.