Whether you’re jetting off on a short city break, or planning a long-haul trip to somewhere exotic, having the right carry-on packing list can make the difference between a tedious flight and a comfortable one.
Quick Takeaway: The essentials for any cabin bag packing list should include a good bag or suitcase, a handy document wallet to keep your passport and boarding card safe, essential medication, and items for in-flight entertainment such as headphones, a tablet, a book and personal hygiene products.
So, let’s dive right in and discover what’s included on the only carry-on packing list you’ll ever need!
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The Ultimate carry-on Packing List
Below you’ll find everything you need for a safe and comfortable flight. So, whether it’s just a short hop or a Trans-Atlantic flight, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list.
1. Carry-on Bag
This may seem obvious, but for the best experience and to avoid issues with airlines, you’ll want to include a good bag that complies with the regulation sizes for most major airlines.
Sizes can differ slightly between airlines and ticket types, but the industry standard is 55” x 35” x 22” cm so keep this in mind when selecting your carry-on bag. See below for the exact dimensions for some of the most popular airlines.
You’ll need to choose between a small backpack or a rigid suitcase, with the former the preference for travellers and holidaymakers, and the latter a great option if you’re travelling for business. Environmentally-savvy travellers should check out our guide to the best sustainable luggage brands.
The Samsonite Pro DLX 6 is a sturdy backpack and perfect whether you are travelling for business or pleasure. This water-resistant cabin-size bag features a laptop compartment, a built-in pocket with a USB outlet, and plenty of space for essentials. Click here to buy.
Carry-on bag Dimensions for Major Airlines
2. Document Wallet for Passport, Boarding Pass and Other Important Documents
A good document wallet is crucial to your carry-on packing list as this keeps all your important documents in one place with easy access, and stops them from getting damaged. Keep your passport, boarding passes, travel money and insurance documents in one place so you know where they are at all times.
The Dayday 4 Holder Travel Wallet is a great option as it is made from durable rip-stop nylon, has 14 separate pockets, including a pen slot, and a handy keychain and wrist strap so you can keep it close at all times. Click here to buy.
3. A Pen
Now that many of us have the latest smartphones in our pockets, few people think of carrying a pen. But this is a mistake when travelling, as when it’s time to fill in that immigration card, you can be ahead of the game and get through customs quicker than those scrambling for a pen to borrow.
The Bellroy Micro Pen is an excellent piece of kit for the savvy traveller and it compacts to just 86.5mm and fits easily into your pocket or travel wallet. Click here for more info.
4. Medication
If you need to take medication then you’ll want to have a supply with you on any flight regardless of duration. If the medicine is prescription, you should keep it in the original bottle and have a copy of the prescription signed by your doctor.
Some countries ban medicines that are readily available in the West so you’ll need to check that your medicine is not prohibited at your intended destination, including anywhere you might be stopping for a layover. You can check this on embassy websites for the countries you will be visiting.
5. Personal Hygiene Products
It’s important to ensure you and your family's health when travelling, and a simple way to help with this is to include items such as anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitiser on your packing list for carry-on baggage.
Although planes are cleaned thoroughly after every flight, for peace of mind it doesn’t hurt to give the armrest a quick wipe and to sanitise your hands before making a start on those in-flight snacks or meals.
Be sure to keep to regulations governing the amount of liquids you can take on your flight so you’ll want a hand sanitiser that comes in a clear, labelled bottle under 100ml (kept in a clear plastic bag when going through customs).
6. Compression Socks
If you are a frequent flyer or planning on a long-haul flight, then a pair of compression socks should be included on your carry-on packing list.
These special socks can help with blood flow and reduce the chance of contracting a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) which can build up due to inactivity on long flights.
These Calves Kelson compression socks are a great option and come in packs of two. Click here to buy.
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7. Travel Pillow
It’s no secret that flying isn’t always the most comfortable way to travel, especially with budget airlines. However, there is plenty you can do to make the journey more pleasant and having a good travel pillow is definitely one of these.
To make the most out of your luggage space, an inflatable pillow is the best option as it can be nicely compacted at the end of your journey and won’t take up too much space in your bag.
There are plenty of options available on the market, but one of our favourites is the Trekology Inflatable Neck Pillow as it comes with a removable cover to keep it fresh, and packs away into a small bag when not in use. Click here to find out more.
8. Noise Cancelling Headphones
Planes can be noisy, so a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can really make a difference to your flight. It pays not to go with wireless, as Bluetooth is restricted during take-off and landing, so if you want to stay connected for the duration, opt for headphones with a cable.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a great option as they can be used both with a cable when flying and then revert to wireless for the rest of your trip. The headphones have a fold-away design so you can maximise space, and great battery life to keep you entertained for the duration of your flight. Click here to buy.
9. Ear Plugs
If you have an overnight flight, then a pair of good earplugs is a must to negate crying babies and the sound of the engines and help you get a good night’s sleep.
These Loop Quiet reusable ear plugs are not only the greener way to go, but offer hearing protection, noise reduction and a comfortable soft-silicone design. Click here to buy.
10. Tablet/Chromebook/Small Laptop (Electronics)
For anything longer than a short hop, taking a tablet, notepad or a small laptop means you can catch up on some work, watch a previously downloaded movie, or play games to pass the time.
Ensure your device has a flight mode which can be enabled to make it compliant and keep devices turned off during take-off and landing. Check Amazon for some of the best deals on tablets, Chromebooks and laptops.
10. A Good Book
For those who would rather unplug, a good book makes an excellent addition to your flying packing list as it’s easy to get absorbed and before you know it, you’ll be at your destination. Try and bring a book or two with you, as you’ll pay more if you pick something up last-minute at the airport.
If you’re more of a tech-savvy reader, and looking to maximise space, then a Kindle is another great option to keep reading while on the go as you can store thousands of books on there without the bulk and weight of physical copies. Click here to learn more.
12. Power Bank and USB Cable
A USB cable for charging your devices will ensure you have enough battery power to last for the duration of the flight.
Although many planes now have USB charging ports at the seat, a power bank is a very useful item to have in your carry-on luggage and ensures you can stay connected and not arrive at your destination with the dreaded one bar. Make sure your power bank is fully charged before you fly, and that your USB cable is in good working order.
Conclusion
So, now you know what to include in your carry-on packing list to make your flight as comfortable and stress-free as possible, from the best carry-on bag to headphones and other equipment. Now all that’s left for you to do is sit back and enjoy your flight. “Cabin crew, seats for departure please…”
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