In one of our previous posts, I talked about 6 ways to boost your immunity for travel. If you followed my tips in that post, you may be ready to start thinking about what to pack in your carry-on bag for your upcoming trip. Below I’ve recommended 15 must-have carry-on essentials for your flight.
Change of clothes
Leading in the #1 spot for your must-have carry-on essentials is a change of clothes. During a long-haul flight, nothing beats changing into a fresh set of clean clothes. Especially when you’ve been sitting on a stuffy, dirty airplane for hours. If you have a layover, this is the perfect opportunity to do that! If you don’t have a layover, a quick change in the airplane lavatory suffices. A clean outfit is the next best thing if you can’t have a shower during your travel day. The comfier the clothes the better!
iPad with pre-downloaded movies, books & podcasts
In case the airplane doesn’t have headrest TVs, be sure to download all your favourite juicy TV shows, entertaining movies, and hard-to-put down books or Podcasts BEFORE stepping on the plane. You’ll need a Wifi connection in order to do so. Download these items in the days leading up to take-off is best. Not all airplanes have Wifi and most are unreliable at best.
Cell phone, with charger
To segue from my last item, what’s the use of downloaded movies and books on an iPad or phone if the battery is dead?
That’s why you’re going to want to pack chargers for all your electronic devices as well. This will also ensure you’re fully charged when you land. That way you can reach your destination if you require GPS or a phone call to whoever may be picking you up on the other side.
Noise cancelling headphones
Sleeping on an airplane is a struggle at best. If there are unruly toddlers nearby or you’re squished beside someone who snores like a congested walrus, it can be much worse. In the unfortunate circumstance you’ve got both, you’re definitely going to consider the noise-canceling headphones as your bestie. This is why this is listed as one of my must-have carry-on essentials for your flight.
Eye mask
To increase the chance of a sandman visit, pack an eye mask in your bag for your long-haul flight. This item is super helpful if you’re flying across time zones. If you’re thinking ahead, you’ll have already planned how to adjust to your destination’s new time zone. The eye mask will help with this as it’ll make it more difficult for you to open your eyes and will increase the quality of your sleep.
Blanket & neck pillow
You’re going to want to try and get some sleep on a flight so to increase the chance you’ll get some shut-eye some more, pack a travel pillow for resting your head against the windowpane (if window seat) or headrest of your seat (if aisle seat). If you have room in your carry-on, also pack a warm blanket. This is for added comfort on what is usually an uncomfortably chilly flight – don’t leave home without it.
Lip chap & moisturizing lotion
Airplanes are notoriously known for dry air from the filtration system that circulates the cabin’s air. It’s vital to have lip chap and moisturizer for your body’s biggest organ (aka skin). They’ll help you avoid looking and feeling like a member of The California Raisin group when you land.
Toiletries (toothbrush & paste, shampoo & conditioner, soap, deodorant & nail file)
Very important to pack are some of your favourite toiletries. If you have a couple of hours of layover at an airport that has showers, these items will come in handy. Trust me when I say that there’s nothing like that feeling of cleanliness from having a hot shower after flying for 10 hours. You’ll feel a lot better and ready for your next leg of travel.
Pen
Another one of my must-have carry-on essentials is a pen. You know those custom forms immigration requires you to fill out before you arrive? You’ll need a pen to fill out those forms. Don’t be that person asking everyone around you if they have a pen you can borrow. We all know that person. Definitely don’t expect someone to loan you their pen during a global pandemic either.
Compression socks
Super important if you want to minimize swelling and pain or even your chances of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In short, compression socks help prevent blood clots by putting pressure on the ankle area and part of the leg to keep blood moving. While the risk of developing blood clots on a flight is low, it goes up as travel time increases (TravelChannel.com). Stay safe and comfortable and pack a pair of compression socks in your carry-on bag.
Large water bottle
It’s really hard to get enough water from the flight attendants. And you don’t want to constantly be bugging them for more water throughout the flight either. So, pack the biggest water bottle you can find and fill it up before getting on the plane (but of course, after going through security). It’ll help you stay hydrated on the flight – your skin and organs will thank you later.
Eye drops & nasal spray
I find every crevice of my body gets bone-dry on planes – that includes my nose and eyes. Eye drops and nasal spray are a lifesaver in terms of lubricating and hydrating my orifices during a flight.
Hand sanitizer & baby wipes
We all know planes are germ cesspools. This is why it’s important to pack hand sanitizer to use before eating or drinking and after touching basically anything. Baby wipes are useful. You won’t disrupt your neighbor getting up to wash your hands every time you’ve finished snacking on something delicious.
Sleep aid (melatonin)
Hopefully, you’re well-rested and as healthy as can be before you step on the plane but nonetheless, you still may want a sleep aid. Be careful when choosing one though and always consult your healthcare practitioner before taking medications or supplements. Try it out at home before taking it on a plane. Sometimes they’ll do more harm than good, and the opposite happens. I find most often that one melatonin pill will relax me enough to the point where I’ll be able to drift off into a light sleep for at least a couple of hours. If you’re a good sleeper, perhaps a sleep aid is not needed – if so, count yourself lucky!
Snacks! (including mints or gum)
If you’re like me and are always thinking about your next meal, be sure to pack some food! Hit up your local grocery store at home and stock up on some healthy and nutritious snacks before your flight. If you’re purchasing snacks in the airport, be prepared to pay more than usual. Your flight may or may not have meals and snacks provided but having your own will help you feel sustained and not hangry waiting for your next bite.
Did I miss anything on the list above? What are your go-to essentials for your carry-on bag?
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