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I posted on my Instagram story this past weekend and asked what people can’t leave their home without and I got a variety of answers from journals to sound machines. Whether you’re an avid traveler or about to take your first trip, it’s important not to forget those critically important items that can make or break your trip. So without delay, here are my top three items to take with you on your next trip so that you know what to pack in a carry on bag for a flight.

What to pack in a carry on bag for a flight

1) Packing cubes

This item is important for your bag whether you are carrying on or checking your luggage. I have written before about using packing cubes and how helpful they are with organizing your suitcase. Ever since I started using packing cubes, I have not taken a single trip without them. Not one. I promise you, I understand that they seem dumb. Try them anyway.

Packing cubes help the inevitable “whatever you need is at the bottom of the suitcase” dilemma. They also prevent you getting to the end of packing and subsequently realizing that you have too big/small suitcase picked out and you need to switch.

Packing cubes are inexpensive and well worth it – especially if you’re looking for a gift for a regular traveler or you are one yourself and you haven’t tried them.

2) Battery pack

While many airlines have planes with outlets and USB ports, this is definitely not universal. Even if you find out ahead of time that your plane is more modernly equipped, you could sit at a seat were these are broken. If this does happen, you can request compensation from the airline, but it won’t help you if your phone dies.

Because of this, I always bring a battery pack with me so I don’t run out of phone juice away from home. Although I’ve received several generic battery packs as gifts, I have purchased two Anker battery packs as these are very reliable. The only reason I have two is that I left one in a rental car and I didn’t think I’d get it back so I bought another (but I did).

3) Headphones

My favorite in-flight activity, besides staring out the window in awe, is working. Pretty lame I know. But I like being productive in air because it passes time and then I can do fun things when I land.

Headphones can be used to either block out the sound from the crying babies or to enjoy some in-flight entertainment. And while Bluetooth everything is all the rage, don’t forget that if your flight has entertainment screens, you can’t use your Bluetooth headphones without purchasing an adapter ahead of time.

Often you can buy not-so-nice headphones in the air if you forgot your own for a small charge but of course these won’t be noise cancelling or likely very comfortable.

Honorable mention items

If you are looking for what to pack in a carry on bag for a flight, I would prioritize the items above first. However, the next few items would definitely be on the list of “nice to have” for your next flight as well.

1) Bluetooth headset

As someone who works from the airport and on the go regularly, it can be hard to run through the airport with a carry on, personal item, and have your phone next to your ear. (And let’s face it, I usually have a Diet Coke in hand as well. Priorities.) So I am now one of “those people” with a Bluetooth almost always in ear. 

If you are traveling regularly for work, this will make your life so much easier. If you’re just occasionally traveling for fun, it’s probably not necessary as you likely aren’t taking conference calls in the airport. This is the best one I have found at a reasonable price point, but it’s definitely not perfect. 

2) Neck pillow

If you are on a red-eye flight, this is definitely a must to help you through the flight. Rather than have your head bob up and down and deal with neck pain, this is a cheap way to make that flight go a lot more smoothly. If this post was specifically about red-eyes, this would be #1 on the list.

3) Travel community recommendations

When I posed the question of what to pack in a carry on bag for a flight to my Instagram followers, many people had some really great things that they always bring with them.

Here is a list of what was said:

Kindle and ipad + chargers
Hand lotion (planes get really dry)
Chapstick (see above – dry!)
Packing cubes
Phone to document everything
Sleep mask and a small fan (for noise when I arrive)
Power strip
Medical supplies
Headphones
Music – the travel is only as good as the playlist
Travel backpack
Marpac Dohm Sound machine
Journal

What else do you pack? Let us know in the comments!

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