Traveling can be exhausting, but having a few flight essentials will improve your flight and make you more comfortable!

Whether you’re flying to a resort, cruise or land based vacation, it’s essential to pack your carry-on carefully and have everything you need.

Here are the best flight essentials and must-have items to pack in your carry on bag & personal bag for the airplane. I’ve included carry-on essentials for long haul flights & shorter flights as well.

Keep in mind that you likely won’t need everything on this list, but these packing ideas can help you to make your own list of flight essentials.

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What Carry-on Bag Can You Use for a Flight?

It’s a good idea to pack essentials in your carry-on bag for your flight. However, which type of carry-on bag or luggage is best?

Most airlines allow passengers to bring a carry-on size suitcase as well as a personal bag. If you’re flying carry-on only, you’ll want to have a good piece of hard side luggage that fits the size requirements for your airline.

For domestic flights, many airlines have maximum size limit for carry-on luggage of approximately 22 x 14 x 9 inches. In the case of international carriers, the maximum size of carry-on luggage is 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches.

It’s a good idea to check with your airline to avoid any extra cost.

Carry-on Luggage

Level 8 has been my go-to hard side luggage brand for every trip. This carry-on luggage passed the Air Canada carry-on size check at the airport in Rome!

I also like this carry-on bag & packing cube combo (I have it & it’s a perfect fit for this carry-on luggage)

Weekender Carry-on Bag

A weekender style travel bag makes a great carry on bag for long haul or shorter flights.

Nautical Carry-on Bag

Feel cruisey with a nautical style carry-on bag. This ladies canvas tote hand luggage could pass as a personal bag and is super roomy to fit all your in flight must-haves.

Backpack

This extra large expandable travel backpack is genius! If you’re traveling before or after your cruise, a backpack style carry-on is especially useful.

Flight Essentials to Pack in a Carry-on Bag

Lady with flight essentials to pack in a carry on

These in-flight essentials can be placed in your carry-on luggage or personal bag. Some of the items mentioned may be less needed for short flights, but are definite long flight essentials that will help with comfort.

1. Passport Wallet (for boarding passes, travel documents, itineraries & passports)

A passport wallet with a zipper and wriststrap will help keep your passports and important documents secure as you travel. I like to keep my passport, boarding pass, a credit card and a few dollars in this handy travel wallet for easy access while we are in a busy airport.

2. Portable Charger

Be sure to pack a portable charger for your phone and devices. Remember to charge it the day at home the day before you travel.

This portable charger with built in cables is a game-changer!

3. Kindle

Consider packing a Kindle or ereader to bring on your flight. If you’re heading on a beach vacation or on a cruise, a Kindle is a good addition to your packing list.

Of course you can also bring a good book if your prefer.

4. Ipad or Tablet

Download some movies or tv shows to your iPad or tablet before you board your flight. As we flew back from Rome after a Mediterranean cruise, having an entire Netflix series to watch on my iPad really passed the time.

5. Noise-Canceling Headphones

I’ve struggled with flight anxiety. One of the things that has helped me the most is wearing noise canceling earphones throughout most of the flight.

I download a TV series or reality show onto my iPad before I go on a trip. Then, I use my noise canceling earbuds which block out all the annoying sounds and airplane noises that make me nervous.

6. AirFly

This bluetooth wireless audio transmitter and receiver (for up to 2 wireless headphones) will allow you to use your earphones without plugging them into the airplane port. If you’re on a long haul flight, this travel essential is super useful for travelers.

7. Wired Earbuds (for use with in-flight movies)

If you simply want to watch a movie on the airplane’s media system, consider packing traditional wired earbuds.

8. Neck Pillow

In my opinion, neck pillows are a controversial travel item. Unfortunately, some neck pillows just aren’t very comfortable! Plus, you’ll have to carry them around during your travels.

However, since I found the twist memory foam travel pillow, it comes with us on overnight flights, shorter flights and even on road trips! This one has a flexible shape so it can be used to lean against the window or however you’re comfortable.

9. Travel Blanket & Pillow

This travel blanket and pillow combination is an Amazon best seller. People love how soft it is and how it stores easily in it’s pillowcase that fits over your carry-on luggage handle.

10. Travel Luggage Scale

It’s a good idea to pack an electronic travel luggage scale so that you don’t get caught paying extra for overweight bags at the airport.

11. Reusable Clear Quart-sized Toiletries Bag

These 1 quart TSA approved clear bags are great for liquids and toiletries that you pack in your carry on or personal bag. These are great for men and women travelers!

Recommended: Clear 1 quart toiletries bags

12. Travel Size Toiletries Containers

Pack your moisturizer, lotions, liquid makeup, shampoo and hair products in these travel sized toiletry containers.

13. Disinfectant Wipes

Bring your own disinfecting wipes to sanitize your airplane seat, armrests, the table and more.

Recommended: Disinfectant wipes

14. Hand Sanitizer

Be sure to pack travel size hand sanitizer bottles. These Purell sanitizer bottles are 1 fluid oz and have a useful jelly strap carrier to attach to your backpack or handbag.

15. Refillable Water Bottle

It’s very important to keep hydrated when flying. Plus, you’ll want to have a refillable water bottle on your cruise or beach vacation.

These two options are great.

If you’re trying to pack light, a collapsible water bottle is the most convenient.

Recommended: Collapsible water bottle

However, if you like your water to be cold, a stainless steel thermal bottle is the best choice.

16. Pressure Relief Ear Plugs

If your ears get clocked when you fly, I highly recommend bringing pressure relief ear plugs. This has been a game changer for my husband (who used to have blocked ears for days).

Recommended: Airplane pressure relief ear plugs

17. Compression Socks

A long haul flight essential is compression socks. They’ll stop your legs from becoming swollen and prevent other potential medical issues.

Recommended: Compression socks for flights

18. Sleep Mask

If you’re on a red-eye flight or need some help to sleep, this sleep mask will help to block out light. A good eye mask will help you get some much-needed shut-eye.

Recommended: Sleep mask (check price & 4.5* reviews)

19. USB Charging Cord (phone charging cables)

It’s important to keep your devices charged during your flight. Make sure you have a full charged phone when you get to your destination. Here are some fast charging cords on Amazon.

20. Cable Organizer Bag

It’s a good idea to pack a cable organizer pouch for your electronic accessories. You’ll want to have them handy in your carry on bag during the flight.

21. Foldable Tote Bag with Zipper

A foldable tote bag makes a perfect personal bag for your flight. This waterproof nylon bag has a zipper and can be used for casual days during your travels.

22. Tote Bag Organizer

One negative to tote bags is that they tend to be hard to get messy. This tote bag organizer adds several pockets and separators to help keep organized.

Recommended: Tote bag organizer

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23. Pill Box Organizer

Remember to bring over the counter medication, like tylenol or advil, as well as any vitamins you take with you in your carry on or personal bag. A pill box with organizer compartments is a handy travel essential.

Prescription Medication

You’ll also want to bring your prescription medication. It’s a good idea to use a personalized packing list so you don’t forget anything.

24. Tube Pillow (to stuff)

This tube pillow is a genius packing hack, especially if you’re flying carry-on only. Stuff your tube pillow with a change of clothes, t-shirts, shorts and underwear and get “free” extra luggage!

Recommended: Tube pillow

25. Airplane Footrest

This might be a bit extra, but if you have a long non-stop flight, an airplane footrest hammock will help to ease discomfort & improve circulation.

This one has a wide stable base and comes with a travel kit (includes sleep mask).

26. Air Tags (Bluetooth trackers)

Flying comes with different stresses. This includes the worry of lost or misplaced luggage. Air Tags will help you keep track (literally) of your suitcases and carry-on bags during your flight, cruise and more.

Don’t forget to get air tags holders to attach securely inside your checked luggage and carry-on.

If you don’t have an iPhone, you can use another bluetooth tracker, like a Tile, instead.

Recommended: Air tags

27. Travel Scarf

Pack a travel scarf that can do double duty on your trip. Airplanes can be cool, so a scarf can be handy at those moments. Plus, you’ll be able to use it to dress up an outfit or cover your shoulders on your cruise or land vacation.

28. Airplane Phone Holder

Bring a phone mount if you plan to watch movies during your flight. Since the phone holder attaches to your tray table, it will help your neck and posture as you won’t always looking down.

This is a travel essential that you won’t know you needed, until you use it.

29. Liquid IV

Long flights can be especially dehydrating and Liquid I.V. can help with this. It can also help minimize and prevent jet lag symptoms.

30. Mini First Aid Kit/Medicine Kit

You can purchase a ready made first aid kit or make your own.

In your travel first aid kit, sure to pack a few bandaids, alcohol wipes, some antacids or stomach medication (ie. Tums), pain reliever, cold medicine and some throat lozenges.

Recommended: First aid kit (mini travel size)

31. Travel Size Toothpaste & Toothbrush

Pack a travel sized toothbrush and toothpaste for overnight flights, and even for short flights and road trips, in your carry on luggage.

Recommended: Travel size toothpaste & toothbrush

32. Motion Sickness Medication

If you are prone to motion sickness, bring an over the counter medication like Bonine to avoid feeling sick during your flight.

Ginger chews can help as well.

Recommended: Bonine & Ginger Chews

33. Belt Bag

A belt bag, cross-body bag or fanny pack is optional. However, these are so useful to keep right on your lap during the flight, with gum, airpods, a pen and other convenience items handy.

Belt bags are in style these days and can be worn by both men and women.

Tip: To avoid your belt bag being considered a personal bag, put it in your carry on bag until ready to board your flight.

Recommended: Belt bag

34. More Things to Pack in a Personal Bag for a Flight

These are a few little things to pack that don’t take up much space.

Snacks
Chewing gum
Pen
Hand lotion
Moisturizer
Lip balm
Candies or mints
Vitamin C
Travel size tissue package
Hair scrunchies (for long hair)
Hair ties
Deodorant
Melatonin
Copies of your passport (& photos)
Extra pair of socks
Antibacterial wipes

Long flight essentials not to forget to pack — Please PIN to save to Pinterest

35.Travel Amenity Kit

Consider packing a travel amenity kit with a few carry on essentials. You can DIY an amenity kit or purchase one with travel sized toiletries (for both men and women).

36. Change of Clothes

Prepare for the possibility of lost or misplaced luggage for a day or two with at least one change of clothes and extra undergarments. Remember a change of socks & underwear, plus swimwear & flip flops if needed.

37. Comfortable Travel Outfit

Plan your travel outfit carefully, especially if your flight is longer than 4 hours. You’ll want to dress comfortably, but also be able to wear your clothing and shoes during your trip.

Lounge sets, joggers and leggings are fine for the airport and travel. Slip on shoes will also make it easier as you go through security. Try not to wear tight jeans or tall boots on the airplane.

38. Travel Insurance

While not something you need to pack for air travel, travel insurance is an absolute must have for all travelers.

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Final Thoughts on Long Flight Essentials to Pack in Your Carry-on

Packing a carry-on for a long haul flight can be a challenge. You’ll want to be comfortable and have everything you need, whether your flight is 5 hours or 17!

These flight essentials will help ton ensure you’re prepared from boarding to landing on your flight.

What travel essentials do you pack for flights? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy travels!

Ilana

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What Carry-on Bag Can You Use for a Flight?

Carry-on Luggage

Weekender Carry-on Bag

Nautical Carry-on Bag

Backpack

Flight Essentials to Pack in a Carry-on Bag

1. Passport Wallet (for boarding passes, travel documents, itineraries & passports)

2. Portable Charger

3. Kindle

4. Ipad or Tablet

5. Noise-Canceling Headphones

6. AirFly

7. Wired Earbuds (for use with in-flight movies)

8. Neck Pillow

9. Travel Blanket & Pillow

10. Travel Luggage Scale

11. Reusable Clear Quart-sized Toiletries Bag

12. Travel Size Toiletries Containers

13. Disinfectant Wipes

14. Hand Sanitizer

15. Refillable Water Bottle

16. Pressure Relief Ear Plugs

17. Compression Socks

18. Sleep Mask

19. USB Charging Cord (phone charging cables)

20. Cable Organizer Bag

21. Foldable Tote Bag with Zipper

22. Tote Bag Organizer

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23. Pill Box Organizer

Prescription Medication

24. Tube Pillow (to stuff)

25. Airplane Footrest

26. Air Tags (Bluetooth trackers)

27. Travel Scarf

28. Airplane Phone Holder

29. Liquid IV

30. Mini First Aid Kit/Medicine Kit

31. Travel Size Toothpaste & Toothbrush

32. Motion Sickness Medication

33. Belt Bag

34. More Things to Pack in a Personal Bag for a Flight

35.Travel Amenity Kit

36. Change of Clothes

37. Comfortable Travel Outfit

38. Travel Insurance

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Final Thoughts on Long Flight Essentials to Pack in Your Carry-on

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