The first time we flew to Dubai, back in August, I deeply over-packed my carry-on. By “deeply over-packed” I mean I’d crammed so much stuff into my normally comfortable sling backpack that it bulged out like a thick, solid tumor and my shoulders actually hurt just from wearing it for more than several minutes at a time. I’ve been on plenty of long-haul international flights in my lifetime, especially in my schooling years, but the last trip was about 7 years ago and my memory of what one actually needs (and, as it turns out, doesn’t need) to survive many long hours on an airplane and in multiple airports was hazy. So, I judiciously erred on the side of caution and brought….everything I could possibly think of. A line in my travel journal from the August trip reads “You didn’t use 3/4 of the stuff you carried on. Be smarter next time.”
Oh.
For future reference, you really don’t need to pack a gallon-sized Ziplock full of snacks. They will, in fact, make sure you don’t starve on the plane.
In preparation for my most recent 14-hour flight back in February, I thought much more carefully and concertedly about what I should (and should not) include in my carry-on, what I’d actually use in the airport or on the plane, what would help ease my terrible flight anxiety, and what would keep me comfortable, happy, and sane for over 24 hours of travel. I am pleased to report that what I whittled my way down to was a backpack of a reasonable size and shape that was about 75% lighter than the first trip, contained everything I needed, and not a single item I did not end up using. Past me would have been proud of future me for being “smarter this time”.
So, if you’re anything like me (and you may or may not be, so take this as you will), what should you pack in your carry-on?
Obviously, you need to carry-on your passport, cash, any important documents you may need for your travels (birth or marriage certificates, visa or entry forms, vaccination records, proof of travel insurance, emergency contact information, etc.), your prescriptions and medications, batteries or anything that contains a battery, computers or other electronics and possibly their chargers if you’re bringing that sort of technology with you, jewelry of financial or sentimental value, and anything you absolutely could not be without for a few days should your luggage be delayed or that you’d be utterly devastated about if it were to be lost or stolen. So, with that out-of-the-way…
Here’s what my usual international carry-on now includes:
{1. Comfortable, slip-on shoes with good support like Tom’s 2. A reliable, comfortable outfit to travel in. My go-to is a pair of soft, casual trousers with some stretch to them, a soft and semi-loose tee layered with a cozy cardigan, blazer, or light jacket with a hood, soft undergarments – all seamless and without an under-wire *you’ll be exceedingly thankful for this later* – and one or two pieces of stylish but low-key statement jewelry like glistening stud earrings and a bold necklace to give you some easy style but without all the discomfort or hassle 3. A dual time watch to help your jet-lagged mind keep track of the time back home and the time at your destination 4. Minimal makeup – only the basics – which for me are concealer, mascara, an eyebrow pencil, a dual lip and cheek stain, and a comb/mirror combo so I can freshen up before landing}
Additional notes: I used to proudly wear what was basically the equivalent of an adult onesie on long flights because comfort is key, but then I wised up to the fact that I can still be extremely comfortable without looking like I just crawled out of bed. And, if you ever want to try for that free upgrade to business or first class for your 14-hour flight (and I do try…every. single. flight. One day my perseverance will pay off! One day Emirates Airlines will upgrade me to the feather beds of first class! This article is my guiding light to getting upgraded), you actually have to look like someone who might sit in business class or they’ll skip right over your request if an opportunity for a free upgrade comes along. If all your clothing is soft as sin but still looks casually stylish, you’ll look and feel a whole lot better. I find that thoughtfully choosing your airplane wardrobe is a wise investment in your comfort. Also, I highly recommend a cardigan or outer layer with a hood that you can slip on while you sleep to keep you cozy and cocooned, and help with light and sound pollution while you rest. It made a surprisingly big difference for me! Of course, all of this you wear – with the exception of the tiny makeup bag that should fit right in your purse or travel cosmetic bag – so none of this takes up precious space in your carry-on.
{1. External battery charger 2. Noise-cancelling headphones 3. Memory foam travel pillow with front snap 4. Cozy socks 5. Sling backpack 6. Travel blanket 7. Eye mask and earplugs 8. Travel journal and pen 9. Tablet}
Additional notes: Nowadays, when you’re flying back into the US, Security asks you to turn on your electronic devices to prove that they’re not explosives. The external battery charger – mine is a PowerBot – is tiny, weighs practically nothing, and is a true necessity for charging your phone or tablet anywhere, but especially while traveling, when the battery often drains extra-quickly. The noise-cancelling headphones are an investment, but they’re well worth it. The cheap headphones the airlines give out for free are painful and awful. These will allow you to clearly listen to movies and music in peace, or just give you some silence from your neighbors and other airplane noises while you attempt to get some shut-eye. Don’t be tempted by the neck pillows with beads in them or the scratchy, thin pillows the airlines provide. A respectable memory foam neck pillow, which you can get for under $10 at Marshalls, makes a real difference in the quality of your in-flight lounging and sleeping comfort, and the snap is handy to keep the pillow secured to your luggage or yourself. Cozy socks are a no-brainer, especially if you plan to remove your shoes during the flight (and who doesn’t?). The sling backpack, for me, is more comfortable than a normal backpack, allows me to easily carry everything I need, and keeps both of my hands free – which I appreciate above all. While some airlines do hand out travel blankets, they’re usually thin, itchy, and seriously unsanitary. And I always want a blanket on long flights. Plenty of companies make soft, lightweight, travel blankets that roll up into an easy-to-stash ball. The earplugs and eye mask will do wonders for your ability to get some actual sleep, especially if noise-cancelling headphones aren’t in the cards. The travel journal and pen are great for jotting down notes and memories, and a tablet is small, but mighty when it comes to storing all the entertainment you’ll need for long flights including books, movies, music, games, and – more importantly – digital PDF copies of all your important documents, just in case.
{1. TSA-sized clear cosmetic bag 2. Chapstick 3. Hand sanitizer 4. Deodorant 5. Hand lotion 6. Mouthwash 7. Colgate Wisps 8. Body Shop Vitamin E face mist 9. Travel tissues 10. Hair tie 11. Eye drops 12. Contact lens case with solution already inside 13. Glasses in case}
Additional notes: If you get the items above in travel size, they should all fit just nicely into your TSA-sized cosmetic bag. I prefer a clear bag so I (and TSA) can see what’s where. It speeds along the process. I get really dry while flying, so the Softlips chapstick, Gold Bond lotion, moisturizing face mist, and eye drops are essential for my comfort and health. They all do a great job of keeping me hydrated. I also really like the Colgate Wisps because they’re basically mini toothbrushes with toothpaste dots already on them. Perfect!
{1. Rescue Remedy 2. Flight Spray 3. Emergen-C Immune + 4. Jetzone jet-lag pills 5. Bonine 6. Trail mix}
Additional notes: I call these my well-being items. Take them out of their boxes and they, too, should fit just fine in your cosmetic bag from above. As a person with anxiety who’s not keen on flying, the Rescue Remedy helps me stay calm, relaxed, and feel more in control of myself. Flight Spray is designed to keep your nasal passages lubricated which helps you fight the dry-headachey-stuffy feeling that often accompanies multiple hours in a dry aluminum tube, and it also helps prevent the icky airplane germs from working their way into your system. I find swigging two packages of Emergen-C Immune + before I take off boosts my immune system into high gear and prevents me from picking up the nasty airborne illnesses of every other passenger I’m sharing the friendly skies with. I never travel without it. Jetzone jet-lag pills helped me feel much less groggy upon landing so I could function during that first day, sleep well that first night, and get over jet-lag more quickly. Bonine is a must for me. I don’t usually get motion-sick on planes unless the landing is really turbulent, but I do find myself dizzy and feeling like I am constantly in motion even when I’m standing still for the first day or two after an international flight. Bonine prevents the motion sickness before it even has a chance to think about starting and it also helps calm the post-flight dizziness. And though I no longer store a gallon-sized baggie of snacks in my carry-on, I do like to carry a few individual-sized bags of trail mix with me, just in case.
Before I sign off (I mean, because this post isn’t long enough, right? Congratulations for making it this far, by the way), I have two links I’d like to include for your reading pleasure. They should be required reading for anyone flying anywhere, ever. Bonus: They’re funny too.
10 Signs You’re the Worst Person on Your Flight
10 Things You Should Never Say to a Flight Attendant
