You may not know this, but what you have on your carry-on packing list is vital. I know there are way-too-many travel must-have lists available on the internet, which is why I wanted to bring you guys something a little bit different. Not only is this a list of items you need, but it’s also pinpointing the fact that you need a packing list.
Don’t click away yet.
It may seem tedious, maybe even a bit redundant, to have a list for something as minuscule your carry on. But if you’re like me, you like to jam pack that pretty little case with about as many “essentials” as possible. This tactic is actually pretty damaging to the packing process. It puts you at a higher risk of major spillage and also makes it harder to find what you actually need mid-flight. A carry-on packing list also ensures that you won’t forget anything as you’re packing up your hotel room to come back home. See? Doesn’t seem so silly now.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here are the items that I always have on my carry-on packing list.
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I absolutely love this liquid bag. It’s reusable and it seems to carry more than a quart ziplock bag. Plus, you’re eliminating the need to you throw-away plastic waste. Two birds. It’s also Food safe FDA-grade, PEVA material, is PVC-free, lead-free, and BPA-free– in case any of those features peak your interest.
TSA has strict guidelines when it comes to liquids on your carry on. And I don’t about you, but I always forget what the limitations are. A simple strategy to help with this problem is to know the 3-1-1 rule: you can have a 3.4 oz bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger. Anything larger than 3.4 ounces must go in a checked bag.
Pro Tip: Remember the 3-1-1 rule
Using refillable containers also helps you limit the amount of liquid or aerosol you carry. If you don’t know where to make sacrifices, consider using non-liquid alternatives like dry shampoo and powder toothpaste!
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Gum
One of my biggest frustrations about flying is the pressure. It happens almost every time we take off, and almost every time, I realize that I forgot to bring gum. That’s why now gum is listed at the top of my carry-on packing list. Gum helps alleviate that take-off pressure in your ears. it produces saliva, which motivates you to swallow more, which subsequently relaxes your ear tubes to get rid of that pain. You’re welcome.
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Moisturizer
The air inside plans is very dry. It’s constantly recirculating and its kept at a constant low temperature. Because of this, most people tend to feel their skin dry up during their passage. I hate this feeling. And because I maneuver my carry-on packing list liquids accordingly, I am able to always make sure that I carry a moisturizer with me.
That nifty little bag I showed you earlier? Easily accessible for those moments when my skin is feeling parched. I can easily reach in the bag and pop out my moisturizer before applying it lightly.
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Comfortable Shoes and Clothes
Being Tetris-savvy helps when you’re considering items for your in-flight baggage. But so does having a carry-on packing list! Initially, I was doubtful that I could actually fit in a whole outfit, let alone a pair of shoes. However, the right bag and leverage make it easy to add these items into the mix.
I always recommend traveling for comfort rather than style, but understandably, some people fly in heels and blazers because of work obligations. That’s why having an extra sweater, leggings, and slip-on shoes are profitable to those who want to change before their plane departs.
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Chargers and Electronics
This one may seem a bit obvious, but even I have forgotten to bring a charger in my carry-on. I actually prefer portable chargers now, at least for national flights. And while a good book is always a great way to pass the time while up in the air, I always make sure to bring one piece of electronics in case I need to get any work done. Why not spend those free flight hours finishing up a blog or editing a YouTube video?
This is where I save on my carry-on liquids. While you may not be one of those people who feel the need to brush while you’re still on the plane, most people seem to want a quick brush pretty quickly after touch down. And instead of rummaging through your checked bag or using standard liquid toothpaste for your carry-on, try powder toothpaste. I know it sounds weird, but it actually tastes exactly the same. Plus, dentists recommend it so there’s that.
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Deodorant
Stick and powdered deodorant is perfectly fine in any size because it doesn’t contribute to your liquid limitations. However, if you typically use gel, spray, or roll-on deodorants, the 3.4 oz rule still applies. It might just be easier for you to grab small, travel-size stick deodorant for just your carry-on bag. You may only use it once — or maybe you won’t use it at all– but at least you can rest easy knowing its there. Plus it won’t affect your liquid count!
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iPad Or A Good Read
Even if you plan on working during your flight, there is always a good chance that you won’t. By the time you run through the airport to make it to your gate, you may just feel way too exhausted to pull out your laptop for work. In case this happens (I guarantee that it will at some point), I always make sure to check off a book from my carry-on packing list.
A notebook is good if you still want to work. It limits how much you can get done, but it allows you to jot down some ideas and remain productive. On the other hand, a book is going to keep you entertained. And it’s the perfect chance to catch up on reading which you’re probably constantly trying to do.
Soaps are also another handy little product that takes away the need to add more liquids to your carry-on packing list. This Drunk Elephant bar soap from Sephora is my all-time favorite. Mostly because it comes with a cute little travel case! It comes with two different types of bar soaps: a baby Juju Bar and Pekee Bar.
These soaps are essentially organic because they only have ingredients that are directly beneficial for skincare. These are perfect for fine lines and wrinkles and they literally leave no residue behind. They are my go-to travel toiletry.
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A Reusable Water Bottle
We all know that you can’t bring water through security (and if you didn’t know– what are doing?!). So instead of trying to chug down the water bottle, you bought at the vending machine, just bring your own! I know this sounds annoying if you don’t have a lot of room to work with for your carry-on, but they don’t have to be excessive.
This lightweight silicone bottle is collapsible so it can fit snugly into your carry on. How nifty is that? It’s a full 32 ounces that you can fill as you please as soon as you’re checked by TSA. It’s only $15, leak-proof, and it even has a four-star rating on Amazon.
I’m about to add another one to my Amazon cart right now.
What’s on your carry-on packing list? Let me know in the comments below!
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