Travel essentials: 15 Carry on essentials

Packing can take a lot of time.

Some people like to do it well in advance, others - pack at the very last moment. One of the safest ways to make packing less tiring is to create a packing list. Not only it will make the whole process easier, but this way you’ll make it sure that nothing important is left behind.

What to pack in a carry on? What are the carry on essentials?

Travel essentials list - Carry on essentials

Here are 15 carry on essentials you should never travel without.

Add them to your hand luggage packing list.

1. Sleep mask

A sleeping mask is one of the most important travel essentials you should bring with you on a plane. It will block out the light and help you to fall asleep. Any sleep mask will do, but we would recommend you to buy a comfortable, good quality sleep mask. For example, this sleep mask with deep eye cups, which is among the best sleep masks on the market.

This kind of sleeping mask is soft and breathable. It has a curved shape, and is pressure-free. The large 3D cavity and soft nosepiece are designed to keep out light without sacrificing comfort.

Because sleeping on a plane isn't that easy for most.

While being on the best things you can do on a plane.

2. Ear plugs

Another thing you should bring on a plane is a pair of earplugs.

Any earplugs will reduce noise level and help you fall asleep.

The best option, however, are special airplane earplugs. Not only they will reduce harsh noise, but also relieve ear discomfort, prevent clogging and popping usually caused by changes in cabin air pressure.

3. Chin supporting travel pillow

The worst part of traveling is transport, especially during long haul flights. You are trapped on the plane with many other noisy passengers and can’t really sleep. Also sleeping in an upright position is not something to look forward to.

You can ease some of the discomfort from sitting upright for a long time by using a travel pillow. One of the best travel pillows on the market is the chin supporting Bcozzy travel pillow.

4. Water bottle

Flying dehydrates you, so it’s very important to drink plenty of water during the flight! Bring with you a reusable water bottle to the airport, and before boarding a plane fill your bottle with drinking water.

We would suggest you to buy an insulated stainless steel bottle that can keep cold drink, cold and hot drink, hot. Not only you’ll be able to bring water on the plane but also piping hot tea (providing there is a hot water dispenser at the airport).

5. Smartphone, tablet or computer

Always bring some entertainment with you.

Just in case there’s no entertainment system on the plane.

Or if you prefer your own movies and music.

6. E-reader or book

If you aren’t into movies bring some reading material - a book, magazine or a paper.

If you are traveling often (and read a lot), add an e-reader to your hand luggage essentials list. There are many different e-readers available on the market, but if you can’t choose go for an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite! It’s a great e-book reader.

7. Power bank and USB cable

Bring a power bank with you so your phone or tablet never runs out of juice!

We suggest you to invest in a large capacity power bank that not only can charge your phone but also the rest of your gadgets, in some cases even your laptop!

Choose a solar power bank, if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

8. Warm socks

If you plan to take off your shoes during the flight, think of packing a fresh pair or socks. The best socks for flying are the ones which are soft and warm.

9. Shawl or travel blanket

All planes are air-conditioned.

So you’ll definitely start to feel chilly at some point of your journey.

To keep yourself warm always carry a travel blanket or a shawl with you. It's one of the most important travel essentials for women.

10. Toiletry bag

To be able to freshen up before leaving the plane.

Don't forget to prepare a travel toiletry kit for the upcoming flight. Some of the most important toiletry essentials that you should bring on a plane are: hand sanitiser, toothpaste and toothbrush (or a waterless toothbrush), lip balm, deodorant, moisturiser, wet wipes and a pack of tissues.

Don’t forget that toiletries can’t exceed 100 ml and they should be placed in a resealable zip-lock bag:

“Under the current rules, you can carry as hand luggage, liquids in individual containers with a capacity not greater than 100 ml and contained in one transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a capacity not exceeding one liter. Liquids cover gels, aerosols, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and other items of similar consistency, such as drinks, toothpaste, soups, syrups, perfumes, shaving foam, etc.” (Source: ec.europa.eu.)

11. Noise cancelling headphones

Want to listen to music and not to hear what’s happening around you?

Noise cancelling headphones are there to help you enjoy music to the fullest while on the plane. Good noise cancelling headphones such as Bose QuietComfort 35 can cost an arm and a leg.

But there are also cheaper options, cheeaper headphones.

12. Slip on shoes and a change of clothes

Wear comfortable shoes that you can remove easily.

Skechers has a variety of such shoes.

Also take some clothes with you on the place in case your checked luggage gets lost.

13. Some snacks

Bring some healthy (or not so healthy) snacks in case you get hungry.

Dry and solid snacks are among the best foods to take on the plane, as they aren’t smelly and it’s very easy to eat them. The airplane best snacks are: nuts, trail mix, chocolate bar, granola bar, crackers, cookies, baby carrots and whole fresh fruit.

14. Pen

Especially if you're travelling internationally.

Take a pen in case you’ll need to fill in immigration and customs forms before landing. If not, anyway, a pen is must-have while travelling. You never know when you may need it!

15. Medications

Just in case.

And if needed - also prescription medication.

Your hand luggage is the best place to keep it anyway.

Other things you must not forget

When going on a trip, don’t forget:

• Passport;
• Boarding passes;
• Money and credit cards;
• Copies of your hotel bookings, itinerary and travel insurance;
• Copy of your return / onward flight (you might be asked to show a proof of onward travel when arriving and going through immigration checkpoint).

See our international travel document checklist.

And also our long haul flight essentials list.

Bon voyage!

Anything you would add? Some more travel essentials? Something you never travel without?

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Remember - whenever your flight is delayed, cancelled or you've been denied boarding - you might be entitled to flight compensation. Contact us to get it sorted out right away!