Incredible 15+ Carry On Essentials for Seamless Air Travel in 2024
In an era where the journey is just as important as the destination, the art of packing light for air travel has become more than a skill – it’s an absolute necessity. There’s nothing like the feeling of breezing past a long check-in line with only your stylish, well-organized carry-on in tow. Not only is it a convenience, but it also ensures that your personal essentials are within arm’s reach throughout the trip. I will delve into the must-have carry on essentials that will transform your travel experience, ensuring comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind from take-off to landing, and every mile in between. So strap in and let’s elevate your packing game, one item at a time.
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Before we get started, don’t forget to check the TSA website for any updates on things that are and are not allowed. There have been some misconceptions that you don’t need a quart-size bag for your liquids, this is absolutely necessary especially while going through security in different airports abroad.
Many airports however allow instead of quart-size bags a TSA-approved clear liquids storage container like this one. Airports like London, only allow a quart-size Ziploc bag and they will at the airport make you take out your liquids and ensure they fit only in the Ziploc bag.
Top 15+ Carry On Essentials for Seamless Air Travel
Whether you are learning how to pack light or love to travel with it all, we got something on this list that benefits every traveler!
Humangear GoToob – TSA Approved Liquid Bottles
I prefer using the Humangear GoToob for all of my liquid essentials. They are perfect in size and last for up to 2 weeks depending on how much shampoo or conditioner you use. What makes these things amazing, is the wide-open mouth bottles for refilling and that you can squeeze every bit of liquid out of them.
Don’t you hate when you purchase those hard plastic bottles and you are struggling to get your last bit of shampoo or conditioner out? Some of them also have suction cups which allow you to push them on a shower wall and have them off the ground as needed. I use these bottles for my shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face wash. BTW these never leak! You don’t have to worry about any waste or liquids exploding in your luggage. These are also TSA-approved and should be in your carry on luggage essentials.
Humangear GoTubb
The Humangear GoTubb is an ingenious, compact solution for carrying small items, particularly useful for travelers. With a patented one-handed open and close mechanism, the GoTubb offers simplicity and convenience, letting you access your necessities, such as pills, earplugs, or jewelry, with ease. Crafted from food-safe, 100% BPA-free, and PC-free material, these durable containers are as eco-friendly as they are practical, making them an essential addition to any carry-on.
Since we discussed the GoToob, my second go-to is the Humangear GoTubb I use these for facial lotions, vitamins, or anything small that can fit into these. I have really dry facial skin, so I don’t want to take the larger or oddly shaped bottle of my favorite facial lotion. This is a great way to transport these items.
Body Spray or Perfume
Now if you love your expensive perfume but don’t want the bulky bottle, these refillable perfume atomizers will be perfect for you (this is also just perfect just to have in your purse when you aren’t feeling the freshest). These refillable bottles are compact and hold a decent amount of that should last you your trip. They are easy to refill and TSA-approved.
A Comb
This simple grooming tool will keep your hair looking neat and tidy, no matter how much your flight may ruffle your feathers. Opt for a compact, durable comb that can withstand the rigors of travel, ensuring you’ll arrive at your destination ready to make a good impression. I love having a comb versus a brush just because of the compact part of it, however, I always ensure my suitcase has my comb inside so that if I do forget to pack my brush, I have my comb tucked away in my suitcase already ready to go.
Samples
This is the perfect time for you to bring any of those little samples you want for your trip. You might have a subscription to IPSY, which provides a lot of deluxe samples for makeup and skin products. I also received a lot of great samples when buying skin products in Korea (they provide samples with almost every skin purchase!).
Nord VPN
NordVPN is a highly reputable virtual private network (VPN) service available for purchase. It offers secure and private internet browsing by encrypting your online data and routing it through a remote server, effectively hiding your IP address and location. If you need access to websites from home, NordVPN is a necessity.
Some countries like China prohibit you from accessing certain websites like Facebook and a VPN is needed for many occasions like this. In addition, NordVPN ensures that your online activities remain private and protected from potential threats, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your online security and privacy while traveling or at home.
Toothpaste
I honestly hate buying travel-size toothpaste because I have to do it everytime before my trip or it doesn’t hold enough toothpaste for the entire trip. I was traveling too often to keep buying a travel-size toothpaste. I was tired of adding to the landfill with these.
So I have a couple of options on how I store my travel toothpaste. One is using the Toothpaste 2 Go which holds 1oz. and the other I use a Humangear GoToob both are refillable that you can fill with your favorite toothpaste. This is my carry on essentials for overseas flight, a must-need to stay fresh and help stay awake while having a routine.
When it comes to my toothbrush, I only use a regular toothbrush with a Steripod Clip.
Nivea Cream
Man, this stuff does wonders! I get really dry hands and skin, especially when traveling. This stuff is great for any dry areas, hands, feet, elbows, and knees. This is also my night regiment for my hands to wake up with soft hands in the morning. Buy the 1oz. pan size instead of the bottle, because this will take up less room for your quart-size bag. Make sure it’s not the large size as your liquids are limited to 3oz or less.
Sleeping Aid
Now this might depend on the trip you are taking. If it is international, I definitely recommend this. It is hard to sleep on airplanes with the loud noises and turbulence. Also, this helps to make you feel hopefully refreshed after the flight. I use ZZZquil pills. This stuff doesn’t make me feel groggy after I use it. I’ll usually put these in my compact pill case to put all my necessities. However, don’t place your prescription drugs in there as you will need to show proof of subscription in some countries for those.
Earplugs
Earplugs
To go with your sleep aid, I suggest some foam earplugs which are a must for your long flight essentials. This will help block out some of the noise in the aircraft or hostel you may be staying at. Headphones are not going to be a good option for this, only because ear-buds and headphones on international flights can be painful after a couple of hours.
Sleeping Masks
These masks are designed to block out light, creating a dark environment that promotes better sleep. With comfortable materials, adjustable straps, and contoured shapes that fit the contours of your face, these masks provide a snug and soothing fit. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or staying in a hotel, a sleeping mask can help you overcome disruptions and ensure a restful sleep, allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready for your next adventure.
Glasses, Contacts, Contact Solution and Eye Drops
This obviously depends on the person. I always wear my glasses on board and pack my contacts, solution and eye drops for the plane. This automatically goes into my carry on bag essentials. My contacts get dry when flying, so my glasses are best for these kinds of flights. I just change into my contacts when we are ready to land or when we arrive at the hotel before I shower. Don’t forget to pack extra contacts in case you lose yours! You don’t want to be stuck with photos of your trip in your glasses only!
Hand Sanitizer
Since I am a bit of a germaphobe – even before COVID, I always make sure I have a compact hand sanitizer with me. I am currently using up some of my collection of Bath and Body Works 1oz hand sanitizers. I often times get sick on plane rides either from someone else who is sick on the plane or just my body being tired from a long trip.
Empty water bottle
Empty water bottle
Often times the flight attendants don’t serve enough water when traveling on airplanes. If you are like me, you may want to bring your own water bottle and refill it so that you can drink a sufficient amount of water. Make sure it is empty prior to entering security or they will make you empty it. This will be good to have on the plane, however, if you are in the window seat, it may be hard to get up easily to use the bathroom, especially when a meal is served.
Blanket or Sheets and Travel Pillow (optional)
This may depend on your trip. If you are backpacking the sheets or blankets are a necessity but the travel pillow may be too bulky for your trip. The sheets or blankets are great to cover the beds with because you may not trust the sanitation at the hotels or hostels and are also good for the flight to keep you warm. These are a must for any hostel packing list.
What are some of your favorite carry on accessories? Leave your comments below!
