Packing Carry-On Bag | Sarath Travels

We have a list of carry on essentials that we always pack in our carry-on bag. Even when traveling with carry-on luggage only, these in-flight essentials are usually in our small personal items.

Our carry-on bag essentials list includes all items we would need to be comfortable on a long international or overnight flight. For shorter flights, we skip some of these items as we do not need them. Also included on our list of what to pack in our carry-on bags, are valuable and hard to replace belongings as well as those items which we can’t live without in the event our checked luggage is lost or delayed.

Not sure what to pack in your carry-on bag? Here is a comprehensive packing list of carry on essentials.

Passport/Other ID

These are essential documents for boarding your next flight and should always be in your carry-on luggage.

Cash, Credit Cards, ATM Cards

Cash, credit cards or ATM cards should never be put in checked luggage in the event your checked luggage is delayed, lost or stolen.

Printed Itinerary, Hotel and Flight Confirmations

We like to print our hotel and flight e-mail confirmations. We don’t want to rely on having Wi-Fi or our data plans working.

Glasses/Contacts/Sunglasses

These items are hard to replace while traveling and should always be in your carry-on bags. We also like to pack our sunglasses with us.

Essential Medication and Prescriptions

You don’t want to worry about not having any medication you need if your checked luggage is delayed.

Electronics (cell phone, camera, computer, adapters), Jewelry and Other Valuables

Don’t put anything in your checked luggage that you cannot afford to lose. This includes electronics, jewelry and other expensive or sentimental belongings. If you plan to use your electronics in flight, you might want to bring an external battery so you can charge your electronics.

Change of Clothing (including underwear)

It is a good idea to have a spare change of clothes and underwear in case your luggage is delayed. You do not want to have to live in the clothes you traveled with. Yes, you can buy new clothes but stores are not open 24-7. We also take a pair of flip flops that double as shower shoes. If there is space in your carry-on bag, we advise taking another set of clothes, just in case you do not get your bags for a few days, in case of a delay.

Reading Material/Entertainment

Long flights (especially in economy) are awful unless you have something to entertain you like a book, movie etc. Make sure to pick a good movie/s or book that you can get absorbed in so that time flies. While long flights have movies as in-flight entertainment, sometimes the movie selection may not have movies we enjoy. Personally we find books more relaxing than movies. If you would rather not take actual books, consider taking a Kindle.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Floss

On a long flight you might want to brush your teeth. We find it easier to sleep after brushing.

Lip Balm, Lotion and Other Toiletries

The air in the flight is very dry. Lip balm and lotion are at the top of our in-flight essentials list. Also bring any other toiletries you would need on a flight including face wipes, contact lens solution and makeup.

Antibacterial Wipes or Sanitizing Lotion

Airplane surfaces can be very dirty. You may wish to take antibacterial wipes to wipe down tray tables, arm rests etc.

Eye Mask, Ear Plugs or Noise Cancelling Headphones, Sleeping Pills

If you have trouble sleeping with lights on bring an eye mask. Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones are also useful to block out noise and help you sleep.

Blanket

We’ve heard that the blankets are not washed between flights. You might want to consider taking your own blanket. This is up to you!

Pillow

You might find it more comfortable to travel with an inflatable neck travel pillow.

Compression Socks

If you are traveling on a long economy flight, you might want to wear compression socks to prevent DVT. While everyone is at risk for blood clots on long cramped flights, compression socks are a must if you are pregnant, older or have a history of blog clots.

Scarf and Extra Sweater or Fleece

Planes can be chilly. A scarf can be handy for keeping you warm. In the event you do not have an eye mask, you can also use your scarf to cover your face. Even if traveling in the summer, you might want to bring an extra layer (like a sweater or fleece) in your carry on.

Snacks

In case you don’t like airplane food or would like healthier choices, snacks are a good idea. Nuts and granola bars are good options.

Bottle of Water

Because the air is so dry on flight, dehydration happens quicker when flying than it would at home. While the flight attendants do bring water you may opt to take extra water for times when you are seated such as takeoff and landing.