Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or flying across the Atlantic, what’s in your carry-on can make or break your travel day. As an airline pilot and frequent traveler, I’ve learned that delays and missed connections happen, so I always pack my carry-on with everything I’d need if I had to spend one night without my checked bag. It’s a simple habit that gives me peace of mind and has saved me more than once. This is the carry-on packing list I use for every trip and recommend to anyone looking to travel smarter.
Before building your packing list, start with these five carry-on rules that guide everything I bring.
My 5 Carry-On Rules
These are things that aren’t just items—they’re habits.
- Pack for one night without your checked bag.
- Never check medication.
- Keep chargers where you can reach them without unpacking your bag.
- Fill your water bottle after security.
- Download entertainment before you leave home.
Travel Documents
Keep these together in an easy-to-reach pocket.
- Passport (for international travel)
- Driver’s license or Real ID
- Boarding pass
- Credit card
- Small amount of local currency
- Hotel reservations
- Travel insurance information
- Emergency contact information
Pro Tip: Save digital copies of your passport, driver’s license, and travel confirmations on your phone and in cloud storage in case anything gets lost.
Electronics
These are the items that keep me connected throughout my trip.
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Portable battery pack
- Charging cable
- AirPods or headphones
- Universal travel adapter (for international trips)
- Apple Watch charger (if applicable)
- Laptop or iPad
- Kindle or e-reader
One thing I’ve learned is that airports never seem to have enough outlets when you actually need one. A portable charger is one of the best travel purchases I’ve ever made.
Toiletries, Beauty Essentials & TSA Liquids
Remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids.
- 3 — Each liquid container must be 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less
- 1 — All liquids must fit into one clear, quart-sized bag
- 1 — Each passenger is allowed one quart-sized bag of liquids
I always pack:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Retainer (If you wear one)
- Deodorant
- Face Wash
- Face moisturizer
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand Lotion
- Sunscreen
- Makeup essentials
- Make Up Removing Wipes
- Hairbrush
- Scrunchies
- Nail File
- Travel-size perfume (optional)
Keeping these together in one clear pouch makes security much smoother.
Medications & Health Essentials
Never pack medications in your checked luggage.
I always carry:
- Prescription medications
- Fever Medication
- Ibuprofen or Tylenol
- Allergy medicine
- Band-Aids
- Electrolyte packets
- Feminine hygiene products
You never know when you’ll need them, and it’s much easier to have them within reach than hope your checked bag arrives on time.
Snacks
Airport food isn’t always available when you’re hungry—and when it is, it usually isn’t cheap.
Some of my favorites include:
- Protein bars
- Trail mix
- Nuts
- Beef jerky
- Dried fruit
- Electrolyte drink packets
I also bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and fill it before boarding.
Clothing & Overnight Essentials
I always pack enough clothing to comfortably spend one night without my checked bag. Hopefully I never need it—but if I do, I’m prepared.
- Pajamas
- Extra Underwear
- Outfit for the next day
- Eye mask
- Lightweight blanket or scarf
- Compression socks
- Sweater or Jacket (Even in Summer)
- Lightweight Slippers (I don’t like walking around hotels barefoot)
- Lint Roller
- Tide-To-Go go Pen
Airplanes can get surprisingly cold, even in the middle of summer.
Entertainment
Downloading entertainment before your flight is one of those small things you’ll never regret.
Before every trip, I make sure I have:
- Movies downloaded
- TV shows downloaded
- Spotify playlists
- Podcasts
- Books
- Kindle downloads
Airport Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable, and neither is in-flight internet.
Things I Never Forget
These little items don’t take up much space, but they’ve saved me more than once.
- Pen
- Notebook
- Sunglasses
- Foldable tote bag
- A Bag for Dirty Laundry
- Small pack of tissues
- Gum
My Favorite Carry-On Travel Essentials
These are the products I reach for trip after trip because they’ve made traveling easier.
✈️ Pilot Tip
I always keep my chargers in the same pocket of my bag so I never have to dig for them while boarding.
✈️ Pro Tip
Before your trip, download your airline’s app and create an account if you don’t already have one. Many airlines use their app for mobile boarding passes, flight notifications, baggage tracking, and in-flight entertainment. Some also require you to sign in through the app to purchase or access Wi-Fi, so having everything set up before boarding can save you time once you’re in the air.
✈️ Pro Tip
Dress in layers whenever possible. Airports and airplanes can vary a lot in temperature, and a comfortable travel outfit can make a long day much easier. I also recommend wearing shoes that can be worn with socks and are easy to walk in. Avoid flip flops on travel days—you may need to remove your shoes at TSA, and having socks between you and the airport floor is much more comfortable.
Want to make packing easier?
Download my printable Carry-On Packing Checklist so you can check everything off before your next trip.
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