Learn to pack like a pro with this useful travel checklist on what to pack in your carry-on for an international flight! These carry-on essentials will have you feeling comfortable & prepared with useful things necessary for a long haul flight!
I travel internationally a handful of times a year, so when it comes time to knowing what to pack in your carry-on for a long haul flight, I know a thing or two! In this post, you’ll find a list of my travel essentials specific to your carry-on, to help create a seamless, stress-free day of traveling! Long flights & travel days can be incredibly exhausting, so being prepared & packing your carry-on like a pro can eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress, which is ALWAYS the goal!
I’ve put together this list of 20 useful items to bring along with you in your carry-on bag based on my own traveling experiences & what I’ve found to be super helpful to have on hand when I’m on the flight or in the airport! When you’re gearing up for a long flight or travel day, you definitely want to be prepared & as comfortable as possible! I’m certain that if you refer to this list of long haul carry-on essentials, all of your bases will be covered!
What to Pack In Your Carry-On
1. Carry On Suitcase
First things first, you need a bag to pack the items I’m mentioning on this packing list! I’ve used a few different carry ons over the years. Choosing a piece of carry on luggage is really going to come down to what you’re comfortable with, especially if you’re going to be carrying it vs rolling it. I purchased the Béis Weekend Traveler Bag a handful of years ago when I was going over to Indonesia & I used it until I got a great bag from Lululemon which unfortunately is no longer available.
No matter what you choose, you’ll definitely want to keep important things like your laptop, chargers, travel snacks, travel size toiletries, lip balm, & any prescription medications close by, so whether that’s in a smaller tote bag or an actual carry on, you’ll be good to go! If you’re using a roller bag for your carry on, I’d suggest using packing cubes so everything stays organized, especially if you need to go into your bag to grab something.
2. Sleep Aids
I know not everyone can sleep on flights but if you’re planning to sleep, bringing some sleep aids is always a good idea. I used to think neck pillows didn’t make a difference, but they definitely do! Nothing is worse than trying to get some shut eye on a long haul flight & you have your neck swinging around! No need to invest in something fancy! I found my neck pillow at Marshall’s for $10 I think, there’s tons of options on Amazon too! To save on room in my carry-on, I like to snap my neck pillow to the strap of my bag! My husband & I also love bringing along these Chewsy Restful Sleep Gummies. A few other sleep aids I’d recommend would be noise cancelling headphones or an eye mask depending on what kind of sleeper you are!
3. Comfortable Walking Shoes
Trust me when I say that you don’t want to be stuck walking far distances in an airport in uncomfortable shoes or struggling to take your shoes on & off on the plane or when going through security. Comfort is key. My Hoka Clifton 9’s are my go-to travel shoes lately. They are SO comfortable!
4. Comfortable Travel Outfit
I’ve never understood how people can wear tight jeans on a long flight haha. Any time I fly, I opt for comfort first & foremost. Being comfortable, makes a world of a difference. Lululemon leggings all the way!
5. A Clothing Item That Can Double As A Blanket
I like to bring along some sort of sweater or sweatshirt that I obviously can wear, but also use as a blanket if the airline doesn’t provide one. Airports & airplanes have a tendency to be a bit chilly so I always like to be prepared, because I don’t like being cold! By using a clothing item as a blanket, it helps save you from having to pack one!
6. Compression Socks
I brought a pair of compression socks for my trip to & from Indonesia but ended up not wearing them. Honestly I didn’t feel the need, but compression clothing or socks can be a great option if you tend to swell or get restless. My husband usually wears his compression socks the entire length of our travel day until we reach out final destination.
7. A Cross Body Bag/Fanny Pack/Purse
I love traveling with a cross-body bag because they’re extremely convenient. Everything is close to your chest, your hands remain available, & it’s always on you! I have this Everywhere Belt Bag from Lululemon & I absolutely love it – it’s the perfect size! Having a cross body bag like Lululemon one is really helpful for going through airport security because I keep all of my travel documents in it so I can access them easily!
8. Portable Adapters & Charging Cords
You’ll want to be prepared with proper adapters & charging cords to keep your devices on full charge, especially if you don’t have a portable charger. Some flights have an outlet below the seats, but it’s not always guaranteed! Most airplanes have US charging outlets, but once you arrive at an international airport to catch a connecting flight, you won’t be able to use the outlets unless you have the correct adaptor! This is the adapter kit that I use & recommend!
9. A Safe & Secure Place To Store Your Passport
When traveling abroad, you’ll want to make sure your passport is always close by. I recommend keeping it in a specific compartment in your purse or cross body bag so it’s easily accessible because you’ll be asked to present it multiple times throughout your international travel day.
10. Cash
Find an amount that you’re comfortable with carrying & don’t feel pressured to convert it all at once because you might not use it all & don’t want to be stuck with it! Also try to convert any money in a safe & reputable place, such as an airport to avoid being ripped off. Truthfully I don’t travel with much cash anymore since most places accept credit cards.
11. International Credit Card
I highly recommend finding a credit card that will allow you to use it internationally without any processing fees. Although the fees are small (usually 2-3%), they surely can add up, especially if you’re traveling often. I have a Citi Bank Mastercard that I have used for years.
12. A Copy of Your Passport
You’ll want to make sure you have a picture of your passport (or any important document) on your phone or a photo copy of your passport, either with you or with someone back home. Just as a precaution, but it’s helpful to have especially if something were to happen to your actual passport.
13. A Pen
When traveling internationally, you’ll be handed a customs card to fill out before landing. Flight attendants don’t always provide pens, so I like just bringing my own.
14. Travel Snacks
Be sure to check out my post sharing my favorite gluten free travel snacks to bring along in your carry-on for long haul flights! Having good travel snacks makes a world of a difference! Most food is allowed through TSA, but if you’re bringing any liquid food or drink, you’ll want to make sure it is 3oz or under, or TSA will toss it!
15. Essential Oils
Essential Oils are always something that I enjoy bringing along any time I travel. Whether you use them to stay grounded, fight off infections, relax, or combat anxiety, they’re always smart to have on hand! DoTerra’s On Guard blend is a favorite of mine to travel with!
16. Disinfecting Wipes
Because you might feel better about spending 14 hours in a seat that has been wiped down, right?! There’s many instances that you can use disinfecting wipes throughout your travel day. Whether it’s to wipe down a luggage trolley, a door handle, your hands, your seat on the flight or drop-down table, wipes are always helpful to have on hand when traveling.
17. Skincare/Toiletries/Toothbrush
Flying can seriously dry out your skin & sometimes the air on planes can even cause “airplane acne” since it’s just continuously circling around throughout the duration of the flight. It’s best to always come prepared & give your skin the love it needs! Be sure to check out my skincare must haves for long distance flights! And I always recommend bringing a toothbrush & travel size toothpaste especially if you have a long layover somewhere or if you’re on an overnight flight, it always feel amazing to brush your teeth either on the flight or in the airpot! Make sure everything is under 3.4 ounces!
18. A Reusable Water Bottle
Having a reusable water bottle in your carry-on is definitely an essential for making sure you stay hydrated throughout your travel day! Be sure to not fill it up before going through security because TSA will ask you to dump it! I always travel with my Hydroflask.
19. Medications
If you need to take any daily medications or supplements, make sure to bring them along in your carry-on. When traveling, it’s always smart to have anything important on you at all times, such as medications, especially if something were to happen to your checked luggage.
20. On Flight Entertainment
Whether you download a few podcasts, purchase the in-flight wifi, read a good book, journal, etc. it’s always good to be prepared than to sit there for hours twiddling your thumbs! I usually purchase the in-flight wifi on my long haul flights & it makes a huge difference. I always pack my laptop in my carry-on so I’m able to get a lot of work & writing done with minimal distractions! Also! If you want to use the on-flight entertainment, be sure to pack a pair of headphones with a single jack because the update iPhone headphones or bluetooth headphones aren’t compatible with the TV screens on the flight!
I hope this international carry on packing list is helpful as you prepare for your flight! I’m a big believer that being prepared with everything you need, helps set your travel day up for success, & reduces unnecessary stress, which I am ALL about!
Did I miss anything? What do you like to pack in your carry-on?
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