It doesn’t matter where I’m traveling or how long I’m going to be gone – I always know how to pack a carry-on.

How do you know what to take on a long flight? Read on to see what keeps me sane when I fly.

1. First things first – the essentials

Picking the right carry-on is intimidating. Should you use a backpack, your musty duffle bag, your cute new tote, or the battered carry-on spinner suitcase?

Whatever you decide, choose one that’s easy for you to carry around. I prefer backpacks for comfortable carrying. They’re also easy to stuff under your seat for convenient access. 

If you decide to use a duffel bag, make sure it has wheels. I flew back to the states from Haiti once and had to lug my huge wheelless duffel bag around the Atlanta airport for hours. It was awful. 

Most airlines allow you to bring one carry-on and one personal item. The personal item is a purse, tote bag, laptop bag, or smaller backpack. Keep in mind – space is limited so choose wisely. Don’t bring a giant tote bag to keep by your seat – it may need to go in the luggage bin above.

Liquids need to be stored in a sealed bag to prevent leakage during your flight. I like to use a baggie from my kitchen draw. This way, I know for sure I’m not going to end up with sticky contact solution all over my backpack. 

2. Comfort starts in your carry-on

We all wonder how to be comfortable on a plane. It’s easy to get focused on packing light to save room, but it’s equally important to double-check your comfort list. There’s no need to get to your destination stiff and sore. 

Travel Pillow

Travel pillows are a wonderful invention. They’ve got your back, er, head. You know how awful it is to wake up with a crick in your neck. Try this inflatable neck-pillow if you’re worried about luggage space.

Eye Mask

I have a weird phobia of sleeping in public so having something to cover my face when I sleep is essential. A simple blanket or eye mask does the trick. This best-seller eye mask has all the creature comforts you’ll ever need.

Earplugs

You love kids, you really do. But not when they’re screaming for most of your eight-hour flight to Ireland. Earplugs are a necessity on long or red-eye flights.

Light Blanket

It’s usually chilly on airplanes. Pack a light throw blanket for your flight. My favorites are small fleece blankets, like this beauty.

Flying must drain calories off me. I’m always hungry when I fly. How about you?

Snacks are a smart addition to your carry-on. They keep hangry husbands and kids at bay.

With prepackaged food readily available, it’s easy to find packable airplane food. A few of my favorites include granola bars, nuts, and Snickers bars (my weakness).

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows you to pack homemade food in your carry-on – as long as it’s packaged in an airtight container. The guy sitting under your luggage might not appreciate lasagna spilled all over him after a bumpy ride through turbulence.

Airplane snacks for toddlers are easy to come by. Things like fruit snacks, Cheerios, string cheese, and yogurt pouches make for easy transport.

Whatever food you decide to pack, make sure it isn’t obnoxious smelling or super noisy to eat. Always consider those confined in the tight space around you.

4. Stay Hydrated

I don’t know about you, but I usually come off an airplane feeling like a prune. It’s hard to stay hydrated when water isn’t readily available, but there are a few things you can do to ensure you get enough fluids.

Water Bottle

I’m a big fan of saving money. This is why I invested in a stainless-steel insulated water bottle. I used to buy a bottle of water once I made it through security, but man are those expensive! You’ll save money (and sea turtles) by bringing your own water bottle. Just remember to empty it before going through security.

Lip Balm

Lip balm or chapstick – one of my essential carry-on do-not-forget items. Your lips and eyes never fail to let you know when you’re dehydrated.

Eye Drops

My eyes get so dry on airplanes. If I don’t carry eye drops with me, I turn into a squinty, bleary-eyed mess. Try these bad boys for maximum red and dry eye relief.

Lotion

Pack your favorite lotion, travel size of course. Not only does lotion keep you hydrated, but it helps soothe your senses with delicate, pleasant smells. Again, try not to bring anything with an intense smell. Some people react strongly to artificial scents.

Airplanes are full of germs. Like, a germaphobe’s worst nightmare.

So, do you know how to not get sick on an airplane?

Boost Immune System Before Flying

Yep, haul out those vitamins. I like to help boost my immune system several days or a week before flying by taking Emergen-c. This can be found at your local supermarket or an online store.

Hand Sanitizer

I don’t go anywhere without my hand sanitizer. It’s perfect for a quick clean when hot water and soap aren’t available. Make sure your hand sanitizer is at least 60% alcohol. Any lower and it isn’t very effective.

Disinfectant Wipes

Pack a small package of disinfectant wipes to sanitize your airplane seat, tray, and surrounding areas. These are also great to use in the bathroom. Shhhh, nobody needs to know you sanitized the toilet before sitting on it.

Wear Shoes

Please wear shoes when you take a stroll on an airplane. You never know what you might step in. Never ever go to the bathroom in your socks. Those droplets on the floor? Yeah, that’s not water. 

Norwex Antibacterial Cloth

Norwex is an eco-friendly company providing sustainable and reusable products for consumers. I love their antibacterial cloths. They’re lined with silver, an all-natural antibacterial agent. And the best thing ever – you clean them by rinsing in hot water. Perfect for the environmentally-minded traveler.

6. Makeup

I don’t wear makeup, so I’m relying on The Blonde Abroad to provide me with air-travel makeup hacks.

Mascara

Try applying a little mascara before disembarking. It’s an awesome way to spiff up your tired eyes.

Under-Eye Concealer

The Blonde Abroad recommends using this tinted eye gel to cover-up your puffy, sleep-deprived eyes. It’s moisturizing and it has SPF. No sunburn from your window seat.

Rejuvenating Eye-Gel Patches

Embarrassed to wear under eye moisturizing patches on the plane? Put them on under your face mask and sleep away your puffiness and fine lines.

7. Stay Fresh

Nobody appreciates BO or bad breath, but it gets exceptionally disgusting on an airplane.

Bring along mints and mint gum to keep your breath smelling fresh. Chewing gum also helps keep the pressure at bay in your ears. Just make sure you don’t chew it with your mouth open.

Always pack a travel-sized deodorant. It doesn’t matter if it’s only a day trip – flights get canceled all the time. Keep BO at bay.

Maintain your sparkling smile with this amazing little Toothbrush. It’s a great accompaniment to any carry-on. The small size makes it perfect for slipping in your purse or backpack. 

Keep a spare pair of undies in your carry-on. Nothing says gross like having to wear the same pair of underwear for a couple of days.

8. Entertainment

Flying is more boring than driving, well, take-off and landing are awesome. You can’t see anything unless you’re blessed with a window seat.

We all know it’s hard to know how to entertain yourself on a plane.

Thankfully, modern technology has made entertainment readily available to all.

Tablet or iPad

Pack your tablet for easy entertainment. Download movies and books to keep yourself occupied.

Headphones

Your entertainment isn’t to everyone’s taste. Bring along your headphones or earbuds to listen to music or watch movies. Other passengers value silence as much as you do.

Phone

If you’re lucky enough to afford WiFi on a plane, you can enjoy texting and web browsing on your phone. And, if you can’t afford it, you’re phone works the same as your tablet. Download books or movies before your flight for WiFi-free entertainment.

Chargers and Adapters

Don’t forget to pack your chargers. If you’re traveling outside the country, be mindful of the type of outlet your destination uses. Purchase an outlet adapter according to your needs.

9. Don’t Leave Without These

If all else fails, please don’t forget these few things

• Passport and/or identification

• Credit cards or cash

• Valuables

Never pack valuables in your check-in luggage. Pack your expensive Parisian purchase carefully in your carry-on along with jewelry and cameras. Yes, people do steal high-dollar items from searched luggage. 

• Copies of important documents

Copy and print important documents like your passport before an international trip. Place copies throughout your pieces of luggage just in case you lose your passport.

• Medications

Make sure any medication you bring is carefully packaged and labeled.

• Liquid sizes

How to pack liquids on a carry-on – follow the 3-1-1 rule. Liquids must be under 3.4 ounces and fit in a quart-sized bag. You’re allowed one bag per passenger.

Flying is Fun

When you don’t have to worry about what you can and can’t pack in your carry-on, flying is great fun.

Remember to dress comfortably, and above all, be considerate of your fellow passengers. We’ve all been subject to one of “those” seatmates.

Sit back and relax. Let the journey begin.