This is the ultimate carry on essentials list for travel must-have items you need to pack on every trip! And make sure to scroll down for a handy checklist of these hand luggage essentials!

Let’s be real, flights are not always the most comfortable way to travel, especially on long-haul international flights. After countless 8+ and even 12+ hour flights, I compiled a list of carry on essentials that I now bring with me on EVERY flight I take, no matter the length.

Even if you plan on checking a bag, make sure you keep these travel must have items in a small backpack, purse, or hand luggage, and definitely keep them easily accessible too so you’re not having to dig around looking for them. If you pack even some of these items, I promise you that your flight will be definitely more comfortable and a bit more enjoyable!

So if you are looking for the ultimate carry on packing list, a handy checklist to make sure you never forget any hand luggage essentials, and a bonus list of items I think are nice to have but optional – then you are in the right place!

QUICK NOTE: while I’ve done a lot of research on how to reduce jet lag and how flights affect the body, and I list these findings below, I AM NOT A DOCTOR and you should ALWAYS speak to your physician before following any internet-given advice.

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No matter where you are flying, the ultimate travel essential is your identification! Make sure your passport for international travel and your ID/driver’s license for US domestic travel is in your bag, and keep your ID and your credit cards in a RFID-blocking wallet, to protect both your cards and your passport.

This RFID travel wallet is my personal favorite because it fits all my cards and passport and keeps everything organized.

Never travel without a reusable water bottle! This is a carry on essential AND a travel essential! Flying is extremely dehydrating and it turns out that just being hydrated can help fight off jet-lag. Make sure to bring it empty for security, but fill it up right before your flight – I NEVER assume I’ll have enough water. I personally love a HydroFlask bottle because it keeps water cold for long periods of time – and if you are traveling to a place where you aren’t sure about water safety, I’d recommend this Strawlife filtered bottle.

I can’t believe I ever traveled without noise-canceling headphones – the instant I take them off mid-flight I am always so startled by just how incredibly loud the ambient plane sounds are! Your inner-ears are delicate and deserve protection – no more turning up your phone or device volume only to still barely hear your entertainment. My favorite brand is Bose – I have both their wireless noise-canceling headphones and for when I have VERY little space in my bag, I recommend these Bose noise-canceling earbuds.

Sitting for long periods of time is both uncomfortable and even has the potential to be dangerous – blood pooling in your legs can possibly lead to blood clots, which in turn can potentially cause health issues. To fight off the lower-leg swelling, I started wearing these compression socks, and in my personal opinion I even feel like this helps me with jet-lag, or at least not feeling quite so crummy when I land. Make sure to pair compression socks with getting up to move at least every two hours on the flight!

The air on airplanes is always VERY dry and after many hours of being subjected to this, your skin and lips will be begging for moisture. I recommend a natural lip balm like this one, and my best advice would be to pack at least two – I always manage to lose one! I usually put one lip balm in each separate bag – my hip pouch, my backpack, and my hand luggage.

If you plan on doing any sleeping on your flight, public transport during your trip, car drives, or just want a bit more comfort and support, I would definitely recommend a neck pillow – either this neck pillow, which inflates so it won’t take up much room at all, or this neck pillow for the ultimate comfort (it’s the one I use!). Sometimes I even use a neck pillow for just lower back support, an arm rest, or anywhere I need a bit more support – so even if you’re not sleeping on the plane I’d still recommend packing it!

Wearing restrictive clothing is the worst thing you can do on a plane! You want to be as comfortable as possible, and be comfy in those clothes for long periods of time. My ultimate travel wear has become wearing anything with merino wool – it simultaneously can keep you warm but also wick sweat, and BEST of all, it withstands odors and smells (hello travel sweats) for WAY longer than any other material. My favorite comfy travel clothes are this pair of Merino leggings along with this Merino T-shirt.

This last list of carry on “essentials” are really just optional items, but can be nice to have, and some are “optional” as they are specific for international-travel. I also want to take in personal preference – for some these might be travel MUST haves but for others maybe they prefer another item or to not have it at all! I’ve included these just because I’m a type-A overplanner and recovering overpacker, so for anyone else who wants to make sure you’ve thought of absolutely EVERYTHING, this list is for you:

If you have any prescription medications, NEVER put those in your checked bag – always have them with you and in their original containers. (***Disclaimer, I AM NOT A DOCTOR so consult with your doctor before using any of the following:) I would also suggest having a few basic medications on hand, such as Advil / Tylenol for pain management/headaches/etc, GasX / Imodium / Pepto Bismol for upset stomach/digestive issues/traveler’s diarrhea, and maybe even Melatonin to help you get on a new time zone / help with jet lag.

If you have checked a bag, I’d highly recommend packing an extra, just-in-case outfit in the chance your bag gets lost – so you’re not stuck in your same clothes while you wait for your bag to be found / delivered later. If you’re traveling with a partner/family member / friend and don’t want to take up extra space for an extra outfit, just swap one outfit with your travel buddy so you each have a backup outfit in each other’s bag in case one of them gets lost.

If you plan on driving abroad, your US driver’s license might not be enough to rent a car! Before your trip, make sure you get an international driver’s license – I usually just grab one from AAA and it only takes about 20 minutes tops, including having a passport-sized-photo taken for the license.

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