What to (Actually) Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
Author: Nicole
Let’s be honest—most ‘carry-on packing lists’ online are totally unrealistic. You’re not climbing over passengers or blocking the aisle just to grab your snacks, right? Here’s what to actually pack in your carry-on bag, plus the must-have travel essentials every traveler should bring on a flight.
What to Pack in Your Carry-On
Packing for a flight can be stressful, but knowing exactly what to pack in your carry-on makes all the difference. There’s nothing worse than realizing your lip balm, charger, or hoodie is in the overhead bin when your lips are chapped, your phone is dying, and the cabin temperature turns freezing (a literal nightmare). Whether you’re flying across the country or abroad, having the right carry-on essentials within reach can turn a chaotic travel day into a calm, cozy one.
Carry-on vs Personal Item: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the carry-on packing list, let’s clear up one thing that confuses a lot of travelers: your carry-on bag and your personal item are NOT the same thing.
Your carry-on usually goes in the overhead bin, while your personal item (like a tote, backpack, or small duffel) stays under the seat in front of you. That means your personal item should hold the travel essentials you’ll actually need during the flight (like your wallet, passport, lip balm, and headphones), while your carry-on can hold backup items like clothes, toiletries, or anything you won’t need until you land. Knowing how to pack both smartly is the secret to stress-free travel and avoiding those mid-flight “I can’t reach it!” moments.
Understanding how to pack your carry-on vs. your personal item is the secret to truly stress-free travel. Your carry-on should hold the things you won’t need until you land, while your personal item is where all your in-flight must-haves live—think comfort, convenience, and easy access!
If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you covered! Check out my post: Must-Have Travel Essentials to Pack in Your Personal Item Bag—it’s the perfect companion to this carry-on packing list and will help you feel completely prepared from takeoff to touchdown.
SHOP: Carry-on luggage | Weekender bag (shown in size medium)
Stylish Carry-On Luggage & Bags for Women
Before you start packing, make sure you have a carry-on bag that actually works for your travel style. The right luggage can make all the difference—from breezing through the airport to keeping your essentials organized in-flight. Whether you prefer a sleek hard-shell suitcase, a functional weekender bag, or a lightweight duffel that fits under the seat, these are some of my favorite carry-on luggage and travel bags that are durable, stylish, and perfect for any trip.
iFly Carry-on Luggage (under $75)
This 20” champagne carry-on from iFly is my favorite carry-on luggage that I use for every single flight. It’s the perfect affordable alternative to the popular Béis beige carry-on, but also comes in other colors as well! Key features include:
Full lining zip enclosure in first compartment + large mesh zip pocket for additional storage
Small zip lined pocket for storage between 2 sides
Elastic adjustable tie-down straps in second compartment to keep clothes secure
Expansion zipper for 2in of additional packing space
Electroplated double wheels for smooth 360 degree movement
100% ABS/PC durable hardside material
Other carry-on luggage I love:
Amazon Weekender Bag (Under $20)
This Amazon weekender bag is my favorite for weekend trips and as my personal item on flights, I own the medium size but it also comes in a larger version (under $35) which is perfect as a carry-on bag. I love this Amazon bag because it’s lightweight and collapsible, which makes it easy to pack just about anything, unlike the Béis weekender, that’s more structured and heavy (not ideal for squeezing under airplane seats). This Amazon carry-on bag features include:
Carry-on approved dimensions: 20.5 x 8.8 x 15.7
Wide open zip top
Separate bottom shoe compartment with vents
Large wet pocket
3 Inner pockets, 1 with zipper
Exterior side pockets and back zipper pocket
Made of water-resistant nylon
USB charging port
Trolly strap
Toiletry bag
Detachable Shoulder Strap
Other carry-on bags I love:
Carry-on Packing List
Now that you know the difference between your carry-on and personal item, let’s talk about what to actually pack in a carry-on bag. Think of this as your backup kit—everything that keeps you prepared if your checked luggage gets delayed, or if you need a quick refresh once you land.
Your carry-on essentials should focus on comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. You want items that make your travel day smoother, but that you won’t necessarily need mid-flight. Whether you’re flying across the country or halfway around the world, these must-have travel items will help you stay organized and ready for anything.
These are the essentials that every traveler should have on their carry-on packing list:
1. Clothing
If your carry-on is your main luggage, pack your full travel wardrobe here—use packing cubes or compression bags to keep things neat and space-efficient. Stick with lightweight layers and neutral pieces you can mix and match.
If you’re traveling with checked luggage, treat your carry-on as your backup plan. Pack at least one full outfit (plus underwear) so you’re covered if your suitcase gets delayed.
2. Toiletries & Personal Care Essentials
Every traveler has their must-have beauty or skincare items, but how you pack them depends on your travel style.
If you’re flying carry-on only, keep your travel toiletries simple and compact. Think mini versions of your everyday essentials like face cleanser, moisturizer, deodorant, dry shampoo, and toothpaste (all under 3.4 oz).
If you’re bringing a personal item too, split your items between the two. Keep anything you’ll want to freshen up with during the flight—like face wipes, lip balm, hand lotion, or touch-up makeup—in your personal bag under the seat. Then store the rest (the things you’ll only use once you land) in your carry-on. This keeps your carry-on organized and ensures your in-flight essentials are always within reach.
3. Tech & Chargers
Pack your laptop, camera gear, tripod, or anything too valuable to check, plus all the chargers and cables they need.
4. Extra Snacks
Even if you keep in-flight snacks in your personal item, stash a few extras here too. Granola bars, trail mix, and dried fruit travel well and can save you during long layovers or delays.
5. Lightweight Jacket or Sweater
Airplanes can get cold fast, and nothing ruins a flight quicker than shivering through it. A cozy layer like a cardigan, zip-up, or packable puffer is a travel must-have.
If you don’t want to wear or hold your jacket while walking through the airport, pack it into your carry-on bag and pull it out during pre-boarding—before you stow your luggage in the overhead bin. Most jackets and sweaters don’t fit comfortably inside your personal item, so keeping them in your carry-on until you board is a smart move. That way, you’ll have it ready once you’re seated without blocking the aisle or digging through your bag mid-flight.
6. Extra Pair of Shoes or Sandals
If you’re packing boots or heels in your checked luggage, keep a smaller pair in your carry-on. You’ll have a backup if your bags don’t arrive on time—or if you want to slip into something lighter after a long flight.
7. Mini Health & Emergency Kit
Think of this as your “just-in-case” pouch—small but mighty. It should include a few first-aid basics (like pain relievers, band-aids, motion sickness tablets, and allergy meds), plus anything you might need to handle mini emergencies while traveling.
Toss in a few extras like a stain remover pen, mini sewing kit, blister patches, or even emergency electrolyte packets — tiny items that can save the day when things don’t go as planned. If you rely on prescription medications, keep the main supply in your personal item, but it never hurts to have a small backup here in your carry-on.
8. Laundry Bag or Packing Cubes
Packing cubes keep your clothes organized, while a small laundry bag separates your used items (super handy for multi-destination trips).
9. Important (Non-Valuable) Documents
You should always keep your passport, ID, and cash in your personal item, but copies of your travel documents, hotel confirmations, or itinerary can live in your carry-on for easy reference.
10. Leave a Little Space
Overpacking is every traveler’s downfall—especially when you’re trying to zip your bag the night before your flight home. Whether you plan to pick up souvenirs, shop a little on your trip, or just want to make repacking easier, always leave a bit of extra room in your carry-on bag.
A half-empty packing cube, a collapsible tote, or a little breathing space between layers can make all the difference. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not sitting on your suitcase trying to get it closed before heading to the airport.
Credit: Cora Pursley via DupePhotos
What Not to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
Now that you know exactly what to pack in your carry-on, let’s talk about what NOT to bring. While it’s tempting to toss everything “just in case” into your bag, there are a few items that can cause delays at security or simply take up space you’ll wish you had later.
Your carry-on bag should stay lightweight, organized, and TSA-friendly. Here’s what to leave out:
1. Full-Sized Liquids and Toiletries
TSA’s 3-1-1 rule still applies — that means liquids must be under 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and all fit in one quart-sized clear bag. Skip the full-sized shampoo, conditioner, or perfume bottles. If you can’t live without your favorite products, grab travel-size versions or transfer them into refillable containers.
2. Sharp or Prohibited Items
Scissors, knives, razors, and anything that could be considered a weapon should always go in your checked luggage. Even some nail files or tools can get flagged, so when in doubt — check the TSA list or pack it below.
3. Oversized Power Banks or Lithium Batteries
Most airlines limit lithium battery capacity (usually 100Wh–160Wh). Stick to smaller, travel-approved chargers in your personal item, and leave oversized ones at home.
4. Aerosols and Flammable Items
Full-size aerosol hairsprays, dry shampoos, or cleaning products are a no-go. Only small, travel-size aerosol containers under 3.4 oz are allowed, and even then, check the airline’s specific policy.
5. Bulky Coats or Heavy Clothing
Large outerwear takes up way too much room. Instead, wear your bulkiest layers onto the plane and save the precious carry-on space for essentials you can’t replace.
6. Anything You’ll Need During the Flight
Your carry-on lives in the overhead bin, which means it’s pretty much off-limits once you’re seated (especially if you’re not on the aisle seat). Avoid packing anything you’ll actually need mid-flight, like snacks, chargers, or lip balm, in your carry-on. It’s awkward (and super rude) to rummage through your bag while everyone’s trying to relax. Instead, keep those within reach in your personal item!
Before you finish packing, head over to my post on Must-Have Travel Essentials to Pack in Your Personal Item Bag. It’s the perfect follow-up to this carry-on checklist and covers exactly what to keep by your side for a smoother, more comfortable flight.
Author
Nicole Neissany - Founder of Wear She Wanders. Connect with Nicole: Instagram | Pinterest
