You won’t want to leave the house without these items!
Traveling during the holidays is super stressful. The long security lines, the packed gates, and the even more packed food courts make you want to pull your hair out. Or scream. I’ve actually done the latter. But that’s a different story.
There are few variables you can actually control while traveling, one of them is your carry-on bag. If you pack right, it can make traveling so much easier.
I will preface this list by saying that every carry-on bag is a different size, so you may not need all of these items OR you may be able to fit more. But whatever you do, don’t overpack. There’s nothing worse than doing the dreaded airport dash while carrying a 15lb bag. Lighten up, people.
1. Hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes
Airplanes are extremely dirty. It’s not anyone’s fault, there’s just no time to properly sanitize between flights. Coming from someone who has gotten strep throat and a sinus infection from airplane rides, it’s super important to clean your area before you sit down for the long commute. This is where the sanitizing whipes come into play. Make sure to wipe your arm rests, the tray table and anything else you might be touching.
2. Snacks
This is super important so you don’t starve and you can save some money (chips are so expensive in the airport). For snacks, you don’t want to bring anything bulky, so try to stick to personal sized bags. Things like fruit snacks and granola bars are a good idea. If you want to bring chips or cereal, I suggest taking them out of the bulky bag/box they come in and put them in a little sandwich bag for your snacking pleasure. This is also helpful if you want to share with your travel buddy.
3. Deodorant/perfume
There is something about airplane cabin air that makes you feel dirty. While you can’t take a full-on shower mid-flight, you can freshen up a bit with deodorant or perfume. Applying either will help you feel cleaner, even if you’re not. Just remember to bring a small perfume rollerball since you cannot carry on liquids larger than 3.4 ounces.
4. Gum/Mints
This will help you in many ways. First, the gum helps to keep your ears from painfully popping if you chew it during take off. Secondly, these help you feel cleaner, just like the deodorant or perfume. It will also really help the people beside you, and we should all try and be a little more selfless this time of year.
5. A blanket or neck pillow
You really should not bring both unless you are superman and want to carry a heavy bag around the airport. I always opt for the blanket option because flights can get really cold, especially if you’re flying someplace chilly (which chances are, you probably are for Christmas). Some airlines do still off blankets, but they’re so thin, they barley help. Being comfortable on your flight is SO important for your overall experience, so I would definitely bring one of these items.
I always opt for the blanket option because flights can get really cold, especially if you’re flying someplace chilly (which you probably are for Christmas). Some airlines do still supply blankets, but they’re so thin, they barely help. Being comfortable on your flight is SO important for your overall experience, so I would definitely bring one of these items.
6. Your laptop/tablet
I never actually use my laptop on flights, but I would never put it in my checked bag. Those bags get tossed around so much, you should never keep anything super valuable or fragile in there. If you’re a light packer, you could just bring your laptop bag as your carry-on!
7. Headphones
These are essential to bring with you so you can listen to music or watch a movie. If you do forget, the airlines usually sell them for a few dollars.
8. Some makeup
This is a tricky one. I usually travel with a good amount of makeup, so I’d rather have it take up space in my checked bag, not my carry-on. However, I do travel with a few items: Powder for touch-ups, blush for the same reason and lip balm. Lip balm really isn’t makeup, but you don’t want your lips getting dry!
My sister puts ALL her makeup in her carry-on. To each their own.
9. Blotting sheets
Oil blotting sheets are a Godsend. Oily-skinned gals, you know what I’m talkin’ about. Even if I’m not wearing makeup on a plane, I don’t want my face to look ridiculously shiny when I get off the flight. One oil blotting sheet is all you need to make your face look fresh again. I’ve honestly never taken a flight without them.
10. Hand lotion
My hands always seem to get super dry on airplanes, I’m sure some of you have had the same problem. Hand lotion is small and you can use it whereever your skin is feeling dry on the plane.
11. Advil
We ALL get headaches. It’s normal. But you do not want to be stuck in the air with a throbbing headache. No thank you. Advil is perfect because the Pocket Packs are usually very easy to find. They’re so small, they won’t take up space in your bag. If you get motion sickness, you’ll also want to have some Dramamine on hand.