What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag

What should you pack in your carry-on bag? Whether you’re traveling carry on only or checking luggage, there are certain things that will make your travel experience better if you have them in your cabin bag. And there are some things that should always go in your carry on bag, NOT your checked baggage.

I am a big believer in traveling with only carry-on luggage. It makes your travel experience easier in so many ways. There’s no way the airline can lose your luggage if you haven’t checked anything. You won’t get weighed down by heavy bags if you limit yourself to carry-on only. And you won’t have to deal with expensive checked bag fees.

But what if you just can’t go carry-on only? Maybe you’ll be flying on a much smaller plane that has stricter carry-on rules, or maybe you’re just not quite ready to travel with less stuff. Make sure you know which items should always be packed in your carry on bag.

what to pack in your carry-on bag
What to pack in your carry-on bag

Note: This post is written referencing TSA rules for travel from airports in the USA. Some countries may have different rules, so if you’re flying from an airport in another country, please look up the rules for the authority in that country.

FAQs about what you can bring on a plane

Before we get started on what things are important to pack in your carry-on bag, here are a few frequently asked questions about what things are allowed on an airplane.

How much liquid can you take on a plane?

The liquids restrictions have been in place for many years now, but there’s still some confusion about what those restrictions are. The basic carry-on liquids allowances are:

what can you pack in a carry on bag - liquids bag for flying
Liquids under 3.4oz can go in your carry-on bag

You are permitted to bring liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, and all containers must fit in a one quart (about one liter) clear zip-top bag. A 5 ounce container will not be allowed, even if it only has 1 ounce of liquid in it.

There are several items that you might not think about that are considered liquids, like peanut butter, liquid makeup, snow globes, etc. You ARE allowed to bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it up on the other side.

Can you take a razor through security?

Since razors are sharp objects, they can cause confusion about whether or not you can pack them in your carry-on. Straight razors and blades for safety razors are not allowed in carry-on luggage, but disposable razors and electric razors are permitted.

Read more about bringing a razor on a plane.

what can you pack in hand luggage - razor
Can you bring a razor on a plane?

Can you take food on an airplane?

In general, food is allowed in your carry-on. However, it must meet the liquids restrictions. Foods that spread, like peanut butter, are considered liquid, so you would only be allowed to have 3.4 ounces (100ml) of peanut butter, and the container must fit in your liquids bag.

nuts and dried fruit - what to pack in carry-on bag for flight
Trail mix can make a great snack for your flight

Food or beverages in frozen form are allowed, but only if they are completely frozen when you go through the TSA security check. This may vary in other countries.

Can you bring a lighter on a plane?

You can take a lighter on an airplane in your carry-on, but usually only one is permitted. It’s also worth noting that lighters can only be in your checked luggage if they have no fuel in them. Find out more about taking matches or a lighter on a plane.

Can you bring e-cigarettes or vaping devices on a plane?

Yes, you can take e-cigarettes or a vaping device on a plane. In fact, TSA requires you to pack your e-cigarette/vaping device in carry-on, not checked luggage. The liquid you need for it must also fit within the liquid allowances.

Find out more about bringing a vape on a plane.

vape - what is allowed in a carry on bag?
Always pack your vape in carry on

Can you pack hair straighteners/flat irons, curling iron, or hair dryers in your carry-on?

If you want to travel with a hair dryer, curling iron, or hair straightener/flat iron, you can pack that in your carry-on luggage.

curling iron hair dryer and straightener - what can I bring in my carry on
Hair straighteners, curling irons & hair dryers are allowed in carry on

I recommend not packing the hair straightener while it’s still hot, but if you must because of timing, wrap it in a small towel so the hot plates don’t burn anything in your bag.

>>Check out all of our posts about things you can and can’t bring on a plane here.

What to pack in a carry-on bag for a flight

If you’re checking baggage, there are certain items you never want to pack in your checked bag. This includes important or valuable items you wouldn’t want to lose in case your bags get lost. Let’s look at what to pack in your carry-on bag for flying.

Keep ID, money, & jewelry in your carry-on bag

This might be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Always keep all of your identification in your carry-on.

Even if you’re flying internationally so you have your passport with you, don’t pack your driver’s license in your checked bag. Losing any kind of ID is not fun, and if the airline misplaces your luggage, you might never see it again.

items you should pack in carry on for flight - person holding passport and tickets
Always pack your ID, passport, and other valuable items in carry on baggage

Money, credit cards, jewelry, or anything else of monetary value should never be packed in your checked bag. Again, if your luggage gets lost, so will your money.

Not only that, but unfortunately there are a few dishonest people out there, and you don’t want to take even a tiny chance that someone will go through your bag and steal something.

Take medications in your carry-on bag

Do you have any essential medications that you take on a regular basis? Don’t just pack what you need for your flight in your carry-on, put it all in there.

If you only have a day’s worth of medicine, and your luggage gets lost for three days, you could be in big trouble for a couple days.

If your medication is liquid or you need to carry needles, get a letter from your doctor. This should help you avoid problems taking restricted items on the plane in your carry-on bag.

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Bring electronics and fragile items in your carry-on bag

Baggage handlers are not known for being gentle with luggage. Even aside from that, an airplane is a moving vehicle and there’s always the possibility of turbulence.

backpack laptop sleeve - what to pack in cabin bags
Laptops and other electronics should be packed in cabin bags

Electronics and other fragile items could easily break during any part of the travel process, from the moment you hand over your bag until it finally arrives on the luggage carousel.

Laptops also have lithium batteries, which are generally not allowed in checked luggage due to fire risk. Another good reason to keep laptops in your carry on baggage.

>>Read: Can you take batteries on planes?

Electronics have the added risk of being stolen. Just like your money or jewelry, you don’t want to take the chance that someone will go through your bag and steal your laptop or camera.

If you have anything sentimental, this should also be packed in your carry-on. Fragile or not, you wouldn’t want it to get lost because chances are no amount of money can replace something that has sentimental value.

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Bring disinfectant wipes to clean your airplane seat area

Did you know that airplanes are incredibly dirty? In fact, the seat back tray table is usually covered in more germs than the toilet flush button. Yuck!

Woman Applying Hand Sanitizer - what can I put in my carry on
The liquid allowance on a plane is actually higher for hand sanitizer

It’s highly recommended that you take wipes on the plane with you and clean off as much of your seat area as you can. This includes the tray table, the seat belt, and more.

Read our tips for disinfecting your airplane seat here. And TSA now allows more hand sanitizer on a plane in carry on bags, so you can keep away more germs.

Pack toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag

Even if you’ve decided to bring larger bottles of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc., it’s still a good idea to pack an approved bag of liquids for your carry-on, along with your toothbrush. One change of clothes could come in handy as well.

If your checked luggage gets lost, at least you’ll something to change into when you arrive, and you’ll be able to brush your teeth and take a shower.

2 makeup bags - what can you pack in a carry on
Pack some toiletries in your carry on

You might still have to go buy a few things if your luggage doesn’t turn up within a day, but at least you won’t need to rush to find a store right away.

>>Read more about bringing makeup in your carry on.

Bring things to make yourself feel comfortable

Flights can be really boring, even if you have someone to talk to.

Having some music to listen to and a book (or an Kindle) to read will help the time pass. If you travel with a laptop or an iPad, make sure you have some movies loaded up to watch on the plane.

Take some snacks with you, whether it’s something from home or you pick up something at the airport. Many airlines don’t give you food on domestic flights anymore (in the US anyway) and even on flights where they do feed you, it’s never really good food.

Having something to snack on that you know you like will help get you through the flight.

Ali with a carry on sized backpack - what to pack in a carry on
What’s in your carry on?

Buy a bottle of water once you get through security. Or better yet, bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill up after you’re done at the security checkpoint.

I always bring some tissues with me. The air on airplanes is incredibly dry and can irritate your nose. Plus bathroom travel hassles can start with your flight if they run out of toilet paper.

I try not to bring too many “just in case” things when I travel, but tissues are always a good idea.

Still not sure if an item is allowed in your carry-on? For US travel, check the TSA website to find out what you can bring.

As much as I love traveling carry-on only, I understand that it’s not always practical, and it might not be comfortable for everyone. Unfortunately your checked luggage could get lost or mishandled, and your things could break or never be seen again. You also want to make sure your flight experience is as enjoyable as possible, and having things like snacks and entertainment in your carry-on bag will help.

So there are some essential items you should always bring in your carry-on bag. Before you get on that flight, check the airline’s carry-on luggage size restrictions and then use this list to decide what to pack your carry-on bag.

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Even though I'm a big believer in carry-on only travel, there are times when checking luggage is necessary. Here's what to pack in your carry-on bag. #traveltips #travelhacks #packingtips #luggage
Even though I'm a big believer in carry-on only travel, there are times when checking luggage is necessary. Here's what to pack in your carry-on bag. #traveltips #travelhacks #packingtips #luggage