12 essential items to take in your carry on bag

If you’re heading overseas anytime soon, you might be wondering how to make that long haul flight as comfortable as possible.

Your carry on bag and what you pack in it is definitely the key to comfort success. Well that and a bed at the pointy end of the plane.

For most of us however, that’s usually not an option.

So if, like me, you generally need to take a hard right when boarding, here are a few carry on bag tips for you.

12 essential items to take in your carry on bag

1. A clear sealable bag

This is required for any liquids, aerosols or gels you will be taking on board. They must be 100mls or less in volume and include items such as toothpaste, deodorant and face oils –  visit Department of Home Affairs for the official Australian guidelines.

You can use any clear sealable bag, however if you’re after something that’s reusable the Clarity Small Pouch from Adorne (shown above) is a great option.

2. A sleep mask

Popping a silk sleep mask on before trying to origami yourself into a comfortable semi-upright sleeping position in economy kind of makes things feel slightly luxurious.

Mine is from Goodnight co

3. lip balm

A must for protecting your lips from the dry in-flight air.

4. facial wipes

When I’m up in the air, I like to remove my makeup and a decent facial wipe does the trick.

They’re also handy for wiping up any spills you or your kids might have during the flight.

5. face oil

A face oil is an inflight essential for me.  Flying can wreak havoc on my skin, often leaving it feeling dry, dehydrated and puffy – not the best way to start a holiday!

Sleep On It® is my face oil of choice for a couple of reasons.

1. It’s absorbs quickly into the skin, giving an instant boost of hydration.
2. The gently infused lavender and chamomile essential oils smell amazing, especially when there’s no fresh air happening for 10 or so hours.

6. toothbrush & toothpaste

I use a travel size toothpaste and keep my toothbrush in a travel container.

7. deodorant

Leave the roll-on deodorant at home and use a stick deodorant while up in the air.

The pressure in the cabin will cause the roll-on ball to pop out of it’s casing when you take the lid off…or so I’ve heard.

8. daily medications

Pack these in your carry on, just in case your luggage gets lost. Check with your GP before flying if you need a letter to present at customs.

9. phone/ipad/lap top + chargers

You’ll be able to use them inflight and you’ll also have them with you when you reach your destination. Yes, it’s a pain to have to haul them out of your carry on when you go through customs, but if your luggage is lost you’ll be pleased you can access the internet and/or make phone calls ASAP.

10. travel documents

Obviously you can’t get far without your passport, but it’s also a good idea to have your itinerary, other tickets etc with you too.

11. pen

You’ll probably need to complete some form of paperwork during the flight – or maybe do a crossword – so a pen is a must.

12. warm jumper or wrap/poncho

It can get quite cold on a plane, so bringing a warm jumper or wrap/poncho is definitely an essential.

Are you going on a long haul flight anytime soon? Do you have an essential carry on item to add to our list?