Here’s the ultimate personal item packing list for your trip.
Firstly, a personal item is a bag that’s smaller than a carry on and able to be stored underneath the seat in front of you during a flight. The size of a personal item varies from airline to airline so check the size requirements/allowances for your airline before your flight.
How much you decide to pack in your personal item will depend on whether you also have checked luggage or take a carry-on. Personal items allow for easy access to your belongings during a flight. Whether traveling internationally or domestically, here is what you need to pack in your personal item to make travel simple and easy.
#1 HEADPHONES
Headphones are essential if you want to listen or watch anything on your phone, or if you simply want to drown out some noise. Sure, some airlines will give you headphones you can plug into the TV in front of you, but in my experience, these are never of quality. They can even make listening to movies and shows more difficult due to compromised sound quality.
If you know your airline has free in-flight entertainment in the form of shows and movies I recommend bringing a pair of headphones that will either fit into a 3.5 mm jack (most common) or 2.5 mm jack in some cases (older planes). If this kind of headphone plugs into your phone, then great, you’re all set. However, if you have an iPhone you’ll likely need headphones with a lightning jack connector. So if you plan to use your phone for music, entertainment, or white noise to drown out any extraneous sounds, then make sure to bring those.
Many airlines these days allow for Bluetooth headphones during flight and Some airlines have even made them compatible with in-flight entertainment, making them a great solution for those who only want to carry one set of headphones. Just be sure to check your specific airlines rules and regulations before you decide on this option.
#2 WATER BOTTLE
Long flights can be very dehydrating. And if you decide to fly economy, you often are not provided enough beverages to stay properly hydrated. Bringing an empty water bottle through TSA you can fill up after passing through security ensures you’ll be adequately hydrated before and during your flight.
#3 CHAPSTICK
This is a must have for long flights. As we mentioned, long flights can be very dehydrating which can leave your lips feeling very dry. Having chapstick in your bag to grab quick can help keep them feeling moisturized throughout the duration of your trip.
#4 NECK PILLOW
You don’t want to forget to add this to your personal item packing list. Plane seats aren’t the most comfortable regardless of where you sit, and can leave your neck sore or knotted depending on your position. A neck pillow keeps your trunk and neck aligned when seated and keeps you from experiencing those awful kinks after falling asleep.
A neck pillow can also help you get more sleep on a long flight. This is especially crucial for those Red Eyes. Those extra few hours of rest can keep you ready for everything you have planned upon arriving at your destination and even help you battle jet lag.
#5 ELECTRONICS
Keeping your phone, charger, iPad, laptop, and camera in your personal item ensures they won’t be fumbled around, broken, or stolen. When stored in a carry on or a checked bag, these things are much more likely to happen.
Having your electronics in your personal item also allows you to quickly grab them for entertainment during your flight, when you have a pressing business need or request, or if you need to check your itinerary, flight status, or accommodations/bookings.
#4 SNACK
Having a snack can be perfect for long flights to curb any mid flight cravings. On long or international flights, the food offered on planes may conflict with your dietary preferences, in which case, packing your own snack can be a great solution.
#5 WALLET
One rule of traveling, always keep your wallet on hand. This includes any money you’ve brought with you, your ID, your passport if needed, and a printout of your flight confirmation, bookings, and itinerary. Keeping these in your wallet and within your personal item versus a carry on or checked bag, reduces the chances of losing them or someone stealing them which will keep your travel plans running smoothly.
#6 NECESSARY MEDICATIONS
Never forget to include medications on your list of personal item packing essentials. Any medication you may need during your flight or want to ensure you won’t lose should go in your personal item. This will make them easily accessible during your flight and will keep them safe throughout the duration of your travel.
#7 PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
Of all the things you could forget, you definitely don’t want to forget personal care items. These include tampons, pads, dixie cups, or other personal care items you might need during your flight. Being unprepared for your period can quickly dampen the mood during travel. Make sure to come prepared if you think you might be getting it.
Make sure to also pack any travel sized toiletries you might need especially for those overnight flights. You might want a toothbrush or toothpaste if it’s a particularly long or overnight flight, so be sure to think about toiletries you might want easily accessible and stuff those in your personal item to grab in a pinch.
#8 SUNGLASSES
This is one accessory you have to include on your personal item packing list. Storing them in your personal item makes them easy to grab when you land or during the flight if your seat mate opens the window shade. They’re also less likely to jostle around, scratch, or break in your personal item versus your carryon or checked bag.
#9 EYE MASK
This is essential for long flights. It’s difficult enough to fall asleep and stay asleep on flights with the limited ability to recline your seat and people moving up and down the isle.
An eye mask can help limit distractions and visual stimuli, making it an easy hack to help you fall asleep. And for those overnight flights when an extra few hours of shut eye can equate to less jet lag upon arriving at your destination, an eye mask is not something you want to go without.
#10 AN EXTRA LAYER
Even when headed someplace warm, having an extra layer in your personal item can keep you a comfortable temperature during your flight. It will also keep you from rummaging through your well packed carry on for something to keep you warm.
A lightweight cardigan or scarf will do when going someplace warm, while a thin jacket will work for a cooler destination. Regardless of your destination, the temperature on your plane can vary and keeping an extra layer within easy access will keep you warm just in case.
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