20 Items You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on (or Just Bring On Board)

Chances are that if you’re going on a long trip, you’ll likely have a checked bag and a carry-on. You might be tempted to pack everything in the checked bag — but there are some items you should pack in your carry-on instead. Some are things that you’ll definitely want access to during your flight. The others will prove very handy to have in case your checked luggage ends up on a different continent than you.

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1. Comfortable Shoes

If you want to reduce what's in your checked luggage, wear your heaviest shoes/boots on the plane. But bring along something comfortable, like flip-flops. You'll have extra room in your suitcase, and you'll have something comfortable to wear in the air.

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2. Entertainment

Most airlines offer entertainment systems to passengers in all classes. However, sometimes you have to pay and sometimes they're broken. Pack your own movies and music. A book or magazine is a good idea too, as they don't rely on power.

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3. Phone Charger

You should keep your phone (and electronic device) charger close at hand. You may be able to use it on the plane or in the terminal, if you have a layover. And if your checked luggage goes missing, you can still keep your electronics juiced.

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4. Expensive Items

Don't take chances with your fragile camera, electronics and expensive jewellery. Keep those items safe by keeping them in your carry-on.

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5. Spare Clothes

Packing a change of clothes that match your destination is a great idea — especially if your checked luggage goes astray.

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6. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver on long trips. It's an easy way to keep your hair from looking greasy. But make sure it's in a container you can take on the plane.

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7. Hat

If you don't want to bother with dry shampoo, pack a hat. If your hair is looking gross after a long flight, pop on the hat.

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8. Toiletries

An easy way to stay fresh on long flights is to bring along toiletries. Pack travel sizes of toothpaste, deodorant and moisturizer. Don't forget a toothbrush!

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9. Healthy Snacks

Even if you're lucky enough to have food on your flight, it may not be much more than cookies or some pretzels. Pack something healthier (fruit, nuts, etc.) and bring it along with you. Be aware that some countries have restrictions on importing produce, so plan on consuming everything on the plane.

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10. Medications

Pack medications in your carry-on so that they're handy if you have a long layover or get delayed. It's also a good idea in case something happens to your checked luggage. Don't forget to bring copies of your prescription as well.

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11. Face Wipes

A small pack of face wipes ($9) will bring welcome relief after several hours in the air.

Sanitizing wipes are a good idea for cleaning your tray table.

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12. Sleep Mask

If you're hoping to catch a few winks on your flight, a sleep mask will make it much easier, day or night.

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13. Power Bank

If your seat doesn't have a power outlet, you may find the batteries in your electronics die before you reach your destination. A small power bank lets you recharge your device mid-flight.

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14. Travel Documents

It's a good idea to carry all your travel documents, your passport and a copy of your passport ID page with you. It's more insurance against lost luggage.

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15. Water Bottle

If you carry an empty water bottle, you can fill it up after security. That way you can keep hydrated. If you have a water bottle with a built-in filter, you can even use water from sketchy sources.

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16. Gum

Gum is a lifesaver if you have problems with your ears and air pressure. It's very handy for kids, too.

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17. Inflatable Pillow

An inflatable pillow can save your neck on a long-haul flight.

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18. Earplugs

Aircraft engines, loud-talkers and crying babies can turn even a short flight into a hellish experience. A pair of earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones will keep the noise from overwhelming you. They're handy in noisy hotel rooms too.

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19. Pen and Pad

If you're flying internationally, you're going to need a pen to fill out customs forms. Bring along a pad of paper so that you can jot down notes or the phone number of that cute guy sitting beside you.

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20. Locks

Bring along a lock to keep people out of your carry-on when you're sleeping. With a cable lock you can lock your bag to a pole or bench if you're travelling alone and need to dash to the bathroom.