Top Carry-On Essentials: What to Pack in Your Personal Item on a Plane! ✈️ 🎒

HERE ARE THE ITEMS I SHOWED, IN ORDER (mostly):

Pacsafe Daysafe Crossybody Tech Bag (for passports and valuables)

🎒 Other personal item bags I've used include:

#carryonbags #personalitem #travelbag #packingtips #carryonluggage

carry on essentials
carry on luggage
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what to pack in your carry on bag
what to pack in your personal item on a plane

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Greetings! I'm Nora Dunn, aka The Professional Hobo. I've been a digital nomad since 2006. I help people design their lifestyles and arrange their affairs so they can travel long term while working remotely. (I also have a ton of crazy travel tales to share from almost two decades of lifestyle travel).

And let's connect on my other social channels!

TERMS
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[NoraDunn]

HERE ARE THE ITEMS I SHOWED, IN ORDER (mostly):




🎒 Other personal item bags I've used include:
PACSAFE Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack

🎧 I love these wireless ear buds for travel!

[charlesrush]

I worked for American Airlines for 15 years back in the latter years of the "Pan Am" days when flying was still a glamorous treat. I was in IT but traveled A LOT for work and pleasure. A log ot your suggestions are great, but here are a few unusual things I still don't travel without. Most is oriented around kids and all together none of it takes up much space and weighs less than a few ounces. #1 is for my use and my comfort. The rest are for others to use to also increase my comfort! A lot of these are in small ziplock snack bags - love those things. Squeeze out ALL THE AIR after filling up or they'll swell like a small balloon at altitude.
1. a snack bag with a few q-tips that I dip in a jar of Vicks. I was on WAY too many flights at the end of the day and got the middle seat between people for whom hygiene was not "a first priority". A little Vicks in the nose occasionally and those people "disappeared".
2. a box of juvenile "ear planes" and a snack bag of unopened packages of hard candies and gum for fussy kids who don't do well with pressure changes.
3. a dozen or so printed pages of word search, mazes, coloring pages, etc along with a small box of crayons like you get at some restaurants (that's where I get mine). You can find stuff to print online. These go to fussy kids near me.
4. cheap, throwaway, wired headphones. I've seen more and more kids who forget to pack headphones or their ear buds batteries died. I'd rather lose a few bucks than hear a kid constantly whine about not being able to play their games or, worse yet, play their games without headphones.
5. 4 1 gallon ziplock freezer bags. They're really useful in regular luggage, but especially so in the carryon because they're a lot better than the tiny airline air sick bags. I put one in my seat pouch before the plane even pushes back because you never know how the passenger next to you will take to a little turbulence. The gallon bags have a bigger "target" to hit. And it's already open. Learned that one the hard way. Same with using freezer bags, not the storage bags (that sometimes leak).
6. if I'm flying international, a snack bag of cheap Bic pens because EVERYONE forgets pens for the paperwork and they're essentially disposable. Black ink is preferred. The flight attendants appreciate it too.
7. Small pack of disinfectant wipes and, just in case, a couple pair of disposable gloves (another snack bag). I wipe down EVERYTHING as I check what will be my "home space" for the next few hours! And in the process have found things that were missed by the cleaning crew during a really fast turnaround so anything like that goes in one of the ziplocks and right to the flight attendants. You would not believe what I've found in the pouches and between the seats. Wallets, passports, watches, jewelry... But I am NOT touching a dirty diaper without gloves!

Last, not a carryon, but something I wish all passengers would think about. PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL IN OPEN TOED SHOES, FLIP FLOPS, ETC. In case of emergency, those are the worst things to have on your feet. And really... Are they any more comfortable than a pair of breathable canvas walking shoes that won't come off your feet in an emergency?

[lokicooper]

The extra clothing tip is something I _highly_ recommend, even if it's just a pair of underwear and a shirt. The one time I decided I couldn't be bothered to pack this was the one time I actually ended up needing it. Never will I be lazy again - ALWAYS have extra clothes.

[brimstone]

Two neck gaitors ("Buffs"). Merino. And an ultralight inflatable camping pillow. I put one gaiter around my neck, inflate the pillow halfway, and shove inside the gaiter to use as a neck support while sleeping. Works better than any "neck pillow" I have tried, and I have tried many. The other gaiter I wrap around one wrist, then stretch my other arm through it until the elbow is supported like a sling. Keeps my arms crossed and from dangling all over the seat armrests and fellow travelers while I sleep. I like the cozy bundled-up feeling. Of course, the buffs are good for usual buff things: keeping head/neck warm, sleep mask, insulating a bottle, sneezing into, makeshift shopping bag, washcloth, towel, expedient bludgeon, gagging your logorrheic spouse, etc.
A page with written contact numbers and addresses in case -HoRroR!- I lose or break my phone.
A thank-you note with contact info in case I get separated from my bag and some good soul wants to return it. I'm an optimist.
A small bag of peanuts just in case that kid behind me who won't stop kicking the seat is allergic to them. I'm an optimist.

[leapintothewild]

Toiletry bag! Toothbrush and toothpaste tabs, face wipes, hair ties and barrette, etc - just a few things so I stay feeling fresh. Really perks me up. 😁 What a great list and love all the links! ❤ Happy Easter, Nora and everyone here 🐰 🌸

[sbpierce]

Earplanes. From the drugstore. Help a lot with depressurization ear pain during ascent and descent. Absolutely a must.

[nsloane]

When I traveled a lot, (35-40 yrs ago) I brought most of the things you now recommend. People made fun of me but I was always ready when they needed something!
I rejoiced when over there counter meds (Pepto, Imodium, acetaminophen) became available in blister packs, vs bottles!! I even found 12 hr cough syrup in a blister pack. Look around, you’ll find plenty of meds packaged that way! It’s an easier way to have an over the counter “pharmacy” with you. Love this video! Thanks!

[RebeccaLMorgan]

in my personal item, in addition to what you mentioned, I put lightweight, rubber-soled slippers for long hauls where I take my shoes off. I also have a feather pillow that goes in a stuff sack, eye shades, and a warm shawl in case there are no blankets and my legs are chilly. I generally go business class abroad, but I like my own pillow, and I use the airline's pillow to elevate my feet. Also, a small, folding hair brush, and lipstick, business cards.

Something I've done for a long time that my travel companions love to copy is I have address labels printed with my photo, name, cell phone #, and email and I stick those on everything that can be separated from me. I am a professional speaker, and I can't tell you the # of times cables and adaptors have made their way back to me because of those labels. I even left my computer on a Singapore Air flight, and the flight attendant called me because it had a label with my cell # on it. Seriously, I put these on *everything* that they will stick to.

I am not fond of packing cubes either. I prefer simple zip lock bags, in which I insert rolled garments, then roll the filled bag to get out the extra air before sealing. A simple compression method. I love the zip locks because I can see exactly what's in each bag. I pack them either by type (e.g., socks in one, undies in one, tops in one), or by outfit, if I'm only gone a few days, say to a conference, and I know what I'll wear each day. I open the zip lock the day before I want to wear it to let wrinkles fall out.

[lizcademy]

I added one unusual thing to my personal bag when my kids were tiny (they're full adults now) — a pack of brightly colored pipe cleaners.

I could hand a few to a kid so they could make something with them ... or they could watch me make a little animal or plane or other toy. [That was long before IFE had kid programs, and my kids didn't get electronics until they were in high school.]

I could use one to make a hook for something light weight.
One pipe cleaner works as a giant twist tie, or a cable strap

[WiseFamin]

I travel with fewer electronics than you, so for me, the following items are must-carry items in my personal bag: change of clothes plus extra socks/underwear (especially if they can double as pajamas in case I have an unexpected overnight layover), toilettries, my prescription meds (and a printout of prescriptions, including for eyeglasses, in my printouts folder), an umbrella, and a pair of shower shoes. During my last flight, my sandals broke in the middle of the airport, so luckily I had a pair of flip-flops in my carry-on! I also carry a plastic/reusable bag (for shopping or wrapping wet items). And for international travel--the most important item is an adapter and some cash!

[cherylharris]

Hi Nora - absolutely LOVE your channel. I've learned so much from you, especially as I'll be taking my first international flight. You mentioned your 'persona" bag on this video. It had aspirin, towelettes, etc. included. I have one more to add - one or two bandaids!! You never know!

[Epcotfans]

I always carry a small personal fan. If I feel like I’m getting anxious the cold air blowing right on my face helps.

[Rosebud]

A change of clothes is a top priority if you're going to a different climate. I learned the hard way years ago when leaving a cold climate in the winter to a small island in the Caribbean. Airline lost my luggage and I was wearing wool. Now I'll carry a swimsuit, shorts, sandals, etc.

[Helix]

A couple of items I find useful: disposable underwear and a headlamp with both white and red lights. I find the red light sufficient at night to find my stuff or my way around and it doesn’t blind the other passengers.

[TheKiwikai]

My personable bag includes many of the items in your list (not the filming gear or the speaker). I also include a set of reusable silver-wear (stainless steel spoon, fork, straw, chopsticks), a few empty 1Q zip baggies, 3 wooden clothespins (use to organize cords, clip snack bags, and clip shut drapes at destination), plug with usb cord to charge devices when electricity is available, old-style tiny mp3 player so I don’t run out the battery on my phone while listening to podcasts and audiobooks, Roku streaming stick, small sanitizer bottle clipped to bag, and backup KN95 masks (wastewater tests show 96% of airplane flights still testing positive for SARS-CoV-2).

[patbeauchamp]

I'm crocheter. I always carry a skein of yarn and a couple crochet hooks with me so I can crochet a hat or two. (I donate these hats to charities.) And I DO carry a very small pair of Scissors. The skein of yarn and completed hats squish and fit very nicely in suitcases and carry on bags.

[flybymight]

I don't go anywhere without an Olbas inhaler! Like, anywhere. It really helps on airplanes and trains as soon as you get stuffy! Great channel, thanks for so much great info!

[carefulshopper]

Loved your video and ideas, Nora - thank you! My husband and I are older (over 70). Prescriptions (especially when going somewhere that may require bringing the original bottle, which is hard to learn) are important at our age. Pads, or other personal care items also may be needed in the personal bag. Within Europe, EasyJet is often our carrier (much better than RyanAir) and their under seat requirements are tiny. Like doll sized. You can “upgrade” to have a carryon as well, but they are strict about that as well. They explain the requirements on their website. Would you consider researching and presenting a video on travelers in special categories (like older, those with children, overweight, special needs, etc.)? Even traveling to luxury resorts, or a high end cruise presents some trickier packing requirements. I trust your advice, and am grateful for the work you put in!

[plum_colored_dahlia]

Enough toilet paper in a ziplock should the public restroom be out.

[An_Gold]

Dear Nora, thank you very much for advice. Before my flight I reviewed your video and rearranged my carry-on/personal bag, thanks for your work.