I like to board a flight like I’m going on a camping trip. I’m prepared for every possible scenario, with everything I need for survival neatly organized on my person. You won’t catch me running out of snacks or realizing mid-flight that I forgot my headphones. I’ve got my personal item packing strategy down to a science, and it makes navigating airports and passing the time on long flights so much more seamless. From travel-friendly toiletries to handy gadgets for in-flight entertainment, I’ve learned exactly what deserves a coveted spot in that under-the-seat space.
If you’re struggling with what to pack in your personal item, allow me to give you a peek inside mine. Here are all the personal item essentials I always pack for a smooth flight.
Need more travel tips and destination inspiration? Explore The Everygirl’s Ultimate Travel Guide.
1. Tote bag insert
I purchased this tote bag insert several years ago after seeing it in an article on The Everygirl (co-workers make the best influencers) and have used it on every trip since. It completely changed how I pack my personal item and makes everything 10x more organized. Thanks to the multitude of pockets, all those little essentials (like lip balm, hand sanitizer, and my passport) have a designated spot and are easy to access. No more blindly rummaging around at the bottom of my tote bag whenever I need something.
2. Water bottle
My first order of business when I get through security? Filling up my water bottle. Thanks to the dry airplane cabin air, staying hydrated is an even bigger challenge than usual. I always travel with my Owala because it’s big enough to fit a decent amount of water but compact enough that I can easily slip it into my personal item. Plus, the leak-proof lid means I’m not worried about spills ruining my travel day.
3. Passport holder
Keeping your passport handy when traveling internationally is obviously key, but I don’t dare just throw mine in my bag unprotected. I always keep my passport tucked away in a leather holder so it’s easier to locate in my personal item and shielded from any potential spills. I also keep all my cards and money in my passport holder so it can double as my wallet once I reach my destination (one less thing to pack!). I like that this one has a button closure, several slots for credit cards, and a zippered pocket for coins (especially helpful when visiting Europe!). Plus, it includes RFID-blocking technology, so scammers can’t scan your info without your knowledge.
4. Noise-cancelling headphones
Even if you don’t happen to be seated near a screaming baby or an overly chatty passenger, airplanes are noisy. During flights, I wear these over-ear headphones constantly, even if I’m not listening to anything at all. The noise-cancelling function helps dampen the sound of the engine (and any noisy fellow travelers), which helps me feel way calmer and more relaxed in the air. Plus, headphones are a universal sign for “do not disturb,” and for that, these earn a must-pack spot in my personal item.
5. Medications
Bringing your necessary medications when you travel is a no-brainer, but I would caution against packing them in your carry-on. I’ve been separated from my luggage enough times in life to know that medications belong as close to my person as possible. I always keep a pill container of my daily vitamins and medications—plus emergency meds like pain relievers and Tums—in my personal item. That way, I can stick to my usual dosage schedule even if I’m in the air, and I won’t have to panic if my luggage doesn’t make it to my destination.
6. Hand sanitizer
Planes are incredibly germy places, so hand sanitizer is an absolute must. I love this Touchland option because it is super gentle on my hands (sensitive skin girlies know the struggle) and has a light, soothing scent. The shape of the bottle also means it fits easily into a pocket in my personal item without adding any bulk.
7. Bluetooth audio transmitter
Seatback screens are unfortunately not a given on all planes, but if my flight has them, I’m pulling out this handy little gadget. It plugs into the headphone jack and allows you to connect via Bluetooth to your headphones of choice, so you don’t have to rely on the cheap, uncomfortable earbuds the flight attendants hand out if you want to watch an in-flight movie.
8. Kindle
I’ve been known to devour an entire book on a single flight, so packing enough reading material for an entire trip would be impossible without my Kindle. I can download as many books as I want, then read to my heart’s content without the need for in-flight Wi-Fi. I also love that I don’t have to turn on the overhead light if I’m reading on an overnight flight. And since it’s way slimmer than the books I usually read, the size is much more convenient for slipping into a tote bag.
9. Portable charger
There’s nothing worse than boarding a flight with dangerously low phone battery, only to find that there is no USB outlet in sight. For long days of travel and plenty of refreshes of your airline app and Google Maps, you’ll need a full battery and a portable charger. This one is super handy because it comes with built-in cables that can plug directly into your device, so you don’t need to deal with extra cords. About the same size as a credit card, it’s also super slim, so it packs easily.
10. Tech organizer
Between my phone, portable charger, laptop, Kindle, and headphones, I travel with a lot of charging cables. So to avoid a tangled web of cords, I use a tech organizer to keep all my chargers neat, tidy, and accessible. This one from Calpak has elastic loops for cords, plenty of pockets, and a handle so it’s easy to fish out of my tote.
11. Lightweight layer
Planes are either uncomfortably warm or arctic-level cold, and there is no in-between. You’re on your own when it’s balmy, but for times when the hairs on my arms are standing up and my teeth are near-chattering, I always pack a button-down or a lightweight sweatshirt that folds and rolls easily. Even if I don’t use it for that purpose, I’ll end up using it as a makeshift travel pillow.
12. Hydrating eye mask
I am famously terrible at sleeping anywhere but my own bed, so napping on a plane is next to impossible. But when I want to look well-rested and refreshed upon arrival, I slap on one of these under-eye masks to help with dark circles and puffiness. It’s not the same as getting eight hours of sleep, but it’s a little ritual I like to do before landing to help me feel more awake and ready to take on my new destination.
Want more travel essentials and tips? You’ll love these:
- The Travel Essentials Our Editors Swear By
- I’m a Wellness Editor and These Are the 9 Items I Always Pack in My Carry-On
- The Top 12 Things People Always Forget to Pack for a Trip
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
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