• GIFT IDEAS
  • CRAFTS
  • ORGANIZE
  • CLEAN
  • BEAUTY
  • GARDEN
  • TRAVEL
  • HEALTH
  • BABY
  • HOME
  • DISCLOSURE

The Frugal Girls

Recipes, Money, Home & Garden, DIY, Beauty and Travel

  • EASY RECIPES
    • ALL RECIPES
    • 5 INGREDIENTS OR LESS
    • APPETIZERS
    • BABY FOOD
    • BREAD
    • BREAKFAST
    • CANNING & PRESERVING
    • CROCKPOT
    • DESSERTS
    • DINNER
    • DRINKS
    • HOLIDAYS
    • SALADS
    • SAUCES
    • SEASONINGS
    • SIDES
    • SOUPS
    • COOKING TIPS & TRICKS
  • RESTAURANT HACKS
  • STORE HACKS
  • FREEBIES
  • SIDE HUSTLES
  • SAVE MONEY
  • ABOUT
  • WORK WITH ME

19 Carry On Must Haves for Long Flights! {What I Pack}

January 22, 2016 By Heidi 2 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

Before you board the airplane, use this checklist to make sure you’ve got all the Carry On Must Haves for Long Flights in your bag!

Carry On Must Haves for Long Flights

Carry On Must Haves for your Next Flight - from TheFrugalGirls.com

Planning a getaway?  Are you wondering what to pack in your carry on?  These Carry On Must Haves for Long FLights will ensure you arrive at your final destination feeling spunky, refreshed, and photo-ready! 🙂

Knowing what you should take {and what you shouldn’t} can be trick, but I’ve flown a LOT over the years, and can tell you these are my top things I would never want to be caught without.

Whether you’re flying on a long haul international flight, or just several hours to your next destination, these carry on essentials will make your flight SO much more enjoyable!

So are you ready to pack your Carry On bag?  Here’s what I pack in my carry-on…

Carry On Must Haves for Long Flights

Carry On Must Haves for your Next Flight - Tips from TheFrugalGirls.com

Related:

  • How to Travel for Free or Cheap! {Budget Travel Hacks}

#1: A Laptop Case Backpack to Maximize Space

When traveling, I almost always carry on a suitcase.  It saves time when you don’t have to check your luggage, you have a much smaller risk of losing your luggage, and it you can be on your way as soon as your plane lands.

Most airlines allow 1 personal item to carry on in addition to 1 suitcase to carry on.  If you were to take your purse, that would count as your personal item.  So to make sure you maximize space when boarding, I suggest taking a laptop backpack with a small purse tucked inside.  You won’t believe how much more you’ll be able to pack along on your trip now, without having to check luggage!  Plus, when you arrive at your destination, you can opt to use your purse or backpack, depending on what the day’s activities will include.

SwissGear ScanSmart Laptop Backpacks

Carry On Backpack

#2: Your Passport or Travel ID

You’ll also want to check, double check, and triple check to make sure you’ve got your airline approved valid ID in your carry on.  Once you get to security, you won’t be going anywhere without it in hand. 🙂

#3: Zipper Bags for Seat Pockets {Tip from a Flight Attendant}

Zipper Bags

Gallon Zipper Bags are a must-have to hold your personal belongings in the seat pocket.  A flight attendant once told me to ‘proceed with caution’ when it comes to the seat back pockets, because they don’t always get sanitized between flights.  Ew, right?

And honestly… have you ever wondered what other people put in their seat back pockets?  Let’s all try not to think about the dirty diapers and used tissues. 🙂  Eeks!

#4: Hand Sanitizer for Snacktime

How to Make Hand Sanitizer at Home DIY

Hand Sanitizer, because you know… snack time is coming!  And don’t forget all of the icky things you might have touched since boarding the plane… let alone the tissue you used to blow your nose and that diaper you just changed for Baby! 😉  Did you know it’s actually SO easy to make your own hand sanitizer at home, too?  Check out this easy DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe!

#5: Sanitizing Wipes for the Tray Table & Armrests

How to Disinfect Your Area on an Airplane

I also always take along Sanitizing Wipes for the tray table and armrests on the plane!  It will definitely give you some peace of mind knowing it’s all squeaky clean!

Frugal friend Wendy writes… “Take a Ziploc bag with disinfectant wipes for the seats, bathrooms, hotels & tourist attractions on your trip.”

#6: Chewing Gum for Takeoff & Landing

Chewing Gum on Airplane

I never, ever, ever board a plane without Chewing Gum.  My ears have a way of getting plugged during takeoff and landing, so popping in a piece of gum and chewing it during the ascent and later again during the descent has helped me so much!

#7: Earbuds or Ear Plugs to Drown Out the Noise

Portable Music and Earbuds or Ear Plugs.  It’s always nice to sit back and relax with your favorite tunes or a little quiet time during your flight.

#8: Magazines, Books, or the Kindle App to Pass the Time!

Don’t forget the Kindle App, Magazines & Books!  Just in case you run out of in-flight entertainment provided by the airline, having something fun that you’ve packed to read can be a real lifesaver.

#9: Portable Phone Chargers

Portable Phone Charger

Always take along a Compact Phone Charger, too!  When your batter starts running low up in the air, you’ll be able to conveniently charge your phone without having to rely on a power outlet!  Unless you fly business class, you won’t usually have the ability to plugin to charge your devices, so these portable chargers are the perfect pocket-sized solution!

#10: Tasty Snacks to Keep You Energized

Airplane Snacks to Bring

Snacks for sale at the airport or on your flight will cost you a pretty penny.  That’s why I always make sure to pack snacks from home in my carry on bag.  Trust me, you’ll never regret packing some yummy snacks in your carry on.  You’ll be ready when those munchie attacks come on while you’re sky high, and you’ll be all fueled up and ready to hit the ground running when it’s time to land!  Following are some of my favorite snacks to pack in small individual-serve sizes…

  • Beef Jerky
  • Breakfast Bars
  • Candy
  • Chips
  • Crackers
  • Dried Fruit
  • Granola Bars
  • Trail Mix Packets
  • … and Breath Mints for after Snacktime 🙂

AFTER YOU GET THROUGH SECURITY…

Make sure to purchase a water bottle at the airport before you board your flight, too.  It’s way too easy to get dehydrated when traveling, and having a water bottle in your carry on will make sure you’ve got clean, filtered water ready to sip whenever you want it.

Water Bottle

#11: A Lumbar Support Pillow to Save Your Back

My hubby recently had back surgery… ouch, right?  And now keeping your back supported and comfortable has become the rage here around our home. 🙂  That’s why we each take along a Travel-sized Inflatable Lumbar Support Pillow when traveling on airplanes.  You can inflate them to just the level of support you need, and they really do make such a difference when traveling on a long flight!

#12: And A Travel Pillow to Save Your Bobbing Neck!

A Comfortable Travel Pillow is another must-have!  Skip the not-too-comfy airline provided pillows, and bring your own comfy travel pillow instead!  Getting good rest during your flight will have you all bright-eyed and ready to go when you arrive at your final destination!

#13: An Eye Mask to Catch a Snooze

Carry On Essentials

Travel days sure can be exhausting, can’t they?  With early morning flights or late night red eyes, it’s pretty easy to feel exhausted during any big travel day.  That’s why I LOVE taking along my favorite Silk Eye Mask.  I mean, have you ever tried closing your eyes for a nap on a bright sunny day?   When you’re flying above the clouds, that bright sunlight is sure to blaze right through your closed eyelids, so be sure to take along that eye mask for some nice blackout snooze time!  Even if you can’t make yourself sleep, if you just take a little while to black it all out and listen to some quite tunes you’ll definitely feel more relaxed.

#14: Cozy Socks to Stay Warm and Comfy on a Short Flight

Funny Silly Socks Cozy

Don’t forget your Cozy Fluffy Socks!  Nothing beats luxurious, fluffy socks, right?  Not only are they fun at home, but they’re fabulous and SO cozy on a long flight, too!  Or… as an alternative, if you tend to get hot on flights consider packing a pair of flip flops into your backpack so you can temporarily take off your big clunky shoes while in the air.

#15: Or Take Compression Socks for a Longer Flight!

Wearing Compression Socks When Flying

Now if my flight is going to be 5 hours or longer, then I skip the fluffy socks and opt for Compression Socks instead.  They may look a bit odd, but they can help reduce swelling in your legs and ankles, while increasing your circulation on long haul flights.

I like to make sure I make a point to get up and walk around at least every 2 hours as well.  Whether I just walk up and down the aisle, or make a trip to the bathroom and do some quick ankle raises while I’m there, I know it’s important to keep moving and stretching when I can during long flights to improve circulation.

#16: Essential Medications

If you take any medications regularly, you’ll definitely want to make sure to include what you’ll need for your travel day in your carry on.  You can even set a phone alarm to remind you when to take them, in case you lose track of time.

#17: Don’t Forget Personal Care Essentials!

Don’t forget any small personal care items you might want while traveling!  Here are a few of my favorites to pack for flights..

  • Advil {for those headaches that come on}
  • Feminine Hygiene Products, just in case
  • Lip Balm
  • Travel-sized Stick Deodorant {not liquid}

#18: Baby Wipes Can Help You Freshen Up, Too!

Another thing I love to take along is Baby Wipes.  They are such a great way to freshen up quickly on the go!

Related: 60 Creative Ways to Use Baby Wipes

#19: Your Favorite Makeup Essentials to Glam Up Before Landing!

A little Makeup to freshen up before you land can go a long way!  Taking a few minutes to freshen up before you land will make you feel SO much better!  Just because you’ve just spent the last hours of your life up in the air doesn’t mean you can’t look AMAZING by the time you touch back down on the ground! 🙂

Want even more Frugal Travel Tips for your next amazing vacation?

Keep reading for even more amazing Vacation and Travel tips and hacks…

25+ Southwest Airlines Hacks! {Tips To Know Before You Fly}

Whether you fly a little or a lot, travel like a pro with these clever Southwest Airlines Hacks!

Southwest Airlines Tips and Tricks for Flights

17 American Airlines Flight Hacks

These tips will help you avoid unnecessary fees, save money, and score some of the best perks available!

16 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks

From getting free airfare using free gift cards to savvy travel hacking techniques to get the cheapest Delta flights, here’s everything you need to know.

20 Ways To Save Money on Rental Cars

Save money on your next vacation with these EASY Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars!

Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars Tips

23 Road Trip Must Haves for your next Vacation

Get prepared for your next vacation with these Road Trip Tips and Hacks & Road Trip Must Haves!

34 Ways To Entertain Kids on a Trip

If you’re planning a road trip with the kiddos, plan ahead and keep those busy hands occupied with these Ways To Entertain Kids on a Trip!

9 Purse Organizing Ideas + Tips to Lighten your Load!

These Purse Organizing Ideas are sure to help you take back control of your purse!

How to Earn Free Hotel Nights {7 Secret Tricks}

Wondering How to Earn Free Hotel Nights?  It’s so much easier than you think!  Here’s how I travel the world and stay at nice hotels for FREE!

How to Travel for Free or Cheap {19 Budget Travel Hacks}

Dreaming of a getaway?  Make your next vacation a reality when you learn how to travel for free or cheap!

101+ Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets

Planning a vacation doesn’t need to break the bank!  Put these fun and Frugal Travel Tips to use to plan your next fabulous adventure!

So don’t miss out on any of the fun!  Catch Even More Fun Tips from The Frugal Girls…

TheFrugalGirls on Instagram

Frugal Girls Email Updates

The Frugal Girls on Pinterest | TheFrugalGirls.com

So what are your favorite Carry On Must Haves for Long Flights?

Leave a comment & share!

Filed Under: Tips, Travel, Travel Destinations

Hey there!

Thanks for stopping by The Frugal Girls... I'm so glad you're here! Want to stretch your budget this month? Be sure to check out my top tips for Easy Ways to Save More Money!

Then join me for all the behind-the-scenes shenanigans here ⬇️

Small Instagram Button
Small Pinterest Button
Small Facebook Button
Small Email Button
Small Twitter Button

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE: Follow
 

Become an Insider! Get FREE Email Updates!

Comments

  1. Deanna says

    July 14, 2016 at 7:12 am

    As a flight attendant a few more of my favorites to add to your great list are: my back joy seat, it clips onto my bag and I can sit for long flights without any problem. A little spray bottle that can be filled with water to hydrate my face. Sometimes I even spray it into the air and breathe it in on those very dry flights. A hot water bottle, for those freezing cold flights (just fill it up with hot water on the plane). I always travel with my Brokstone blanket. It folds up really small and has a handle, but when you open it, it’s like a mini comforter. Last but not least, lavender essential oil which helps you to relax and enjoy the ride.

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      July 14, 2016 at 8:01 pm

      Those are fabulous tips, Deanna… thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
More About Me >>
 

Frugal Girls Email Updates

Don’t Miss These New Posts!

Oat Flour Recipe Easy

Oat Flour Recipe {How to Make it at Home in 60 Seconds}

Elegant Napkin Rose Fold! {How to Fold Napkins into Roses}

What Other People Are Reading:

Organizing Tips for Your Home

How To Organize Every Corner Of Your Home…

DIY Wool Dryer Balls

DIY Wool Dryer Balls! {How to Make Your Own}

Free Faux Fur Hats

FREE Eskimo Hats for the Family! {+ 30 more Freebies}

Growing Green Onions in Water Indoors

Growing Green Onions in Water Indoors! {Easy Trick}

Copyright © 2009 - 2023 | Work With Me | Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Home