Essential Carry On Packing List For a Long Flight
This is the ultimate guide to creating your own carry on packing list for a long flight.
There are plenty of people out there recommending things to bring on a plane, but how much of it is actually helpful? Do we really need the “latest must-have luxury travel jewelry case” that’s $200? Probably not.
On my carry on packing list, you’ll find items and tips that are going to make your plane experience far superior. I only recommend what I have tried and items that are sure to benefit you during your travels.
This carry on packing list for a long flight focuses on comfort, organization, entertainment, hydration, and sleep, without overpacking or unnecessary “luxury” items.
📌 Pin this image on Pinterest to save this post for reference.
Carry On Packing List for a Long Flight (Quick Checklist)
- Personal item backpack
- AirTags or luggage trackers
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Kindle or e-reader
- Travel journal + pen
- Cord organizer bag
- Passport wallet
- Water bottle
- Electrolytes
- Snacks
- Sleep mask
- Toiletry kit
- Carry on backpack luggage
- Change of clothes
- Medications
I brought all these items on my flights to and from New Zealand and was very comfortable.
Essential Items for Your Carry On Packing List for a Long Flight
The Best Personal Item Bag For Planes
Let’s start with your personal item travel bag. This is the bag that fits under the seat in front of you. You’ll have easy access to it during your flight.
I prefer a backpack because I like to carry a water bottle or two, and store them on the outside of the bag. Plus, a backpack can be better secured to your body, making it easier to carry and more difficult to steal than a tote bag.
The Osprey Daylite Plus Pack is perfect as a personal item backpack for flying. I love the two water bottle holders on either side of the bag and the small zippered pocket on the front for little items. It features a chest and waist strap, making it secure and comfortable.
The front flap compartment fits my wallet and journal — it even has a key ring for an AirTag. Meanwhile, the main compartment can fit quite a lot without being bulky. This pack design is slim and subtle.
What To Pack in Your Personal Item For a Long Flight
The items in your personal bag are the true essentials for your carry on packing list for a long flight. You will want to have these items close at hand. I go over items for:
- Entertainment
- Organizing your carry on bag
- Snacks and drinks
- Sleeping on the plane
Pack AirTags in All Your Bags
AirTags in your wallet, purse, personal item, carry-on bag, and all checked bags are critical for peace of mind when traveling. You can check the location of your AirTags with a few simple taps of your finger.
Ensure your bags made it onto your connecting flight, feel safe leaving items back at your accommodations, and while sightseeing out and about.
I’d recommend getting covers for your AirTags so they clip into keychains and don’t get lost in the bottom of your bags.
No iPhone? No problem! Tile Trackers work with iPhone AND Android. You can add your Tiles to the popular Life360 app to keep track of your items.
Entertainment to Pack in Your Carry On for a Long Flight
Electronic Entertainment for a Long Flight
Noise-Canceling Headphones
I think we can all agree that headphones are critical for a long-haul flight. I always download podcasts and audiobooks to listen to when traveling.
The Beats Fit Pro stay in my ears (unlike AirPods) and offer a noise-cancelling experience in a small package. I literally fall asleep with these in my ears.
Some people might prefer over-ear headphones, but for me I’d rather save the space in my bag.
Kindle
Physical books always seem to get damaged when I shove them in a bag, and depending on the book, they can be bulky. Try bringing a couple of Sarah J. Maas books on the plane and tell me how that goes.
A Kindle Paperwhite is ideal for long flights. The battery lasts forever, and you can bring as many books as you want! An elevated reading experience for sure.
Analog Entertainment for a Long Flight
Travel Journal and Pens
I couldn’t recommend a travel journal more. This has transformed the way I document my memories and trip highlights. When I read my journal entries, it’s like I’m there reliving my day, and it contains tidbits I otherwise would have forgotten.
The Pocket-Sized Moleskine Classic Notebook fits almost anywhere. I’ve brought it backpacking, to the beach, and many places in between.
If you haven’t ever been much into journaling, I encourage you to start! Just a few words about what you are seeing and experiencing during your travels are so meaningful when you look back at them. Plus, it’s a great spot to collect stamps and stickers.
Don’t forget a pen! The Pilot G-2 pens are a favorite. Having a pen isn’t only great for journaling, but filling out any entry forms on the plane or at the airport. A pen is always on my international travel packing list.
Mini Sketchbook
If you’re the artistic type, a mini sketchbook can provide hours of screen-free entertainment. Draw what you see out the plane window, your surroundings, or from photos you have taken on your trip.
The Pocket-Sized Moleskine Art Sketchbook contains high-quality paper that doesn’t bleed through and can fit in a purse. I find Micron Pens to be the best for doodling. The tips don’t break, and the ink doesn’t dry out.
Crafts
Bringing a craft is also fun if you’re into that. Personally, I like to carry on a knitting or crochet project. Having something to do with my hands while listening to a podcast keeps me more engaged. The time flies by when I’m concentrating.
I’ve packed all these items on 18 hours’ worth of flights and never watched a movie or TV show.
If that doesn’t convince you to add these entertainment items to your carry on packing list for a long flight, I don’t know what will!
Organization Carry On Packing List For a Long Flight
- Travel Case For Electronic Cords
Bring your phone charger, other cords, and adapters with you in your personal item. The best way I’ve found to organize the usual tangled mess of cords is the Peak Design Small Tech Pouch.
The walled-off sections of this pouch are ideal for keeping effortlessly organized. Plus, the pouch sits up by itself, so it doesn’t tip over and spill everything.
- Passport Wallet
Before I had a passport wallet, I carried a small pouch for money and credit cards, and my passport was loose in my backpack or purse. It didn’t feel quite safe enough, and I had to remember multiple items everywhere I went.
Now, I carry my passport (and my husband’s passport) plus my cards and cash in one wallet. It’s convenient and more concealed. The Sherpani Rio Passport Wallet even has a zippered section for coins.
Both of these items are on my list of favorite gear under the travel section. Discover more useful things that I’m sure you’ll love too.
Note: If you’re worried about having all your identification and cards in one place, see my post about 21+ Things To Do Before Traveling Internationally.
Drinks And Snacks Carry On Packing List For a Long Flight
- Water Bottles
A water bottle is always on my airplane packing list. Yes, there is water on the plane, but when you have to spend many hours on a flight, it’s important to have your own source of water.
I’ve been on flights when the flight attendants were stingy with the water and wouldn’t give me very much when I asked for more. The communal water pitchers were also running low.
I learned my lesson to carry at least one full water bottle, if not two, on a long flight. A lightweight option is the Ultralight Wide-Mouth Nalgene. You can bring it on a hike, too!
My “emotional support water bottle” for the past many years has been a Hydroflask. I usually travel with my larger 40 oz Hydroflask, but I also have a 32 oz Hydroflask. Both are excellent options for your carry on packing list for a long flight.
- Electrolytes
Don’t underestimate proper hydration on a long flight. Big travel days often mean being awake for hours, walking between airport gates, and spending significant time on dry, stuffy planes.
Skratch hydration drink mix is my go-to for drinkable electrolytes. The flavors actually taste amazing, and the portable packets can easily be thrown in a bag.
Carry On Portable Plane Snacks
Generally, packaged foods are more widely accepted than fresh foods on a flight. Here are some simple, delicious snacks:
- GoGo SqueeZ might be considered a kid’s snack, but hear me out. These are made with real fruits and vegetables, which I think we could all use more of during travel days.
- Blue Diamond Almonds are a healthy protein snack.
- MadeGood Granola Bites satisfy a sweet craving.
- Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars are a pocket-sized snack.
Comfort Items for Sleeping on a Long Flight
I’ll be honest here, I’ve come so close to purchasing a travel neck pillow, but the space it takes up is too much for me to justify. I haven’t found the hassle of it quite worth it. The little complementary pillows and blankets the airlines provide are enough for me.
That being said, I do bring a sleep mask. Blocking out light from screens or reading lights does make a difference.
Some people also like to bring earplugs, but my wireless headphones work just as well. Sometimes I’ll fall asleep listening to music.
The Best Carry On Luggage With Laptop Compartment
As far as laptop carry on luggage goes, a backpack is your best bet. The Patagonia MCL (Maximum Legal Carry-on) has a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of storage. Certainly an essential for your carry on packing list for a long flight.
The open book design allows me to fit my Fjallraven Photo Insert in the bag’s main compartment. I don’t trust my laptop or camera gear in a checked bag, and this backpack fits everything.
I’m not a fan of duffel bags in the airport. They are heavy on your shoulder, or you need to carry them in your hands. Roller bags can be nice, but again, one hand is always pulling the bag behind you.
Your laptop is also loose in the duffel or roller bag. I like to have a designated sleeve for it and travel hands-free in the airport.
What To Bring On a Long Plane Ride in Your Carry-on
As mentioned above, I bring my laptop and camera gear in my carry-on bag. I also bring:
- A Change of Clothes
It feels really good to change your clothes between flights or on the plane when you’ve been traveling 12+ hours.
- Small Toiletry Kit
I pack most of my toiletries in my checked bag, but I do like to bring face cleanser, moisturizer, a toothbrush and toothpaste, eyedrops, deodorant, a small microfiber travel towel, and hand sanitizer. Freshening up can make a significant difference.
If you wear contacts or glasses, be sure to put them on your toiletries packing list as well.
Instead of buying an expensive toiletry bag, I opt for a Stasher bag. It’s quick to clean if something spills, and it’s a TSA compliant toiletry bag because it’s see-through and quart-sized.
- Vitamins or Medications
Don’t pack any vital medications or vitamins in your checked bag in case there is a delay in getting your bag to you. Always pack them in your carry-on. I pack mine in a portable pill container for easy travel.
Think about whether there is anything you absolutely can’t live without and put that in your carry-on instead of your checked bag.
➡️ See my post if you want a complete travel toiletries for 3 weeks packing list.
What To Wear On a Long Flight
People don’t always think about what they are going to wear when they start their carry on packing list for long flights.
While leggings are comfortable, I choose loose clothing like the Vouri Performance Jogger and pair it with the Vouri Pose Fitted t-Shirt. Airplanes can get cold, so I layer the Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover.
On travel days, I like to wear wool socks like Darn Tough to keep my feet comfortable and prefer Chacos over sneakers for breathability.
Carry On Packing List for a Long Flight FAQs
What should I pack in my carry-on for a long flight?
For a long flight, your carry-on should include essentials for comfort, hydration, entertainment, sleep, and organization. Focus on items you’ll need during the flight rather than everything for your trip.
How many bags can you bring on a long flight?
Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item, but size limits vary. Always check your airline’s requirements before packing.
What should you never put in a checked bag?
Important items like medications, electronics, travel documents, valuables, and a change of clothes should always be packed in your carry-on.
