On a long or international flight, the bag under the seat matters more than the one overhead. Pack it so you never have to stand up and dig.
Personal item (under the seat): reach it without getting up
- Passport and boarding pass, in one place you always put them back
- Phone, charger and a short cable
- Power bank (it has to travel in the cabin, not in checked luggage)
- Headphones
- Refillable water bottle (empty it before security, fill it after)
- Snacks
- Layer for a cold cabin: a sweater or scarf
- Small pouch: lip balm, hand cream, toothbrush and toothpaste, eye mask, earplugs
- Any medicines you take during the day, in their original packaging
Carry-on (overhead): the "if my checked bag is lost" kit
- One full change of clothes, plus underwear and socks
- Liquids for US security: containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-size bag (tsa.gov). Other countries set their own rules.
- Valuables and anything you can't replace
- Chargers and adapters for your destination
Arrival-ready
- Fresh top and deodorant in the personal item to change before landing
- Destination address and booking saved offline
- A pen, if your destination still uses a paper arrival form
Check before you fly
Carry-on size and weight limits, personal-item size, and liquid rules all vary by airline and country. Check each airline on your ticket, including connections.
Pack it so it stays organized
Group small things by when you'll need them: one pouch for in-flight comfort, one for documents and tech, one for the change of clothes. If your toiletries go in a hanging bag, you can hook it up at the hotel the moment you arrive.
From Less2Lug: our Hanging Toiletry Bag has a swivel hook, mesh pockets and a clear pocket; closed it's about 9.4 × 5.9 × 3.9 in (manufacturer's figures).