Buzz
If air travel isn’t something you do often, figuring out what to bring can feel overwhelming. With constantly shifting rules and unexpected fees, it’s easy to get lost in the details. But don’t worry—you’re not the only one. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, whether you're flying near or far, for business trips or getaways.
Instructions
What to Bring
Example Packing Checklist for FlightsCarry-On Packing Tips
Only pack in your carry-on what you can’t live without. Focus on essentials like underwear, footwear, a couple of outfit changes, something to read or watch, your medications, and basic toiletries if you're flying long distance. Many travelers pack as though their checked luggage might vanish—and with good reason. Your carry-on should contain the bare minimum to get by in case your bags go missing.
- Review TSA regulations before loading up your carry-on to avoid tossing prohibited items.
- Include all essential medication—both prescription and over-the-counter—for comfort and health. Medically necessary liquids, like saline solution, are usually allowed through security with less hassle.
- Pack mix-and-match clothes to cut down on bulk. Create multiple outfits from a few versatile pieces and use accessories, like scarves, to change things up. Scarves are compact and multi-purpose: wear them as a belt, headband, or wrap.
- Don’t forget your swimsuit—especially important for women. While replacement basics can usually be bought at your destination, finding a suitable swimsuit on short notice can be tricky. Without it, you might miss out on beach or poolside fun.
Keep your valuables close. Always bring your most important and irreplaceable items in your carry-on. Should your checked luggage get lost or damaged, your carry-on will still be with you. If losing it would break your heart, don’t risk checking it.
- According to FAA guidelines, electronic devices with lithium ion batteries—like smartphones, tablets, and laptops—should go in your carry-on. The same applies to power banks and spare batteries, which must never be placed in checked luggage.
- Place large electronics on top so they're easy to pull out when needed, especially during security screening.
Group your electronics together. There are two great reasons for this:
- Even short flights can be dull, so having your devices organized—whether it's your Kindle, iPad, or music player—means quick and easy access to your entertainment.
- TSA screening requires electronics to be scanned separately. Keeping them together makes the process faster and helps you avoid causing delays at security checkpoints.
Don’t forget your travel documents. You’ll need valid ID like a passport or driver’s license to board your flight. Also bring your ATM card, credit card, or AAA card—but leave unnecessary cards at home to avoid losing them.
- Store your flight info—airline, flight number, confirmation code, and details—in an easily accessible pocket of your carry-on. This is especially helpful when using self-service kiosks at the airport.
Think twice before packing toiletries. You might not need to bring many—if any at all. Chances are your Aunt Maria already has shampoo, and you can easily grab toothpaste once you arrive in Peru. A quick store stop beats cramming bottles and tubes into your bag, giving you room for more important stuff.
- If you do need toiletries, remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule in the U.S.: fill as many 3 oz (100 ml) containers as you like, but they all must fit in one quart-sized ziplock bag—only one per traveler. Be prepared to remove this bag at security. Full details are at www.tsa.gov.
Pack a basic first aid kit, especially pain relievers. Flights can bring on headaches or nausea, so it’s smart to come prepared. Include essentials like:
- Pain medication
- Band-aids
- Calming meds if you're a nervous flyer
- Anti-nausea pills
- Chewing gum (great for ear pressure)
- Tissues
- Earplugs (great for all kinds of travel)
- Any meds you rely on, such as allergy treatments.
Wear your bulkier clothing instead of packing it. You aren’t charged for the clothes on your back, so layer up. For example, wear a T-shirt under a long-sleeved shirt under a hoodie. If you're headed on a trip with hiking involved, wear your hiking boots and toss your lighter shoes or flip-flops into your bag—especially helpful for business travel.
Checked Luggage Packing Tips
Skip checking a bag if you can manage it. Believe it or not, you could handle a three-month work assignment without checking luggage. For many, checked bags are a hassle: packing, hauling, hitting weight limits, paying surprise fees—and then praying your bag actually arrives. If your trip is under two weeks, consider going carry-on only.
- Flight crews do it all the time. They pack for over a week with just a carry-on. If they can handle it, you can too—and save that $50 for something more fun.
Keep your packing light. Beyond meeting airline weight limits, traveling light makes life easier—less to misplace, a lighter load to carry, and extra space for gifts or spontaneous buys. Plus, you’ll breeze through repacking.
- Limit your shoes, but bring the essentials. Slip them into plastic bags to keep dirt off your clothes—unless they’re brand new. Save room by stuffing your socks inside them.
Stash document copies in your checked bag. If your carry-on goes missing or you forget something, having backup copies of key documents like your passport or visa in your checked luggage can be a lifesaver. Scan and print them ahead of time—you’ll thank yourself if anything goes wrong.
Assume your bottles will leak in flight. Air travel and pressure changes make leaks likely. Wrap each item individually and store them in sealed bags away from your clothing.
- Unscrew each cap, place plastic wrap over the opening, and screw the lid back on. This extra step helps prevent messy surprises.
Roll, don’t fold your clothes. Rolling not only helps prevent square-shaped creases but also gives you more room in your bag. Start with bulkier items at the base—lighter clothes are more flexible and mold to the space on top.
- The tighter you roll, the more space you gain. Even small compressions can make a big difference.
Bring extra plastic bags—just in case. Some airports hand them out, but many don’t. It’s smart to pack a few, especially when traveling with others—someone always forgets. Plus, if your first bag gets messy, you’ve got a spare.
- Use the zipper-top kind. They’re more secure than regular resealable bags and less likely to pop open under pressure.
- Quality zip-lock bags can help compress clothes, giving you up to 33% more space. They’re also handy for waterproofing and separating dirty laundry from the clean.
Pack like you’re playing Tetris. Maximize space by stacking items strategically—heavier and bulkier pieces go at the bottom, lighter ones on top. Fill every gap by wrapping clothing around oddly shaped items. Never waste space on air.
- Long, cylindrical shapes are your friend. They're easier to fit and stack than irregular bottles. When possible, choose travel items with simple shapes to save room and streamline your packing.
Skip packing what you plan to purchase. If you’re planning a shopping spree at stylish Parisian stores, don’t cram your suitcase with everyday clothes. Leave some breathing room—you’ll need it for your new finds.
Think about shipping ahead. If you’re traveling long-term or carrying bulky gear like winter equipment, consider sending some items by mail or a courier service like FedEx or UPS. It might be more convenient than lugging everything yourself.
Getting Ready for the Journey
Choose your bags wisely. Opting for two small bags—a carry-on roller for the overhead bin and a backpack for under the seat—can help you skip checked baggage entirely. That means no baggage fees, no lost luggage, and no carousel chaos. But if you do need to check a bag, keep these tips in mind:
- Airlines usually charge by the bag, so larger suitcases may save money by reducing quantity.
- But overweight fees often exceed the cost of an extra bag—so weigh your bags carefully.
- Use a distinctive suitcase or add a marker (like a ribbon) to spot yours quickly at baggage claim.
- At least one rolling bag is a must. It's far easier to stack than juggle multiple duffels.
- Inspect your luggage for any damage before departure to avoid surprises mid-trip.
Get packed the day before your journey. Use your rolling suitcase to stash away all clothing, toiletries, and anything else you won’t need until you arrive. Many people swear by rolling clothes to avoid wrinkles and make more space. If that’s not your style, explore other packing methods. As you go, tick off each item on your list to ensure you haven’t missed anything.
Check your luggage weight ahead of time. Airlines set baggage limits based on your fare type, destination, travel date, and frequency of travel. Use a digital scale or a bathroom scale to weigh your suitcase before you leave. If you're using a bathroom scale, weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself holding the suitcase, and subtract your weight to find the bag’s weight. If your bag is overweight, lighten the load to avoid extra charges.
Handle last-minute packing essentials. While packing, make a note of items you still need to grab at the last second—like your charger or toothbrush you’re still using. Leave the reminder somewhere noticeable so you don’t forget those key things when it’s time to leave.
Charge all your must-have devices. The night before your trip, plug in every gadget you plan to bring—phones, music players, cameras, game consoles, and more. And don’t forget to pack their chargers, especially if you expect to run out of battery on the go.
Plan according to your trip length and flight time. Your destination will dictate what to pack, and your trip duration will determine how much. Consider what events you have scheduled and how you can reuse outfits smartly.
- If possible, travel with just a carry-on. Most airlines now charge for even one checked bag, and that cheap ticket can quickly become expensive. If flight crews can manage with a carry-on for over a week, so can you.
Check the forecast before you pack. Knowing the weather at your destination helps you avoid overpacking or missing essentials. Vermont summers are usually mild, but a surprise heat wave could make you regret not bringing a tank top. Likewise, an unexpected storm could mean wishing you had that umbrella.
- Pack a few versatile items suited to changing weather. A lightweight waterproof windbreaker, for example, can replace both a raincoat and a jacket, saving space in your bag.
Traveling abroad? Bring the right adapters. If you're heading to a different country, check in advance whether you'll need an adapter for your electronics. Power outlets and voltage standards vary around the world, so it’s better to be prepared.
Know what's allowed. Different countries have different customs regulations. A bottle of wine might be a thoughtful gift in some places, but it’s inappropriate—or even illegal—in others, like Saudi Arabia. Likewise, agricultural restrictions might prevent you from bringing seeds into Australia.
- Instead of rolling belts, loop them around the inside edge of your suitcase—it's a great way to save space.
- Pack more underwear than you think you’ll need. T-shirts and jeans can handle repeat wears, but clean underwear is non-negotiable.
- Always keep your valuables in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage doesn’t make it to your destination.
The suggestions in this section come directly from Mytour readers and their personal travel experiences. Got a tip of your own? Share it with the Mytour community by submitting it in the form below.
- Keep chewing something throughout the entire flight, including takeoff and landing, to avoid ear pain. It’s crucial for your ears to stay in sync with the rest of your body. Items like gum, Starbursts, gummy bears, or anything else that encourages jaw movement can do the trick.
- Always bring a small backpack for essential items like electronics, passports, and gum. This will help you keep everything you need close by and easily accessible.
- Roll your clothes to save valuable space in your bag. It’s a packing hack that helps you fit more into your suitcase.
- Pack extra bags to bring back souvenirs. You never know when you’ll stumble across a perfect memento of your trip!
Important Warnings
- Some items are strictly prohibited on planes, as per TSA regulations. Familiarize yourself with what’s allowed and what needs to be declared before packing.
- Be cautious with sedatives. While they may help you relax, make sure you're prepared in case of an emergency during the flight.
Essentials You'll Need
- Soap (bar or liquid)
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Moisturizer (face/body)
- Contact lenses, solution & eyeglasses
- Makeup (if necessary)
- Period products (if needed)
- Prescription medications (if required)
- Vitamins
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Button-down shirts
- Sweatshirt or fleece (depending on weather)
- Sleep shirts
- Jeans
- Pajama bottoms
- Long underwear (if required by weather)
- Walking shoes or boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Toiletry Ziploc bag (3 oz bottles in one Ziploc)
- Camera and film
- First aid kit
- Day pack or tote bag
- Passport, driver’s license, student ID
- Money, credit cards, and traveler’s checks
- Credit card theft protection contact numbers
- Chargers for all your devices
- Headphones or earbuds
