If you're going on a flight, it can be stressful to pack your carry-on bag. Depending on how long your flight is, you can pack accordingly. You won’t need a huge backpack for a two hour flight! Scroll down to pack your carry-on bag!

Steps

  1. 1
    Choose your bag. It should be light, big enough to carry what you need and cute. Try not to get a bag that looks flashy or expensive because it might get stolen. If you're going on a long-haul flight, try to carry a backpack, because if you use a handbag/purse, everything will seem heavier.
  2. 2
    Think about the items you will need.[1] Some items that are almost always handy are:[2]
    • iPod/iPhone. Try to download some new podcasts (these are free on the Internet), or download some new songs from iTunes.
    • Books/Magazines. If you like books, bring something to read, such as your favorite novel. If you want magazines, bring a bunch that have all your favorite gossip, tips and other things you like.
    • Earphones. These are vital if you want to relax and enjoy your trip without hearing your fellow riders. Try to bring 2 pairs, in case one of yours stops working. (This occasionally happens and the plane earphones are not good at all.)
    • Portable DVD/Portable gaming device. If your plane has Auto-Video on demand, then you will not need the DVD player. Having a portable gaming device is always handy though, just make sure you charge it.
    • A journal. If you already started one, bring it along. If not, then it's the perfect time to start one on the plane! That way you'll have a record of your trip.
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  3. 3
    Wear something comfortable. You do not want to be stuck on an 18-hour flight in a tight mini skirt or formal clothing. Wear something cute and comfortable, the best of both worlds. For example, try loose fitting jeans, (Not skinny jeans!) a tank top/t-Shirt, and a light jacket, since airplanes can get cold. If you are going on a long/overnight flight, you may want to think about bringing an extra pair of comfortable clothes such as loose sweat pants and an extra T-shirt. Unless your night-clothes are appropriate/warm enough for the plane, these things are your best bet.[3]
  4. 4
    Consider a comfortable hair style. It's best not to wear ponytails, as it can be very annoying if you are not able to sit properly in the whole flight. Leave your hair down or tie it in braids.[4]
  5. 5
    Try not to wear accessories. Do not wear long/dangling earrings. Necklaces and bracelets will get in the way, and belts can be uncomfortable, especially with the seat belt. Try to keep it to just one watch (with the time of the place you're going to.) and studs, if you have your ears pierced.
  6. 6
    Pack other miscellaneous items. Other things you may want include sleeping pills (herbal or medicated) and a small pillow. You might also want to bring a small blanket.[5]  
  7. 7
    Leave the stuffed animal at home as it could get lost. If you do bring one, leave it in your bag.
  8. 8
    Bring snacks. Airplane food might be gross to you, and sometimes they won't give you a free meal. Try those cute little cereal boxes, snack mixes (Chex-mix, cheese-it mix, Cheerios-mix.) If you are on a diet, or want something healthier, try granola mix, some of your favorite, non-sugary cereal in a plastic baggie. Also, if you want, you could order a special meal from the airlines, such as low sodium, or vegetarian. They are usually served first and taste better.[6]
  9. 9
    Be practical and light. If for some reason, you're with other people and your suitcase is too full, you may have another small suitcase to drag along with you. Try to keep that one quite light and easy to pull around. You don't want start breaking a sweat when you leave the airplane.[7]
  10. 10
    Bring wet wipes, deodorant, and a hairbrush or comb.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What should I bring for shorter trips?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    For shorter trips, bring maybe a book, and your phone. A warm jacket in case the weather changes. You can check weather for your destination, and be sure that you can also listen to your music.
  • Question
    Should I charge my phone overnight?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Make sure it's one 100% before you leave for your trip. Consider getting a portable charger for your phone as well, in case it runs out of battery power during the flight.
  • Question
    What can you bring if it's a nighttime flight?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Bring a pair of comfortable shoes/slippers to keep your feet warm. Put your shoes back on if you visit the bathroom, to protect yourself from the urine on the bathroom floor. Bring a face mask, some lip balm, something to dab if other people's smells get to you and a comfy pillow to rest on. Have a jacket, even if you got on at a hot airport because planes get cold during flight.
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Warnings

  • Beware of your electronics dying. Charge them until the are 100% charged the day before you leave and don't use them before the plane ride. Do not leave them charged the whole day though, it could reverse the process or make your battery last for a shorter period of time. If you have a laptop maybe you should have a WiFi card so you can do your work on the plane. Some airlines may not let you, but you can try!
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Don't make any jokes about bombs, terrorism, guns, and other violence. They could be taken very seriously!
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  • When you are going through checking and they detect something wrong with you or your luggage, don't panic, you are just wearing or have something metal, no need to worry but if you panic, the staff might take that seriously and suspect on you.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

  • Passport. If you're traveling out of the country.
  • Tickets
  • Extra clothes (depending if you have room in your bag)
  • Reading material (you can save space in your bag buy using your iPad or tablet as something to read on)
  • Journal & Pencils (pens, markers, pencils) and a case (so if you want to write or draw you can and so its all in one bag)
  • iPad, iPhone, kindle fire, NOOK, some electronic device that you can entertain yourself for an hour or however long your flight is.
  • Money. There might be a restaurant in the airport.
  • laptop, some airlines might offer Internet for a minimum fee.
  • Any comfort items such as a small blanket or a small teddy bear (try not to loose it though) or even a small photo album, if you're traveling alone.
  • Any homework or reading.
  • Crossword or word searches (you can save space in your bag buy using your iPad or tablet as something to do these on because there are heaps of apps that have these).
  • Chargers for any electronic devices in case they drain out. ( A portable charger will help as well)
  • Headphones (bring 3 Pairs for example 2 EarPods and a 1 noise cancelling headphones and you can get them cheap good quality online)
  • Rubik's Cube , Pack of Cards, fidget spinner, (if you get bored easy always fun to have)

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 83 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 232,799 times.
467 votes - 86%
Co-authors: 83
Updated: September 16, 2021
Views: 232,799
Categories: Travel Packing
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