15 Frequent Flier-approved Carry-on Bag Travel Essentials

As a travel writer, I’m often asked how I manage to get everything into a single bag (carry-on-only travelers, unite), and after 51 flights and 238 hours in the air this year alone, I’ve got my packing system down to a science. Whether I’m boarding an overnight international flight or jetting off for a quick weekend assignment, there are a handful of tried-and-true items that always make it into my carry-on. Some are small comforts that keep me sane at 35,000 feet; others are practical tools that streamline security lines, hotel check-ins, and everything in between.

From the under-$10 Amazon find I never travel without to the carry-on I’ve used for nearly a decade, these are the 15 essentials I’ve relied on for every single trip this year. I’ve tested them through delays, layovers, red-eyes, and long-haul flights (of which I’ve taken 10 this year)—so whether you’re planning your next vacation or just trying to travel a little smarter, consider this your guide to packing like a seasoned pro.

Best Carry-on Travel Essentials

Away The Carry-on

I’ve had an Away suitcase since its first iteration (nearly 10 years, and yes, that O.G. carry-on is still going strong!). I’ve used other luggage, but my trusty carry-on always makes the cut. It’s lightweight but somehow fits everything, from weekend trips to weeklong jaunts when I pack strategically. The compression system inside is genius, and the sectioned divider keeps my dirty clothes from contaminating the rest of my items (major win). The 360-degree spinner wheels glide like a dream, even in chaotic airports or bumpy streets abroad. And honestly, it just looks good—I always feel a little more put-together wheeling this one through the terminal.

Calpak Luka Duffel

The Calpak Luka Duffel is the perfect personal item bag. It fits seamlessly under the seat but somehow manages to hold a full change of clothes, laptop, snacks, toiletries, and whatever other chaos I decide I “need” for a flight. The padded laptop sleeve is a lifesaver, and the multiple zippered compartments make finding things easy. The luggage trolley sleeve is ideal for sliding over my carry-on handle, and the material is lightweight yet durable—and most importantly, spill-resistant (liquids wipe right off). I’ve also used it for short overnight trips on its own, and it transitions well from airport to regular life.

Witroman Belt Bag

I always keep this Amazon-loved belt bag in my personal item because it’s the ultimate lifesaver, especially during layovers or days when I’m out exploring a new city. It fits my passport, lip balm, credit card, and phone comfortably, and it’s lightweight enough that I forget I’m wearing it. It’s the best $7 I’ve ever spent: easy to clean, surprisingly sturdy, and works equally well crossbody or around the waist. I love using this for TSA too; I pop everything I need to grab quickly into it, and just toss it in a bin. It’s minimal and practical and folds flat.

Rorry Portable Charger

With cords and MagSafe capabilities, this magnetic portable charger has no trouble keeping up with me. It keeps my phone charged no matter the circumstance, and there’s juice for a few charges, to boot. I love that it has a keychain so I can easily attach it to my bag for ease, and it’s not too heavy like other portable chargers can be. When you travel, being fully charged benefits you way more than streaming and scrolling; your phone keeps you connected and houses important travel documents and information, so make sure to grab one for your next trip.

Cabeau Compression Socks

With how much I travel, I don’t mess around when it comes to comfort and health on flights. These compression socks are soft, breathable, and actually cute, which is rare in the compression sock world. Most importantly, they really help with circulation and reduce that post-flight swelling that always hits during international trips. I’ve noticed way less fatigue and ankle puffiness when I wear these, even after 10-plus hours in economy. They’re made with breathable bamboo, so your feet won’t feel gross or sweaty after hours of wear.

Trendy Queen Matching Set

I always feel more put together in a matching set, and this one works well for all climates and destinations with its soft, lightweight (but not sheer), and layerable design that’s easy to wear and always looks good; add a hoodie or wrap as you need for the flight, or dress it up with a nice cardigan, blazer, or jacket. It’s also ideal for lounging at home, so win-win.

Hydro Flask Water Bottle With Flex Straw

For planes, compact water bottles are a must. There’s nothing worse than bringing on a bulky water bottle in an economy flight where it doesn’t fit in the back seat pocket. This Hydro Flask water bottle is tall, slim, and fits in almost every bag’s side pocket, too. It keeps drinks cold for hours and never leaks, which is a must for tossing it under the seat. The lid is easy to open mid-flight (no twisting and fumbling), and I love filling it up before my flight so I’m never dependent on those tiny, spill-prone plastic cups.

Quip Sonic Toothbrush With Travel Case

The Quip Sonic is my go-to travel toothbrush; it’s compact, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing enough to make me feel like I have my act together (even if I’m brushing my teeth in an airport bathroom at 6 a.m.). The built-in two-minute timer keeps me honest on the go, and the travel cover doubles as a mirror mount or stand—perfect for hotel counters or tiny Airbnb sinks. It takes up basically no space in my toiletries bag and doesn’t need a charger (just a battery swap every few months). I love that replacement heads are easy to find and super affordable.

Dr. Scholl’s Madison Lace Sneakers

I always make sure to pack shoes that I can wear on a variety of occasions on my trips: around town, out to dinner, through cobblestone streets, etc. These Dr. Scholl’s sneakers are lightweight but impressively supportive with their memory foam construction, making them great for long walking days where you still want to look put-together. The platform gives a little lift without sacrificing comfort, and they look good with everything.

Leatherology Passport Holder

A chic passport holder just makes me feel like I have my life together (even when I absolutely do not), and I love this Leatherology one because it has slots for things like my Priority Pass card, Global Entry card, printed tickets, and more. Plus, its leather cover ensures that it will get better with age (and not look worn down like others I’ve used), and it’s super easy to identify by touch in my overpacked bag, so I won’t be panicked in line at Customs, thinking, “Where the hell is my passport?”

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

These Clorox Disinfecting Wipes live in every one of my travel bags, period. Airport seatback trays, questionable hotel remotes—you name it, I’m wiping it down. These wipes are the perfect size for travel, and they never leak or dry out like some others I’ve tried. I love the peace of mind they give me, especially before eating on a tray table or settling in on a long-haul flight. I’ve even used them on my phone, sandals, and suitcase wheels post-trip.

Sojos Aviator Sunglasses

I always keep these affordable but stylish glasses in my carry-on (never designer) because the likelihood of losing said glasses is high, and I know I won’t be devastated if these somehow go missing. That said, they’re also super cute, and I get tons of compliments, and they’re just as durable as their name-brand counterparts, as well as actually protective—which can’t be said for all affordable sunnies.

Seajic Magsafe Tripod With Remote

I do a lot of solo and work travel, and this nifty tripod is compact and fits easily in my bag without hassle, and my phone clicks right on for quick videos, selfies, and whatever else I need. The Bluetooth remote makes it easy to click away, and it’s great for infinity pool shots or other photos that you just can’t take easily with one person. You’ll be surprised at how much you end up using it—I was!

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks

I always keep Wander Beauty’s eye masks in my bag, and I pop these on mid-flight, or right after I land, when I’m heading somewhere I need to look awake (even if I’ve slept two hours max). They’re super hydrating, help reduce puffiness, and somehow make me look like I’ve had a full night of rest. The foil exterior holds in heat and lets the serum soak in better, and they never slide off—even in turbulence, which is a big plus. I’ve even used them during layovers in airport lounges, and no one bats an eye.

Yeti 8-ounce Tumbler

Small and mighty, this Yeti Tumbler is always in my bag for a quick stop at the lounge for an espresso before boarding, a small coffee to go in places where that’s definitely not a thing (hello, parts of Europe), or even just a quick swig of water before a flight. The insulation is elite; I’ve had coffee stay warm for hours on a flight. It doesn’t leak, fits perfectly in tight bag spaces, and is small enough not to get flagged during TSA. It’s become one of those unexpected essentials I use way more than I thought I would (it comes in handy in hotels and Airbnbs as a drinking glass or even a makeshift toothbrush holder). Plus, I love not using disposable cups when I travel.

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