Whether you are someone who finds flights to be the perfect time to wind down and relax, or you are someone who dreads the thought of being stuck on an airplane for hours on end, this post is for you. Packing the right items in your carry-on bag will help to make your ride much more comfortable and overall enjoyable.
Here is my list of 13 airplane essentials that will get you through any flight!
1. A book
I love reading, but I often don’t have the time to just sit down and pick up a book which makes flights the perfect opportunity. Long plane rides also get really boring, really fast and reading is a great way to pass time. On my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I began reading The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra which was on my Summer Reading List post from a few weeks ago.
2. Laptop
I always bring my laptop with me when traveling. I like to use this time to catch up on school work, brainstorm ideas for my blog, edit photos, etc. I have a 13 inch MacBook Pro which is super lightweight and thin so it takes up very little space in my bag.
3. Water
I would strongly recommend bringing an empty reusable water bottle with you to the airport, that you can fill up once you get through security. Everything is overpriced at the airport so don’t get stuck paying five bucks for a bottle of water.
***MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT BRING A FILLED WATER BOTTLE THROUGH SECURITY!!!***
4. Snack
I have a snacking problem and cannot last very long without eating something. I prefer having my own options of food rather than the snacks provided on airplanes. Try to pack snacks that are not messy and that do not have a strong smell to be courteous to other passengers on the plane.
5. Headphones (Wireless and Plug-in)
I cannot survive a flight without listening to my music. It is a must that I always bring two pairs of headphones. I bring my Beats Solo3 wireless headphones which I LOVE. These headphones allow me to charge my phone and listen to my music at the same time (iPhone users know the struggle) and they are noise-canceling which is great. They stay charged for hours so I don’t have to worry about them dying during my flight. 
I also bring a pair normal headphones that I can plug into the screen on the plane in case I want to watch a movie or TV show to pass time.
6. Gum
I have gotten into the habit of always chewing a piece of gum during takeoff and landing because it prevents my ears from popping.
7. Chapstick and Lotion
Airplanes are typically cold and dry so pack your favorite lotion and chapstick to stay moisturized. One of my biggest pet peeves is having chapped lips so I make a habit of keeping chapstick on me at all times.
8. Light jacket
Planes are unpredictable when it comes to the temperature. I like to always have a cardigan or sweatshirt just in case I get cold. When I don’t need it, I just tie it around my waist or throw it in my bag. If I am lucky enough to have a window seat, I often ball up my jacket and use it as a pillow to nap on.
9. Pen and Paper
I seem to always think of my greatest ideas when I am up in the sky so a pen and paper are necessary to jot down all of my thoughts.
10. Chargers
As I previously mentioned, I use my electronics on flights for many reasons so having the chargers for all of these items is absolutely necessary. I am always sure to carry my laptop, headphone, and iPhone chargers with me whenever I travel.
11. Purse/Wallet
My go-to purse when traveling is my Kate Spade crossbody bag and I also have a matching wristlet. I like to keep both of these items inside of my carry-on bag so that I have less to carry around the airport. It’s important to keep your more valuable possessions close to you on the plane in case your luggage is lost (hope you never have to experience that).
12. Pain Medicine
It’s good to always have some pain medication just in case you get a headache or a stomachache during your flight. Better to be safe than sorry!
13. Backpack
Finally, the most important item on this list is the carry-on bag itself! I prefer using a backpack when traveling as opposed to a tote bag. For me personally, backpacks are more comfortable to carry, and more convenient. I use my North Face Borealis Backpack which I bought for school about a year ago and it still looks as if it is brand new. This bag has so many compartments which allows me to pack all of my essential items while keeping it all organized. Carrying a backpack also allows me to keep my hands free which is a plus!
Some bonus items that you may want to pack:
-Neck pillow
-Eye mask
-Hand sanitizer
That’s my list of 13 essential items to pack in your carry-on bag plus a few bonus items. I hope that you find this list useful as you are preparing for your next trip!
