Essentials for your Carry-On Luggage ~ Staff Recommendations

Whether it’s a regional flight 30 minutes away or a long-haul trip, we’ve got all the tips & tricks of the trade when it comes to that unanswered question of “What should I pack in my carry-on?”. Creating lists of what to pack the night before your trip to the airport? We’ve all been there before! Our staff have kindly created one less step for you with their personal recommendation of what to pack in your carry-on the next time you’re jet-setting domestically or internationally.

Lorraine: I’m an avid traveller and enjoy an extended getaway or overseas holiday with my husband at least once a year! When flying I find it essential to have phone & tablet chargers, toiletries including toothbrushes & toothpaste, hand sanitiser, noise-cancelling headphones, a book and of course passports!

Carly: Travelling with young kids is always a challenge! My must-have in my carry-on luggage is always a change of clothes. You never know what’s going to happen with your luggage and I’d hate to not have fresh clothes for myself or the kids!

Dani: I’ve been honing my packing list for many years now, so here is my guide on essential items to pack for international flights! Start with a portable charger – it’s essential for keeping your devices charged during a long flight. I also like to pack items that can help me relax – like a travel pillow, eye mask, headphones, and a scarf (in case it’s chilly). I also like to pack a change of clothes and deodorant just in case my luggage gets lost or delayed (or just to feel fresh & comfortable). Don't forget a water bottle, this way, you can easily stay hydrated throughout the flight without having to rely on the airline for drinks. Plus of course, my passport & travel documentation!

Allanha: I’ve just come back from Bali and some things I took onboard my flight I couldn’t live without were my travel pillow (for the best comfort), headphones and a good book! 

Ben: I’ve just come back from my South Pacific & Hawaiian cruise! Although my flight was only domestic (ADL-SYD & return) some must-haves I had in my hand luggage included noise-cancelling headphones, extra charging cords & adaptors, a change of clothes (just in case your luggage flies away), wet wipes & hand sanitiser and last, but most importantly ID, travel documents & passports.

Cos: I recently flew to Darwin & back to Adelaide for a holiday with my family and I found a good magazine onboard the flight really helped the time go by! In conjunction with this I always pack noise-cancelling headphones, travel documents, phone chargers, spare clothes & toiletries (just in case).

Matt: I’ve done a lot of domestic trips recently including Cairns & Darwin, but I’m a simple bloke so there’s often not a lot to pack! All I take with me aboard my flights is M&M (music & mints). 

Hannah: I’ve done a lot of long-haul flights in the United States as well as many domestic trips in Australia & America. For domestic flights I tend to just take a handbag onboard that has my wallet, notebook, ID, headphones, portable charger, and a book I enjoy. However, if I’m flying internationally especially over 10+ hours, I like to take a bit more with me! When flying overseas I must take a spare change of clothes, glasses, portable chargers for my phone & tablet, toiletries including dental hygiene & skincare (This is really refreshing as the A/C on aeroplanes dries my skin out), noise-cancelling headphones, my iPad with movies downloaded, a mini first-aid kit including band-aids, anti-nausea tablets, Buscopan, Panadol & ibuprofen etc, some slides or slippers (to get really comfortable onboard & still walk around), moisturiser, snacks, travel pillow, an extra jumper, travel documents, passports & ID.

Terry: For me the number 1 must-have is a hard copy of my travel documents. Even in today’s technological age, having a paper summary of your booking to refer to and present is a must! Especially if your phone battery dies. That said, let’s not let things come to that. Bring a full power bank, headphones and charging cords. Another must-have I always pack is a nice soft hoodie or jumper. This keeps me prepped for different weather upon landing, but it also doubles as a pillow so I can nap peacefully. 

Peter: The most important thing when travelling overseas is to pack your passports, & ID! As well as this I like to pack phone & laptop chargers, a spare change of clothes and toiletries to freshen up mid-flight. 

It appears a spare change of clothes, portable chargers & passports/IDs are the most popular things to take in your carry-on luggage as well as some noise-cancelling headphones. Whilst remembering what to take in your carry-on bag for your next flight it’s important to remember what’s NOT allowed onboard. This includes: 

• Liquids: Taking excess liquids onboard inside your carry-on luggage is prohibited however, you are allowed 100ml. Perhaps buy some empty 100ml containers and fill them with your favourite products.
• Flammable Items: No fireworks, candles or matches allowed folks! Keep the fire lighting on the ground only.
• Sharp Objects: You know the drill, no scissors, tweezers, pocket knives, or other sharp items are allowed in your carry-on bag. If you need to take sharp items onboard or in your checked luggage, it’s always a good idea to check with your airline before arriving at the airport. 

These are the most common items that are prohibited onboard flights however, we advise you to check with the applicable airline/s or contact them before going through security at the airport.

If you need assistance booking your next domestic or international flight, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 1300 854 897 or emailing holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au to speak with our industry experts.