What to Pack in Your Carry-On
I’ve worn flip flops, runners, and boots on a plane. I’ve worn tank tops, t-shirts, and hoodies on a plane. I’ve worn hats, top knots, and braids on a plane. And what I’ve learned is this:
It’s cold, wear a hoodie.
It’s gross, wear socks and runners.
It’s greasy, wear a hat.
But more specifically, here’s my go-to outfit for flying:
Hat. Do hats make you feel like you’re in a cocoon too? No? Just me? Cool cool cool. I like the casualness and comfort of wearing a ball cap on flights and it’s a bonus that it keeps my hair in place and I’m not rubbing my locks all over germs. Is it obvious I’m somewhat of a germaphobe?
Black leggings. Because they’re publicly accepted sweatpants. And the closest thing to feeling naked without exposing skin to gross germs. See? Germaphobe.
Tank top or t-shirt under a hoodie. I’ve been on a wiiiide variety of flights. I’ve flown first class before, but I’ve also flown on cheap flights that don’t have reclining seats or air conditioning. Most of the time, I’d say it’s pretty cold on flights, so a big oversized comfortable hoodie would be the way to go. But juuust in case you’re stuck sweating it out on an un-airconditioned plane for a few hours, make sure you’re prepared to shed some layers.
Runners + socks. On one of our flights coming home through the US, there was a Measles breakout warning in the Detroit airport. WELL, it just so happened that I was in flip-flops, considering we had just left the scorching hot country of Vietnam and socks + runners were very much NOT appealing at the time of departure. But it ALSO just so happened that the security folks wanted all shoes off. LOVELY. Bare feet on the public floor of an airport contaminated by a Measle breakout. Lesson: wear socks and running shoes when flying. Always.
But as for what to bring with you, this is what you’ll find in my bag:
WE MADE IT OUR MISSION TO FIND THE MOST ASIAN THEMED NECK PILLOWS WHILE IN ASIA. TO OUR DISAPPOINTMENT, WE DIDN'T FIND ANY PIKACHU OR HELLO KITTY ONES, BUT THESE SUEDE FRUIT were an okay-ish substitute.
Passport - Starting with the obvious.
Pen - For filling out immigration cards and entry papers.
Hand sanitizer - Planes are gross and people are gross.
Toothbrush + Toothpaste - You just can’t avoid feeling grimey after a flight, it’s a proven fact. Ok, maybe not so much a proven fact, but I’ve never heard someone say they’re feeling fresh coming off a flight. A nice teeth brushin’ will get ya there though.
Facial wipes - Nothing feels more refreshing than giving your face and neck a wipe down after a dirty flight or a sweaty run through the airport.
Kleenex - Boogies.
Perfume - Airports and plane seats stink. And so will you, coming off a flight.
Hair clip/elastic - Top knot to keep those whispies at bay when they’re not in the hat you should be wearing.
Sweater - It’s cold tens of thousands of miles up in the air.
Snacks - Because snacks.
Book or magazine - Beat the boredom.
Gum - Unpop those ears (unless you’re flying to Singapore where gum is illegal).
Headphones - Airline earbuds aren’t always provided. And even if they are, they hurt.
Phone charger - I don’t know about you, but having my phone below 50% battery life gives me anxiety.
Neck pillow - Better than sleeping on the shoulder of the stranger next to you or the uncomfortable window. Also - remember the whole cheap flights = no reclining seats thing? That neck pillow comes in pretty handy in times like these.
Flip-flops - Don’t wear them, bring them with you (see above).
Change of clothes - I can’t speak from experience because this has never happened to me personally (knock on wood), but they say you should pack a change of clothes in case your luggage gets lost in transit, this way you’ll at least have something clean to change into.
And that about sums it up - with the amount of snacks I bring, there's not much room for anything else 🤷🏻♀️#sorrynotsorry. Got something to add? Share it below!