In-Flight Essentials | Packing a Carry on Travel Bag

I was inspired by a recent Instagram story by Mandy Moore (screenshot below) to show you what I keep in my carry on bag to ensure smooth travel, and less emergency purchases at the airport.

I usually keep all of these items in a ready-to-go bag all year ‘round. I take enough short trips so it’s nice not having to fully unpack and repack a carry on. The bag I used for my trip to Punta Cana is a soft fabric crossbody that my mom brought back for me from Sri Lanka. It’s so lightweight and flexible, making it easy to wear and equally easy to stow under the seat in front of you.

Food

Don't you feel like everything in that overpriced seat-pocket menu looks like the most delicious delicacy when you're stuck in the air for 5 hours? Here’s what I'll pick up at the grocery store (hi, saving money) for in-flight snacking.

Go Go Squeeze - this apple sauce in a pouch is TSA approved and a yummy way to get fruit in without needing refrigeration. #fibre
Cheese-its, cheese crackers (even better with grapes)
Crackers and hummus (or peanut butter)
Reese’s Cups or M&Ms
Twizzlers - a travel essential for us
Reusable water bottle - fill with tap water at the airport before flying, if possible.
In the plane I usually drink tomato juice or black tea with lemon and sugar
Alka Seltzer is supposed to help prevent gas or stomach pain on the plane, but I have yet to try
Protein bar
Dried fruit
Chips (don’t get too tempted by the expensive airplane bistro menu!)
Candy
Gum

Entertainment

Magazine or book - this is your only time to read, completely uninterrupted
Cards - for this trip we packed Italian cards, which also made waiting for our dinner resos a lot more fun.
A pen and notebook - you’ll need the pen for filling out declaration cards, and a notebook to record highlights from your tip.
Headphones (with the oldschool jack) you never know what kind of entertainment system you're gonna get now-a-days, so make sure that the airline app is loaded on your device beforehand, if applicable.
Downloaded podcasts or Netflix shows

Skincare/Beauty Products

Body wipes
Makeup wipes
Tissues
Wet Ones - I use these to wipe down my entire area immediately once I sit down. Armrests, seatbelt buckle, tray table latch, you name it!
Lucas’ Papaw ointment - good for dry skin, lip balm, cuts, insect bites or scars.
A thick lotion - find one that’s suitable for face and body. After hearing about how washing your face and removing makeup/skincare in an airplane actually invites dirt, bacteria and germs into your pores, I now opt for a thick layer of occlusive moisturizer before a flight, which continues to lock hydration in and block germs out throughout. A thick lotion is also great for dry hands, since you’ll be washing or sanitizing them frequently during travel. Sunscreen, sun and saltwater leaves my skin and nails quite dry, so why not moisturize on the way home?
Pixi multi-use stick - I love using this pink cream stick as both a vibrant blush and stunning lipstick
Rimmel Match Perfection All-Over Concealer provides the perfect coverage through a brush applicator to tackle minor spots and under-eye darkness. It’ll leave you feeling fresh after travelling.
A toothbrush and toothpaste if it’s a long flight

Extras

I have this big green and white striped wallet which was a skincare gift with purchase. It's the perfect travel wallet. Flat, lightweight and able to hold my passport, phone and boarding pass with ease. Money stays flat, there's a coin pocket and back slot for hand wipes, lady liners and extra hair ties or tissues. Don't go fancy here, just get something simple and non-flashy.
Ear plugs/eye mask
Advil/Tylenol, cold/sinus medication and Jamieson Cold Fighter tablets
A big scarf to use as a blanket
Neck pillow - an inflatable one is ideal for storage
A reusable Baggu tote that can double as a second piece of carry on luggage after surprise shopping ;)
Sun glasses
An extra shirt, pair of underwear and socks - just in case of emergency. If you’re heading to a beach vacation, it’s a good idea to carry on a bathing suit in case your luggage arrives late.

My best in-flight beauty/health hack?

As mentioned, I cover my skin in a thick layer of moisturizer before the flight. I also coat the inside of my nostrils with Vaseline or Papaw ointment. Then, after landing, I blow out the ointment and remove the moisturizer with a makeup wipe. All the germs? Gone. I then proceed to sanitize my hands, apply more moisturizer, a touch of makeup, and I’m fresh as can be.

I also found this great link from CBC on how you can avoid getting sick while flying.

Safe travels!