Travel has always been one of my greatest passions, and after taking 35 flights last year alone—with plans to surpass that this year—I’ve turned every trip into a mini case study in how to pack smarter, not bulkier. Over time, I’ve perfected the art of the efficient carry-on, and I promise: a thoughtfully packed bag makes a world of difference.
For any flight, especially domestic, I always recommend starting with the essentials: medications, charging cords, and hydration helpers like Liquid I.V. or Emergen-C packets. These small items can save the day if you're delayed or feeling run-down. I also like to keep a refillable water bottle (must be spill-proof!) a protein bar, and a pouch with beauty or wellness must-haves like lip balm, hand sanitizer, and hand lotion. I actually love working on planes, so I always keep my laptop and charger within reach. There’s something about being relatively undisturbed that makes it the perfect time to focus and get things done.
When it comes to longer, international flights, I take my comfort seriously. Compression socks are a must for circulation, especially on overnight journeys. I also bring a compact, supportive neck pillow that won’t hog space in my bag, and sometimes a sleep mask to help me snooze. And often times inflight WIFI can be unreliable so pre-downloaded entertainment can really come through in a pinch.
With the right strategy, your carry-on becomes less of a stressor and more of a travel toolkit. Every item has a purpose, and everything you need is right where you can reach it. Here are my very top six items that I always have when traveling.
Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag
The Dagne Dover Landon Carryall is the ultimate carry-on—and trust me, I’ve tested more bags than I care to admit. With thoughtfully designed compartments to keep everything impeccably organized and a sleeve that slides effortlessly onto your roller bag, it’s as functional as it is chic. Bonus: it’s incredibly durable and comes in a gorgeous range of colors, so there’s truly one for every mood (or airport outfit).
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Want to tune out that relentless airplane drone? I swear by these noise-canceling headphones—truly the gold standard. With customizable noise levels and an ultra-comfy fit, they make everything from podcasts to in-flight movies feel like a first-class experience, no matter where you're sitting.
Owala Free Sip Water Bottle
I never travel without a refillable water bottle, and Owala is a favorite for a reason—it’s stylish, spill-proof, and features a push-button lid with a locking mechanism that keeps your bag (and it’s contents) dry. Staying hydrated while traveling is a must even if you snooze through in-flight beverage service.
The Cashmere Wrap from Alice Walk
Airplane temps are anyone’s guess, but I never fly without my Alice Walk cashmere wrap. It’s softer—and far more hygienic—than any airline blanket, and it saves me from stuffing a bulky sweater into my carry-on. Plus, I always get compliments—proof that comfort and style can coexist at 30,000 feet.
Krewe Sunglasses
I never board a long flight without a pair of oversized, statement frames—they’re the chicest way to disguise jet lag. I love Krewe glasses in particular; they come with ultra-sturdy cases, perfect for when they inevitably end up buried at the bottom of my bag.
Anker MagSafe Portable Charger
If you plan to work or use your phone in-flight, I always recommend keeping this charger in your carry-on, just in case the seat outlets are unavailable. Your phone is essential for accessing boarding passes, itineraries, transportation, and more the moment you land.
Anna is a luxury PR pro, journalist, and the voice behind Bliss & Bellinis, where she shares her passion for travel, unique experiences, and curating a life filled with style and adventure. When she’s not crafting stories for brands or planning her next getaway, she’s usually on a plane and always ready for a Bellini.