Making a packing list for a trip can be a lot of work and knowing what to put in each bag can be stressful, but don’t worry I got you! After going on many flights I have mastered my personal item packing list.
This personal item packing list keeps everything organized, makes sure you can fit all of these items into a small bag and ensures all your important items are easily accessible in your personal item.
After reading this post you will be all ready to pack up and get on a plane!
This post is all about the necessities you need to pack in your personal item.
What is a Personal Item?
A personal item is a bag that you carry onto a plane that fits underneath the seat in front of you. The size specifics depend on the airline you are flying with but it’s normally around 18”x 14”x 8”. A personal item can be a small backpack, purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or other small bag. To make sure the bag you want to bring fits the requirements for the airline you are flying with go to your airline’s website and there should be a description for a personal item.Personal Item Packing List
#1: Change of clothes
A change of clothes in your personal item is a MUST especially if you are checking your other bags. The amount of checked bags that get lost and don’t make it to your final destination makes me worried that the next person’s bag to be lost will be mine. For that reason, I always have a backup change of clothes to wear in case that happens. Another reason to bring an extra change of clothes even if you aren’t checking your other bag is if you are going on a long flight it’s always nice to change clothes during a long travel day to make yourself feel a little more human.#2: Toiletry necessities
If you are like me you will not have enough room to pack all your toiletries in your personal item. That is why I only bring the toiletry necessities I know I will be using during my travel day. Depending on how long your flight is your toiletry necessities may vary but these are the ones I almost always bring in my personal item:- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- face soap
- deodorant
- brush
- chapstick
#3: Document holder (+all your documents)
When travelling you should have all your important documents easily accessible and with you at all times which is why they should be in your personal item. I recently bought a document holder which is like a little folder to organize and hold all your documents. If you have trouble keeping your document organized look into getting a document holder they are great. These are all the documents I keep in my document holder:- Passport (+ copy of passport)
- flight tickets (if you have physical tickets)
- Visas (if needed for the country you are travelling to)
- Money
- Credit/debit card
- ID
- Travel Insurance
- Pen
#4: Phone
Having a place in your personal item for your phone is important. One of my biggest fears when travelling is losing my phone so having a specific spot in your bag for it lowers the chances of putting it down somewhere and leaving it. It’s also important to have your phone on you since many flights will have electronic tickets that you will have on your phone.#5: Headphones
Not sure about everyone else but headphones are a must when travelling. When I fly I like to bring both my wired headphones and wireless headphones. I bring both types because on the plane to watch shows you need to plug your wired headphones in. Sometimes the flight will provide complementary headphones but I personally prefer my own so it’s totally up to you. The wireless headphones are for the rest of my trip.#6: Portable Charger and Cords
If you have a long travel day your electronics will most likely need to be charged. On the plane and throughout the airports there are normally charging ports but there are times flights don’t or you can’t find an available one at the airport and a portable charger is a lifesaver.#7: Book or e-reader
A book is a must when you are going on a trip but a book can also take up a lot of room in your bag. I invested in an e-reader and I LOVE to bring it travelling. I am normally travelling for long periods of time and with only a small bag so with an e-reader, I am able to download multiple books and have them all on one small tablet. If you aren’t a big reader or are only going for a short trip bringing one book won’t take up to much room in your bag. Either way, a book is a great way to keep yourself entertained throughout your flight and even once you get to your destination.#8: Medication
Medication is a must for me on flights or other modes of transport. I am always prepared in case I am feeling off during a flight. Flight can already feel incredibly long and it makes it feel like an eternity if you are not feeling good. Here are all the medications I bring with me (all travel size of course):- Advil
- Tums
- throat lozenges
- cold or flu pills
- any others you feel like you might need
