Air travel can be unpredictable. From sudden flight delays to unexpected seat changes, uncomfortable cabins, and limited amenities, seasoned travelers know that being prepared is the key to surviving—and even enjoying—the journey. Whether you’re boarding a short-haul domestic flight or settling in for a 14-hour long-haul, what you carry in your hand luggage can significantly impact your comfort, convenience, and overall travel experience.

Frequent fliers, who have clocked countless hours in the skies, have developed their own trusted packing habits to make every trip smoother, safer, and more pleasant. Over time, they’ve learned which items are genuinely essential and which can be left behind.

The right carry-on essentials can help you stay relaxed, well-fed, entertained, and prepared for the unexpected—whether it's a missed connection, an in-flight entertainment failure, or simply the discomfort of sitting in the same seat for hours.

We spoke with experienced travelers, flight attendants, and aviation experts to create this practical guide. If you want to travel like a pro, here are 10 must-have items you should always pack in your carry-on.

1. Backup Power Source

A portable charger or power bank is indispensable for keeping your devices powered throughout your journey. With many airlines now offering digital boarding passes and in-flight entertainment via personal devices, running out of battery isn’t an option. Opt for a lightweight, high-capacity charger and remember to pack all necessary charging cables in a cable organizer to prevent tangles and lost time searching for cords.

2. Essential Medications

Always keep your medications in your carry-on, never in checked luggage. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, and any medical devices you may need. Pack them in a clear, easily accessible pouch and bring extra in case of delays. A compact travel first-aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes is also recommended for minor emergencies.

3. Glasses or Contact Lenses

Inflight air can dry out your eyes, so bring your glasses, extra contact lenses, and a small bottle of solution. If you rely on vision aids, pack a backup pair in case of loss or damage.

4. Lip Balm and Moisturizers

Cabin air is extremely dry, leading to chapped lips and parched skin. Bring a TSA-compliant lip balm and a small tube of moisturizer to stay comfortable. Consider packing facial wipes for a quick refresh during long-haul flights.

5. An Extra Layer of Clothing

Temperatures on planes can fluctuate, so pack a lightweight sweater, scarf, or jacket. Pro tip: Wear your bulkiest clothing (like a jacket or boots) on the plane to save space in your bag. This also helps if your destination has a different climate.

6. Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Earbuds

Block out engine noise and distractions with quality headphones. Frequent fliers also recommend a sleep mask and earplugs for added comfort, especially on overnight flights.

7. GPS Tracker for Luggage

A small GPS tracker in your bag lets you monitor its location in real time, providing peace of mind if you need to gate-check your carry-on or if you’re traveling with checked luggage.

8. TSA-Approved Toiletries Kit

Keep your liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag and follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 ounces or less per container). Many hotels provide basic toiletries, so limit what you pack to essentials that are hard to replace at your destination.

9. Travel Comfort Accessories

A contoured sleep mask, inflatable neck pillow, and compression socks can make long flights more bearable. These small items help you rest, reduce swelling, and arrive refreshed.

10. Important Travel Documents and Pen

Frequent travelers always keep passports, boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and any necessary visas easily accessible. A pen is also essential for filling out customs or immigration forms, especially when landing in countries that still require paperwork. Having these items within reach can save you valuable time during security checks and border controls.

Pro Packing Strategies from Frequent Fliers

Use Packing Cubes and Compression Bags

Packing cubes keep your bag organized and make it easy to find items quickly. Compression cubes save space and help fit more into your carry-on. Use one for clean clothes and another for dirty laundry to keep things tidy.

Master the Bundling and Rolling Techniques

Rolling clothes prevents wrinkles and maximizes space, while the bundling method is great for keeping items crease-free. Lay out larger items flat, place smaller items in the center, and wrap everything together.

Pack Only What You Need

Lay out everything you want to bring, then remove non-essentials. A flight attendant’s tip: “If you need it, pack it. If you just want it, leave it behind.” The 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule—one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops, five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear—can simplify decisions for short and long trips alike.

Know Airline Restrictions

Always check your airline’s carry-on size and weight limits before packing. Exceeding them can mean extra fees or having to check your bag at the gate. Familiarize yourself with TSA rules to avoid surprises at security.

Keep In-Flight Essentials Accessible

Separate items you’ll need during the flight—like snacks, water bottle, headphones, and a book—into a small personal item or underseat bag for easy access.

Weigh and Test Your Bag

Make sure you can lift your carry-on into the overhead bin yourself and that it meets airline requirements. Overpacking can lead to repacking at the airport or unexpected fees.

Final Thoughts

Packing like a frequent flier means more than just what you bring—it’s how you organize, prioritize, and prepare for the unexpected. With these nine essentials and expert strategies, you’ll travel lighter, smarter, and more comfortably, no matter where your journey takes you.

In a strategic move to broaden its global footprint, Turkish Airlines has submitted a binding offer to acquire a minority stake in the Spanish carrier Air Europa. This potential partnership is part of Turkish Airlines’ ambitious plan to strengthen its presence across Latin America, leveraging Air Europa’s established networks.

According to a statement from Turkish Airlines, the investment aligns with its long-term growth strategy outlined in the airline’s 2033 vision. "Following comprehensive feasibility studies, the investment has been assessed as consistent with our objectives for sustainable value creation," the airline noted.

By joining forces with Air Europa, Turkish Airlines aims to tap into new revenue streams and enhance operational diversity within both passenger and cargo sectors. Air Europa’s robust presence in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin American markets offers Turkish Airlines a strategic gateway to these key regions.

Financial terms of the proposed stake remain undisclosed, leaving industry watchers eager to learn more about the deal’s implications for the competitive landscape in international aviation.

This initiative underscores Turkish Airlines’ commitment to expanding its global reach while deepening its regional engagement across emerging markets.

In a significant legal dispute, British Airways (BA), the UK-based airline, has sued the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), the operator of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), seeking compensation exceeding $290,000. The lawsuit stems from a June 2022 incident in which a British Airways Airbus A380 superjumbo was severely damaged due to malfunctioning ground power equipment at the airport.

The affected aircraft, a nine-year-old Airbus A380 registered G-XLEL, had just completed a transatlantic flight from London Heathrow to Boston on June 8, 2022. Upon arrival, it was assigned a gate where it would normally be connected to the airport's power supply through the jetbridge. However, on this occasion, the jetbridge's power unit was out of service, requiring the use of a mobile Ground Power Unit (GPU) instead.

British Airways alleges that this replacement GPU malfunctioned, causing extensive electrical damage to multiple systems on the aircraft.

This unexpected damage forced British Airways to cancel the aircraft’s return flight to London immediately, stranding hundreds of passengers and crew in Boston. The airline faced complex logistics for repairs, as it lacked local maintenance contracts capable of handling A380 electrical system repairs in Boston. Critical aircraft components were removed and flown back to London for assessment and repair before the aircraft itself was ferried empty to London for further servicing. Consequently, the aircraft was grounded for several weeks.

The aircraft in question was recently returned to service in November 2021 after pandemic-related storage, only to be taken out of operation again due to this incident. British Airways filed the lawsuit exactly three years and one day after the incident, claiming at least $293,000 in damages and associated operational costs. Alongside Massport, the lawsuit also named the manufacturer of the faulty GPU.

While details remain confidential, an out-of-court settlement was reached shortly after the lawsuit was served, bringing the dispute to a close without a public trial.

British Airways currently operates a fleet of 12 Airbus A380 aircraft, with G-XLEL among the newer members, delivered in 2016. The airline is planning an extensive refurbishment program for its A380 fleet, expected to commence later this year. The upgrade will introduce new First Class suites, the latest Club World business class seats, and refreshed World Traveller cabins, reducing total seat capacity to favor a more premium travel experience. The first of these refurbished aircraft is projected to return to service by mid-2026.

This incident underscores the critical importance of reliable airport ground support equipment and highlights the operational challenges airlines face when unexpected technical issues arise far from their maintenance bases. The settlement also reflects the serious financial and logistical implications such equipment failures can have on international air carriers.

Set to take flight in late 2026, Koala Airlines is poised to shake up Australia’s domestic aviation landscape by carving a unique niche outside the duopoly of Qantas and Virgin Australia. Unlike previous entrants that sought to compete head-on, Koala Airlines is crafting a fundamentally different business model focused on sustainability and underserved regional markets.

Led by CEO Bill Astling, a veteran with 45 years’ aviation experience, Koala Airlines is purposefully maintaining a low public profile, a strategic move to avoid giving established rivals a long lead time. The airline has yet to finalize its fleet or official routes but is targeting regional segments from major hubs like Sydney and Melbourne, focusing on connectivity gaps left by bigger players rather than popular trunk routes.

Astling emphasizes Koala is not following the conventional full-service or low-cost carrier molds but aims for a long-term, disciplined approach that learns from the failures of predecessors like Bonza and Rex. Bonza, a budget carrier that collapsed in 2024 after less than two years, faltered due to rapid expansion and route challenges—a fate Koala is determined to avoid by focusing on sustainable growth rather than market share frenzy.

Koala Airlines also brings innovative plans including its “Koala Tech” platform integrating automation and AI to enhance operations and passenger experience. It promises novel policies like holding fare payments in trust to rebuild traveler confidence, signaling a commitment to customer trust and industry innovation.

While Koala Airlines’ investors remain undisclosed, the airline insists that backing comes from aviation-savvy sources and that the company’s cautious but steady build-up reflects lessons learned from recent industry volatility. Experts acknowledge the steep challenges in Australia’s saturated domestic market but note Koala’s differentiated strategy and sustainability focus could carve a viable path—if supported by strong financial foundations and measured execution.

With a heritage link through its 2019 acquisition of Desert Air Safaris, which operated charter and air tours across Australia and the Pacific for over 50 years, Koala Airlines begins its journey not as a start-from-scratch newcomer but as a carefully positioned player ready to reshape Australian aviation in a new, strategic way.

In sum, Koala Airlines aims to be more than just another low-cost entrant; it is positioning itself as an innovative, sustainable, and regionally focused carrier set to begin operations by late 2026, bringing fresh competition and potentially new standards to Australia’s skies.

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the nation’s flag carrier, has soared to new heights as it was named the second best airline in Southeast Asia according to the 2025 Flyers’ Choice Awards by AirlineRatings.com. This achievement adds to PAL’s growing list of accolades, underscoring its rising popularity among travelers in the region.

Ranked just behind Singapore Airlines — a global aviation leader — PAL secured the runner-up spot as the most preferred airline in Southeast Asia. Malaysia Airlines rounded out the top three, capturing third place. What makes PAL’s ranking especially meaningful is that it stems directly from passenger votes, reflecting genuine traveler satisfaction rather than expert panels alone.

PAL President Richard Nuttall expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting that the Flyers’ Choice Awards are unique in being based solely on traveler feedback. “This honor reflects the trust and satisfaction that all of us in PAL strive to earn from passengers by delivering friendly service, an unwavering focus on safety and reliability, and genuine care that comes from the heart,” Nuttall said.

Unlike other AirlineRatings.com awards judged by aviation experts on safety and operational performance, the Flyers’ Choice Awards provide a snapshot of which carriers resonate most strongly with passengers on a personal level.

This latest accolade follows PAL’s recent recognition by Campaign Asia, which placed the airline as the best travel brand in the Philippines and second best in Southeast Asia. PAL outperformed other major names such as Cebu Pacific, Klook, and Emirates—highlighting its strong brand presence in the competitive travel market.

Adding to its impressive track record, PAL has frequently ranked among the most punctual airlines in Asia and the Pacific. Citing data from aviation analyst Cirium, PAL earned the title of the most on-time airline in the region as recently as April, boasting an 86.07% punctuality rate.

PAL’s success is also being fueled by a fleet modernization drive. The airline is set to receive its first Airbus A350-1000 by year’s end, greatly enhancing its long-haul capabilities. In addition, October will see the arrival of the first of 18 retrofitted A321ceos, featuring upgraded cabin interiors and improved in-flight entertainment to elevate passenger comfort and experience.

With its sights set on innovation and excellence, Philippine Airlines continues to win the hearts of travelers, proving it is more than just a carrier — it’s a beloved symbol of Filipino pride in the skies.

Turkish Airlines is close to securing a significant investment in the financially troubled Spanish carrier Air Europa, positioning itself as the leading bidder amid recent withdrawals by other major aviation groups. According to reports by Spanish newspaper El Español and aviation news sources, Turkish Airlines is advancing rapidly in negotiations with Air Europa’s parent company, Globalia, with a deal possibly imminent. The stake discussed is believed to be around 25%, which would infuse approximately EUR 240 million (USD 275 million) of fresh capital into Air Europa.

Air Europa, owned 80% by Globalia and 20% by International Airlines Group (IAG), has attracted interest from various European giants, including Lufthansa and Air France-KLM. However, Air France-KLM has formally withdrawn from the bidding process, citing an inability to reach agreement with Globalia, although it continues its operational partnership with Air Europa as a fellow SkyTeam member.

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr confirmed ongoing but challenging talks, describing the acquisition as “very difficult to get... to succeed.” Lufthansa has also ended its bid recently, leaving Turkish Airlines as the sole known contender.

The Turkish investment bid is strategic, enabling access to Madrid’s hub—Air Europa’s base—which offers valuable routes across Europe, Latin America, and transatlantic connections. This move aligns with Turkish Airlines’ ambition to bolster its European footprint and extend reach to Latin American destinations such as Miami, Buenos Aires, and São Paulo.

Analysts view the investment as a high-risk, high-reward opportunity given Air Europa’s precarious financials, including a looming repayment of EUR 475 million (USD 550 million) in pandemic-era government loans, alongside regulatory and operational uncertainties.

In parallel to seeking outside investment, Air Europa is negotiating a new loan worth about EUR 140 million (USD 160 million) with major Spanish banks to support its capital needs and manage its debt burden. The fresh capital from the potential Turkish Airlines stake combined with credit lines is seen as critical for stabilizing the airline’s finances.

While Turkish Airlines and Globalia have declined to comment publicly, these developments signal a potential significant shift in European aviation cross-border consolidation. If successful, Turkish Airlines would become a strategic partner in reorganizing Air Europa’s future, leveraging Madrid’s key geographic position to enhance connectivity across multiple continents.