What’s in My Carry-On Personal Item

If you've looked into any of our packing posts, you'll know that we put a lot of thought into what we pack (and don't pack) when we travel. This is my list for my “personal item” on the airplane, i.e. what I want easily accessible to use on the plane…and a couple of things I'd just like to have at hand, just in case. Probably, what's in my small bag is more important in a lot of ways than what's in my checked or main carry on bag. So, here goes.

Keep in mind that this packing list assumes that I'm also using a “carry-on” bag with my clothes, toiletries, etc. that goes in the overhead compartment of the plane.

The Bag

The bag I'm presently using is my Timbuk2 small messenger bag. It's dimensions are 13 x 10.6 x 5.12 inches (33 x 27 x 13 cm) so that works with any airline's requirements for a personal item. The bag also comes in medium and large sizes, and even the large at 15.7 x 14.6 x 8.07 inches (40 x 37 x 21 cm) fits almost all airlines' personal item definition. (I prefer to play it safe with the small, though.) What I like most about the Timbuk2 is that it's extremely rugged, which is important. I've dragged it all over the world and it still pretty much looks new. It's also got several pockets both inside and out, including one that's just the size of my passport, and others which conveniently hold pens and business cards. A drawback for some might be it's not a roller bag. It's a shoulder bag. Another possible drawback is that it's not got a back strap to fit over your roller bag handle, if you prefer to carry it that way. However, I don't mind carrying it over my shoulder, which actually makes it easier to access while you're on the move through an airport. If you do want to attach it to your roller bag, you can use a cinching belt like this one.

Laptop and Privacy Shield

My laptop is a 13″ MacBook Air, which I love and am typing on right now. An accessory I'm about to add is a privacy shield for the screen, so the person next to me on the plane can't see what I'm looking at. Not essential probably, since I'm usually just reading the newspaper or writing a blog post when on the plane, but, just in case, it's not a bad idea.

Kindle

I used to read on a large iPad, but I've switched to an Amazon Kindle recently for a couple of reasons. I like the screen for prolonged reading better. And – maybe more important – it's smaller and lighter.

Charger and Cables

As I said in our favorite travel accessories post, I've recently upped my charger and cable game to very high speed versions and so can carry one small Anker charger and two Anker 100 w cables, one tiny lightning adapter for my iPhone 13, and the cable for my Apple watch. That system is a big improvement over what I used to lug around. If I'm traveling internationally, I substitute the small charger (which I also use as my main charger at home) for a larger high speed plug adapter charger. These all go in a small Eagle Creek organizer bag.

Journal, work notebook and pencil and pen

Yeah, I carry two notebooks. One is my dotted work notebook that I write down all my business to-do stuff (I use The Bullet Journal method.) The other is a smaller daily journal that I use to make notes for what we're seeing on our travels and what I plan to write about. And yes, I carry both a pen and a special Japanese mechanical pencil that I love because I only write in my business journal in pencil. I like to be able to erase.

Cheap slippers

I usually carry a pair of disposable slippers I picked up in a hotel room somewhere because I do like to take my shoes off on longer flights and I would never dream of going into an airplane bathroom in just my socks. On shorter flights, I don't bother with the slippers and just slip my shoes back on.

First aid kit and masks

I pack my rudimentary homemade first aid kit and one washable cloth face mask. I don't always wear the mask, although I probably should. It kinda depends whether I'm comfortable with the people around me. Luckily, one of them is usually Kris.

Noise cancelling ear buds and Bluetooth transmitter

I've switched from my old wired ear buds to these Jabra wireless ones. If I want to use the plane's entertainment system, I have a small Bluetooth transmitter which plugs into the plane's earphone jack and then connects to my earbuds. It makes it a lot easier to get up and move around the plane if you don't have to deal with the headset wire.

Comfortable sleep mask

We recently upgraded to these super soft and lofted eye masks for longer flights. Way more comfortable than the cheapies the airline might give you.

Water bottle and snacks

Yes, I always have a water bottle. It's so easy to fill on the plane side of security, and by now I've saved hundreds of disposable plastic bottles. Again, for longer flights, I'll probably toss in a Kind bar or two from my hiking stash.

Small folding shopping bag

I bring a small shopping bag, which is more for when you get where you're going and want to buy some grocery items to make your own lunch. (I carry a couple in the cup holder of my car, too, so I remember them when grocery shopping at home.)

Gaffer's tape

For those unforeseen problems, a yard or two of gaffer's tape wrapped around a pencil can be a godsend. Gaffer's tape is better than duct tape because it sticks just as well, but doesn't leave the residue when you remove it.

Extra glasses

Of course. I've broken glasses on the road and would rather not be blind (or have to tape them back together with the gaffer's tape.) I actually carry a spare of both my regular and sunglasses.

Door stopper

A door stopper is cheap hotel security device. Jam it under the door when you're in for the night, and nobody will be getting in, even with a key.

Apple Air tag

Frankly, Apple Air Tags are the best invention in travel in the last 10 years. Very reassuring, even in the bag I have with me. Just in case it happens to walk off. They're particularly helpful if you check bags (which we almost never do, especially on our outbound legs.)

Backup credit card, debit card, cash

I keep backup credit cards, a debit card, and some small amount of cash in my personal item bag. It's a very good idea to have them, especially if you are the victim of pickpockets so you won't be broke until you get home. Leave them in your hotel safe when you're out and about, though. The whole point is to keep them separate from your wallet.

Documents: passport, Global Entry card, international driver's license, CDC immunization card

You want to be able to easily reach these things when you're going through security, picking up your rental car, and checking into the hotel. (I carry the immunization card if we're going to a country where it's required to show Yellow Fever vaccination.) It's also a good idea to photograph all of them with your phone, and email a copy to yourself. That's especially true if your passport is stolen. It's much easier to get a replacement if you have a copy to show the consulate.

So, that's it. I'm probably forgetting something. And some things might change, depending on where we're going. But this is a good starter.

KEEP READING:

Our Ultra Light Packing List for Men
Our Ultra Light Packing List for Women
Our Favorite Travel Accessories
How to be Comfortable on the Plane
Make Your Own Travel First Aid Kit
Our 50 Favorite Travel Tips