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    If you visit Las Vegas, you can’t miss these sto If you visit Las Vegas, you can’t miss these stops. 🥹

[SAVE + SHARE]

The first time I visited Vegas was for my 21st birthday. I was a textbook city girl who just wanted to stay on the Las Vegas Strip, watch an entertaining show and spend an innocent $30 at the crazy casinos.

Fast forward to my last trip to Vegas and I wanted out of the city ASAP. 😂

The difference? This time, I knew the city had more to offer. Such as…

1. Valley Of Fire State Park.
2. Red Rock Canyon State Park.
3. Grand Canyon National Park.
4. Bryce Canyon National Park.
5. Zion National Park.
6. Death Valley National Park.
7. Joshua Tree National Park.

Save this list of Las Vegas things to do so you don’t make the same mistake I did. 🗺️

#lasvegasnevada #lasvegasnv #usaroadtrip #usroadtrip #travelreel
    Planning a trip doesn’t have to be stressful 🗣️

[SAVE + SHARE]

I get asked all the time how I plan trips. Planning trips can be stressful and overwhelming, but once you break the trip planning process down step by step, it is actually very simple.

So, here’s how to plan a road trip in just 3 easy steps!

Share this video with your road trip buddy to make planning a breeze. 🌬️

#traveltipsandtricks #traveltiptuesday #traveltip #roadtripready #usaroadtrip
    It was… A fun hike? 🥲 It was… A fun hike? 🥲
    Follow @indigosahara for more travel inspo ✈️ Follow @indigosahara for more travel inspo ✈️

10 non-negotiable USA highways to road trip before you die!

[SAVE + SHARE]

The US has some of the best road trips on Earth. You can’t miss a chance at taking a USA road trip across these iconic highways during your lifetime.

1. Highway 1.
2. U.S. Route 89.
3. Highway 42.
4. Hana Highway.
5. Alaska Highway.
6. Overseas Highway.
7. Route 66.
8. Blue Ridge Parkway.
9. Million Dollar Highway.
10. Going To The Sun Road.

BONUS. Don’t know which route to take? Here are a few of my all-time favorite spots!

11. White Pocket (U.S. Route 89).
12. Pipiwai Trail (Hana Highway).
13. Winding Road (Highway 42).
14. Grand Teton National Park (U.S. Route 89).
15. Zion National Park (U.S. Route 89).

Is a US road trip on your bucket list? Save these top 10 things to do in the USA so you don’t miss a thing.

#usatravel #usaroadtrip #usroadtrip #roadtripusa
    I can’t believe these places are real in the USA I can’t believe these places are real in the USA 🤯

[SAVE + SHARE]

I love finding unique destinations that make you feel like you’re on another planet. These are a few of my favorite places in the U.S. for far. 💫

5. Valley Of Fire State Park.
4. Death Valley National Park.
3. Bryce Canyon National Park.
2. Pink Lake.
1. Rainbow Mountains (Bentonite Hills).

If you visit any of these places, PLEASE be responsible and follow leave no trace principles to help preserve these otherworldly places.

#usaroadtrip #otherworldly #uniquedestinations #usroadtrip #bucketlisttravel
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Indigo Sahara

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Personal Item Packing List: Essentials For A Great Flight

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A. | Published: May 23, 2022 | Updated: April 26, 2024

Need a one-and-done personal item packing list? Look no further.

Whether you’re traveling carry-on only or simply love being prepared, you’ll need a personal item bag that keeps you safe, relaxed and entertained on every flight. Luckily, as a frequent flyer who loves maximizing luggage space, I have a few tips to spill.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased using one of the following links, I may earn a small commission from the brand at no cost to you.

Here’s the ultimate personal item packing list to ensure a great flight every trip.

Personal Item Packing List: Essentials For A Great Flight

Table of Contents

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  • What Does A Personal Item Include?
  • Personal Item Packing List
  • What Is Not Allowed In A Personal Item Bag?
  • More Airplane Hacks And Packing Lists
  • Share To Save This Personal Item Packing List

What Does A Personal Item Include?

Typically, a personal item includes any bag that can fit underneath the plane seat in front of you. This includes backpacks, camera bags, laptop bags, briefcases, diaper bags, beach bags and purses.

Of course, some airlines have smaller personal item size regulations (we learned this the hard way in Bora Bora), but, for the most part, a personal item can be as large as a standard sized backpack.

Here’s the camera backpack I typically use as my personal item. It is the perfect size, and is multifunctional for all in-flight needs.

buy now on amazon

What Happens If My Personal Item Is One Inch Too Big?

If your personal item is one inch too big, the worst that could happen would be the flight attendants asking you to store your personal item in the overhead carry-on compartment above your seat.

In this case, just make sure you have everything you will need for your flight (book, headphones, laptop, hand sanitizer, etc.) out of your personal item before you store it up above.

While you can get access to the overhead compartment after take off when the seatbelt signs are turned off, reaching it is kind of a hassle. It will make your flight a lot more comfortable to have everything by your seat with you instead.

Can I Bring Two Personal Items On A Plane?

Technically, you can only have one personal item on a plane with you. However, airport shopping bags and airport foods do not could toward your one personal item.

Furthermore, you can usually get away with having a larger personal item, such as a backpack, as well as a small purse (fanny pack or small crossbody bag) on your body while boarding. Although this would technically count as two personal items, usually it’s not a big deal.

If the gate agent does say something about your two personal items, all you would have to do is show that you can fit the smaller one into the bigger one.

Will Backpacks Fit Under Airplane Seats?

Yes, most backpacks will fit under airplane seats and count as your personal item.

Again, if your backpack does not fit, which is unlikely, all you would have to do is store the backpack in the overhead compartment for the flight.

Are Personal Items Weighed?

Usually, personal items are not weighed. But, it depends on the countries’ and airlines’ personal item regulations.

For example, I had never had my personal item (usually my 20-pound camera bag) weighed until my husband and I were on our way to honeymoon in Bora Bora.

Shortly before check-in, we learned that our personal items could only weigh seven pounds. We ended up having to carefully disperse the heavy, fragile camera gear among our four bags in the middle of the LAX airport.

Moral of the story, always check personal item regulations online before flying to a new country or on a new airline.

personal item bag travel packing lists

Personal Item Packing List

Without further ado, here’s your personal item packing list — complete with entertainment essentials, health and safety must-haves, and, of course, snacks!

1. ID, Boarding Pass And Other Flight Documentation

First and foremost, you will need all of your airport identification essentials readily accessible. This includes:

  1. Boarding pass (or security document if you’re flying standby).
  2. Valid form of ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
  3. Passport if you’re flying internationally.
  4. Pen for filling out luggage tags at check-in or customs forms when traveling internationally.

While you likely won’t need any of these items on the plane, it’s important to have them on hand in the airport, during boarding, at customs and possibly even at baggage claim. That’s why it’s best to stow these items in your purse or backpack as opposed to your carry-on suitcase.

2. Smartphone

Next, you’ll definitely want your smartphone.

If you’re anything like me, your smartphone will act as your camera, in-flight entertainer, flight-update receiver, ground transportation orderer, and, obviously, main communication device.

Do yourself a favor and keep your phone inside your personal item bag, easily accessible. Moreover, I highly recommend storing it in the same pocket of your bag every time for optimal organization.

Personal Item Packing List: Essentials For A Great Flight

3. Laptop

Likewise, if you want to travel with your laptop, it’s advisable to keep your laptop in your personal item bag — for safety and accessibility purposes.

4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Next, noise-cancelling headphones are key while flying. Why? Three reasons.

One, noise-cancelling headphones serve as high-tech earbuds for music and movie audio. Two, because they are a lot harder to lose (and steal) than pickpocket-size earbuds. And, three, because they will eliminate the loud airplane engine noise and the sound of crying babies during in-flight naps.

I always recommend these Bose noise-cancelling headphones because, according to pilots worldwide, Bose is best headphone brand.

I always recommend these Bose noise-cancelling headphones because, according to pilots worldwide, Bose is best headphone brand.

buy now on amazon

5. AirPods (Personal Item Packing List)

On the contrary, if you are trying to pack as light as possible or simply prefer earbuds over larger headphones, AirPods are also an excellent in-flight audio alternative.

I especially love that AirPods come with a portable charging case, ensuring your AirPod batteries will last your entire travel day.

buy now on amazon

6. Portable Charger

Speaking of battery life, you should definitely add a portable charger to your personal item packing list.

As previously mentioned, it is likely that you’ll be using your cellphone a lot during your travel day — from listening to music on the flight, to ordering an Uber upon arrival, to navigating your hotel via GPS, etc.

It’s vital safety-wise that you have enough battery life to outlast your long travel day. Bring a portable charger like this one so your phone doesn’t die.

buy now on amazon

7. Hand Sanitizer (Personal Item Packing List)

Moving on to health-related personal item essentials, I always make sure to bring hand sanitizer on every flight.

Between the airport and the airplane, you’ll be eating various times throughout your travel day. However, unfortunately, clean sinks and restrooms aren’t always available for a pre-snack handwash. It’s always nice to have hand sanitizer on hand (literally).

buy now on amazon

8. Travel Size Tissues

Similarly, tissues, napkins and, sadly, toilet paper aren’t always plentiful on plane rides.

Whether you bring a travel-size tissue pack (like these tissue packs) or a baggy with a few tissues, you’ll be a lot more prepared for unplanned messes.

buy now on amazon

9. Sanitizing Wipes (Personal Item Packing List)

Honestly, you never know when you’ll need sanitizing wet wipes.

From dirty airport food court tables to the questionably crumby airplane seat-back tray tables, a quick wipe-down will always give you peace of mind.

buy now on amazon

10. Nourishing Snacks

Furthermore, if you won’t want subpar, overpriced airport food, it may be best to bring some nourishing snacks along in your personal item, too.

Some of my favorite in-flight nourishing snacks include protein bars (these protein bars in particular), fruit in a non-smashable container, crackers, and grass-fed beef sticks (like these).

buy now on amazon

11. A Comforting Snack (Personal Item Packing List)

Likewise, an airplane ride is the perfect time to treat yourself to a comforting snack, such as your favorite bag of chips or candy bar.

Not only will a comforting snack bring joy to your soul, but it will also help soothe any travel nerves you may have. (I personally find my regular Starbucks order — a venti chai latte with light ice and oat milk — to be particularly grounding on travel days.)

12. Empty Water Bottle

Next, to make sure you stay hydrated, it’s always a good idea to bring an empty reusable water bottle (like this trusty Hydro Flask).

The water bottle needs to be empty to make it through security, as you cannot bring any liquids over three fluid ounces through. Once you’re through security, you’re free to fill your reusable water bottle at any drinking fountain (otherwise known as a bubbler, for my fellow Wisconsinites).

This will make staying hydrated at your trip destination a breeze, too.

buy now on amazon

13. A Pack Of Gum

Before we move on from food and snacks, it’s important to also tuck a pack of gum in your personal item as well.

Chewing gum during take-off and landing will help with the plugged or popping ears you might experience from drastic changes in elevation. (My favorite aspartame-free gum is from Pur.)

buy now on amazon

14. Migrastil Migraine Stick (Personal Item Packing List)

This personal item packing list item is optional, but I personally always bring one with me on every flight. It’s the Migrastil migraine stick.

I swear by the Migrastil migraine stick for all motion sickness. It’s a natural essential-oil roller that you can apply to your temples and the base of your skull. Within five minutes, your motion sickness (or migraine) will be gone. Plus, the applicator is under three fluid ounces, which is perfect for airport security and portability.

buy now on amazon

For more motion sickness remedies, you can visit my post on the best natural motion sickness remedies for immediate relief. Otherwise, bring dramamine.

15. Lavender Essential Oil Roller

Similar to the Migrastil migraine stick, I always bring a lavender essential oil roller will in my personal item bag.

Lavender is known to calm anxiety. Between stressful airport navigation, chaotic security lines and occasional turbulence, it’s important to consider packing a natural travel anxiety relief.

Even if you don’t experience travel anxiety, lavender essential oils are helpful for sleeping, which can be painfully difficult in cramped plane seats.

buy now on amazon

16. Neck Pillow And/Or Eye Mask (Personal Item Packing List)

For maximum comfort, bring a neck pillow and silk eye mask for your travels.

buy now on amazon

I have to admit, I was a neck pillow skeptic until my long-haul flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti. On that flight, I slept a whopping five out of eight hours, which is the most I’ve ever slept on a plane. Now, I always fly with this neck pillow.

buy now on amazon

17. Coat Or Jacket

Instead of a blanket, though, I suggest bringing the coat or jacket that you might need at your destination.

A coat or jacket will provide as much warmth on the chilly flight as a blanket. Plus, by wearing your outerwear through the airport, you’ll save a ton of luggage space.

18. Hair Ties

If you have long hair, bring hair ties. Trust me, the last thing you want on a stuffy plane ride is your staticy hair sticking to your neck and face.

Spare yourself the annoyance, and throw your hair up into a high bun. (Not a low bun. You won’t be able to lean against your headrest with a low bun.) You can thank me later.

buy now on amazon

19. Essential Toiletries And Medications

Ladies, bring extra pads and tampons.

Also, bring any other medications you might need on the plane like ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal, allergy medicine, inhalers, insulin, EpiPens, etc.

20. Any Desired In-Flight Entertainment (Personal Item Packing List)

Lastly, keep any desired forms of in-flight entertainment accessible in your personal item bag. In-flight entertainment may include but is certainly not limited to:

  1. Downloaded music, podcasts and/or movies. (Download before boarding!)
  2. Books (Atomic Habits is a great airplane read if you need one).
  3. Magazines.
  4. Newspapers.
  5. Kindle.
  6. Journal.
  7. Work materials.
  8. Homework materials for students.
  9. Sketchbook.
  10. Travel games, etc.

To ensure you’re not bored for a second of your flight, check out my post on productive things to do on a plane ride without WiFi.

What Is Not Allowed In A Personal Item Bag?

Items that are not allowed to go through airport security are not allowed in a personal item bag (weapons, sharp objects, liquids over three ounces, etc.).

However, note that liquids, such as water and other beverages, that are purchased after the security checkpoint can travel with you in your personal item bag.

Personal Item Packing List: Essentials For A Great Flight

More Airplane Hacks And Packing Lists

12 Natural Motion Sickness Remedies For Immediate Relief
17 Plane-Seat Yoga Poses That Will Stretch Your Entire Body
50+ Genius Women’s Travel Essentials You Need This Year

Share To Save This Personal Item Packing List

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By: Indigo Sahara, M.A.

About Indigo Sahara, M.A.

Indigo Sahara, M.A., is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Sahara travel blog. Since earning her master's degree in global leadership, she has traveled to more than 20 countries. Now, her goal is to make travel accessible to all by teaching others how to travel on a budget. She writes world travel guides and travel hacking tips weekly.

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    August 15, 2022 at 4:29 pm

    […] There’s nothing worse than getting to baggage drop, weighing your suitcase for the first time, learning your bag is six pounds over the allowed baggage weight and having to shove clothes into your nicely packed carry-on. […]

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If you visit Las Vegas, you can’t miss these sto If you visit Las Vegas, you can’t miss these stops. 🥹

[SAVE + SHARE]

The first time I visited Vegas was for my 21st birthday. I was a textbook city girl who just wanted to stay on the Las Vegas Strip, watch an entertaining show and spend an innocent $30 at the crazy casinos.

Fast forward to my last trip to Vegas and I wanted out of the city ASAP. 😂

The difference? This time, I knew the city had more to offer. Such as…

1. Valley Of Fire State Park.
2. Red Rock Canyon State Park.
3. Grand Canyon National Park.
4. Bryce Canyon National Park.
5. Zion National Park.
6. Death Valley National Park.
7. Joshua Tree National Park.

Save this list of Las Vegas things to do so you don’t make the same mistake I did. 🗺️

#lasvegasnevada #lasvegasnv #usaroadtrip #usroadtrip #travelreel
Planning a trip doesn’t have to be stressful 🗣️

[SAVE + SHARE]

I get asked all the time how I plan trips. Planning trips can be stressful and overwhelming, but once you break the trip planning process down step by step, it is actually very simple.

So, here’s how to plan a road trip in just 3 easy steps!

Share this video with your road trip buddy to make planning a breeze. 🌬️

#traveltipsandtricks #traveltiptuesday #traveltip #roadtripready #usaroadtrip
It was… A fun hike? 🥲 It was… A fun hike? 🥲
Follow @indigosahara for more travel inspo ✈️ Follow @indigosahara for more travel inspo ✈️

10 non-negotiable USA highways to road trip before you die!

[SAVE + SHARE]

The US has some of the best road trips on Earth. You can’t miss a chance at taking a USA road trip across these iconic highways during your lifetime.

1. Highway 1.
2. U.S. Route 89.
3. Highway 42.
4. Hana Highway.
5. Alaska Highway.
6. Overseas Highway.
7. Route 66.
8. Blue Ridge Parkway.
9. Million Dollar Highway.
10. Going To The Sun Road.

BONUS. Don’t know which route to take? Here are a few of my all-time favorite spots!

11. White Pocket (U.S. Route 89).
12. Pipiwai Trail (Hana Highway).
13. Winding Road (Highway 42).
14. Grand Teton National Park (U.S. Route 89).
15. Zion National Park (U.S. Route 89).

Is a US road trip on your bucket list? Save these top 10 things to do in the USA so you don’t miss a thing.

#usatravel #usaroadtrip #usroadtrip #roadtripusa
I can’t believe these places are real in the USA I can’t believe these places are real in the USA 🤯

[SAVE + SHARE]

I love finding unique destinations that make you feel like you’re on another planet. These are a few of my favorite places in the U.S. for far. 💫

5. Valley Of Fire State Park.
4. Death Valley National Park.
3. Bryce Canyon National Park.
2. Pink Lake.
1. Rainbow Mountains (Bentonite Hills).

If you visit any of these places, PLEASE be responsible and follow leave no trace principles to help preserve these otherworldly places.

#usaroadtrip #otherworldly #uniquedestinations #usroadtrip #bucketlisttravel

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