Whether you’re taking a short trip and want to save costs, or you’re going on a long-haul flight and want to take personal items on the flight, cabin suitcases are a must-have.
The problem? There’s almost always something you forget to pack! Whether you try to hunker down for a snooze and realise you’ve forgotten to bring a neck pillow, or you’re stuck thousands of feet high with a headache and no painkillers, forgetting crucial cabin luggage items can be a real pain.
Luckily, with our ultimate guide to cabin luggage must-haves, you’ll never forget one of those all-important items again. Here’s everything you need for a foolproof journey.
Entertainment
Flights (especially long-haul ones) can get boring quickly if you don’t have anything to do. Plus, if you’re a nervous flyer, you’ll need entertainment to keep you distracted.
Packing books is a good idea, or if you don’t want to take up too much space in your suitcase, opt for an iPad or Kindle with multiple books on it instead. Download movies or a TV show on your phone before you leave. If you’d rather do something more mindful, pack an adult colouring book or puzzle book to keep you occupied.
A Travel Pillow
You’re flying high, feeling relaxed, and ready for a nap before arriving at your destination. There’s just one problem. Airplane chairs aren’t equipped for sleeping, and they can be notoriously uncomfortable for your neck.
That’s where a travel pillow comes in. Travel pillows can be draped around your neck to make your sleeping position more comfortable, and help you drift off to sleep. They’re the perfect accessory if you like to spend your flights sleeping soundly.
Liquids
If you’re going on a holiday and taking cabin luggage only, you’ll need to take your liquids with you in your bag or suitcase. Remember to keep liquids sizes at 100ml, and pack them in a clear plastic bag so security can see them easily. For extra efficiency, pack them at the top of your suitcase for easy access at the security gate.
Even if you’re taking a suitcase to go in the hold, it’s worth packing liquids in your carry-on bag, too. Liquids like hand sanitiser, hand cream, and makeup basics can be useful to have on your person.
Sleep Masks and Earplugs
As well as a travel pillow, a sleep mask and earplugs are must-pack items for your plane journey. Planes are notoriously noisy, especially if there’s a young baby or a large group on your flight, with a whopping 61% of air travellers reporting below-average or poor sleep on a flight.
Sleep masks and ear plugs help you to shut out the light and sound, allowing you to enjoy a long deep sleep - no matter the distractions.
A Portable Charger
If you’ve ever tried to find a charger (not in use by somebody else) in an airport, you’ll know it’s like finding a needle in a haystack. Plus, most commercial airlines don’t offer charging points on their planes, so keeping your phone full of juice is challenging to stay the least.
But arriving at your destination with low battery can be a nightmare, especially if you’re relying on your maps app to get around. That’s why a portable charger is a non-negotiable for your next flight. Just remember to charge the charger itself beforehand!
A Travel Guide
There’s often little to keep you entertained on flights, so why not give yourself something to do while learning about your destination at the same time? Packing a travel guide is the perfect way to get to know your destination before you arrive, and make some exciting plans for the weekend or week ahead.
Basic Medication
When you first arrive at your destination, medication might not be readily available. If you’re prone to headaches, stomach cramps, acid reflux or other common health problems, it’s worth packing medication to help.
That way, not only will you avoid the possibility of an uncomfortable flight, but you’ll also have medication on hand if you need it upon your arrival.
A Blanket or Jumper
Planes are notoriously cold (and sometimes uncomfortable), so packing something warm and cosy is crucial. Blankets and jumpers, however, can take up valuable space in your carry-on luggage, so wrap one around your waist or shoulders instead of packing it.
Valuables
Theft in the airport is rare, but it does happen. The closer you can keep your belongings to you at all times, the less chance they have of being stolen. With that in mind, pack expensive valuables such as your laptop, phone, wallet, and cash in your carry-on luggage.
Even better, put a padlock on the section of your bag or suitcase in which you’re keeping your valuable items.
A Refillable Water Bottle
Travelling is thirsty work, and if you don’t hydrate enough, you can be left feeling tired and under the weather during your journey. Rather than buying a plastic bottle at the airport, do your bit for the environment and pack a refillable one.
Collapsible bottles are even better - you’ll have more space in your suitcase when it comes to carrying it around.
Travel Documents
You’ll need access to your passport, boarding pass, and other crucial travel documents multiple times throughout your airport journey. Not only should you keep them in your hand luggage, but keep them in an easily-accessible folder at the top of your suitcase or in a secure side pocket.
Don’t Forget About the Luggage Itself!
Creating a killer packing list is all well and good, but don’t forget the vital step of finding practical, stylish hand luggage to carry it all in. There are tons of options on the market, including hard luggage (such as aluminium suitcases), soft, fabric suitcases, or bags.
If you’re looking for more security and durability, aluminium suitcases are your best bet. If you’re a chronic over-packer and need a little more flexibility from your suitcase, opt for a fabric option instead.
Whatever your choice of luggage, prioritise buying it from a retailer that uses high-quality materials to create stylish, practical pieces that will last a lifetime.
