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Flying can be challenging. The rules keep changing, and with the risk of losing your luggage ever-present, carry-on items have taken on greater importance.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler who logs thousands of air miles each year or the occasional vacationer who rarely sees the inside of a plane, knowing which carry-on items to pack can make a big difference in your comfort, security and entertainment. They can help make the flight more enjoyable and even help out post-flight if your luggage is misplaced.
In this article: Matein Flight-Approved Travel Backpack, Kaoban Passport and Vaccine Card Holder and Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
What are the carry-on regulations?
Traveling changed drastically post-9/11. The Transportation Security Administration maintans an updated list of what you can and cannot take on a flight.
How do I keep liquid carry-on items from spilling?
To keep carry-on items from spilling, place plastic wrap over the lids before securing them. The extra seal should prevent leakage. You can also use bottles and containers designed for travel. Using travel-size containers also limits the amount of liquid that can escape.
What else you should consider
Travel gurus recommend that you pack an extra pair of shoes and socks if your carry-on allows the room. You never know what you might step in or what kind of weather you may have to navigate. Having a pair of dry socks and shoes can be a godsend.
Best carry-on items
Matein Flight-Approved Travel Backpack
This flight-approved backpack is made from water-resistant nylon with metal zippers and numerous pockets for storing large and small items. It has an anti-theft pocket on the back, a USB interface, a shoe compartment and a long luggage strap to give your back a break.
Sold by Amazon
Kaoban Passport and Vaccine Card Holder
This four-in-one passport wallet is designed for your passport, driver’s license, vaccine card and credit card. The vaccine card holder has a protective plastic cover. Made of leather, this durable wallet comes in eight bold colors.
Sold by Amazon
Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
Designed for over 150 countries, this travel adapter has four USB ports, an AC socket and a USB Type C with up to 880 watts of charging power for a maximum of six devices. It works with a wide variety of smartphones and tablets and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Sold by Amazon
Zero Grid Premium Travel Blanket
This ultrathin blanket packs easily, but still provides warmth and comfort. It measures 40 by 70 inches with leg and foot pockets. It has adjustable snaps for securing around your neck and shoulders for reading or napping. There’s a money-back guarantee.
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StashBandz Unisex Travel Money Belt
With no buckles or straps, this money belt fits snugly and discreetly with four large pockets. Designed for both men and women, it has pockets that are 6 by 8 inches and can stretch to accommodate medical devices. It comes in a wide array of colors.
Sold by Amazon
This water bottle is foldable and reusable, holding 16 ounces of liquid with an extra-tight cap. It is free of bisphenol A, freezable and dishwasher safe. Available in 17 colors, it can be collapsed in your carry-on tote and used when off the plane.
Sold by Amazon
The newest version of Kindle has a high-resolution display for clearer reading of e-books. It has an adjustable light/dark mode for reading at different times of day. It stays charged for up to six weeks and has 16 gigabytes of storage.
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This toiletry bag is 12.5 by 33.5 inches when open but easily rolls up to fit in travel backpacks. It has four compartments with zipper closures. The main pocket has elastic straps for holding bottles in place. A hanging strap and metal hook are included.
Sold by Amazon
Amazon Basics Four-Piece Packing Cubes Set
These four packing cubes come in different sizes made from soft mesh with a ventilated top panel. There is a webbing handle for easy carrying. The packing cubes fit in a wide variety of suitcases and are malleable, yet durable with an inner fabric design.
Sold by Amazon
Smooth Trip Medicine Organizer Travel Bag
This portable pill organizer has eight pockets with secure zipper tops. The heavy-duty polyester is layered with metal mesh that protects medicine and prevents tearing. It has two pull tabs for a key lock combination if desired.
Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
- The Charmast Portable Charger has built-in cables and six outlets for keeping your smartphone and tablet powered.
- Don’t rely on the hotel or airport free Wi-Fi. Protect your information by securing the connection with the GL.iNet VPN Wireless Router.
- You can protect your laptop from the bumps of traveling with ieGeek’s Carrying Travel Case.
- Travel-size hand sanitizer is a must in today’s environment.
- In case you get stranded somewhere without your luggage, it’s a good idea to keep travel-sized hand lotion, roll-on deodorant, lip balm, a toothbrush and toothpaste close by.
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Steve Ganger writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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