What do you put in your carry on bag?

[momof2mouses]

Not used to flying; it's usually too expensive for our family of 4. But we got a great deal on air fair! Yay! I figured we'd put a change of clothes and our magic bands of course. But what else??

 

[DVC California]

• Tablet - to watch movies, listen to music, read, etc
• Extra Glasses
• Prescriptions/Medicines
• Folder w/ ALL Reservation Info: Air, Hotel, Car Rental, etc. (YES, I'm OCD!)
• Sandwiches or Snacks if long flight
• One change of clothes

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Excellent list from DVC California.

I would add:

• Camera
• Laptop computer
• Jewelry
• Anything valuable
• Anything fragile
• Sunscreen (3.4 oz max. container in 3-1-1 bag)

 

[Mousemom234]

• Tablet - to watch movies, listen to music, read, etc
• Extra Glasses
• Prescriptions/Medicines
• Folder w/ ALL Reservation Info: Air, Hotel, Car Rental, etc. (YES, I'm OCD!)
• Sandwiches or Snacks if long flight
• One change of clothes

All of the above, plus

• Cameras and extra batteries, and memory cards
• Laptop You can check it, but you're better off knowing where it is at all times
• Any chargers you'll need for laptops, phones, ipods... If they're checked, you may find TSA has rummaged in your bag, to figure out what all the wires on the x-ray go to And you might not have them when you need them, if bags are delayed, or you're changing planes
• Any 'I would cry if we lost this' items Custom shirts, favorite toy, stuffed animals..
• Any and all jewelry - even the cheap stuff
• Lip gloss / chapstix - flying is dry
• Gum, to help with the inevitable ear pops
• I'll second food. Especially on a longer flight, or one that connects. Even if it's a short flight, a few snacks are usually welcome, especially fruit - it's hydrating.
• Something else for if the tablet gives out; books, quiet games (crosswords, word find, sudoku)
• Headphones / earbuds if your flight provides music or movies. Some flights charge for them, if they have them and didn't run out 3 row ahead of you.
  
• Depending on when your flight is supposed to arrive, sleepwear, or similar. Your luggage may arrive well after bedtime, especially with DME and early bedtimes.
• Also, a few basic toiletries - wipes, hairbrush, toothbrush & paste, deodorant... Pick up some sample sized stuffs at the drugstore. I keep a 3-1-1 type bag packed just with that stuff, and it goes with us even when we drive to vacation.

 

[momof2mouses]

Thanks! Lots of great ideas

 

[rwdavis2]

To emphasize, put everything in the carry on that's likely to be stolen if it is in checked luggage: electronics, prescription meds, cameras.

Otherwise, the prior suggestions are pretty good.

 

[goofy4tink]

Anything I can't afford to lose, to begin with. That means all electronices (iPad, phone, camera, batteries, and chargers).
Then, a book, change of clothes (at least underwear), toiletries (toothbrush, paste, shampoo/cond., deod), brush. Some tissues.
Maybe a swimsuit if it's going to be hot when I arrive.
Any prescriptions I take.
All my travel documents.
Food....more like snacks. And a bottle of water.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

And a bottle of water.

Just a reminder that the bottle of water must be purchased or filled after going through the TSA security checkpoint. TSA allows empty water bottles but not filled bottles through the checkpoint.

Some airports, including Chicago-O'Hare, now have dispensers offering free filtered water within the secure areas of the terminals.

 

[Spunky946]

In addition to the aforementioned, I always pack a pair of pajamas and a change if clothing for all 4 of us in case the luggage is delayed.

If we are taking two suitcases, I even go as far as put stuff for all of us in both cases, just in case.

Better be safe then sorry.

 

[Lewisc]

Anything I can't afford to lose, to begin with. That means all electronices (iPad, phone, camera, batteries, and chargers).
Then, a book, change of clothes (at least underwear), toiletries (toothbrush, paste, shampoo/cond., deod), brush. Some tissues.
Maybe a swimsuit if it's going to be hot when I arrive.
Any prescriptions I take.
All my travel documents.
Food....more like snacks. And a bottle of water.

+1
It's that simple. Anything valuable, which might get stolen from checked luggage, Anything you might need during the flight. Anything you'll need right after you arrive, assuming your luggage might get misdirected.

Most hotels offer complimentary shampoo and conditioner. Some people have a favorite brand. Others think the hotel supplied shampoo is fine, or at lest is useable if their checked bags are delayed.

The OP isn't used to flying. TSA limits liquids you can bring through security. The maximum is 100ml (3.4 oz) per container and all your containers must fit in a quart ziplock baggie. Each passenger is allowed one baggie. Medical liquids, including contact lens solution, is exempt. The container size is what matters. You can't half fill a 6oz bottle.

Another point not mentioned. Most airlines charge for checked bags. Some people like to max out their carryon allowance in order to reduce or eliminate checked bag charges. Putting heavy items like extra shoes and books in your carryon bags will reduce the weight of your checked bags.

 

[dawnhaze]

All my electronics and peripherals (chargers, accessories), anything even remotely valuable (trading pin collection comes to mind), all my prescriptions and essential medical and hygiene items (toothbrush, hairbrush, 3-1-1 bag, etc). And one full change of clothes (including bra/socks/underwear), pajamas, swimsuit and flip-flops.

In my purse, I always have Chapstick, gum, sanitizing wipes, Advil, sunglasses, and dental floss.

Basically, if you couldn't live without it for 24-48 hours, or it would ruin your life to lose it forever, you should bring it in your carry-on.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I take everything I need for my trip in my carry-on bag, because I very rarely check luggage.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I pretty much pack the contents of my purse, travel documents, anything extremely valuable, medication, and anything I would need if I had to stay somewhere overnight without my checked suitcase, particularly if I have a connecting flight (change of clothes, basic toiletries, etc). I would NOT want to be stuck someplace overnight and not be able to change my clothes!

Either in my carry on or personal item, I pack stuff to do on the plane (Kindle, word search book, iPod, etc.).

And because I am a germaphobe, I take a travel size package of clorox wipes so that I can wipe down my tray table, arm rest, and the hotel room when I get there.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

depending on time of year, swim suits for pool. make sure change of clothes also includes adults, not just kids. I would also put hair brushes etc in the carryon. nothing like not being able to redo hair

 

[alaska8]

I always take a cardigan or wrap with me....can be cooler on airplanes.

 

[DVC Sue]

I'm getting some good ideas here! Thanks everyone...