Everyone has their own must-have items in their carry-on bag, and when luggage space is at a premium on your flight, you want to make sure you have the appropriate necessities. What you stash in your carry-on can keep you feeling organized and sane until you arrive at your destination. Here are 8 must-have items to not overlook when packing for your trip.

Travel Documents

Your travel documents – Oftentimes your travel documents, including your passport, are the No. 1 most important items in your carry-on. Be sure to keep them all together in a side pocket or separate from the rest of your stuff. You can breathe easy knowing you know right where they are.

Expensive items

Expensive items – Be sure to keep your valuable items nearby and keep an eye on them at all times. Do you know where the expensive digital camera is that you’re planning on taking the perfect picture with? Or how about your favorite necklace? Keep those sentimental and sometimes pricey items close.

Snacks

Snacks – For some, the key to a good flight are the snacks you’re able to munch on while in transit. You never know when the hunger feeling may strike, so be prepared to bring your own goodies – that way you won’t be shelling out the bucks for an overpriced bag of peanuts.

Gum

Gum – You might laugh, but gum on a flight has a couple of good uses. It can be refreshing after a nap, and it can relieve pressure in your ears.

Hand Sanitizer/disinfectant wipes

Hand Sanitizer/disinfectant wipes – We’ve heard the horror stories of germs being spread throughout the cabin – cue the man sitting next to you who won’t cover his mouth when he coughs. Help put the kibosh on infectious bacteria that are known to live in bathrooms, on and around your chair and tray table, by wiping down your area and using hand sanitizer when necessary.

A good book

A good book – What would we do before the days of iPods, iPads and other electronics. Take a break from “screen time” and get lost in a good book. It’s simple – instead of making the book a good back up to when your battery dies mid-flight, start out with it.

Travel Journal

Travel Journal – Some of the best travel plans are spontaneous, so make sure to have pen and paper handy. Now that you’ve spent your time researching your destination, map it out and jot down the fun ideas you don’t want to miss.

Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones

Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones – Just imagine you’re daydreaming of laying on the beach with a drink in your hand, but in all reality, all you can hear are the rowdy passengers across the aisle. Take action and put some earplugs or headphones in and tune whatever you need out.

Want to learn more?

Contact a local FBFS agent or advisor for answers personalized to you.