9 Must-Have Carry-On Items

Everyone has their own carry-on essentials, and people get passionate about their favorites. Some people are certain about this brand of gummy bears or that variety of neck pillow. But we can all agree that when luggage space is at a premium on your flight, you want to make sure you have the right necessities on your vacation packing checklist.

What you stash in your carry-on can keep you feeling organized and sane until you arrive at your destination. So here are nine good things for your carry-on — call it the essentials to start from. You can add the gummy bears later. And to make sure everything at home is protected while you’re away, talk a Farm Bureau agent.

1. Your Travel Documents

Your travel documents, including your passport, should be the most important items in your carry-on. Everything else is replaceable — you can always pick up snacks or headphones at the airport — but without your ID, you’re not going anywhere.

It’s smart to get a designated pouch or wallet and keep them all together in a side pocket or separate from the rest of your stuff. You can even get a travel belt to keep them close to your body if you’re nervous about losing them (though you’ll have to pull it off when you go through security). That way, you can breathe easy knowing you know right where they are.

And remember to take pictures of all your documents and send them to a trusted family member or friend for backup, just in case.

1. Valuable Items

If you’re traveling with any valuable items, don’t put them in your checked luggage, which can get lost or stolen. Keep them nearby — which means keep them in your carry-on luggage. Some items you shouldn’t put in your checked luggage include laptops, digital cameras, jewelry, priceless memorabilia or anything else that you’d be devastated to lose. Keep sentimental and pricey items close (or leave them at home entirely). 

1. Snacks

The key to a good flight (especially a long flight) is having great snacks. You’re better off choosing your snack rather than hoping the flight has one you like. Plus, you never know when hunger will strike. Bring your own goodies to keep from shelling out for overpriced snacks at the airport or begging for another teeny bag of pretzels from the flight attendant.

1. Empty Water Bottle

You can’t bring a bottle of water (or a large bottle of any liquids) through security. But you’re going to get thirsty in-flight, and staying hydrated is a key to staying healthy, particularly on long flights. Here’s the solution: Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up on the other side of security.

Airports often have bottle-filling stations at water fountains. You can even bring a packet of electrolytes or fun (dry) flavoring to make it more delicious. The important thing is to have some water so you don’t get parched — and so you don’t wind up paying airport prices for water. Save that money for vacation!

1. Gum

Even if you’re not a big gum chewer, bring a pack with you. It can be refreshing to chew after a nap, and it can relieve pressure in your ears. It can also help you stay awake in a pinch.

1. Hand Sanitizer or Disinfectant Wipes

Germs certainly can spread in an airplane cabin — especially from that guy sitting next to you who refuses to cover his mouth when he sneezes. Protect yourself from infectious bacteria in that gross airplane bathroom, plus on and around your chair and tray table, by wiping down your area and using hand sanitizer when necessary.

1. Good Book or E-Reader

You could just watch TV for your whole flight, but it’s a perfect time to dive into a great book! Bring a paper book (or, if you’re saving space, your Kindle) and get lost in an amazing story. Before you know it, you’ll look up, and you’ll already be there.

1. Power Brick

Even if you plan on a short travel day, you never know when weather or mechanical issues can cause delays – and you don’t want to have to search the airport for an empty outlet to charge your phone. Bringing a power brick can ensure that all your devices – phone, e-reader, tablet or smartwatch – will be ready to hit the ground running when you reach your destination. 

1. Earplugs or Noise-Cancelling Headphones

 Your fellow passengers can get a little rowdy sometimes (or maybe there’s just an unhappy baby a few rows back). Instead of getting annoyed, pop in your earplugs or headphones, tune out and enjoy the quiet. You’re enroute to a new destination; enjoy a little bliss before you get there.

Protect Yourself as You Travel

When you’re traveling, you want to be covered. Reach out to Farm Bureau to make sure you have the policy you need to keep your home, your family and yourself safe.