Regardless of whether or not you are taking a long or short flight, there are always some pieces that you shouldn't go without in your carry-on bag. I don't take a hand luggage too often, but none of the following things would go in there since I would want easy access to them and I wouldn't be able to do that if they were in the overhead compartments. Hence, all of the following things would be put into a handbag or backpack that you can put under the seat in front of you.
1. Backpack.
Starting out with the obvious choice, you need a bag that is able to fit everything that you need in it. One of my favorites is the Kanken Laptop backpacks because they surprisingly fit SO MUCH. I understand that they are a bit of a trend right now, and not everyone likes that, but it was one of the best investments I ever made. It's like when Agatha Cromwell kept taking so much out of that bag of hers in "Halloweentown" because it holds so much. The laptop bags have a second zipper outside the main compartment for your laptop that is made for easy removal at security.
2. Laptop.
Especially for long flights, laptops are perfect for watching those TV series you've been meaning to catch up on. Some flights offer Wi-Fi so that you can even check your social media or Netflix. How lovely. MacBook Airs are thin and lightweight which makes them perfect travel laptops.
3. Chargers.
While I might not be charging my electronics on the flight, I like to carry all of the things that I essentially always need in case something happens to luggage. So I make sure to always keep my chargers in my backpack.
4. Book.
You never know when you are going to get bored, and now is a perfect time to start reading that book you kept putting off. And if it's good, it will help the time pass quicker.
5. Journal and pen.
I always keep a journal and a pen with me because I am a writer. Plus, I like to use my journal and a note taker so that if I remember something I have to do, I jot it down. Regardless of whether you are a writer or not, it's not a bad idea.
6. Hand sanitizer.
Being on a flight can get gross and you never know whom you might end up sitting next to (I had to sit next to an old drunken guy who kept slurring in his Irish accent and it wasn't pretty). Always have some hand sanitizer on you for if you feel dirty, especially because airplanes are basically like a hospital with how many germs can build up in them.
7. Hand and face wipes.
Again, you might be feeling icky while on the flight and it's nice to have something to freshen up with. If you aren't wearing makeup and don't have a travel-size face wash with you, these are perfect. I always find some in the trial sizes that have about 10 to 15 wipes, making them perfect for travel.
8. Tissues.
If you're the one who is sick, please don't spread the germs. These are great for keeping your sickness contained and even better for if you accidentally spill your drink.
9. Headphones.
Do I even need to explain this one?
10. First-aid kit.
CVS sells a small travel first-aid kit with Band-Aids, antiseptic towelettes, and gauze in them. You might not need them, but if you are anything like me and literally get blisters from any shoe you wear, then it's perfect. And you never know when you are going to need it.
11. Makeup/Medicine bag.
This is when I shove all of my liquids into a plastic bag. My medicines aren't necessarily liquids, but it's nice to keep everything in one place. I don't wear a lot of makeup on flights, but I like to put my concealer and mascara in just in case I want them when I get off the plane.
12. Glasses.
I like to wear my contacts when I get on a flight, so if they end up drying out and I want to put them away, I'm going to need my glasses. And I always bring their case with them to make sure they are safe.
13. Lip balm.
Your lips might get dry while in the sky (whoa, that rhymed) so bring some ChapStick with you to keeps your lips comfortable. My favorite is simple Vaseline because you can also use it for any other dry skin, like on your hands.
14. Chewing gum.
Gum is great for when you are taking off and landing because it helps with the popping of your ears. You could go with the travel cups that don't have individually wrapped pieces, but I like the traditional wrapped ones because you can save the wrapper to put your gum in when you can't find a trash bin.
15. Sleeping mask.
Finally, I like to bring a sleep mask. If you wanna catch some shut-eye but it's still light out or your neighbor won't turn out his light, a sleep mask is great for getting some darkness. They also come in a lot of basic and cute designs and styles.
