Carry-on Packing for International Long-Haul Flights (My Checklist Included)

Carry on Packing List

After taking dozens of long-haul flights, and meticulously planning trips to more than 40 countries, I’ve become a bit of a pro at this packing thing. I have recently built my own personal packing checklist that I rely on. This post shares this downloadable checklist and some quick essentials for packing.

When packing for long haul flights, you want to think about packing buckets: important documents, entertainment, electronics, comfort and clothes, toiletries and other stuff (like medication). Feel free to input your email below to receive the complete printable checklist:

How to pack essentials for international long-haul flights

Packing for long-haul international flights are especially challenging. You’re trying to remember all the likely essentials you will need for several hours on the plane. You need to ensure you’re comfortable, will stay entertained and feeling fresh. On top of this, you need to stay hydrated, relatively fresh and still have all those important things for when you land.

Here are some things I bring to make sure I stay comfortable, entertained, fresh, and ready.

Carry-on Essentials (Must Haves for Long Haul)

Important Documents

These are the basic must-have/must-not-forget. Bring your passport, visas, wallet and other documents that may be needed by customs officers (e.g. hotel reservation proof).

Tech & Electronics

Only bring what you will use: e.g.

Power bank – very crucial for when you’re at an airport with limited outlets or just in a place that doesn’t have your phone charger’s charging outlet(happened to me before)

Headphones – You want a good set of headphones ‘cause sometimes airplane headphones can be quite flimsy. Noise-cancelling headphones also help with noise and sleep

Entertainment

Offline entertainment – downloaded podcasts, playlists, shows. I don’t know if it’s just me, but a long journey is a great opportunity to catch up on those shows you’ve been adding to your list. Or that book you haven’t found time to read yet.

Comfort items & Clothes

Comfort items and toiletries are those things that make a difference for your energy levels.

Neck pillow – I was once upgraded to first class and haven’t been the same since realizing how different a flight is when you can sleep on a fully reclined bed. Until I can afford more first class flights, a neck pillow is the best thing for decent sleep.

Change of clothes – Always think ahead and have a change of clothes in your carry on luggage. Can come in handy during a layover or even if your checked in is delayed.

You won’t use it in the plane, but it will give you peace of mind for later.

Toiletries

Goes without saying here, but you want to bring some things to ensure you can have quick cleanups during the journey and on landing: Toothpaste, toothbrush, sanitizer, wipes etc

Miscellaneous

You know those things you’re not 100% sure you’ll use, but it’s horrible if you don’t have them on hand…yes those.

Water bottle – You know how flight attendants will serve water in those little plastic cups? Make sure you have an empty refillable bottle to stay hydrated.

Medication – That long haul flight will be even worse if you’re not feeling well. Basic painkillers for headache, flu (blocked sinuses etc), tummy upset, or even some medication to help with sleep and jetlag.

GET THE FREE COMPLETE CHECKLIST

I hope this snippet has been helpful. You can grab the full checklist below. It’s a complete, printable carry-on packing list.

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