What’s in My Personal Item, Travel Editors Tell All
Packing a personal item is, well … personal. Dive into any traveler’s bag and you’ll find everything from in-flight snacks to full skincare routines. Knowing what you’ll need at your fingertips during a flight is a finely honed skill that will keep you from repeatedly reaching for the overhead bin. We asked our travel experts what they toss in their personal items before boarding to help you pack like a pro.
-
What’s on a Travel Editor’s Personal Item Packing List?
Caroline Teel, SmarterTravel Executive Editor: I never board a flight without an inflatable travel pillow, specifically the Flow Zoom. The unique shape has a flat back, so it doesn't push my head forward like regular U-shaped travel pillows do. I have a small, reusable zippered bag that I keep in my personal item. Inside, I keep a small pen (even in the digital age, it's come in handy for filling out landing cards/custom forms), earplugs, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and a pair of wired headphones for in-flight entertainment.
Pack Like a Pro:
Carol Mcpherson, SmarterTravel Senior Editor: I pack my personal bag to maximize comfort on the plane. Traveling is a trial for my dry skin, so I never leave without my Aquaphor lip stick and a pack of hydrocolloid nose patches, which lock in moisture while also controlling oil by the sides of my nose. For tech, I always have my noise-cancelling headphones and a battery pack for the airport in case I can’t find an outlet (I love my super lightweight BioLite Charge 20 PD ). Lastly, I swear by the TRTL travel pillow—it's not the most fashionable, but it totally cured my head bobbing and actually lets me catch some sleep—and ginger chews in case of in-flight nausea.
Pack Like a Pro:
Megan Johnson, SmarterTravel Senior Editor: My personal bag is usually pretty boring. It always has my phone, earbuds, tablet, and laptop (when I bring one) and their subsequent chargers (which I keep in their own pouch). I also never travel without a pack of gum, and pull it out once my ears pop or my stomach gets queasy. My other essentials include hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and a small umbrella (I love this one from Vera Bradley. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and is handy for when it’s raining when you land).
Pack Like a Pro:
Still stuck on what to bring? Check out our Ultimate Personal Item Packing List to craft your own list of go-to flight accessories.