Before you Pack
When traveling internationally, you will think you need to pack every single thing you own, just in case. But this isn’t true if you can remember to pack items that can serve many purposes, or that will ensure the best possible plane ride experience.
It is the best feeling knowing you are prepared for anything that may happen. And as someone who has international travel experience, I can assure you anything is possible! International travel items to include are electronics, toiletries, comfort, and a little extra. Traveling with a baby? See my full Newborn packing list.
I hope this list helps you have a better experience during your flight! Please let me know if there are any international plane travel items you pack in your carry-on.
Electronics
Travel Power Adapter
This outlet adapter is a lifesaver. No matter where you end up in the world, you will have a plug. It can be used in 150 countries and has two USB ports for multiple device charging. It is not essential for in-flight, but if you have a layover anywhere, you will love having this.
laptop / kindle
I love my laptop. It is 13 inches and only weighs 2.5 lbs. It is a touch screen which is extra cool, and it connects to my amazon prime account, so I can read or watch anything I have previously downloaded without the need for WiFi.
The key here is to be prepared when you don’t have an internet connection and you want to watch some full-length movies. It is one of the most expensive international plane travel items, but the battery life lasts extremely longer than my Macbook pro.
The Kindle is great for kids on long flights. Before you travel, download what you want them to watch and just let them have it.
noise-canceling headphones
Noise canceling headphones are the best option on a plane. The worst thing while trying to watch an in-flight movie or listen to music is having the background noise of the plane’s engine or people talking. If you want to watch some of the in-flight movie options like me, having a corded option is great.
I prefer over-the-ear vs in-the-ear headphones because I have ear-aches when I have the in-the-ear headphones on for too long. Noise-cancelling headphones are always worth the price.
6 ft i-phone charger
The longer chargers are perfect when in the airport and you don’t want to sit on the floor next to the outlet. You could even do 3 feet if 6 feet is too far.
Comfort
Memory Foam Neck Pillow
I used to use the neck pillow that had beads in it. I quickly realized that once I put my head on it, the beads shift, and it becomes flat. Go with Memory foam! This one has extra padding and ties in the front, so your head doesn’t slip out. I feel like my cheeks are squished, but there is a comfort in knowing that my head isn’t going to slip out while I am sleeping.
The pillow folds into a nice bag that keeps it from getting anything on it. I like to hang the bag on the outside of my carry-on, so it doesn’t waste space and is easily accessible mid-flight.
gel sleep mask
A silky mask with a cooling gel pad = the best sleep on a plane. One of my favorite international plane travel items. This mask makes the biggest difference, even on a red-eye flight. Try it!
Some masks read, “wake me when the food comes around”, but I somehow always wake up when the food comes. It must be the aroma or just the instincts of needing free plane food.
Fluffy Socks
Even if you wear sandals on the plane, packing any kind of socks in your carry on for a long flight is crucial for comfort. Fluffy socks are the most comfortable ones I like to travel with. Planes can get cold and since you are sitting, a blanket won’t reach your feet.
oversized hooded cardigan
I wear my hooded poncho/cardigan on every plane ride. It is easy to take off during security checks, it is like wearing a blanket! You want to find one with pockets for easy access to your passport or plane tickets. You also want one that opens in the middles and is not a pullover.
Trust me on this one, it will change the way you travel. Sweaters with zippers are uncomfortable, and hooded sweatshirts are too hard to take off when seated in a plane. Put in your headphones/earplugs, your eye mask and pull your hood; You will sleep as well as a person can on a plane.
a cute outfit
I would normally not put this on the list, but… We had a layover in Paris, and the airline offered us $600 to stay the night in a free hotel with complimentary meals and take the next flight in the morning. We were in no rush to go home so of course, we accepted the offer! Unfortunately, all our clothes were in our checked luggage (which we were unable to access) so we ended up buying the essentials needed for the stay.
I won’t let that happen again! You also never know if your luggage will not show up the same time you do. I have heard of times where people were overbooked for their flight, managed to get on an earlier flight, but their luggage didn’t arrive until much later.
Depending on the weather: Be sure to pack a nice shirt/blouse (chiffon is lightweight and looks classy), shorts/pants, and underwear. If you are already wearing a cardigan you won’t need to pack a sweater or jacket. A romper can cover the majority of the extra clothes if you like them.
Toiletries
Besides the obvious, like toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, possibly dry shampoo, etc. These international travel items are probably ones you haven’t thought of to pack with you on the plane.
chapstick
The altitude and forced air in planes results in very dry conditions. It is always a good idea to have chapstick on hand. I love having multiple chap sticks because they easily get lost within my carry-on. I usually put three in my luggage just in case. Get something organic or without a lot of chemicals. Studies have shown that people end up eating about 80% of the chapstick they apply.
Hand Sanitizer
Travel-sized hand sanitizers have a clip-on that can go on the outside of your carry-on. From people touching your seat, buttons, magazines, windows, armrest, etc.
Share with your neighbor. Start a conversation by asking if they want a little squeeze of your hand sanitizer. Everyone appreciates a clean seat buddy, and it will be a lot easier to ask them to get up if you are in a window seat. Win-Win
Mini Deoderant
When choosing a deodorant, make sure it states that it is antiperspirant. This makes all the difference regarding the long-lasting effects, and of course, decreases your pit’s urge to sweat. These Dove travel size deodorants are the perfect fit for any small international travel carry-on.
gum
Gum works for me in two ways… One, it is a great breath-mint. I like to pack a toothbrush, but it takes time to get up and brush your teeth, so this is my lazy solution. It helps save me and the poor soul who must sit next to my morning breath! Gum is yet another thing that is easy to share with your neighbor.
Two, it is also a great way to pop your ears during takeoff or descent. I like to get individually packaged gum, so I don’t have to bring the whole pack if I need the space.
kleenex
You rarely see napkins in a plane during international travel, unless they serve it with food or a drink, or you grab one from the bathroom. You never know when a runny nose will come on during a cold plane ride.
Squirt some of your hand sanitizers into tissue and make a sanitizing wipe for all the surfaces like your seat, buttons, magazines, windows, armrest, etc.
Extras
snacks
Plan for this one! Always pack sweet, salty, and somewhat healthy options so you have a wide variety. They get through the security just fine and are a fraction of the cost of those at the airport convenience store. The more you have, the better off you will be.
Make sure to pack the in-flight essentials from the rest of the international travel items list first, then leave the rest of your carry-on room for the snacks! It makes your mind think your carryon doesn’t have any more room to over-pack, which when eaten, leaves space for souvenirs!
mini liquor bottles
Mini alcohol bottles are awesome when during international travel. They are great for one or two cocktails. You can take the edge off by sipping on an in-flight cocktail without breaking the bank.
When in flight, just wait for the drink cart and order your free mixer (coke, sprite, ginger ale, orange juice, etc..) and pour in your mini alcohol. Just remember that you are at a higher elevation which will dehydrate your body, so drink plenty of water before and after your homemade cocktails.
Pack This, Not That...
water bottle
Collapsible Water Bottle: These are great in theory, but as a person who has tried this, the fountain water is disgusting. Unless you have a lifestraw, I would suggest just buying a large water from the convenience store after you get past security. It will be nice and cold, and well worth the $2.00 – $3.00.
books
Books: Most flights that are longer than 8 hours will likely be dark, no matter the time of day. Don’t be that annoying person who has their light on trying to read while everyone else is trying to get much deserved sleep. They take up space, and are overall one of the worst international plane travel items. Instead, invest in a Kindle E-reader, Fire Tablet, or something with a back-light so it is a little less evasive.
blankets
Blanket: Most airlines offer a blanket during long flights. Packing one is so cumbersome and you won’t have room to pack much of anything else. Instead, try wearing a cute poncho or cardigan that will cover your legs while seated. I wear my hooded cardigan on every plane ride. It is easy to take off during security checks, & it doubles as a blanket!