Here’s a flight outfit and carry-on travel gear guide with all of the products that I typically use to travel. It’s easy to overpack your carry-on, and also easy to forget things, so hopefully this gear guide can help you out!
I’m a firm believer in the fact that being able to travel by flight is a huge privilege, which is why I always emphasize the importance of proper flight etiquette. Aside from not annoying your neighbors and controlling bodily functions, that also includes looking like someone who is ready for an adventure, and not like someone who just rolled out of bed.
You also want to make sure you have the essentials in your carry-on so that you don’t get bored or uncomfortable! So here’s my flight and carry-on travel gear guide of products I use or recommend, and if you click on their photos you’ll be able to shop the gear directly from Amazon!
Flight Outfit Essentials
There’s a technique behind what to wear on the flight as well, because you want to be comfortable at the same time as classy. My theory is to always wear things that cover as much skin as possible, so you look presentable while at the same time you’re protecting yourself from the millions of germs on airplanes. Plus, you never know who you’ll get seated next to!
I emphasize on the pockets part because that’s what typical qualifies a pair of pants as actual pants and not just leggings or pajama pants. I also mention pockets because they come in very handy when you’re getting rushed through check-in and boarding and need somewhere to put your phone, ID, and ticket.
As I mentioned, I try to cover as much skin as possible, both to look classy, and also to protect myself from germs. There’s no way I want any part of me touching an airplane seat if it’s possible to avoid it!
Even if it’s one hundred degrees outside, you should always still bring a blazer or sweater on your flight, for a couple reasons; one is that again, it’s classy, another is that it gets pretty cold on flights, and lastly, it can double as a pillow or blanket!
Some people won’t agree with me on this, just like some won’t agree with me that you should NEVER take your shoes off on a flight, but in my opinion, you should always wear closed-toed shoes on a flight. My reason for this is again for sanitary reasons, and also because you’re in extremely close quarters, and having your feet exposed just a few inches from a total stranger is kind of gross.
You don’t want to be fumbling and fidgeting around to find your phone every so often to check the time, so wear a watch that’s easy to adjust, so that you can change the time to be what it is in your destination. That way it’ll be easy to know how much time is left on the flight and you’ll look like a classy, dapper, sophisticated traveler! If you like this one, you can get 15% off with the code “mylifesamovie” on DanielWellington.com!
Sunglasses are an essential flight item for a couple reasons. They allow you to shield yourself from unwanted conversations as well as unwanted sunlight, and they are the perfect eye mask for those of us with a slight fear of completely covering our eyes.
(This isn’t me and sorry for the snarled face she’s giving) I like wearing a hat because it makes me feel like Indiana Jones, and also because it shields my head from touching the headrest of the seat. It’s also great if you’re trying to sleep or avoid doing your hair!
Carry-on Flight Gear
Your carry-on flight gear is a crucial part of your trip because it’s what’s going to keep you happy and comfortable during flights. I usually also use carry-on luggage instead of checking my bag, but I’ll stick to the basics of a personal carry-on first!
Recently I started using a backpack instead of a shoulder bag as my carry-on bag because it has more room, and requires less hands to use. I use one that’s not only trendy-looking, but good for the world too because it’s made by, and supports locals in Ethiopia!
My other travel bag that I swear by and that has been to over ten countries with me is a shoulder/tote bag made of seatbelts. Yes, seatbelts. It’s roomy and basically indestructible and technically doubles as a defense mechanism and weapon.
I switch wallets when I travel because I like to use a bigger one that also has compartments for my passport and travel documents. I’ve been on way too many flights where I can’t find my regular wallet, passport, or ticket in my bag, so having everything in one place is really helpful.
Make sure you have a charger for your phone, laptop, camera, GoPro, whatever, and if it doesn’t have a detachable plug (AKA not a USB chord), make sure you bring an adapter too if you’re going international! Also packing a portable charger is always a great idea!
Chargers are the most annoying thing to pack, and also the most annoying thing to forget to pack. To avoid being annoyed at all, I use a small bag specifically for all of my (many) chargers so that I don’t forget any, and immediately know where they are, plus avoid them getting tangled everywhere
You only get one quart-sized plastic bag for liquids, but if you pick the right kind of bag, you get to fit more liquids. Just saying.
The air on a plane in flight is the same dryness as the Sahara desert, you just can’t tell because it’s not as hot. Having dry skin can get pretty uncomfortable so be sure to add a 3oz or less bottle of hand lotion to your plastic bag of liquids.
Hand sanitizer is great and all but it takes up space in the liquids bag and I’m not entirely sure how great of a job it does at actually removing dirt or gross stuff. I use antibacterial wipes instead because at least I can wipe away the germs from my hands and seat area, and throw it away instead of just expecting it to evaporate.
In case anyone is interested in knowing my opinion on best travel laptops, I use a MacBook Air 13″ and absolutely love it. It’s light, it fits in almost any bag, and it’s awesome.
I also must mention my laptop case and recommend getting one if you’re traveling with your laptop because it not only protects it from damage, but protects it from touching gross germs on the seat-back tray table.
On every flight I usually end up using my notepad and pen because those 30-45minute periods when they tell you to shut down your computer and keep your phone in airplane mode drive me absolutely insane. Plus you usually need a pen for immigration forms, and writing things down in general can be quite therapeutic.
Another good distraction for when you’re not allowed to use your laptop or phone. Especially if it’s something travel related or about the destination you’re heading to!
Somehow your teeth acquire plaque at an increased rate on flights, which is really gross, and pretty uncomfortable. That’s why it’s nice to have a disposable toothbrush to use during or near the end of the flight to stay fresh.
No explanation really necessary here, just a friendly reminder to get them and remember to pack them.
Just like your skin, your internal body also gets dehydrated immensely on flights. You’re not allowed bringing your own water in, and water bottles can get pretty pricey at airports, so bring an empty self-filtering water bottle with you an fill it up at a water fountain before you board your flight.
Usually I try to work as much as possible on flights, but if it’s a red-eye or super long flight, a travel pillow is usually a great thing to have handy. I usually use an inflatable neck pillow, or this comfy smooshy pillow someone gave me.
Not for a wardrobe change, but mostly just in case you checked a bag and happen to get your luggage lost 🙂
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