What should you carry with you in your carry-on bag on international flights?

Things to always pack in your carry-on
  • Passport.
  • Driving license.
  • Visas (if necessary)
  • Itinerary, including accommodation details.
  • Boarding passes.
  • Travel insurance documents.
  • Medication.
  • Bank cards and cash.




For a 2026 international flight, your carry-on should be a "survival kit" for potential checked-bag delays. Essential items include all travel documents (passport, visas, and a printed backup of your itinerary), all prescription medications in their original packaging, and high-value electronics (laptop, camera). In 2026, a universal power adapter with multiple USB-C ports and a high-capacity power bank (under 100Wh) are mandatory for staying connected. You should also pack a change of clothes (including fresh socks and underwear), a refillable water bottle (empty through security), and a small "freshen-up" kit with a toothbrush and face wipes (under 100ml for liquids). With the rise of "digital-only" amenities, a pair of noise-canceling headphones and an e-reader or pre-downloaded entertainment are vital. Finally, carry a small amount of local currency for your destination, as 2026 airport ATMs can sometimes have high fees or technical issues during outages.

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Things to always pack in your carry-on
  • Passport.
  • Driving license.
  • Visas (if necessary)
  • Itinerary, including accommodation details.
  • Boarding passes.
  • Travel insurance documents.
  • Medication.
  • Bank cards and cash.


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Carry-on packing list
  • Travel wallet.
  • Passport holder.
  • Toiletry bag.
  • TSA-approved liquids bag and compliant containers.
  • Prescription medications.
  • Luggage tag.
  • Travel pillow.
  • Packing cubes.


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Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

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You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most domestic and international flights. But there are a few rules you'll need to follow.

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If you want to take perfume on a plane, you need to keep in mind that perfume is considered a liquid and is subject to TSA regulations. The perfume must be in a container that holds no more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres), and it should be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag for screening.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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In general, travelers are permitted to bring into the plane one personal item and one carry-on bag with them on most flights. The personal item is often a small bag, such as a handbag or laptop bag, that is able to be stowed away beneath the seat that is directly in front of you.

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Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

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Backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags are typically considered personal items too. The key to remember is it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you. A carry-on is a type of hand luggage that you bring into the plane cabin with you and is larger than a personal item.

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We don't have to leave our trusty products at home. If you are packing your makeup in your carry-on, just make sure that any liquids are in a container that is 3.4 ounces or less. You can also take as many 3.4 ounce containers as you want, as long as they all fit into one quart-sized, clear bag.

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TSA counts mascara as a liquid, so the 3-1-1 rule for packing it in hand luggage applies. It states that all liquids have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller and packed in a 1-quart bag. Mascara usually isn't above 3.4 oz, so you're free to pack it in your hand luggage.

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3-1-1 Rule While perfumes and colognes are not inherently hazardous, they are considered dangerous for air travel since they are flammable liquids. If you want to travel with fragrances, you may be allowed to do so in limited quantities. Furthermore, you must pack them properly to take them into the cabin.

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If you want to bring perfume in your hand luggage, you must comply with the “3-1-1 Rule”. This means that it must be in a container with 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less and placed in a single, clear, plastic, sealable bag for inspection.

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Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.

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Most airlines allow backpacks as carry-ons, but size and weight restrictions vary depending on the carrier. Typically, the bag must be within the cabin baggage dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 22 cm), commonly considered the standard size for carry-on.

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Can you put clothes in your personal items? Certainly, you can pack clothes in your personal items or carry-on bag. But for a better experience, we recommend packing most of your clothes in your carry on and leaving extra space in your personal items.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

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Do Toiletry Bags Need to Be Clear? TSA does not specify that toiletry bags need to be clear. However, when traveling with liquids, using a TSA approved clear liquid bag will help expedite the TSA process so agents can see everything easily without further inspection.

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