What I Pack in My Personal Item for Every Flight
Whether I’m flying to Alaska, heading back to the Lower 48, or taking a quick weekend trip, there are a few things that never leave my backpack (aka my “personal item”).
I’ve learned this lesson the hard way after delayed luggage, long travel days, tiny regional flights, and unexpected weather changes. While your checked bag can disappear for a day or two, you always have your personal item with you!
If I had to replace everything in my suitcase tomorrow, these are the items I’d be most grateful I packed.
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I note the links that are not affiliate links in this post.
1. All Important Documents
This one seems obvious, but it’s worth mentioning first.
I always keep these together in an easy-to-reach pouch:
- Driver’s license and passport (I always bring both)
- Debit card and credit cards
- Health insurance card
Having everything in one place makes airport security and boarding much less stressful. If Willow is with me, I also bring a separate pouch for her that has vet records, past health certificates, and other important information.
2. Prescription Medications
Never pack prescription medication in checked luggage! Even if your suitcase only gets delayed for a day, missing important medication can quickly become a major problem.
I also pack:
- Pain reliever
- Allergy medicine
- Heartburn medicine
- A few Band-Aids
- Digestive over-the-counter medicine
It’s a tiny kit that has saved me more than once – this is the container I use!
3. Electronics (and Chargers)
Every flight, I carry:
- Phone
- Laptop and tablet
- Charging cables
- Portable battery bank
- Wall charging blocks
If I’m flying to or from Southeast Alaska, travel days can easily stretch into 10-15 hours with connections, ferries, or weather delays. A dead phone is the last thing I want!
Here is the organizer I use for my charging cables. (Not an affiliate link on this one.)
4. A Reusable Water Bottle
I bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and fill it afterward. It saves money, keeps me hydrated, and means I’m not relying on finding overpriced bottled water at every airport!
Here’s my favorite water bottle for travel!
5. Snacks
Airport food is expensive, and sometimes your layover doesn’t leave enough time to grab a meal. Especially if you’re flying through Seattle, where they thrive on changing your gate multiple times. IYKYK.
My usual personal item snacks include:
- Granola bars
- Trail mix
- Crackers
- My favorite chips
Having snacks on hand also helps if your flight gets delayed, which has happened to me many times.
6. Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones have completely changed how I travel.
They’re great for:
- Watching downloaded shows and movies
- Listening to podcasts
- Sleeping on flights
- Blocking crying babies (when possible)
- Creating a little personal space in busy airports
If you don’t own noise-canceling headphones, regular earbuds still make a huge difference. Here are my favorite headphones!
7. A Light Jacket or Hoodie
Airplanes are SO unpredictable. I really don’t understand it. Sometimes they’re freezing and other times they are blazing hot.
Other times, your destination is 30 degrees colder than where you started. A lightweight layer always earns its place either on me or in my personal item.
8. Toiletries for the First 24 Hours
I don’t pack my entire bathroom cabinet, but I do bring enough to feel human if my luggage disappears.
My personal item toiletry bag usually includes:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Lip balm
- Travel-size hand lotion
- Hand and face wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Hairbrush
9. An Extra Outfit
I always pack one clean shirt, underwear (two pairs actually), socks, and one pair of comfortable pants.
If my checked bag is delayed or I just don’t want to dive into my luggage during an extended overnight delay, I’m covered.
10. Entertainment
Flights don’t always have working Wi-Fi or seatback screens. Before every trip I download books, TV episodes and movies. Even a short delay feels much easier when you have something to do than look at the clock the whole time.
11. Travel Comfort Items
These aren’t required, but they make flying much more enjoyable.
I usually bring:
- Neck pillow
- Compression socks for longer flights
- Gum
- Small pack of tissues
Little comforts go a long way during long travel days!
Final Thoughts
Your personal item isn’t just a place to throw random things or your in-flight entertainment before heading to the airport. It’s also your backup plan if anything goes wrong!
After years of flying across the country, I’ve learned that packing a thoughtful personal item makes travel smoother, less stressful, and far more comfy.
If you’re putting together your own personal item packing list, start with the essentials above and customize it for your destination, travel style, and the length of your trip. A little planning before takeoff can save you a lot of hassle during your trip or after you land.
