Ever found yourself frantically digging through your bag at airport security, wondering where the heck your passport went?
Or maybe you’ve had to do that awkward aisle shuffle mid-flight to grab your headphones, only to realize they’re buried under a sweater and a random sock? Yep. Been there, done that 🙋🏻♀️.
If you’re wondering what is the best way to pack a personal item so you don’t end up in chaos during your travel day, you’re in the right place.
As someone who travels full-time with just a carry-on, I’ve learned how powerful (and peaceful!) it is to have your personal items dialed in and ready to go.
This blog post will walk you through exactly what to bring in your personal item bag, how to pack it so everything’s easy to find, and the essentials you never want to forget. Especially on a long travel day.
⭐️ The goal? To help you stay organized, calm, and comfy so you can actually enjoy the journey!
Ready to learn the best way to pack a personal item? Let’s dive in!
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means I receive a small commission if you shop for anything at no extra cost to you. Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
🎒 Why Organizing Your Personal Items Matters!
Let’s be real. Travel days are not the time to play hide and seek with your headphones, passport, or that much needed extra layer.
And yet, if you don’t have a system in place, that’s exactly what ends up happening. One minute you’re feeling good, and the next, you’re panic-digging through your bag while 20 people behind you in the security line sigh loudly.
That’s why knowing exactly what to pack in your personal item *and how to pack it* is such a game changer. When you follow a solid personal item packing list for flights, you:
✅ Sail through airport security like a pro.
✅ Know where everything is without doing the dreaded “bag dump” in front of strangers.
✅ Keep your essentials, like your travel wallet, face moisturizer, and chapstick, at your fingertips.
In short? You feel in control, which is half the battle on a travel day. So don’t wing it. Let’s get your personal item working for you, not against you.
Choose the Right Personal Item Bag For Your Needs!
Your personal item bag is everything. Think of it as your mobile command center. Whether you prefer a backpack, a tote bag, or small duffle, choose one that meets these criteria:
✅ Fits under the seat: Most airlines allow one carry-on and one personal item. Make sure yours complies with their size limits.
✅ Has multiple compartments: This makes it easier to separate items like electronics, toiletries, and snacks.
✅ Comfortable to carry: You don’t want to be lugging around a bag that hurts your shoulders or back.
⭐️ My go-to: A sleek, water-resistant backpack with a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of zippered compartments. And I use a small crossbody bag with a zipper to have everything handy because we all know how annoying it is to take things out of a backpack!
🎯 If you need help choosing which personal items is best for you, read this blog post!
Essential Categories to Pack in Your Personal Item:
Okay, so now that you know why organizing your personal items is such a big deal, let’s talk about the what. Specifically: what to pack in your personal item to make your travel days way less stressful and way more enjoyable.
Having a solid personal item packing list for flights means you’re not guessing what to throw in your bag 10 minutes before leaving for the airport. You’re strategic. You’re prepared. You’re that person who has everything they need, exactly when they need it.
Here’s my go-to list:
1️⃣ Travel Documents and Wallet:
✅ Passport or ID
✅ Boarding pass (digital) / printed at the airport works too!
✅ Credit cards and some cash (in USD or EUR if traveling internationally)
✅ Travel insurance details (make sure to have this on your notes or an email)
Tip: Use a slim document organizer to keep everything in one place. Slip it into an easy-to-access pocket.
2️⃣ Electronics:
✅ Phone and charger
✅ Power bank (fully charged!) – this is completely optional (I’ve never needed one, but I know most people love them)
✅ Headphones or earbuds (noise-canceling if possible)
✅ Kindle
✅ Your laptop (if needed) + charger
✅ Travel adapter (if traveling somewhere with different plugs)
3️⃣ Toiletries and Personal Care:
✅ Pack of tissues
✅ Lip balm
✅ Face moisturizer (airplane cabins can be super drying). I personally LOVE this balm and this face mist. I pack these 2 in my backpack’s pockets.
4️⃣ Snacks and Hydration:
✅ Reusable water bottle (empty until you pass security)
✅ Protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit
✅ Chewing gum (helps with ear pressure changes during takeoff and landing, and bad breath lol)
5️⃣ Clothing (if you have a checked bag):
I always recommend bringing an emergency packing cube if you have a checked bag. I’ve only had to use mine once when my suitcase didn’t arrive on time.
This can really be a life saver! At least you’ll have extra underwear and clean clothes if anything happens to your suitcase until you figure out what to do.
🎯 If you need help with figuring out what to wear for the airport, read this blog post next!
🏆 Pack Smart: The Best Way To Pack A Personal Item!
Alright, you’ve got your personal item packing list for flights.
You know what to pack in your personal item.
Now let’s talk about how to actually fit all of that in a way that doesn’t leave you frustrated and fumbling every time you need something.
Packing smart is all about making your personal item work smarter—not harder. Because digging through a jumbled mess mid-flight is the worst.
Here’s how to pack your personal item like a pro:
1️⃣ Layer by Frequency of Use: Put your most-used items in the most accessible spots. Travel documents and ID? Outer pocket. Headphones, snacks, and water? Middle section. That extra layer you won’t need until later? Stuff it at the bottom. Easy peasy.
2️⃣ Use Packing Cubes and Pouches: These are your secret weapons. Use small zip pouches to group like items like electronics or snacks. That way, you’re not unpacking your entire life just to find a charging cable.
3️⃣ Keep Liquids Accessible: Don’t bury your liquids! You’ll need to pull them out at security, so keep your clear, TSA-approved bag right at the top of your personal item.
With a little prep and some strategic packing, your personal item becomes your in-flight MVP. Trust me, your future self (and the person stuck behind you in line) will thank you.
🌏 How To Prepare for Long Travel Days!
Let’s talk about those marathon travel days—the ones with layovers, delays, and way too many hours in transit. These are the moments when knowing what to pack in your personal item becomes your secret weapon. So what should you include? Here’s the shortlist:
✅ Entertainment: Download playlists, podcasts, audiobooks, or movies ahead of time. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did when there’s no Wi-Fi at Gate C37.
✅ Health essentials: Meds, pain relievers, and anything else you might need mid-flight. Don’t assume you’ll have access to what you need once you’re in the air.
✅ Layers: Planes can be freezing, even if it’s 90°F outside. Always have a sweater, pashmina, or denim jacket tucked into your personal item.
🎯 For more useful tips on how to tackle long travel days, read this blog post!
🧳 Want a FREE Packing List Made Just for You? 🧳
If you’re loving this post but still feel unsure about exactly what to pack for your next trip—don’t worry, I got you. Just answer 2 quick questions about your trip, and I’ll send you a free customized packing list straight to your inbox.
Just tell me these 2 things ⬇️
And I’ll tell you what to do next!
No more guessing. No more overpacking. Just the right pieces, styled in multiple ways, so you feel confident and cute every day of your vacation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Deciding What To Pack In Your Personal Item
Even with the best intentions (and the prettiest travel bag), things can go sideways fast if you’re not careful. So let’s break down the most common personal item slip-ups to avoid on your next trip:
👉🏻 Overpacking your personal item: If your bag feels like you’re training for a weightlifting competition, it’s time to scale back. An overloaded personal item = sore shoulders, constant digging, and lots of “Where is my [insert item]?!” moments.
👉🏻 Not thinking in categories: Tossing things in randomly might feel fast, but it’ll slow you down later. Categorizing helps you stay organized and quickly find what you need when you’re half-asleep and boarding group 5 is already halfway down the jet bridge.
👉🏻 Ignoring TSA guidelines: You know the drill. 3.4 oz max, clear bag, easy access. Still, it’s shocking to me to see how many people forget this and end up surrendering their favorite face cream to the TSA gods.
👉🏻 Copying someone else’s packing list: HA! You didn’t see this one coming, but it’s true. This post is to help you think about what would make YOUR travel day experience smoother. It’s not about copying what I pack. For example, I hate neck pillows! And I travel with way too many electronics because of my job! So please, think about what YOU need!
👉🏻 Forgetting about essentials that don’t pack! Like your VPN, getting an eSIM in advance or an international driver’s license! (read this blog post for more info)
Long travel days are tough enough. You don’t need your personal item working against you. Avoid these common mistakes, and your travel bag will feel like a loyal sidekick instead of a chaotic black hole.
Make Your Personal Item Your Superpower! 💫
Here’s the thing: travel days don’t have to feel like a chaotic scavenger hunt. When you know exactly what to pack in your personal item and you’ve got a reliable personal item packing list for flights, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, calmer, and dare I say… enjoyable travel experience.
From organizing your travel documents to packing snacks, layering by use, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ve now got the tools to make your personal item your ultimate sidekick.
No more mystery messes at the bottom of your bag. No more headphone hunts. Just you, fully prepped, stress-free, and focused on the excitement of wherever you’re going next.
So, take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
And if you ever find yourself thinking, “Wait, what should I pack again?” come back to this post and let it guide you. Your future travel-day self will be doing a happy dance.
Happy packing and even happier travels! ✈️
XO,
Aimara
Hi, I’m Aimara 👋🏼
I’m the voice behind Ways of Style and a full-time traveler who lives out of this carry-on bag (yes, really!). After moving from Venezuela to Chicago in my late 20s and meeting the love of my life, we took off to travel the world together instead of having 9-5 jobs! I eventually also ditched the big suitcase life and learned how to make every inch of space count.
So if you’re wondering about the best way to pack a personal item for your next trip and how to pack light, you’re in good hands. I’ve spent years perfecting my packing system, and I’m here to help you stay stylish, organized, and totally stress-free… without overpacking. Let’s do this! 💪🏼
These articles will also teach you to travel better:
- The 5 mindset shifts that turned me into a minimalist packer!
- Pros and cons of the top-rated carry-on suitcases (so you can actually pick the right one for YOU)
- The 7 best travel accessories that you will actually need
- Top packing mistakes I see women make all the time
- How to pick the right skincare routine according to your destination
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