I’m currently packing for my 40th trip to France and these days, I travel carry-on more often than not. While airlines usually allow one carry-on and one personal item, it’s what I pack in the personal item bag that I rely on most. In this post about my personal item bag essentials, I’ll walk you through the key things I bring and why this bag matters so much when I fly.
Personal Item vs. Carry-On Bag
While airline carry-on baggage dimensions vary from airline to airline, they’re all pretty similar (but be sure to check your airline’s requirements.)
For example, on Air Canada (as of January 2025 in Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Class), you are allowed:
- One Standard Carry-On Bag: 21.5” X 15.5“ X 9” (55 x 40 x 23 cm)—no weight limit but the bag must be light enough to store in the overhead bin unassisted.
- One Personal Item: (17” x 13” x 6” (43 cm x 33 cm x 16 cm)
Why My Personal Item Bag Matters More Than My Carry-On
If I am suddenly forced to check my carry-on at the boarding gate, I want to be sure that I have everything I need in the event that the bag is lost. So things like medications, glasses, and electronics MUST be kept with me in my personal item bag. I want to ensure that some of the necessities are with me at my final destination. I know I can go out and buy clothes and toiletries; however, having some items will just make things less stressful.
What I Wear On The Plane
I always dress in layers when I fly, with some of the heaviest items on me rather than in my carry-on. I’m wearing running shoes, compression socks (helps prevent leg swelling and reduces the risk of blood clots), jeans, a scarf, a merino wool top, and a merino hoodie. Merino is the perfect fabric for travelling as it wicks moisture, is odour resistant, and breathable.
Pacsafe Crossbody
I have an older version of the “Pacsafe® GO anti-theft tech crossbody” and I love it because it can be locked and I can access my phone easily. It’s kept on me at all times and I have never been told this is a “third item”. It has two compartments:
- one for my smartphone
- one that has lots of card slots which hold my passport, credit cards, Navigo Easy, International Driver’s License, pen, and cash.
Laptop Knapsack
I searched high and low for the largest size personal item bag that would meet the airline size limits and fit a laptop. I chose the Briggs & Riley Women’s Essential Laptop Backpack. It’s lightweight (1.5 lbs), fits the airline size restrictions (16” x 11” x 5.5”), has a padded laptop sleeve (fits up to 15”), is made with soft but durable nylon fabric and has smart features like a hidden RFID pocket, lockable YKK zippers, and a back panel that slides over my suitcase handle. I did add my own sternum strap—those slipping shoulder straps drove me crazy!
When choosing a knapsack for flying, ask yourself: Is it airline-approved in size, lightweight, and comfortable to carry? A chest strap helps if the shoulder straps tend to slip. Inside, look for compartments—my Longchamp bag has only one tiny pocket, and everything ends up in a jumble at the bottom (a pain!). Bonus points if it’s water-resistant and has lockable zippers.
What’s Inside My Personal Item Bag
In my “Personal Item” bag, I’ve grouped my items under three categories: emergency clothing, in-flight toiletries, plus tech and essentials.
1. Emergency Clothing
I always pack one outfit in my personal item bag. Most often, I have an extra pair of underwear and socks and my running clothes because I have often signed up for a race in France. Think about that one outfit you wouldn’t want to be without and consider adding it to your bag.
Tip: Compression Packing Cube
To use up as little space as possible I put the items in a compression packing cube. After much research I decided on the model by Thule. It’s not just a packing cube but one that compresses the clothes. There are two zippers. The first closes the bag and the second compresses everything together. Unlike cheaper options that bulge and waste space, this one has structured sides, so it fits neatly in my suitcase and makes the most of every inch.
2. In-Flight Essentials: Toiletries
I keep it simple with small travel-size containers for sunscreen, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, face moisturizer, and even eye drops. I never travel without a small bottle of hand sanitizer, Tide To Go (stain remover), and anti-itch cream (for mosquito bites).
For dry toiletries, I have a toothbrush, floss, my dental night guard, makeup essentials, comb, a few medical masks, bandaids, facial wipes (great for when you’re on the plane and want to freshen up) and a few “just in case” meds. I use mini resealable bags to keep my small items organized (ie. hair ties and bobby pins.
I don’t bring everything, just the essentials I’ll actually use in-flight or if my checked bag goes missing. The non-essentials, like my deodorant, vitamins, and (non-prescription) cold/allergy meds are in my carry-on suitcase.
Tip: Keeping Your Liquids Leak-proof
I put a small piece of plastic wrap over the top of the liquid dispenser before putting on the cap. This way, it prevents liquids from seeping out. I get my little containers and mini ziplock bags (photo below) at the Japanese store, Muji and sometimes at Miniso. Both stores have many locations in Paris and around the world.
3. Tech And Essentials
In addition to my laptop, I bring a few tech essentials: my iPhone, a mini iPad (for downloaded books and movies), AirPods, Bose wired earbuds for the in-flight system, and all the necessary charging cables—plus a laptop charger, European adapters, and an external battery. I also toss in a car charger for my rental, my Garmin watch charger, and my glasses.
I also pack an inflatable neck cushion, an eye mask, a small bag of nuts, an empty water bottle (filled after security), a paperback book I leave behind at the hotel, a journal, pens and paper, a pack of tissues, and—yes—a tiny flashlight. Also a necessity: a few antibacterial wipes for those airline seats and tables.
My personal item bag is always packed to the brim, and I feel confident knowing I have everything I need—even if my carry-on gets checked and lost.
Anything you’d add (or exclude?)
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