Pack your carry-on with 7 essentials to make your next flight healthier.

A list of life-saving travel essentials to pack your carry-on bag. These items will help keep you healthy while traveling and make your next trip much more comfortable.

No, it’s not your imagination. Airline carry on rules are getting tougher, some airlines now charge for carry-on’s (what?!) and overhead bin space is getting more and more crowded. (And many European carriers have especially restrictive carry on policies-so pack carefully). And with packed planes, it’s even harder to stay healthy.

I travel both internationally and within the US often, and through trial and error, I’ve discovered these must-have items that will keep you comfortable and healthy during your next flight. (In case you need a reminder of the carry-on rules, here are the current TSA carry-on guidelines.)

First off, it’s so important to have water and stay hydrated for your flight. Stop paying for that plastic bottle of water and carry a foldable, collapsible water bottle. More and more airports are installing filtered watered refilling stations. This one I use is BPA free, and is small enough to stash in a coat pocket. I love it so much, I’ve bought as gifts for friends.

Foldable Water Bottle

The recycled air and cramped Economy class space make me think of one thing: germs. Once you take your seat, wipe down the tray table, the armrest (and don’t forget the seat back video screen) with disinfectant wipes.

These disposable wipes fit in your carry-on and have a fresh scent.

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

Do your ears hurt on takeoff or landing due to the change in pressure? If you are flying with a cold, or after a sinus infection, don’t forget these earplugs which help your ears adjust to the cabin pressure. (I don’t fly without these!) And they even cut down on noise so you can sleep. 

EarPlanes Disposable Ear Plugs

And while we’re talking about staying healthy while traveling. I just found Nasal Guard. It’s an airborne particle blocker that uses electrostatic technology to guard against airborne contaminants. Just put a dab under your nose to keep you from inhaling all those germs circulating through the cabin.

Nasal Guard Airborne Particle Blocker

I’ve just started wearing compression socks when I take long cross-country or international flights and I’m now a believer. Look for socks that have 15-20 mmHg of compression, the recommended compression level for flying. They definitely keep your feet and ankles from swelling after being cramped into an economy class seat for hours.

And don’t forget to do exercises while seated to prevent blood clots and get up and stretch your legs whenever possible.

Compression Socks for Travel

Always pack your carry-on back with a stash of snacks. (These days you never know if you’ll be served any food!) One of my favorite is Vega Protein bars. This bar is yummy with over 3 grams of fiber and 20 grams of protein. I SO love their chocolate peanut butter bars.

Vega Protein Bar

Finally! A travel sized toothbrush that’s actually gentle and effective-instead of those cheap, wiry folding toothbrushes you normally find that destroy your gums. Ouch. This toothbrush uses silver anti-microbial technology to keep your travel toothbrush safer and cleaner and dual layer flossing bristles. (I was sent a sample of this toothbrush to review and the opinion expressed is my honest opinion of the product.)

Doctor Plotka’s Mouthwatchers Antimicrobial Travel Toothbrush

Save some space by forgoing toothpaste and try out these toothpaste tablets instead. These Toothy Tabs from Lush are a made with all natural ingredients and come in several flavors, they don’t need much water to use either.

Hope these tips help you pack your carry-on so you’ll stay healthy and comfy on your next long flight. What are the essentials you don’t fly without? Let us know in the comments below. 

xoxo-Rosie