7 carry-on essentials to make your next flight the smoothest one yet, according to our reporters

Gabbi Shaw,Monica Humphries,Anneta Konstantinides,Joey Hadden,Samantha Grindell,Maria NoyenJul 31, 2024, 02:52 IST

Woman with a carry-on suitcase on airport moving walkway.gahsoon/Getty Images

Traveling by plane can be tedious, stressful, and downright annoying.
There are a number of clever items you could add to your carry-on to make your journey smoother.

Expecting chaos is almost a given when you choose to fly nowadays.

From overcrowded airports to missing luggage, dealing with stress has become part of the flight experience.

But there are ways to navigate these travel hurdles and challenges, especially if you bring a carry-on that's efficiently packed. To help, Business Insider's travel reporters are sharing their carry-on essentials to make your next trip to the airport the best one yet.

Business Insider's Samantha Grindell wears a fanny pack to the airport so she has her essential items close at all times — then stashes it in her carry-on at the gate.

Samantha Grindell walks her dog while wearing a fanny pack.Samantha Grindell/Business Insider

Business Insider's Samantha Grindell wears a fanny pack to the airport so she has her essential items close at all times — then stashes it in her carry-on at the gate.

On her last long-haul flight, a foot hammock made all the difference for travel reporter Monica Humphries.

Monica Humphries' foot hammock attached to her airplane seat.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Humphries brings a toothbrush in her carry-on to help her feel refreshed on long-haul flights.

Monica Humphries brushes her teeth in the airplane bathroom on a long-haul flight to Auckland, New Zealand.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Humphries also recommends packing a reusable water bottle, which helped her save over $100 while flying and avoid unnecessary plastic.

Humphries never flies without a reusable water bottle.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

If, like travel reporter Joey Hadden, you suffer from motion sickness, don't forget to pack medicine that'll help.

Dramamine is a must for Joey Hadden while flying.ZikG/Shutterstock

Gabbi Shaw has no regrets about splurging on over-ear headphones that make for a more comfortable travel experience.

Gabbi Shaw swears by her over-ear headphones.Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

Anneta Konstantinides upgraded her travels with a $68 top-rated toiletry bag that fits her five-step skincare routine.

Anneta Konstantinides said her State toiletry kit fits everything she needs.Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Konstantinides also packs a $55 gadget that allows her to use her wireless headphones on flights.

The author never travels without her AirFly Pro.Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I spent one night at a celebrity-loved hotel in Arizona. My $730 room felt like a house.

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7 carry-on essentials to make your next flight the smoothest one yet, according to our reporters

Business Insider's Samantha Grindell wears a fanny pack to the airport so she has her essential items close at all times — then stashes it in her carry-on at the gate.

On her last long-haul flight, a foot hammock made all the difference for travel reporter Monica Humphries.

Humphries brings a toothbrush in her carry-on to help her feel refreshed on long-haul flights.

Humphries also recommends packing a reusable water bottle, which helped her save over $100 while flying and avoid unnecessary plastic.

If, like travel reporter Joey Hadden, you suffer from motion sickness, don't forget to pack medicine that'll help.

Gabbi Shaw has no regrets about splurging on over-ear headphones that make for a more comfortable travel experience.

Anneta Konstantinides upgraded her travels with a $68 top-rated toiletry bag that fits her five-step skincare routine.

Konstantinides also packs a $55 gadget that allows her to use her wireless headphones on flights.