Travel Checklist – What to Pack in Your Carry-On and Checked Luggage

Packing for a flight is much simpler when you know from the start what should go in your carry-on and what should go in your checked suitcase. Documents, electronics, and items needed during the flight are best kept with you, while clothes, footwear, and larger toiletries can be packed in checked baggage.

A good travel checklist helps not only ensure that you do not forget anything. It also makes it easier to monitor your suitcase's weight, prepare for security screening, and use space wisely.

Below you will find a ready-made list of things to take on a trip by plane, which you can adapt to the length of your journey.

Article in brief

• Documents, money, medications, and valuables are best kept in your carry-on.
• Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin, not in checked baggage.
• For safety, prepare liquids in your carry-on in containers of up to 100 ml.
• Clothes, footwear, and full-size toiletries are best packed in checked baggage.
• Before your flight, always check the current size and weight limits with your carrier.

Travel checklist - the most important things to do before packing

Before opening your suitcase, check some basic travel information:

• the dimensions of carry-on baggage,
• the maximum weight of cabin baggage,
• the checked baggage allowance,
• the rules for carrying liquids,
• the rules concerning batteries and electronics,
• the weather forecast at your destination,
• the length of your stay,
• the option to do laundry on site.

This makes it easier to determine how many clothes you really need and what type of baggage will be suitable.

What to pack in your carry-on?

Carry-on baggage should primarily contain valuables, items needed during the flight, and things that would be difficult to manage without if checked baggage were delayed.

Documents and money

Pack the following in your backpack, bag, or cabin suitcase:

• an identity card or passport,
• a boarding pass, if required,
• accommodation booking confirmation,
• documents required in the destination country,
• a payment card,
• a small amount of cash,
• a driving licence, if you plan to rent a car.

Documents and money should not be placed in checked baggage. Once you check in your suitcase, you will not have access to it until you collect it at your destination airport.

Electronics for your carry-on

It is worth taking into the cabin:

• phone,
• laptop or tablet,
• camera,
• headphones,
• chargers and cables,
• power bank,
• spare batteries.

Special attention should be paid to power banks and spare lithium batteries. They should be kept in your carry-on, not in checked baggage.

If you are traveling with a large power bank, drone, or another device with a high-capacity battery, also check the Wh restrictions and the specific airline's rules before your flight.

Medications and essentials needed during the flight

It is worth keeping in your carry-on:

• regularly taken medications,
• medications needed during the trip,
• tissues,
• glasses or contact lenses,
• a sleep mask,
• earplugs,
• a light sweatshirt or scarf.

If a medication requires special transport conditions or comes in a large liquid container, it is worth checking the airport and carrier's rules in advance.

Cosmetics in hand luggage - what can you take?

Under standard security procedures, liquids, gels, and aerosols should be in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml, placed together in a transparent, resealable bag with a capacity of up to 1 liter.

This category includes, among other things:

• perfume,
• creams,
• toothpaste,
• shower gel,
• shampoo,
• liquid makeup products,
• liquid or aerosol deodorant.

It is most convenient to take miniature cosmetics or transfer products into smaller travel containers.

Security procedures may vary depending on the specific airport, so it is worth checking the airport's current information before departure.

Can you take water and food on a plane?

The most convenient solution is to take an empty bottle or water bottle and fill it after passing through security if the airport provides access to drinking water.

You can also pack many solid food products in your hand luggage, such as sandwiches or snacks. However, when traveling outside the European Union, you should additionally check the destination country's regulations on importing food.

What should you pack in checked baggage?

Checked luggage is best for items that will not be needed during the flight and take up the most space.

Clothes

The list depends on the destination and length of the journey, but it is usually worth preparing:

• underwear,
• socks,
• T-shirts,
• trousers or skirts,
• a sweatshirt or sweater,
• sleepwear,
• clothes suitable for the weather,
• swimwear,
• a jacket, if needed.

Instead of packing a separate outfit for each day, it is better to choose clothes that can be freely mixed and matched.

Footwear

You can pack the following in your suitcase:

• everyday shoes,
• an extra pair of shoes,
• flip-flops,
• sports or hiking shoes.

It is usually more practical to wear the heaviest and largest pair while traveling rather than take up space with it in your suitcase.

Cosmetics and accessories

It is easier to carry full-size products in checked luggage:

• shampoo and conditioner,
• shower gel,
• skincare products,
• a toiletry bag,
• a brush or comb,
• toiletries.

Liquid products should be additionally protected against spills and kept separate from clothing.

What is better not to pack in checked luggage?

A checked suitcase may be delayed or lost, so the most important items should not be packed in it.

It is better not to pack these items there:

• documents,
• cash,
• payment cards,
• jewelry and valuables,
• keys,
• medications needed during the journey,
• power banks and spare lithium batteries.

A phone, laptop, or camera is also best kept in hand luggage.

What must not be carried in hand luggage?

There are restrictions in the cabin concerning items that could pose a danger.

The EU list of prohibited items includes, among others, some:

• sharp tools,
• knives,
• razors,
• scissors with blades exceeding the specified limit,
• work tools,
• items that could be used as weapons,
• explosive and flammable substances.

Therefore, it is not worth following the rule “everything small can go in the cabin”. If you are unsure about a particular item, check its status before leaving.

What should you pack in your carry-on luggage just in case?

If you are flying with checked luggage, prepare a small emergency kit.

It may contain:

• a change of underwear,
• one T-shirt,
• basic toiletries,
• medications,
• charger,
• items needed on the first day of your stay.

It does not take up much space, but it can be very helpful if your checked suitcase arrives later than you do.

How to sensibly divide your belongings between your backpack and suitcase?

The simplest rule is:

backpack or carry-on luggage = important items needed during the journey

checked suitcase = larger, heavier items needed only after arrival

Thanks to this arrangement, documents, electronics and medications remain close at hand, while the main part of your wardrobe does not take up space in your carry-on luggage.

How to pack carry-on luggage?

With a small suitcase or backpack, every centimetre matters.

The best approach is:

1. arrange clothes as compactly as possible,
2. keep electronics in an easily accessible pocket,
3. place toiletries so they can be taken out quickly,
4. place the heaviest items close to your back when using a backpack,
5. keep documents in a separate pocket,
6. do not overfill soft luggage beyond the permitted dimensions.

If you are using a small free item of baggage, it is especially important to check its size after packing.

How to pack checked luggage?

With a larger suitcase, the problem is usually not a lack of space, but exceeding the weight limit.

Therefore, it is worth:

• weigh the empty suitcase,
• place heavier items in the bottom section,
• use the internal straps,
• separate shoes from clothes,
• protect liquids additionally,
• do not pack a large number of items “just in case”,
• weigh your packed luggage before leaving for the airport.

With a large suitcase, you can exceed the weight limit before using all the available space.

Complete checklist for air travel

Before closing your suitcase, check once again:

Documents

• identity card / passport,
• boarding pass,
• reservations,
• insurance,
• driving licence.

Finances

• wallet,
• payment cards,
• cash.

Electronics

• phone,
• charger,
• laptop / tablet,
• headphones,
• power bank.

Clothes

• underwear,
• socks,
• T-shirts,
• trousers / skirts,
• hoodie / sweater,
• sleepwear,
• jacket,
• swimwear.

Toiletries

• toothbrush and toothpaste,
• skincare products,
• deodorant,
• hair products,
• toiletry bag with liquids prepared for inspection.

Other

• medications,
• glasses,
• water bottle,
• snacks,
• items needed on the first day of your stay.

The most common mistakes when packing for a flight

Problems most often arise not from a lack of space, but from poor organization of your belongings.

It is especially worth avoiding:

• packing documents in checked baggage,
• placing a power bank in checked baggage,
• taking liquid containers that are too large into the cabin,
• overfilling a backpack beyond its nominal dimensions,
• packing items without checking the weight limit beforehand,
• taking many clothes “just in case”.

A good pre-departure list helps eliminate most of these problems before you even reach the airport.

FAQ - packing baggage for air travel

What must you pack in your carry-on baggage?

Documents, a wallet, medicines, a phone, valuables, and electronics. Your carry-on should also include items needed during the flight and a basic set of essentials in case checked baggage is delayed.

Can a power bank be packed in checked baggage?

No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.

How many toiletries can you have in your carry-on baggage?

Under standard security rules, individual liquid containers should hold no more than 100 ml, and all of them should fit in a transparent 1-liter bag. Before travelling, check the current rules of the departure airport.

Can medicines be carried in carry-on baggage?

Yes. It is best to keep medicines needed during the journey with you. For liquid medicines or medicines requiring special conditions, check the detailed security screening rules in advance.

Where should you pack your laptop?

Preferably in your carry-on baggage, in a separate compartment or a protective case. This keeps the device under your control throughout the journey.

What should you pack in checked baggage?

Above all, clothes, extra shoes, larger toiletries, and items needed only after arrival. Documents, money, medicines, and a power bank should remain in your carry-on baggage.

Is it worth packing a change of clothes in your carry-on baggage?

Yes, especially if you are checking a suitcase into the hold. One basic change of clothes can be very useful if baggage delivery is delayed.

How can you avoid exceeding the suitcase weight limit?

It is best to weigh your packed baggage before leaving for the airport and leave a small margin. A large suitcase can exceed the weight limit even when it is not completely full.

Travel checklist - more relaxed packing before every flight

A good checklist for air travel does not have to be long or complicated. The most important thing is to distribute items properly between carry-on and checked baggage and check the carrier's rules in advance.

Keep documents, electronics, medicines, and valuables with you. Pack clothes, shoes, and items needed only after arrival in the larger suitcase.

Baggage prepared this way passes through security more easily, is better organized, and helps avoid frantic repacking just before departure.

SEE ALSO: The most common baggage problems at the airport and how to avoid them?