Forget what anyone tells you, travelling light is an art, and there’s definitely a feeling of slight (self) superiority that comes from being able to nail your carry-on essentials. Because, let’s face it, you might have meticulously planned the contents of your checked suitcase, but it’s no use to you stowed away.
What really matters on the flight (especially a long-haul one) is what you’ve managed to fit within your on-board allowance, so once you’ve selected your chic carry-on luggage, it’s time to start curating your cabin-ready picks.
Whether you like to keep your seven-step skincare regime going while sky high, or settle in with an on-board beauty routine that’ll have you touching down ten years younger, there’s a winning carry-on combination for everyone.
But when it comes to my own personal preferences, I refuse to compromise on the tried and true basics that work overtime in the air, and on the ground.
Scroll on for the best on-board basics to keep you comfortable from take-off, to touchdown.
A marie claire Editor’s Carry-On Essentials
- Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask, $60, Sephora
- OnTrac Noise-Cancelling Headphones, $799, Dyson
- Metro Hanging Toiletry Case, $145, Monos
6 Carry-On Essentials For Travel
Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask
$60 at Sephora
Best for: Sleeping in style
While I can’t vouch for this sleep mask’s ability to send you into a blissful slumber (as sadly, I can’t sleep on planes), what this mask does do, is provide a silky soft blockade between me and the outside world. As someone who’s conditioned my brain to the wonders of a sleep mask (on land), there’s no travelling without it for me, and this contoured version equals top-tier comfort for my tired eyes. Plus, if you’re anything like me and are constantly rummaging around in the bottom of your bag in search of your carry-on essentials, then the festive print makes it easier to spot.
OnTrac Noise-Cancelling Headphones
$799 at Dyson
Best for: Zoning out
I’m definitely partial to my AirPods when on the ground, but when I’m travelling, there’s nothing that makes me panic more than the thought of losing them, so I tend to leave them behind for safekeeping. Enter the over-the-ear substitutes – the perfect combination of noise-cancelling and comfort. With a 55-hour battery life – enough to withstand the longest of long haul flights – and up to 9 hours from just a 30-minute charge, the new Dyson OnTrac headphones are an investment worth making. I love the customisable ear caps (khaki for me, thanks) and the cushioned strap that’s one of the only models on the market that doesn’t leave my head aching after hours of use. Plus, there’s no need to swap these out when it comes time to switching on the entertainment with the handy Dyson in-flight adaptor.
Metro Hanging Toiletry Case
$145 at Monos
Best for: Compact convenience
A place for everything, and everything in its place. As far as my toiletries are concerned, if I can’t fit them into a single bag – they’re not coming on board! I only recently discovered the lifechanging convenience of a hanging toiletry case, which seemingly designed with some kind of Mary Poppins-esque magic, manages to be both ludicrously capacious and compact. Go figure! Whatever stitching sorcery is going on here is not for me to judge, but its mix of function and form had me hooked from the very first use, and being able to take it back and forth from the minute cabin bathroom with ease is always a win!
A Credit Card That Offers Travel Benefits
from Mastercard
Best for: The smart traveller
Don’t leave home without slipping your Mastercard World or World Elite into your travel wallet. Packed with benefits, including free travel insurance, hotel memberships, and airport lounge access, they will streamline your sojourn, as well as make it more luxurious. Among myriad other benefits, One Dines Free gives you one complimentary main course when dining at partner restaurants across Asia Pacific. There’s also 10 per cent off selected in-destination activities and selected transport with Klook, Loyalty Status Match at your accommodation and generous discounts at selected partner hotels around the world with GHA DISCOVERY and Agoda.
Assembly Label Bateau Organic Long Sleeve Tee
$56 (usually $70) at The Iconic
Best for: Chic comfort
I cannot stress just how much I value super comfy clothing on a flight. But, that doesn’t mean you’ll be catching me in my Sunday Best (read: sweatpants) in public any time soon. That’s why I reach for elevated boarding basics like this Assembly Label organic cotton number time and time again. With its super soft finish and loose-but-luxe silhouette, it’s my Goldilocks go-to (not too-cold, not too-hot) that deserves its place on any top carry-on essentials list.
The Ordinary Squalene + Amino Acids Lip Balm
$16 at Sephora
Best for: Multitasking hydration
I would say I’ve becoming a little bit of a balm aficionado over the years, and this newbie has managed to secure its place among the top contenders on my lip-loving list. What I like about The Ordinary Squalene + Amino Acids balm, is the silky texture that leaves a hydrating gloss without a sticky residue. Also, the formula makes for a fantastic cuticle cream, which especially when dealing with the dehydrating cabin air, can definitely come in handy.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
