Personal Item Bag Must Haves

Travel has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, my family often turned work conferences into mini vacations, giving me early glimpses of new places. But it wasn’t until I became a young adult that the desire to explore truly took hold. By the time I graduated college, I had already visited countless U.S. states, much of Canada, and nearly a dozen countries.

Thankfully, I found a partner who shares my passion for discovery. Together, we’ve spent years planning international getaways—chasing flavors we’d seen online, immersing ourselves in unfamiliar cultures, and soaking up the unique energy of each destination.

I’m sharing this background not to boast, but to give context for what follows: my top personal item travel essentials. When you fly often, you learn quickly that your personal item is more than just a bag—it’s your mini survival kit. It holds your entertainment, your snacks, your comfort boosters, and the things that make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. Here are my personal item must haves:

1. Personal Bag

Bento Bag® - Personal Item Bag

The Nomad Lane Bento Bag is an ideal personal item for air travel. It easily fits under the seat in front of you, holds all your in-flight essentials, and features a trolley sleeve that zips closed to double as an extra pocket. While it comes with a higher price tag, the quality and thoughtful design make it well worth the investment.

2. Electronics Organizer

MIRLEWAIY Travel Electronics Organizer

An electronic organizer is essential for staying tidy and prepared while traveling. Since I’m often on the go, I keep it stocked with charging cables, power banks, a surge protector, and international adapters. That way, I never have to worry about forgetting something like my phone charger!

3. Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones

Screaming babies? Chatty neighbors? No problem. Noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer for air travel, creating a peaceful bubble so you can relax, watch a movie, or catch up on sleep without distractions. Once you try them, you’ll never want to fly without them.

4. Water Bottle

Corckcirlce Insulated Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential when flying. Water not only helps counter the dry cabin air and keeps your ears balanced during altitude changes, but it also saves you money—especially since airport prices can be steep. Bringing a reusable water bottle is a smart move; you can refill it at water stations throughout the terminal. Just be sure it’s empty before you go through TSA screening.

5. Compression Socks

BRISIRA Coolmax Cooling Compression Knee High Socks

Compression socks are a simple but effective way to support circulation during flights, especially on long-haul journeys. Sitting for extended periods can lead to swelling and increase the risk of blood clots, particularly in the legs. Compression socks help improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and keep your legs feeling fresher when you land. They're especially helpful for travelers with circulation issues or anyone looking to stay comfortable in the air.

6. Chapstick

Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment

As mentioned earlier, airplane cabins are notoriously dry, which can quickly leave your lips feeling chapped and uncomfortable. Having chapstick in your personal item ensures you can keep your lips moisturized throughout the flight. It’s a small item that makes a big difference in feeling fresh and comfortable while traveling. This is my personal favorite.

7. Airfly

Twelve South AirFly SE

An AirFly is a must-have for travelers who want to use their wireless headphones with in-flight entertainment systems. Since most airplanes still use headphone jacks, the AirFly bridges the gap, letting you enjoy movies or shows with your own noise-canceling earbuds or headphones. It’s compact, easy to use, and makes your travel experience a lot more comfortable—no more dealing with flimsy airline headphones.

8. Silk Eye Mask

slip Pure Silk Contour Sleep Mask

A silk eye mask is a travel essential for getting quality rest on a flight. The soft, breathable fabric is gentle on your skin and helps block out cabin lights and distractions, making it easier to fall asleep. Silk is also less likely to absorb skincare products or irritate sensitive skin, so you arrive feeling refreshed instead of groggy.

9. Kindle (eReader)

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

A Kindle is the perfect travel companion for readers—it’s lightweight, compact, and can hold thousands of books without taking up space in your bag. With a glare-free screen and long battery life, it’s ideal for reading anywhere from dim airplane cabins to sunny beaches. Having a Kindle in your personal item means you’re always just a tap away from your favorite novels, travel guides, or magazines, no matter where your journey takes you.

10. Snack Box

Divided Serving Tray with Lid and Handle

Having a snack box in my personal item is essential for several reasons. First, it provides a convenient source of energy during long days or busy moments, helping to maintain focus and productivity. Second, it offers a variety of healthy options that can satisfy cravings without resorting to less nutritious choices. Finally, a snack box can be a comforting reminder of home, making any environment feel more familiar and enjoyable.