What’s In My Short-Haul Carry-On Bag: The In-Flight Essentials I Swear By

Whether I’m jetting off for a cheeky weekend getaway or a whirlwind city break, my short-haul carry-on bag is always packed with a few ride-or-die essentials. I’ve learned (the hard way) that the key to a smooth, stress-free flight isn’t just arriving early or dressing in layers, it’s what you pack in that trusty little bag that goes above your seat or under it.

For this trip I have opted for my Welligogs bag as it doubles up as a beach bag perfectly

Here’s a peek inside my carry-on bag and the the in-flight essentials I swear by!

1. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Goodbye crying babies, chatty rowmates, and engine hums! My noise-cancelling headphones are the real heroes of short-haul travel. They block out the chaos and turn my flight into a zen-like escape. Well, as zen as you get when listening to rock and metal! 

A good pair of noise cancelling headphones is a really good investment, just in general. Not necessarily for flights, but on your next flight trust me, your ears (and sanity) will thank you.

2. A Good Book (or 5)

Even in the age of streaming, I love the feel of a good book in my hands. Flights are the perfect time to switch off and get stuck into something juicy, think twisty thrillers, laugh-out-loud rom-coms, or a travel memoir to fuel the wanderlust. I have however learnt the hard way that by bringing 6 or 7 hard back books leaves less space for clothes and will break you back. So, I have transferred over to using my trusty iPad mini with the Kindle app. 

Bonus: it doesn’t need Wi-Fi!

The colour coordination is absolutely unintended

3. Mini Toiletry Kit

Life at security would be so much easier if I didn’t have liquids, however, I just can’t seem to get on a plane without the below! To clarify, I am a skin care girl through and through, but I have slowly and surely been put off doing skincare on a plane. The more I think and see about it the more horrified I am that I did it! So you will see no facial mists, face masks or cleansers on my list. 

• Lip balm, because cabin air is dry! Burt’s Bees is my preference and I love it. I also have a Dior Addict Lip Glow in universal clear which is totally boujie … Black Friday made me do it!

• Hand cream … again, it’s super boujie but I have a Dior Le Baume handcream which I bought on Vinted for a fraction of the price. It’s unfortunately really nice and does the job well! 

• Toothbrush + mini toothpaste - you just never know when you might need it, and as I have a massive adoration for garlic... you get the rest.

• Deodorant. Just a small can, just in case.

• Travel-sized perfume. A little spritz goes a long way for helping you feel a little fresher.

Just the basics to stay fresh and fabulous from takeoff to touchdown.

My toiletry bag for a short haul flight is very small, but it is full of my favourites

4. One Bikini (Just In Case)

If you’ve ever had your checked luggage do its own world tour, you know the panic. That’s why I always pack a bikini in my carry-on for beach holidays. If my suitcase takes the scenic route, at least I can hit the pool looking cute while I wait.

5. Spare Underwear (Because You Never Know)

Is it glamorous? No. Is it practical? Absolutely. A spare pair of undies is the unsung hero of travel prep. Better to have them and not need them than the other way around. And yes, I am so aware that I could just buy some new ones when there, but I like my underwear and would rather just have some of mine there!

6. Phone Charger + Portable Power Bank

Between boarding passes, Spotify, and Google Maps, our phones do a lot of heavy lifting. A charger and a backup battery pack are essential to keep everything running smoothly, especially when there’s no USB port on the plane.

Never without my bag!

7. Reusable Water Bottle

Hydration is key when flying. I bring an empty bottle through security and fill it up before boarding. It saves money, reduces plastic waste, and keeps my body happy. 

8. A Light Sweater / Layer

Planes can be cold. Airports can be hot. Layers therefore are totally key when it comes to

flying. 

Everything I might need wrapped up in one bag

Final Thoughts: The In-Flight Essentials I Swear By And Why Packing Light Doesn’t Mean Packing Less

Your short-haul carry-on is prime real estate. It’s about packing smart, not stuffing everything in. Think comfort, convenience, and a splash of “just-in-case.”

So next time you’re prepping for a quick trip, peek inside your carry-on and ask: Do I have the essentials that make flying feel effortless?

Let me know in the comments what your must-pack in-flight essentials are—did I miss any game-changers?

Helena

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