Carry-on packing tips: I'm a flight attendant — here's how to avoid these common travel mistakes (and what to never leave home without)
Don't forget your TUMS!
Packing for last-minute summer or fall travel can be tough. Lately, many Canadians are opting to travel with only carry-on luggage instead of dealing with overweight baggage or lost items — which makes packing even more like a game of Tetris.
Travelling with only cabin baggage comes with its own set of challenges — you need to be strategic about packing everything in without forgetting any carry-on essentials. Simple swaps can help make the travel experience smooth and maximize space for must-haves while avoiding those things you don't actually need.
Looking for expert tips on what to pack and what to leave at home? We asked flight attendant Nicole Noseworthy for her travel and packing tips. Noseworthy has been a flight attendant for more than seven years, four of which were with one of Canada’s largest airlines, and now is a private flight attendant.
Below, find her expert tips to avoid common packing mistakes — and what to do instead.
💊 Always pack medications
You might assume you can easily access medications at your destination — but it's always best to travel with prescriptions, supplements and other health items that you might need.
“Always pack all kinds of medication, especially when travelling internationally,” Noseworthy says. “You’d be surprised what products are hard to find once you leave North America — keep these in your carry-on always.”
And that's not just prescriptions — Noseworthy recommends travelling with over-the-counter medications you might need, too.
For instance, some countries don’t have products like TUMS or Pepto-Bismol readily available, so packing some extras will be handy if you encounter an upset stomach. Noseworthy also recommends keeping these items in your carry-on in case of lost luggage.
Always travel with medications you may need, even if they're over-the-counter.
Some countries don't have the same medications we have here in Canada, so it's best to be prepared.
🤒 Stay hydrated — and combat a cold or flu before it starts
Travel can be taxing. While it is certainly a luxury, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t take a lot out of you — and being in airports and planes with lots of people can also set you up for a nasty cold or flu. One of Noseworthy's tips for staying healthy? Prepare, prepare, prepare.
“Usually, two to five days before I travel, I increase my intake of vitamin C,” Noseworthy says. “Travelling exposes you to so many germs — and nothing is worse than getting sick on a trip.”
"Prior to any international flight, I always drink LiquidIV," she continues. "This helps so much with hydration and eliminates some dreaded trips to the lavatory. A key to flying is staying hydrated as your body is exposed to less oxygen.”
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix
She also recommends travelling with cold and flu remedies.
“I always bring Emergen-C packs with me and I will have a few throughout my trip. This also helps with hydration as they contain electrolytes."
Emergen-C Immune+ 1000mg Vitamin C Powder Supplement Drink Mix
⚡ Charge it up
Let’s face it: Our phones are a huge part of our lives — and we rely on them frequently, especially while travelling. From boarding passes to GPS services, they can be our lifeline.
“I never travel without a portable charger,” says Noseworthy. “If you’re going out for the whole day, bring it everywhere you go — and ensure you buy one that is small enough to carry with you.”
She recommends finding a portable power pack that can fit in a small purse — and make sure to charge it at night to ensure you’ll never run out of juice. Plus, she notes that if you’re going to a concert or sporting event on your travels, many venues only allow charge packs that are smaller than the size of a smart phone.
Charmast Power Bank with Built-in Cable
🧴 Size matters
By now, we all know the 100mL liquids rule for going through airport security. While small refillable bottles may allow you to bring your favourite products from home — many products are also available in travel-friendly sizes — which Noseworthy recommends.
“Personally, I splurge on travel-size items rather than refilling bottles,” she says. “I find they leak less, and it’s much simpler. After I use them up, sometimes I will refill using the mini size packaging of that product.”
Olaplex Unbreakable Blondes Mini Kit
CeraVe Ultra-light Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 - Travel Size 50mL
🏖️ Not always included
If you’re going on vacation to a destination you've never been before, be mindful of your packing habits and consider what may or may not be included at your accommodations. For instance, while hotels always provide shower products, hostels often don’t.
“If you’re heading to the beach in Europe, always ensure you’re prepared with a small beach bag and a towel for day trips,” Noseworthy says. "It’s easy to forget these items if you’re used to going to all-inclusive resorts.”
She also recommends opting for a travel-style towel that is easy to compress for packing and quick drying to ensure you don’t have a wet towel putting a damper on your luggage.
BOGI Microfiber Beach Towel
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