From TSA to Touchdown: What to Pack and Wear on a Plane
The journey doesn’t start when you land—it starts the moment you zip your suitcase and head for the airport. Packing for a flight is a mix of strategy and self-care: you want to be comfortable for hours in a metal tube, prepared for surprise temperature swings, and still feel put-together when you arrive. Learning a few key tips can help make your next flight a smooth one.
What you bring in your carry-on and what you wear on the plane can make the difference between a smooth, cozy trip and one spent digging for lip balm while shivering in your seat. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to pack and wear on a plane so you can travel smarter, lighter, and a whole lot more comfortably—no matter where you’re headed.
Travel Essentials: On the Plane
After many flights, I have learned a few key things about what to pack and wear on a plane. Whether it is a short puddle-jumper or a soul-crushing trans-Pacific experience, plane travel can be a challenge. With a bit of planning and strategy, you can have a great experience on your next flight.
Travel Kit
I always throw this small black travel kit in my carry-on. I got it as an amenities kit on a flight several years ago, but any small bag will work. The key here is to have some smaller items consolidated and easy to access while on a plane. The things I always have in my kit include:
- Small pack of tissues
- Tube of lip balm to soothe dry lips during a long flight
- Pair of earplugs and an eye mask to help get some sleep on overnight flights
I also include a small pill bottle in my travel kit. I have Melatonin to help me sleep, any prescription meds I need to take during the flight, and pain relievers. Ensure you are packing all meds in your carry-on instead of in your checked luggage. This way you will always have the medications you need, regardless of what may happen.
I love this particular eye mask (which I lovingly refer to as my face bra, due to its form!). The concave parts that cover the eyes are really quite comfortable. I find that standard eye masks always feel like they are squishing my eyes! This eye mask also has a Velcro strap at the back, so it is fully customizable to the size needed.
- Pack the key things you will want quick access to in an easy-to-grab travel kit (bag or pouch)
- Keep your travel kit handy in the seat back pocket or an outer section of your carry-on bag
- Consider items you may need during the flight, including lip balm, medications, or earplugs
Extra Clothes
If you will be checking some luggage, consider bringing a few changes of clothing with you in your carry-on bag. I have been the victim of delayed luggage a few times, and it is never a pleasant experience! But if you have some extra clothes with you, the experience can be a bit less painful.
A good rule of thumb is to bring 1-2 changes of clothes with you in your carry-on to get you through any sort of delay. Also consider bringing toiletries and other items you will want to have with you if it takes a bit longer to get your checked luggage.
The last time I had delayed luggage was before my Mekong River cruise. I made it to Seam Reap, Cambodia on time but my luggage did not make the short connection in San Francisco. I only had one change of clothes with me, and it took five days for me to be reunited with my checked bag. Unfortunately, there are limited shopping options in Siem Reap, so I had to make do with some basics like elephant pants I could find at the local markets!
- Be prepared for any delayed checked luggage by packing some extra clothes in your carry-on bag
- Understand layover times for connecting flights…shorter layovers increase the likelihood of delayed checked bags
- Ensure you have everything you need for a day or two in your carry-on; consider what you could purchase at your destination and understand what will be difficult or impossible to get locally
Compression Socks
Another lifesaver (quite literally for some!) is a good pair of compression socks. This is something that I used to think was a bit frivolous and unnecessary, until I developed a blood clot in my right leg after a long flight where I did not get up and move as often as I should have. So now I always wear compression socks on each flight I take (and I ensure that I get up and do a couple of ‘laps’ throughout the plane during long flights!). Not only do they help prevent future clots, but they also keep my legs feeling energized during and after a long flight. As a cat-lover, I was thrilled to find these cat-print compression socks on Amazon last year!
- Compression socks help with circulation, especially on long flights
- Help your legs feel more energized after flying by wearing compression socks on the plane
- Be sure to get up and walk around during the flight to keep the circulation going
Comfortable Clothing
The final essential for me on the plane is comfortable clothing. My plane “uniform” consists of comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. I typically wear a pair of black lounge pants, a loose tee-shirt, and a mid-weight wrap-style cardigan. Layers that are easy to add and remove are key as you move from home to the airport to the plane, with many different temperatures and humidity levels.
Ladies…another key piece of clothing, especially when trying to sleep on a flight, is a sports bra. I learned long ago that wearing a traditional bra on long flights can get very uncomfortable! The bottom line for which clothes to wear on a plane is to wear things for comfort and convenience, and not to impress anyone!
- Layers are key for a comfortable flying experience…have items that you can put on if you get cold, or take off if you get warm
- Loose-fitting clothing helps ensure you are comfortable on a plane
- Always put your comfort over style when it comes to flying
Common Questions
What should I include in my own travel kit?
It will depend on what you think you will need on the plane. Think about the smaller things you use when flying…lip balm, ear plugs, cough drops, earphones, etc. The key is to bundle these things in one small bag or pouch so you have easy access to these things without having to dig through your larger carry-on bag.
How much should I plan to bring in my carry-on if I am also checking bags?
Think about what will be available to you at your destination, and how much you are willing to purchase once there. If you are in a larger, metropolitan area, it will be fairly easy to pick up some extra things to get you through a luggage delay. However, if you are in a more remote area, it will be more difficult to supplement what you need. Also, consider how many flights operate to that location…more flights typically means it will take less time to get your delayed luggage, whereas fewer flights may mean a longer time to be reunited with your bags. Generally speaking, it should not take more than a day or two for the airline to get your delayed luggage to you.
Do I need to wear compression socks on a plane?
Compression socks are not necessary, but they can be very beneficial to many. They improve circulation, which helps to reduce the possibility of getting clots while flying. But they also help your legs feel more energized, especially after longer flights.
What kind of clothing is best to wear on a plane?
I find that loose fit clothing works best for me. This allows me to be comfortable throughout the flight. I also prefer fabrics that can breathe, as some synthetic fabrics can become very warm and uncomfortable during longer flights. Layers are also key, as the temperatures both on the plane itself and in the airports can vary from minute to minute, so being able to easily put things on or take things off helps navigate the temperature swings easily.
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