What to pack in your carry-on

Average customer rating: 4.3/5
Written by Chloe XY Chin
Reviewed by Adrian Taylor
Updated 24 October 2024

Understanding carry-on rules

Carry-on luggage rules

Things allowed in hand-carry baggage

Things not allowed in hand-carry baggage

What should I pack in my carry-on?

Your carry-on should include items you may require during the flight or if your checked luggage is delayed. You could even create a carry-on packing list based on your destination country to ensure you have everything you need for the trip.

In general, these are some travel essentials that should be always with you and, therefore, packed into your bag or carry-on:

  • Travel documents: Passport, visa (if applicable), boarding pass, travel insurance documents and any other necessary travel documents.
  • Valuables: Always pack jewellery, credit cards, keys and wallets.
  • Medication: Carry essential medications, prescriptions and supplements in your carry-on to avoid any problems if your checked baggage is delayed.
  • Electronic devices: Airlines generally don’t allow your laptops, tablets, iPads, portable chargers and other electronic devices to be in your checked luggage, so you’ll need to keep them in your carry-on.

A good travel tip is to keep these essentials in a separate bag, like a tote or a backpack, for easy access during customs and security checks. You can also stow your tote underneath your seat while your carry-on is stored in the overhead locker, allowing easy access to the belongings you’ll reach for during the flight.

What to pack for domestic flights

What to pack in a carry-on for an international flight

Carry-on toiletries

More information about bringing carry-ons

How do I pack liquids in my carry-on to comply with regulations?

How can I protect my belongings on my trip?

Meet our travel insurance expert, Adrian Taylor

Adrian Taylor
Executive General Manager – General Insurance

As the Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor believes in educating customers about the importance of travel insurance so that anyone can kick back and make the most of their time away from home. While no one wants a disrupted holiday, a suitable travel insurance policy can provide a financial safety net for yourself, your belongings and your trip in case things go wrong.

1 Flight Centre – Carry-On Baggage Guidelines for Flight Centre Travelers. Accessed 02 October 2024.

2 Flight Centre – A comprehensive guide to Australian airline baggage limits. Accessed 02 October 2024.

3 Australian Government Department of Home Affairs – What you can and can’t bring. Accessed 02 October 2024

4 Australian Border Force – Can you bring it in? Accessed 02 October 2024