India, May 30 -- I logged over 60 flights in 2025 across three continents, and what I pack in my carry-on has been refined, tested, and edited down to exactly what I know works. I have sat through 16-hour flights from Seattle to Bali, red-eye flights across the Atlantic, and everything in between. Early on, I packed random items or whatever I grabbed at the airport at the last minute. However, it was never enough, and I'd land at my destination depleted and behind before the trip even started.

Packing for a long-haul flight requires special attention. The items below are what I actually keep in my carry-on now, things I have carried across enough time zones to know they earn their space in my bag every single time. Keep scrolling for my ...