5 carry-on essentials

Posted 14 August, 2025 Sasha Oelsner

Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling as the empty baggage carousel grinds to a halt?

Your fellow passengers are well on the way to their hotels having collected their belongings, and you’re left wondering which country your suitcase is in.

Worldwide 33.4 million bags were delayed, damaged or lost in 2024, according to travel technology specialists, SITA. That’s approximately 6 bags per 1000 passengers.

Lost or delayed luggage is a first-class ticket to regret when you remember all the essential items you didn’t pack in your hand luggage.

It only takes one lost bag to turn someone into a carry-on packing expert. Pack these items in your hand luggage so you’re well prepared in case one day, your checked suitcase goes on an adventure of its own.

1. At least one whole outfit

Pack at least one whole outfit in your carry-on luggage. Choose lightweight items that pack down to save on space and weight. At the bare minimum, pack a top, pants, underwear and socks, and wear shoes you’re happy to keep on for a few days if necessary. Alternatively, slide a pair of thin, lightweight thongs into your carry-on luggage.

Think about what you have planned for your first day or two and pack the appropriate outfit. For instance, throw in a pair of bathers for tropical holidays, or a few essential makeup items if you’re going to a fancy dinner. Travelling somewhere cold? Try to wear bulky jackets on the plane so you have it ready to go once you land.

2. Medications

Over-the-counter and prescription medicines should always be packed in your carry-on, and you’ll probably want some headache tablets on hand if you lose your luggage.

If flying with a quantity larger than normally allowed (for example, a bottle of contact lens solution which is considered a medical necessity by TSA), pre-prepare a letter from your GP and inform customs during screening.

3. Toiletries

Sure, you can pick up a toothbrush or deodorant at your destination, but who wants to buy a hard-bristled – and potentially overpriced – toothbrush and strange-tasting toothpaste from an unfamiliar convenience store. You’ll kick yourself for not having a toothbrush handy when you go to bed that first night, with your pearly whites feeling furry after a long day of eating plane food and drinking instant coffee. Pack a regular (not electric) toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste ready in your bag to save yourself the hassle.

Like the toothbrush, you’ll feel like you can tackle the first day without your luggage head-on if you pack deodorant in your hand luggage. Make sure it isn’t an aerosol spray and remains under the liquid limit (if necessary) or pack an emergency cream-based deodorant. Throw in a small foldable brush or comb as well.

4. Hardcopy travel documents

It’s always handy to print your travel documents and pack a hardcopy of the contact details for your hotel, car hire and travel insurance.

For instance, if you get held up working with the airline to find your lost belongings or your flight is very delayed, you can easily contact the hotel to let them know you’ll be arriving after their regular check-in closes. It’s also a good idea to print a hardcopy of your personal emergency contacts.

5. Chargers and adaptors

Most travel adaptors simply convert the plug shape and don’t contain any batteries, meaning they are safe for your checked baggage.

It’s a good idea to pack an adaptor, along with a charging cable, in your hand luggage so you can make sure your phone stays fully charged. You’ll want to be ready for the call that says, “We’ve located your luggage.” Power banks and other items with batteries must go in your hand luggage.

Other luggage tips

• Put an AirTag in or equivalent smart luggage tag on your checked luggage. These devices use technologies like Bluetooth, GPS or Wi-Fi to help track your luggage location. Note AirTag’s rely on other iPhone users nearby and may be delayed when updating the whereabouts of your luggage (so don’t panic immediately if it looks like your bag is back at the start).
  
  
• Take a photo and write a description of your suitcase before leaving home so you can describe it easily later. Use a unique tag, colour or pattern for your luggage to help it stand out. Airlines advise against using ribbons for identification as they can get caught or interfere with the scanning process and may be the reason your luggage has gone missing.
  
  
• Remove old travel stickers and barcodes from previous flights as these could cause confusion to baggage handlers and automated scanning systems.

Why and how does luggage get lost or delayed?

These are some of the most common reasons luggage goes missing.

• Late check-in or tight connections during transfers, particularly when travelling with multiple airlines. Transfer handling, including moving luggage between aircrafts and different carriers, is the cause of 41 per cent of delayed luggage, according to SITA data. Even if you make your connection by sprinting through the airport, your luggage may not be so lucky.
  
  
• Human or system errors, such as barcode scanning errors or bags loaded on an incorrect cart.
  
  
• Other delays including weather disruptions and additional security inspections.

Next time you’re packing for a trip, think of your hand luggage as travel insurance you can carry with you. Hopefully, you’ll never have to rely on it.

^#This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. ABN 80 000 438 291 (Tokio Marine), AFSL 246548. Royal Automobile Association of South Australia Limited (ACN 677 371 274, AR 000228575) acts as an authorised representative of the issuer and receives a commission which is a percentage of the premium paid and may also receive a portion of the underwriting profit. Any advice is general advice. Consider the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement, and Target Market Determination, available on the RAA website when deciding whether to purchase this product. Terms and Conditions, Limits and Sub-limits apply. *Member discount applies to premium payable for the Product.