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Top 14 carry-on essentials for your next flight

By: Naomi Badour
Published Date:

4 Minute Read

When you’re excited to go on a trip, a long flight can feel like a major obstacle between you and your destination. Dry air, noisy seatmates and chilly cabins can make you dread flying, but being prepared is the key to comfort.  

Our travel experts recommend these must-haves for your carry-on. With these flight essentials, even an international flight will feel like a relaxing extension of your vacation.

Helix 5000 Magnetic Power Bank

wireless power bank

Price: $34.99 

Everyone's worst nightmare is getting caught with a dead phone while travelling—that's why this fast-charging power bank is an important item to keep tucked in your carry-on. The magnetic face snaps onto the back of your phone, charging your device with no fussy cords required.  

Buy now Members earn 2% back in CAA Dollars on purchases at Staples.    

Royale Facial Tissue

facial tissues

Price: $4.77 

Having tissues on hand while you travel is always a great idea, and these mini tissue packs are affordable and super useful. Each pack has 10 tissues, so no allergies or surprise sneeze attacks will catch you off guard.  

Buy now Members earn 1% back in CAA Dollars on online purchases at Walmart.  

Sony WHCH720N/B Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

sony headphones

Price: $249.99 

A good pair of headphones is a must on any flight between loud jet engines and noisy seat neighbours. These Sony headphones are a comfortable, over-the-ear choice for any long trip. They’re Bluetooth to wear on the go and have a wire you can plug into the seatback screens.  

Buy now  Members earn 2% back in CAA Dollars on purchases at Staples.    

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

ostrich pillow

Price: $89.00 

Sleeping on a plane is no mean feat, so a good travel pillow is a must. The Ostrichpillow Go is a consistent favourite among frequent flyers for its comfortable memory foam and ergonomic design, perfect for a quick power nap or a good night’s sleep. 

Eucerin Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick

Eucerin Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick

Price: $5.99 

A good-quality lip balm can change your whole travel experience. Nothing is more uncomfortable than dry, cracked lips, so lip balm is a must-have for long flights.  

Buy now Members earn 5% back in CAA Dollars from purchases from Well.ca.    

Air Canada Adaptor Plug Kit

Air Canada Adaptor Plug Kit

Price: $15.97 

Connect effortlessly worldwide with this plug adaptor kit. This kit contains four different kinds of adaptors, allowing you to charge your appliances wherever you are.  

Buy now  Members earn 1% back in CAA Dollars on online purchases at Walmart. 

Lilac Snap Top Case

Lilac Snap Top Case

Price: $5.99 

It’s easy to lose small items like contact lens cases or jewelry in your carry-on bag. That's why this case, which includes a mirror for touch-ups, is perfect for storing your tiny everyday essentials.  

Kobo Libra Colour Reader

Kobo Libra Colour eReader

Price: $259.99 

Nothing kills time like a good book, but airline weight restrictions mean that taking a hardcover on a plane can be tricky. That’s why Kobo’s compact design and 45 days of battery life make it perfect for any reader who wants to travel light.  

Buy now  Members earn 2% back in CAA Dollars on purchases at Staples.    

Summer Fridays Jet Lag™ Essentials Hydration Set for Travel

Summer Fridays Jet Lag™ Essentials Hydration Set for Travel

Price: $46.00 

Airplane air is notoriously dry, which can be hard on your skin’s moisture barrier. The Jet Lag survival kit from Summer Fridays will solve that problem, containing four mini products designed to hydrate and soothe stressed-out skin. Don’t forget to pack this in your carry-on if you want to step onto the tarmac looking and feeling refreshed 

Buy now Members earn 4% back in CAA Dollars at Sephora. 

Dr. Scholl's Travel Compression Knee High Socks

Dr. Scholl's Travel Compression Knee High Socks

Price: $9.97 

If your feet swell at high altitudes, compression socks will allow you to hit the ground running as soon as you step off the plane. This pair from Dr. Scholl’s is a comfortable and functional choice to tuck into your carry-on.  

Buy now Members earn 1% back in CAA Dollars on online purchases at Walmart. 

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer

Price: $14.00 

No one wants to be sick on vacation, so keep hand sanitizer in your carry-on! This scented, lightweight product nourishes the skin and kills bacteria without leaving a sticky residue.  

Buy now Members earn 4% back in CAA Dollars at Sephora.  

Owala FreeSip 24 oz Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Owala FreeSip 24 oz Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Price: $41.99 

Don’t forget your water bottle when you travel—but remember to fill it up after you pass airport security. The Owala FreeSip is the perfect travel bottle, with a leakproof cap, carrying loop and dual spout that allows you to sip or chug.  

Volprivé Merino Wool Shawl

Volprivé Merino Wool Shawl

Price: $325.00 

Stay warm on a chilly plane with this merino wool shawl from Simon’s. Specially designed for travellers, this wrap is compact, warm and stylish, ensuring a cozy and sophisticated flying experience.  

Buy now Members earn up to 4% back at Simon’s.   

Cosmos Airplane Seat Back Pocket Organizer

Cosmos Airplane Seat Back Pocket Organizer

Price: $25.84 

Airplane seat pockets can be dirty, and it’s easy to leave things behind when you disembark. A portable seat pocket can solve both of those problems. With pouches for your phone, water bottle and other small items, the Cosmos Pocket Organizer clips right onto the seatback for easy access to your flight essentials.  

We’re here to help 

If you need help planning your trip and getting travel insurance, speak to one of our Travel Consultants. You can also book an appointment online or get a quote online for CAA Travel Insurance. 

Prices are accurate at the time of posting but are subject to change. 

CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.  

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