Packing your carry-on bag before a flight can be a tricky task. From popping your liquids into a clear bag for security to ensuring that your portable battery isn’t in your checked-in suitcase, it’s all too easy to forget the little things. Not sure what to bring? We asked the Qantas editors to share their top tips on what to pack in your carry-on.

Image credit: Everything Cashmere

Cashmere everything

1/12

“I am all about comfort and staying warm. Cashmere is that little bit more expensive but investing in a wrap, sweater and socks keeps things cosy. I generally stick to neutrals (grey, black, cream) but I do have a gorgeous green wrap from Everyday Cashmere that works as a blanket on the plane and a scarf on the ground.” – Kirsten Galliott, Editor-in-Chief

A compact zip-up pouch

2/12

Over the years I have learnt (the hard way) to pack a compact zip-up pouch with all the things I will need easy access to on the plane (tech, eye drops, pen, moisturiser, warm socks). It fits easily inside my carry-on so I can quickly remove it before stowing my bag without holding up fellow passengers. I always book the window seat so this way I have everything within arms reach and can settle in for a few hours of peace and a good Rom-Com. – Genevra Leek, Editor, Qantas and Travel Insider

A silk sleep mask and ear plugs

3/12

“I’ve road-tested pretty much every sleep mask out there and the best are from Slip. They are soft and padded, with a just-right strap that keeps the mask in place without it digging into your skin. Teamed with reusable silicone Happy Ears earplugs (which come in three sizes), it’s the only way I can get to sleep on a long-haul flight.” – Sandra Bridekirk, Deputy Copy Director

Image credit: Ginger People

Ginger lollies and an Antler carry-on

4/12

“As well as books I never read, a comfy outfit I never bother changing into and work I never actually get done, I always pack a box of Gin Gins ginger lollies – they help with travel sickness and are a palate-cleansing treat between meals. Also, I used to carry a canvas tote and spill everything under the seat in front of me. I recently got an Antler carry-on and feel much more organised – and less annoying to fellow passengers!” – Faith Campbell, Content Director

Moisturiser

5/12

“My skin’s default is dry anyway, so slathering on a moisturiser mid-flight is a non-negotiable. I love Chanel’s iconic ‘egg’ capsule, La Crème Main." Natalie Reilly, Content Manager

Bepanthen

6/12

“I’m not even joking. This baby bum cream is the only thing I put on my lips. It moisturises, softens and protects, so my lips don’t feel tight or dry in the high altitude. I have it in all sizes.” – Pippa Duffy, Copy Editor

A cosy hoodie

7/12

“Especially for a long-haul flight, when you really want to settle in, you need that comfy (and hygenic!) layer between you and the seat/wall/window when you're smooshing your face right in for a nap. Cocooning inside a hoodie also helps block out some of the light and movement around you.” – Mark Brandon, Content and Partnerships Director

Electrolytes, water bottle and hotel slippers

8/12

“Staying hydrated when flying seems to help me feel less jet-lagged once I arrive at my destination. I take Hydralyte tablets and a reusable water bottle to refill at the back of the plane. I also pack a travel nose spray (Flo Travel Nasal Spray) and I bring a pair of disposable hotel slippers from wherever I last stayed and slip them on when I need to use the bathroom. It’s a daggy look, but it does the trick. – Hana Jo, Head of Digital Production and Operations

A sheet mask, baby powder and a tech organiser

9/12

“Flying is a unique opportunity to grab some ‘me time’, so I like to pamper myself with an extravagant sheet mask (Heartwood Royal Treatment). On a long flight, I’ll also bring some baby powder in a sandwich bag and massage it into the roots of my hair just before landing – it’s a great alternative to bringing a whole dry shampoo aerosol. But my latest essential is this July Tech Kit organiser case – its semi-translucent shell means I can see what’s inside without needing to open it up.” – Christina Rae, Digital Editor

Silk scrunchies

10/12

“If you want to keep your hair off your face mid-flight but still be able to take it out when you land without any bumps, these Slip silk scrunchies are perfect. They hold your hair up but leave you without headaches and, when you take them out, your hair looks untouched.” – Anneliese Beard, Digital and Social Producer

Image credit: BioCeuticals

Face wipes and ArmaForce

11/12

“I’ll always take a small pack of facial cleansing wipes. The pre-moistened kind, like the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths, freshens and moisturises at the same time. Travelling across time zones means altered sleep cycles so I’ll pop an ArmaForce – an immunity-supporting supplement that gives you a kick of echinacea, Andrographis and vitamin C – to ensure I maintain full health while away.” – Terry Christodoulou, Senior Writer