We Asked 4 Flight Attendants What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On

Few things compare to the feeling of getting excited for an upcoming trip and dreaming of the sights, food, and local culture. And while there’s a long list of trip-specific things to pack in your checked baggage — say, salopettes for skiing or sunscreen for a tropical vacation — figuring out exactly what to put in your carry-on can cause decision fatigue.

But, according to Anne-Marie Miller, a flight attendant for Air New Zealand, the trick is to only take what you’ll need en route. “Packing your carry-on is all about making your journey as comfortable as possible, so pack thoughtfully and bring what you need for your flight,” she says.

Things like a book, headphones, and an eye mask make sense to have on board, but the last thing you want to do is overpack. “Be mindful of the airline’s carry-on size and weight limits to avoid last-minute surprises and to ensure there’s overhead locker space for everyone,” she adds.

To get the scoop on what to leave out of your hand luggage, I asked four flight attendants for their best advice. Here are five items they suggest never packing in your carry-on bag.

Bulky Clothing

Planes can get chilly, so while stuffing a fluffy jacket in your carry-on may be tempting, Denise Margrét Yaghi, a flight attendant for PLAY Airlines, says those items unnecessarily take up space. “I steer clear of bulky shoes or heavy jackets — especially in warmer weather,” Yaghi says. She recommends packing a light sweater or shawl and saving space for more essential items. If you truly need your hiking boots as soon as you land, wear them on the flight or place them in your carry-on luggage with other essentials tucked inside.

Oversize Liquids

If you’re an avid traveler, you probably already know about the TSA’s regulations, so Yaghi’s next bit of advice may seem like a no-brainer. However, she says it’s surprising how many folks still get flagged at security for having full-size toiletries in their carry-on bags. “I never pack anything in my carry-on that’s liquid-heavy, like large bottles of shampoo or lotions,” she says. If you need toiletries in your carry-on, adhere to the 3-1-1 rule of having only 3.4 (100 mL) or smaller bottles in a single 1-quart clear bag per person.

Neck Pillow

Although forsaking your neck pillow may seem counterintuitive, Kristine Eksteine-Nizka, a former flight attendant for AirBaltic, says to leave it at home. “One thing that I’ve seen a lot of travelers recommend, but I, as an ex-flight attendant, would never pack, is a travel pillow,” she says. Why? “They’re really bulky and not comfortable at all,” Eksteine-Nizka says. Instead, she recommends packing a shawl to roll up as a headrest and use as a wrap at your destination instead of dragging around an oddly shaped pillow.

Sharp Objects

While you probably already know you can’t pack steak knives or haircutting scissors in your carry-on, many aren’t aware of TSA’s sharp object regulations. For example, can you bring a corkscrew or crochet hooks onto the plane? (The answers are no and yes, to clarify.) Miller says most sharp objects typically aren’t allowed, but when in doubt, ask. “If you’re unsure about specific items, feel free to ask our airport staff before checking in any luggage in case you need to shift things around,” she advises.

Full Water Bottle

It’s no secret that flights can be severely dehydrating, and some are understandably comforted by always having water by their side. However, Spirit Airlines flight attendant Charity Nelms says your bottle should be liquid-free. “Bring an empty water bottle through TSA,” she suggests, “And fill it up in the terminal before you board.” Additionally, Nelms recommends drinking the entire bottle en route and ordering water instead of sugar-laden drinks during in-flight service (which can be dehydrating). If you don’t like plain water, take along a few flavor packets to add some zest.

Further Reading

We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture

We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said