What I pack in my carry-on purse

All the essentials for a domestic flight, and what to bring during COVID

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For domestic flights, I usually take a tote purse filled with everything I need for the flight, and put everything else in my checked bag. Sometimes I opt for a small carry-on suitcase over a checked bag if i’m only traveling for two days or so, but the tote bag always comes on the plane as my purse.

I’m flying to Florida on Friday for a week-long vacation, so I’m taking a checked suitcase and my tote bag. Here’s what I’ve got packed!

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Purse. The bag I use is from Target and super affordable (and reversible!). It holds everything you might need on a shorter flight.

Scarf. My next go-to item is a large scarf, because 1. I get cold on planes; 2. it easily can be balled up into a makeshift pillow; and 3. it adds some style to my outfit. My most used scarf is a black and grey plaid one from Primark (and not available online).

Water bottle. I always bring an empty water bottle with me because I am definitely not paying those airport prices! As long as your bottle is empty during TSA, you can fill it up in the airport post-security. I bring my 32oz. Hydroflask, but any bottle will do.

Glasses and my contact lens case. I bring this so that I can remove my contacts and take a nap on the flight. Make sure you have poured contact lens solution into the case or bring a travel size bottle of it.

Travel-sized toiletries. Airplanes are pretty dry, so I bring a travel sized moisturizer with me so that I can keep my skin hydrated during the flight. I also bring makeup wipes, deodorant, perfume, and a couple makeup products in travel sizes in order to freshen up after landing. This is essential for me when I want to look decent for whoever is picking me up from the airport. My TSA-approved toiletry bag set can be found on Amazon for $10, here.

Entertainment. I always bring a book with me when flying because I can only be entertained by music and podcasts for so long (throwback to my jaw dropping from finishing Big Little Lies on a flight home from New York). Sometimes I bring two books just in case I finish the first one, but that just depends on how avid of a reader you are. If you aren’t into reading, try to bring something else that will keep you entertained on your flight. Adult coloring books, handheld videos games, or a crossword would also be great entertainment.

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Flying during COVID:

Masks. I’m not an expert on Coronavirus, but I know masks are extremely helpful in minimizing the spread. Try to wear a more protective mask if you can. I bring multiple masks to dispose of them often, such as when deplaning, getting to my destination, etc. It’s also good to dispose of them often to avoid the feared “maskne”.

Disinfectant. Because we are flying in a COVID-world, I bring multiple masks and a mini bottle of hand sanitizer with me wherever I go. I also bring a pack of sanitizing wipes for wiping down the plane seat and tray table. I realize your local stores may be out of disinfectant like mine is, so regular flushable wipes can be used as well just to clean off the surfaces.

Change of clothes. One thing I’m doing to minimize exposure to COVID and lessen the risk of passing it on to others, is changing my clothes as soon as I get off the plane. I will put the clothes I took off into a plastic bag, and wash them when I get to my destination.