What to Pack for a Flight to NYC

Whether traveling internationally or domestically for your trip to New York City, you should ensure you have a few key essentials with you in your carry-on. For any flight to NYC, I always keep a few key items in my carry-on for comfort and convenience. These are the most valuable items during my time in the friendly skies. While everyone’s needs differ, these are my go-to carry-on items for a smooth trip. And with over a million miles flown, I have gotten pretty good at knowing the top items I need for any flight. Here is what to pack for a flight to NYC.

What to Pack for a Flight to NYC | The Carry-on Bag

Over the years, I have tried every bag you can imagine. The number one thing I can tell you about carry-on bags is this: make sure they zip up. Have you ever been on a flight where you hit some turbulence, and things go flying? If you have a carry-on bag that does not zip closed and goes flying, so will everything in your bag. Choosing a bag with the proper closure is key.

My favorite bag to travel with is this Longchamp bag. There are several reasons for this: It is practical, stays in line with my classic style, and is expandable. You will come to love choosing an expandable bag for your carry-on. I often stuff my suitcase for traveling, leaving very little room for shopping, finds, or souvenirs. An expandable bag creates more space and room for anything I can’t fit in my suitcase, so it is a win-win situation.

The Le Pliage Original Travel Bag comes in black (the color I have), navy (the color my husband has), and cream, which is a great neutral color. I have never been stopped from getting on the plane when it is expanded. And, believe me, it can hold a lot. It also has a thick strap, making carrying easier on your shoulder. You can see from the photos that it creates a ton of room when expanded.

I recently found this insert on Etsy for the Le Pliage Original Travel Bag, making it much more efficient to find items than just rolling around haphazardly in your tote. I purchased mine in a cream color to offset the all-black, making it easier to find items. Once I expand the bag, I fold the insert and lay it down on the bottom to get as many items packed as I can fit.

If you would rather a bag that is not expandable, this Le Pliage Energy bag is the way to go. It also has a thicker strap that you can wear as a crossbody, making it a great option for your carry-on bag. You won’t go wrong with either carry-on.

Looking for something a bit more affordable? This Luka Duffel is Conde Nast’s Readers’ Choice carry-on and comes in over a dozen colors. It can handle it all, with nine pockets and a separate compartment for shoes.

The Electronics Organizer

I am one of those people who like to be organized and efficient, so traveling with a dedicated electronics organizer is a must. Over the years, I have tried several and now rely on this one exclusively. It has multiple storage compartments and is available in black and gray. I also use this Prada travel pouch for a nail file, a small first aid kit, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, my vitamins, hair ties, a small comb or brush, and tissues. This travel pouch is also similar, and I love the gold zipper.

What to Pack for a Flight to NYC | The Travel Scarf

Since I tend to run on the cool side, I am never without layering pieces. This travel scarf works so well because it can be worn as a wrap or used as a blanket, and it does not require much space in your carry-on. Should you need extra room in your carry-on from all the shopping you do, throw it over your shoulders or drape it over your arm. I also love that this wrap is not cashmere. I adore cashmere, but let’s face it, a travel wrap or blanket probably isn’t stored and cared for properly, as cashmere requires. At least not by this traveler.

However, one exception to this rule is traveling in cold weather months. During colder months, I will grab my cashmere wrap because I know it is something I will wear on repeat for my entire journey, and not just throw in my bag for the flight. I have two I love. The first is more of a splurge with the Jenny Kayne scarf, but it is one of my favorites. And it is super soft. This one is a more affordable cashmere wrap that I also love. Its ribbed texture gives it an elevated look. And, at under $100, it’s an excellent price for the quality.

The Sleep Mask

During times when my flight into NYC is longer, depending on where I am coming from, I will try to catch some rest. This sleep mask was recommended by a dear friend, and it always travels with me now. I don’t always sleep on flights; sometimes I like to put this on and get lost in my thoughts. Made from mulberry silk, this sleep mask is delicate and soft. The sleep mask is contoured, so you don’t have to worry about your makeup or eyelashes being smeared. This is why it is my favorite.

What to Pack for a Flight to NYC | The Eye Patches

Several months ago, I saw videos on TikTok by several dermatologists discussing crow’s feet and how dehydration can worsen their appearance. The dermatologists suggested that Hyaluronic acid adds moisture to the skin, reducing the appearance of crow’s feet. This sounded too good, but I am always up for a challenge. Of course, I wanted to test the theory out for myself, and I did.

I tried several eye patches over two weeks and found these to have the most fabulous results. So now they have a prominent spot in my travel case. I also use these before events or evenings out when I feel my eyes look a bit tired. These are also great when I lack sleep, which can happen while traveling. In this instance, I apply them first thing in the morning while brushing my teeth and getting my clothes sorted for the day.

Pro tip: Apply these about 45 minutes before your flight lands. I wear them for about 20 minutes. Rub the remaining moisture into the skin around your eyes and touch up your makeup as needed. If you’d rather not fuss with your makeup on your flight, throw on some sunglasses and apply them once you arrive at the hotel. They work quickly.

Compression Socks

This is an absolute must! I started wearing compression about three years ago, which has been a game-changer. On a trip to Paris in May 2022, I was getting dressed one morning and noticed I had swollen ankles. I thought nothing of it then and assumed it was from all the walking or the richer diet I had been eating. Shortly after that trip, I was having lunch with a friend, and had told her about the swelling. As an aside, she is a doctor. She explained that it was edema and that 90% of people who fly long distances will experience this. It wasn’t cause for alarm. The inactivity and gravity naturally pull fluids to the lower extremities.

She suggested compression socks for long flights. I now wear them on every flight, even if it’s short, and my legs don’t feel as fatigued anymore. My favorite pair of compression socks is these, and you get four styles for under $20. They come in a variety of patterns and colors. I also like to sleep in compression socks when traveling and walking often during my trip. At night, I wear these open-toe compression socks.

Pro tip: Compression socks are avialbe in different levels of support. I typically wear 20-30mm HG. If this is your first time wearing compression, I would suggest starting with 10-20mm HG which will get you used to the tightness. It will take a little but to get used to them, but they are so worth. For lighter weight compression socks, you can check these out.

What to Pack for a Flight to NYC | The Pouch

This pouch accompanies me on every single trip I take, regardless of where I am going. I always find myself collecting receipts and other items during my travels. And this is a great way to keep track of everything that you need to save or wish to keep. The leather is super soft, and the pebbled texture provides good grip. I have had mine for almost a decade now. And it only gets better with time. You can also mongram this pouch if you like. It comes two sizes: medium in eight colors, and large size in six colors. I own the large size in black.

Pro tip: I have also used this pouch as a small clutch for an evening out when I don’t have much to carry with me. It works great if you don’t want to pack an extra handbag or clutch.

The Earplugs

And last, but certainly not least, are earplugs. As a native New Yorker, I quite enjoy the hustle and bustle on the streets outside, but for most travelers, this can cause restless nights. Noise levels in NYC vary depending on your location. The Upper East Side tends to be more quiet as it is more residential than other areas like The Meatpacking District, Soho, Greenwhich Village or Times Square. Sirens and horns are fairly common, too. Most hotels will have earplugs in case you forget to pack some. You can also find them on just about every street corner in a CVS or Duane Reade.

My husband, not a native New Yorker, swears by these and has had many comfortable nights wearing them. They have 4 out of 5 stars with just under 10k reviews on Amazon. I have tried them and they cancel out quite a bit of noise. So I can attest to how well they work.

Now that you know what to pack for a flight to NYC, I wish you the most fabulous time in one of the most amazing cities the world has to offer.