Layover Essentials Packing List
Waiting hours between flights? Don’t get stuck unprepared. Use this layover essentials packing list to stay comfy, fresh, entertained, and ready for anything. Includes a printable version
🛫 Smart Must-Haves for Surviving Long Airport Waits
🎒 Personal Carry-On Must-Haves
- Passport & boarding passes
- Wallet with ID, credit cards, and cash
- Phone & portable charger
- Headphones or earbuds
- Reusable water bottle (empty until after security)
- Medications & important health items
- Travel insurance details
💤 Rest & Comfort
- Neck pillow or inflatable pillow
- Eye mask & earplugs
- Travel blanket or large scarf
- Compression socks
- Sleep aid or relaxing essential oils
- Change of clothes & fresh socks
🧼 Freshen Up Kit
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Face wipes or cleansing cloths
- Deodorant
- Mini moisturizer & lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Small hairbrush or comb
📱 Entertainment & Productivity
- Downloaded movies, shows, or podcasts
- Offline maps or translation apps
- Notebook or travel journal
- Reading material or e-reader
- Pen for immigration forms
- Noise-canceling headphones (if available)
🍱 Snacks & Dining
- Healthy snacks (nuts, protein bars, fruit)
- Gum or mints
- Travel utensils (if needed)
- Instant coffee or tea sachets
🧾 Optional Extras
- Travel pillowcase
- Foldable tote or packable day bag
- Change of underwear
- Airport lounge access pass
- Mini sewing kit or safety pins
- Travel-sized stain remover pen
🧠 Airport Strategy & Planning
- List of airport lounges with access info
- Pre-downloaded terminal map
- Pre-booked shower or nap pod info
- Local SIM card or eSIM info for layover country
🛃 Border & Security Needs
- Transit visa (if layover requires it)
- Proof of onward travel
- Emergency embassy contact info
🧸 Kid & Family Travel
- Small travel games or coloring book
- Child headphones
- Wet wipes & child-safe sanitizer
🧍 Solo Traveler Items
- Travel door lock or alarm
- Discreet cash storage
- Small whistle or safety device
🧳 Mini Organization Tools
- Packing cubes (for carry-on access)
- Mini zip pouches for toiletries, snacks, cords
- Digital luggage tracker (e.g. AirTag)