

Packing Essentials
for flight & island
From Luggage selection to packing your bags, hopefully I can give some helpful advice. Everyone who knows me is aware I am not a light packer. I like to be prepared for just about everything a trip can throw my way. I do have a few staple items I take along on every trip, and a few recommendations for your travelling as well. I am unfortunately not sponsored for any of this, they are just some products (or similar things) I personally love.
Choosing Your Luggage

Efficient packing starts with a quality bag. If your trip involves island hopping, a small luggage bag and travel backpack would be a great start. If you are relaxing on one island the whole trip, a larger luggage bag might be the move. Most airlines allow at least one luggage bag, one carry on and one personal item. I generally travel with a medium roller bag, a small roller carry on or backpack, and a purse or backpack as a personal item.
I do not receive any compensation for my recommendations, these are genuinely my favorite accessories to travel with.
Personal Item



Although I would love to bring my cat as a personal item on every trip, I think he would be too extra (personality-wise) on the flight.
A personal item is a small bag—such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack—that you can bring on an airplane for free. It must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
I absolutely love this LoveVook travel backpack I got from Amazon. This brand has some wonderful size and color options. The bags are made so well and have great compartments to keep everything organized and accessible on the plane. It also doubles as an extendible carry on backpack if I want to bring a purse instead. I also love my BAGSMART Weekender bag, also from Amazon. It has soft, water-repellant fabric, multiple compartments to keep my plane ride organized, a shoulder strap, and a pass-through strap to attach it onto your carry-on handle. It easily fits under the seat and can be folded up pretty small when not in use.
Airlines generally use the following size guidelines and allowances for personal items:
Common Size Limits
While exact dimensions vary by airline, a general rule of thumb is to keep your bag at or under 18 x 14 x 8 inches. For example:
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Southwest Airlines: Fits under the seat; dimensions not to exceed 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches.
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United Airlines: Maximum 9 x 10 x 17 inches.
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American Airlines: Maximum 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
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Spirit & Frontier Airlines: Max 18 x 14 x 8 inches (Free for personal item, carry-ons incur a fee).
What Counts as a Personal Item?
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Purses, handbags, or crossbody bags
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Laptop bags, briefcases, or tablet sleeves
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Small backpacks (daypacks)
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Small duffel bags or camera bags
Items That Don't Count Against Your Allowance
Airlines typically allow these in addition to your carry-on and personal item:
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Outerwear (coats, jackets)
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Neck pillows or reading material
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Diaper bags (usually 1 per child)
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Breast pumps
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Mobility or medical devices (crutches, wheelchairs)
Carry On


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Carry-on luggage refers to suitcases or bags small enough to fit in a plane's overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Standard airline dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm). Always verify with your specific airline to avoid gate-checking fees. I love the Calpak Davis Carry on, purchased for much cheaper than I've found online, at TJMaxx. This lightweight spinner bag has held up amazingly. It has a few dings and dents from gate checking, but has kept everything secure. TJMaxx has some of the best deals on luggage and carry-on bags in my opinion. I love bags that feature good internal organization and security with built in TSA locks on the zipper. I also had a full-sized Calpak luggage bag (until it was destroyed at the Denver airport).
Make sure to check the carry-on bag requirements for your flight. Many airlines are getting very stingy on dimensions and will check your bag if it doesn't fit in their tiny, metal size-checking cages. My carry on bag is about a half inch too long, but I've been lucky enough to sneak by unnoticed. Inter-island flights usually have smaller planes and may have even tighter restrictions.
Standard Size Requirements
While rules vary slightly depending on whether you're flying domestic or international, the baseline standards include:
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Maximum Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (including handles and wheels).
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Weight Limits: Many US airlines (like United or American) do not have a carry-on weight limit, but international carriers (like British Airways, Air Canada, or Lufthansa) often cap it at 15–22 lbs (7–10 kg).
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Personal Items: Most airlines allow a separate personal item like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits under the seat. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Top Carry-On Luggage Picks
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Best Overall: Away The Carry-On — Known for durable polycarbonate shells, smooth wheels, and an ejectable battery for charging on the go.
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Best Expandable: Monos Expandable Carry-On — A sleek, aerospace-grade polycarbonate case that gives you a little extra packing space when needed.
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Best Softside: Travelpro Crew Classic Compact Carry-On — Trusted by flight crews for its durability, lightweight feel, and comfortable handling.
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Best Budget: Amazon Basics Hard-Shell Carry-On — An affordable 20-inch option featuring a scratch-resistant finish and smooth spinner wheels.
What Can You Bring? (TSA Rules)
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Liquids: The TSA follows the 3-1-1 rule: any liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and fit entirely inside one clear, quart-sized plastic bag. These can be in your personal item or carry on.
Checked Luggage Bags


Most major airlines limit standard checked bags to a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg) and a size of 62 linear inches (Length + Width + Height). Fees typically start around $35–$45 for the first bag on domestic flights, but vary by destination and your ticket class.
Standard Baggage Allowances
While specific policies differ by carrier, the standard checked bag parameters for major U.S. airlines include:
Airline Standard Weight Limit Max Dimensions Domestic First Bag Fee
Delta Air Lines 50 lbs (23 kg) 62 linear in. (157 cm) $45 USD
United Airlines 50 lbs (23 kg) 62 linear in. (157 cm) $45 - $50 USD
American Airlines 50 lbs (23 kg) 62 linear in. (158 cm) $35 - $45 USD
Hawaiian Airlines 50 lbs (23 kg) 62 linear in. (158 cm) $35 - $45 USD
Alaska Airlines 50 lbs (23 kg) 62 linear in. (158 cm) $35 - $45 USD
Overweight & Oversized Fees
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Overweight Bags: Exceeding the 50 lbs limit will generally incur additional penalty fees ranging from $100 to $200+ per bag, depending on the airline and whether the weight hits the next tier (typically bags between 51–70 lbs are penalized, with 70–100 lbs being the hard maximum for most airlines). [1, 2, 3, 4]
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Oversized Bags: Bags exceeding 62 linear inches but within the weight limit usually face a flat oversized fee (often starting around $150–$200).
How to Check Your Exact Fees
Because fees and allowances can change based on route, elite status, and credit card perks, use these carrier-specific calculators before heading to the airport:




My Favorite Luggage
From the moment I laid eyes on this beautiful Dakine rolling luggage bag, I had to have it. This particular bag pattern can only be purchased at Honolua Surf Co., they said it was designed specifically for the islands. I'm not sure if they have store locations off-island or not. I bought it on my second trip to Hawaii. It doesn't have spinner wheels which is the only downfall. It does have great organizational compartments on the inside to keep your packed items separate and easy to find and also has exterior tightening straps to compact your bag even more. It is very durable, well-made and is definitely easy to spot on the luggage wheel. I took this bag to Bali, Indonesia and it handled the unpaved roads like a champ. I rolled this bag til the wheels literally disintigrated. I wrote to Dakine to see what they could do, and they sent me new replacement wheels! Great customer service. The bag is rather heavy, so I don't take it for shorter trips since I could use the space more efficiently with other luggage bags. Overall, Dakine makes great bags!
Spinner-wheeled, feather-weight luggage is definitely the most travel-friendly baggage I've used. I am still trying to wear out my original baggage so I can upgrade to the feather-weight style. This gives you 5-10 pounds of extra weight not being lost on your bag. I found these on Amazon and they look pretty good for the price.
This lightweight, collapsible Bago Travel duffel bag is great to bring along on vacation trips in case you buy souvenirs and need an extra bag for the flight home. Perfect for clothing and larger items that may not fit in your carry on. It folds up and zips into itself, saving weight and space on the way to wherever you are going.
The OlarHike Compression packing cubes are my new favorite. They compress your clothing even more with zippers on the sides. I also have some from BAGAIL that make organizing my large bag a breeze. This set also came with a shoe bag and two sizes or toiletry organizers. I never knew what I was missing out on with packing cubes. They keep everything compressed, efficient and separate, which is great if you are on a multi stop trip. Every time I would land somewhere new, my bag would get progressively more unorganized. Not anymore! These fold down flat when not in use, but I like to keep everything bagged up at each stop I make.
Traveler pro tips
It's unlikely (but not impossible) your bags will be lost during travel. Here are a few steps you can take to help reduce this risk:
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Before going to the airport, remove all old bag tags.
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If you're checking a bag, make sure you get to the airport early.
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Keep your bag tag receipt. You should also take a picture of your bag and bag tag receipt together for your records.
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Place your phone number or email on a luggage tag or inside the front pocket of your bag so if your bag tag is lost, we can contact you to confirm where to send it.
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Use a device like an AirTag to keep an eye on your bag (this has saved us from losing bags in LAX returning from an international trip!)
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Place medication, valuables and other essentials, like keys and your wallet, in the bag you plan to bring on the plane with you.
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Pack all liquids in a resealable bag. Liquids more than 3.4 oz (100 ml) should be packed in your checked bag.
Packing For the Flight
I strive to be comfortable and prepared for the long plane ride and layovers, so a great neck pillow, comfy socks, and a scarf or lightweight sweater are some of the core items I keep in my carry on. I also pack an eye mask and sunglasses (avoid getting blinded if someone opens the window during your nap). Lastly, I always bring chapstick and lotion to help my lips and skin stay hydrated up in the sky and some hand sanitizer to help avoid catching anything during my flight.
Neck Pillow

As someone who agressively head bobs when I fall asleep, keeping my head and neck secure is a must (if I want to sleep on the plane at all). Neck pillows make plane-sleeping much more enjoyable for me, making falling asleep much easier and more comfortable no matter which seat you're assigned. My new absolute favorite is this Sarisun Travel Pillow eye mask combo from Amazon. This keeps me from being a bobblehead on my long flights. The eye mask is cusioned and velcro-adheres to the cushioned neck wrap, that you easily attach to the upper portion of the airplane seat back. I would at least make sure to get one with a cinch-string or a snap-button to keep it from slipping off if your head falls forward. The memory foam ones are the best, in my opinion. I found this bundle pack on Amazon that includes sleep masks and earplugs (also a must for me). I found a nice one at TJ Maxx, but for efficiency sake, Amazon may be easier. These are easy to roll up and put in your carry on in between flights, and are nice for layovers in the airport as well.
Eye Mask
This might be a duplicate if you go with the Sarisun travel pillow above, but if you prefer to keep them separate, eye masks are my new favorite travel buddy. I've never slept so well on a flight! I love the newer style of form-fitted ones that dome out over your eyes. With these, my eyelashes aren't getting smashed and they are overall much more comfortable to wear for an extended period of time. They block out the light perfectly and I get the best sleep possible on the plane. If you aren't in a window seat, this can save your eyes from getting blasted by the sun in the upper atmosphere if your seat neighbor decides to open the window. They come in a variety of colors and the fabric is very soft.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
This may be the most important thing on this list. Being crammed in a plane for 7+ hours is bad enough with our having to listen to screaming babies or a loud jet engine the entire time. I usually get pretty lucky with semi-quiet flights, but the last time I went home, two toddlers shrieked at full volume almost the entire flight to the midwest. I have tried a few headphone options. The Beats Solo 3, which have great sound but don't do much in terms of cancelling outside noise. I recently got the Soundcore Q20i headphones and they are incredible for the price. I got them for $44 but they frequently go on sale for less. The best quality is probably going to be Bose, my mom loves hers. But the Soundcore brand makes great headphones. The larger ear pads are more comfortable and drown out the headache of that unwanted noise. Airpod Pro's are also amazing and much more compact. Mine recently quit working and I decided to go with another Amazon dupe, the TAGRY Bluetooth Earbuds. Again, for the quality and cost (around $25), you can't beat it! I like to bring both along for different legs of my trip. The headphones are comfortable and the earbuds are compact.

Refillable Water Bottle
Not only is a refillable water bottle great for the environment, it saves you from buying the overpriced waters at the airport and can be used in a variety of ways. This is something I never travel without, and recently I started bringing a travel coffee mug as well to take a drink (coffee, juice, etc. from the airport lounge). I usually fill up with fresh water at the airport Starbucks.
Everyone is obsessed with Hydroflask and Owala or whatever the hyped bottle is, but honestly I love the Ozark Trail bottles from Walmart, and my Hydraflow Flipstraw bottle from TJ Maxx. they're a fraction of the price and from what I've seen, work just as well.

Compression Socks
Compression socks aren't just for the elderly! I wear these everytime I fly, and they help prevent leg fatique and swelling during the long flights. I have a blood clotting disorder, so this is one easy preventative measure I can take to prevent DVTs. Always consult with a doctor to get the right socks for you. I love these Levsox socks from Amazon. Without them, I am guaranteed to have cankles by the time I land.
Snacks



Sometimes the plane food can be lacking flavor or allure. I like to bring at least a few snack items along as an alternative for the long trip. Protein balls, fresh fruit, and trail mix are some of my favorites. I like to bring a zip lock and sneak some food from the airport lounge when available. Just make sure any fresh foods are eaten before landing in Hawai'i, or they will be confiscated by the sniffer dogs at baggage claim. Hawai'i wants to prevent any pests from being brought to the islands on fruit and meats. All agricultural items must be declared on the “Plants and Animals Declaration Form,” which is distributed and collected by flight attendants prior to landing in Hawai‘i. There are rubbish bins where you can toss foods you have not eaten upon landing.
Phone Chargers
Having a travelling phone charger is a great thing to bring, expecially on the plane. I like to bring an extra charging cord, cube as well as a magnetic portable charger. Sometimes the plane outlets don't work so I try to have a back up. There are also plug ins with multiple plug in ports. This Tech Squared power bank from Sams Club works really well, and this Anker MagGo Power Bank from Amazon is great for when you are on the go and don't want to mess with cords.
Scarf or Light Blanket
Flights tend to get chilly for me, so I like to bring along a wool shawl, travel towel or jacket. I usually dress in layers to compensate for the temperature change. You could leave the freezing midwest and land in Hawai'i to 80 degree weather.
Packing For the Islands
Here are some of the items I highly recommend bringing or buying before or during your stay in Hawai'i. For a deep-dive into island attire, ideas of what to pack and wear, and places to purchase items see my Island Attire Page. Pack light, casual, and breathable clothing for Hawaii. Must-haves include 2-3 swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable walking shoes/sandals, and one nicer outfit for a luau or dinner. Leave heavy winter clothes at home, but bring a light jacket if you plan to visit high elevations like Haleakalā (Maui) or Mauna Kea (Big Island). Many things can easily be purchased on Oahu. We have most of the major stores located on the mainland, so don't worry if you forget something, you can just get a souvenir while on island! Click on any item on the list for recommendations, visuals or a deep dive on my favorites. A well-organized and highly practical packing strategy includes:
































































































