I'm a Travel Writer, and These Are 12 Things You Should Take Out of Your Personal Item Bag in 2026

"As a travel writer and gear reviewer (not to mention matriarch of a wanderlusting family), my job is literally to be in airports, test products in the air, and evaluate my processes as I go to identify hits and misses. Over the years, I've perfected plenty of packing habits-but I've also made my share of annoying, costly mistakes and learned from them. Along the way, I learned that there's one bag in your arsenal that you're not using to its fullest potential: your personal item. It's not just about the bag you choose-it's about what you put inside it, and how you organize those things."

"After years of boarding planes with both a tote or backpack and a small purse-only to be told at the gate that "those count as two bags"-I've finally accepted that these must be consolidated at the gate, even if it's just a matter of technicality. It gets chaotic when the agent is staring at you, a line of passengers is piling up behind you, and you're frantically mashing your purse into your half-filled backpack. Now I travel with one intentional, well-designed under-seat bag that can discreetly hold a small crossbody or clutch before I approach the gate. This approach saves me stress, keeps me compliant with airline rules, and makes my airport experience calmer from check-in to landing."

Consolidate multiple small bags into a single intentional under-seat personal item that can hold a small crossbody or clutch to avoid gate issues and reduce stress. Prefer soft, leakproof toiletry pouches over rigid hard-sided cases to allow compression and save space. Organize essentials in clearly labeled, easy-access pouches so items are quick to find during boarding and in flight. Prioritize under-seat fit and airline compliance when selecting a personal item. Streamlined organization speeds boarding, lowers friction at the gate, and increases comfort and enjoyment throughout travel.

Read at Travel + Leisure