Packing list

What It Means

A packing list is a checklist of what to take on a trip, written before you pack and ticked off as each item goes into a bag. For a flight, a good one also sorts items by bag, because TSA limits the liquids you can carry through security and the FAA requires spare lithium batteries to stay out of checked luggage.

How People Say It

• "Did anyone pack the phone chargers?"
• "Check the list before we zip the suitcases."
• "The formula goes in the diaper bag, not the big suitcase."

The Breakdown

Carry-on bag

• Liquids, gels and creams in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, together in a quart-size bag
• Formula, breast milk or juice for a baby or toddlerToddlerA child from 1 to 3 years old, the stage CDC's parenting guidance places between infancy and the preschool years. See more, which may be over 3.4 ounces and stays outside the quart bag
• Medicine and any medically needed liquids
• Spare lithium batteries, power banks and phone battery cases
• Chargers and headphones
• Snacks, books and small toys for the kids

Documents

• Passports or photo IDs for everyone who needs one
• Booking confirmations, printed or saved on a phone
• Health insuranceHealth insuranceA plan you pay a premium for that covers part of your medical costs, while you pay your own share through a deductible, copays and coinsurance. See more cards

For the kids, in the carry-on

• A change of clothes for each child
• Diapers and wipes for the travel day, plus extras
• A comfort item for sleeping

Checked bag

• Clothes for each day, plus a spare outfit per child
• Toiletries in containers larger than 3.4 ounces
• Swimsuits, jackets or rain gear for the forecast

At the checkpoint. Take formula, breast milk, juice and medicine out of the bag so they can be screened on their own, as TSA asks.

Good to Know

TSA's liquids rule covers what you carry through the security checkpoint. Formula, breast milk, juice and medically necessary liquids are exceptions to it, and they don't need to fit in the quart-size bag. The FAA rule on batteries works the other way: spare lithium batteries, power banks and phone battery cases may only travel in the cabin. If an airline checks your carry-on at the gate or beside the plane, take those out first and keep them with you.

Related Terms and Categories

• Travel first aid kit

  A small, packable kit of first aid supplies, medicines and health papers a family carries on a trip so minor problems can be handled away from home.

• Beach day checklist

  A list of what to pack and do for a safe day at the beach with kids: sun protection, water, life jackets, a lifeguarded spot and an adult watching at all times.

• Flying with a baby

  Air travel with a child under 2, which starts with one choice: a lap infant on an adult's lap, or a ticketed seat with an FAA-approved car seat.

• Gate check

  Handing a stroller, car seat or carry-on bag to the airline at the boarding gate so it travels in the hold instead of the cabin.

Travel and outings with kids