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1Offer available from 16 Apr 2026 to 31 Dec 2026. The 20% discount applies to the travel insurance premium (excluding any applicable stamp duty or GST). T&Cs apply.

Carry-On Luggage Essentials for Your Next Trip

We’re all too familiar with the last-minute stuffing of items into a random carry-on bag 30 minutes before heading to the airport. Spending more time preparing your carry-on luggage before you jet off means you can ensure you have everything you need within arm’s reach during your flight. With our carry-on luggage packing guide and tips, you don’t need to spend hours wishing you had more charge on your phone or a way to drown out the baby cries from two rows behind. You’ll have packed everything you need well in advance! Whether it’s a carry-on suitcase for a quick domestic flight or a carry-on backpack for a long-haul international trip, we have you covered!

The Domestic Flight Starter Pack

When it comes to domestic flying, we have a compact list of essentials that will make your short flights for weekend getaways and work trips a whole lot smoother. Starting strong with a portable charger to keep your phone working mid‑flight, as well as a pair of headphones to pass time listening to your fave podcasts and playlists (we recommend noise-cancelling headphones for extra loud snoring and baby cries). Don’t forget easy snacks and a refillable water bottle for more comfort on board. A small toiletry pouch stocked with lip balm, hand sanitiser and wipes will help you stay fresh on the flight and ready for anything when you jump off at your destination. Pack these essentials into a lightweight carry-on bag that fits neatly under the seat so that you have everything within easy reach and can avoid reaching up into the overhead storage mid-flight.

In It for the Long Haul? Here Are Your International Carry-On Essentials

Comfort and entertainment on long-haul flights are the secrets to an enjoyable start to your long-awaited overseas trip. The first step to in-flight comfort is finding a supportive neck pillow, eye mask and cosy socks that make sleeping on overnight stretches a whole lot easier. When you wake, you’ll want a travel‑size toiletry kit complete with a small cleanser, moisturiser, deodorant and toothpaste to freshen up. Have some offline entertainment downloaded before you take-off to help pass time while up in the air. Flight prep and your cabin luggage packing choices are extra important for long international flights so allocate yourself enough time to get organised.

Tech and Toiletry Essentials for Every Trip

A portable charger should be your number one tech essential on any flight but make sure you check airline guidelines on where to store it. Noise-cancelling or compact headphones are perfect for watching a movie or tuning out noise at the gate or on the flight. Keep your charging cables, adaptors and earphones together in a small tech pouch so you don’t lose them at the bottom of your bag and can easily reach for them. Your toiletry kit handles the rest and knowing the answer to those all important questions like ‘can you take aerosols in carry-on luggage?’ is easier when you have more time to prepare. Leak proofing everything saves you from shampoo covered disasters and keeps your important documents protected.

Documents You Don’t Want to Have to Dig For

Keep your important documents right where you can grab them. Your passport, ID, boarding passes and any visas, travel insurance or booking confirmations should live in one spot that’s easy to access (not buried under snacks and hoodies!) to avoid any extra stress at the airport. Digital copies stored on your phone add an extra layer of backup, so even if something goes missing, you’re not stuck scrambling. A little organisation here saves a lot of stress later.

Choosing Your Carry-On Companion

Now that we’ve covered what to pack, what should we pack it in? Finding the perfect carry-on backpack starts with deciding whether you’d prefer the freedom of a carry-on backpack or the structure of a carry-on suitcase. Each of these offer different benefits for different types of travellers and trips. The convenience of hand luggage that slides easily into the overhead lockers makes airport transitions easier. Airline rules can vary so it’s important to have a look at the carry-on luggage size requirements for the particular airline you’re flying with ahead of time to avoid awkward repacking or added costs at the gate.

The Art of the Perfectly Packed Carry-On

Packing your carry-on bag is basically a game of organised Tetris! Packing cubes turn your bag into a tiny, tidy wardrobe, while small pouches keep your tech, toiletries, snacks and all those runaway little items in one place. Rolling your clothes saves space and keeps them looking fresh and putting heavier things at the bottom with essentials on top makes everything easier to grab. An in-flight pocket for your headphones, lip balm and charger is a total gamechanger and using every pocket means no space goes to waste! Just don’t forget to save a little bit of room for those last-minute ‘wait I need this!’ additions.

Ready, Set, Jet!

A few smart packing habits tie your trip together. Rolling clothes, using packing cubes and keeping essentials at the top of your carry on luggage make everything easier. Add snacks, a refillable water bottle, gum to chew for take-off and a soft hoodie for unpredictable cabin temperatures and you’re set and ready to go. With our simple pre-flight checklist and a well-packed bag, you’re ready for any adventure!

Cover built for who you travel with.

  • Families: Travel with kids can be full of small surprises. Consider cover that could help your family’s days feel smoother.
  • Couples and friends: Whether you’re chasing sunsets, street food, or slow mornings together, consider cover that can help support spontaneous plans and the freedom to explore your way.
  • Solo travellers: Go further with added confidence during the perfect season to explore at your own rhythm. Consider cover that helps you travel independently, with support behind the plans you make.

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  • Unlimited* Overseas Medical

    The policy includes an unlimited* Medical expense benefit on international plans.

  • Dependant Coverage

    Dependent children aged 19 or under can be added to your policy when they are travelling with you.^

  • 24/7 Overseas Emergency Assistance

    You get access to overseas emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Ski & Winter Sports Cover

    Option to add winter sports cover for your skiing and snowboarding adventures.~

*Unlimited means there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, however, amount payable depends on the specific cover, exclusions and terms outlined in the relevant section of the PDS/FSG. Medical, hospital, dental or any ancillary benefits or expenses incurred more than 12 months from the time treatment for the injury or illness was first received will not be covered.
^ Dependants is defined as any of your children, stepchildren, foster children or grandchildren who are 19 years of age or under at the time you purchase your policy, are financially dependent on their parents or grandparents and not working full time. Dependants must be travelling with you for your entire trip and listed on your Certificate of Insurance.

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