Travel Tech for Carry-On: The Swiss Hand Luggage Packing List
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The right travel gadgets for your carry-on are what separate relaxed travelling from endlessly hunting for a socket, an adapter or a lost suitcase. This packing list stays deliberately compact: only the things that truly belong in your cabin bag, with concrete Swiss notes on plugs and permitted watt-hours. Everything here is accessory gear you get from us with Swiss stock and free shipping from CHF 15.
The power bank always goes in your carry-on
First rule first: a power bank must never go in your checked suitcase, it belongs in your carry-on, and that applies to every airline. Lithium batteries are banned from the cargo hold because a fault there could ignite unnoticed. In the cabin you are present and can react in an emergency.
What matters is the capacity in watt-hours (Wh). Up to 100 Wh a power bank is allowed without any fuss, which is around 27000 mAh at 3.7 V. Larger units of 100 to 160 Wh need airline approval, and anything above that is prohibited. For most travellers a 10000 or 20000 mAh bank easily covers several phone charges.
- 10000 mAh (≈37 Wh): light, charges a phone two to three times, ideal for a day bag.
- 20000 mAh (≈74 Wh): also tops up a tablet or AirPods, a solid all-rounder.
- Over 27000 mAh: check the Wh, often near the 100 Wh limit, inform the airline.
Models with a clear Wh rating are in our power banks.
Travel adapter: the Swiss plug abroad
The Swiss plug (type J) fits directly only in a few countries. In most destinations you need a travel adapter. A modern USB-C GaN multiport adapter replaces several chargers at once: it powers phone, tablet and laptop together and is smaller than a classic charger.
| Region | Socket type | Swiss plug fits? |
|---|---|---|
| Germany, France, Italy | Type C / F / E | Only the 2-pin Euro plug, adapter recommended |
| United Kingdom, Ireland | Type G | No, adapter needed |
| USA, Canada | Type A / B | No, adapter needed |
| Asia (varies) | Type A / C / G / I | No, universal adapter recommended |
A universal adapter covers almost every country. Make sure at least one USB-C port supports Power Delivery (PD) so your laptop also charges fast. Browse the choice in travel adapters.
Short cables and a cable organiser
On the road long cables are a nuisance. Short cables (20 to 30 cm) save space and reach from the power bank or adapter to your device. Take the right one for each gadget: USB-C for newer phones and laptops, Lightning for older iPhones. A small cable organiser stops the usual tangle in your bag and you find everything instantly on the plane.
AirPods, phone mount and AirTag
For peace on the plane and the train, AirPods or other headphones belong in your carry-on, ideally with noise cancelling. A small phone mount turns the tray table or seat back into a mini cinema. And for real peace of mind: an AirTag in your checked suitcase shows you at any moment where your luggage is, especially handy on connecting flights. Find headphones in the audio section and the tracker at AirTag.
Waterproof pouch for beach and rain
At the beach, in a kayak or in tropical rain, a waterproof pouch protects phone, power bank and passport. Many models stay touch-friendly so you can shoot photos through the film. It is cheaper than a waterproof phone and protects several gadgets at once. Suitable models are at Lifestyle & Outdoor.
Quick checklist to tick off
- Power bank up to 100 Wh, always in the carry-on
- Universal travel adapter with USB-C PD
- Short USB-C and Lightning cables
- Cable organiser
- AirPods or headphones
- Phone mount
- AirTag in the suitcase
- Waterproof pouch