6 Costco Items To Buy for Your Carry-On Luggage

There’s a fine line to tread when shopping for items to go in your carry-on luggage at Costco. While shoppers won’t be able to find travel-size items for sale at $1 prices, certain bulk buys and slightly more expensive items are worth spending the money on to keep using after travel has wrapped.

GOBankingRates reviewed the Costco website for carry-on must-haves and carefully avoided including any out-of-stock items on this roundup. Keep reading to find out which seven Costco items should be in your carry-on luggage.

• Price: $79.99

If you’re planning to check luggage in addition to bringing along a carry-on and don’t already own Apple AirTags, now’s a good time to make the investment.

Apple AirTags help keep track of checked luggage and find any lost items. All you need to do is attach them to your checked items and you’ll be able to see these items in the Find My app. Each set includes four individual AirTags — enough for your own checked luggage or to help track the checked luggage of family members. And in the event you’re asked to check your carry-on because there isn’t enough overhead compartment space, you can enjoy peace of mind in knowing where your carry-on is by adding an AirTag to it.

• Price: $319.99

At nearly $320 a pair, Bose QuietComfort SC noise-canceling headphones are the most expensive item on this roundup but many travelers would argue they’re among the most essential travel purchases.

Whether you’re on a short or long flight, these headphones help cancel out the noise of other passengers around you so you can read, work or sleep in peace and quiet. Each pair has a battery life that lasts up to 24 hours and includes a soft case for storage.

• Price: $32.99

Give yourself on-the-go immune support and an energy boost as you travel by tucking a few Emergen-C packets into your carry-on. 

The bulk set at Costco has 120 packets inside for $32.99 in individual packaging. Slide a handful of packets into your carry-on and save on space that a bottle of gummy supplements might take up. As an added bonus, every box includes delicious flavors like super orange, raspberry and tangerine.

• Price: $29.99

Travelers that experience swelling in their feet and ankles during long flights know all about the importance of investing in compression socks.

Costco has a few compression sock offerings available to shop including the Skineez brand which includes a two-pack of ultra soft socks designed to soothe tired and achy legs and feet. Costco members spend only about $15 per pair.

• Price: $11.99

Buy overpriced granola bars at an airport store or grab a bulk box of Quaker granola bars and add a few into your carry-on? 

Savvy travelers know to pick up the 60-count box of Quaker granola bars at Costco and pack some bars for their flight to save money. Every box includes 30 chocolate chip and 30 peanut butter granola bars, leaving you with plenty to snack on and enjoy once the trip is over.

• Price: $21.99

A pack or two of gum from the Extra mint variety pack should be in your carry-on. Not only does chewing gum help with ear popping during flights, but it helps keep breath minty fresh as you arrive at your destination.

Just don’t wait to buy your gum at the airport. Shop the 18-count pack at Costco and tuck a few gum packages into your carry-on while saving the rest for later to help save on space.

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are accurate as of May 30, 2025, and are subject to change.