You might not think to pack these - but you'll use them!

The airlines used to give passengers little kits to make flights more enjoyable. Inside were amenities like earplugs, an eye mask, lotion, and socks. Unfortunately, the days of being able to walk on a plane, not having eaten for a week, in nothing more than a negligee, knowing that we'd be accommodated, warmed and fed are over.

airline carry-on necessitiesI'm not here to complain about the changing times, although, I do miss the tiny bottles of scope and travel toothbrushes. No, my purpose is to help you remember to bring your own amenities, those that should have a permanent place in your carry on and those that can be left at home.

5 carry on amenities you might overlook

1. Socks: Planes are frigid places and uncovered feet have a tendency to freeze and fall off. Nothing makes a flight less enjoyable than being cold. Plus you can walk into the bathroom without putting your shoes on - just be sure to wash the socks upon arrival.

2. Silk sleeping bag liner: Planes aren't often equipped with blankets these days, and again, the chill factor raises the discomfort level to an ultimate high. A sleeping bag liner (for those who don't know) is basically a human sized pillowcase.

I've owned one for years and feel naked on a plane without it. I've also used it on overnight buses in South America, and in less than pristine hotel beds. They're washable (I recommend that), and durable. As an added bonus, people regard me as someone who's on a mission to sleep and are less likely to bombard me with unwanted conversation. Check out these two providers:

• Sea to Summit seems to have the monopoly on silk sleeping bag liners these days but I'm concerned that the stuffsack is not attached - too easy to lose.
• Grand Trunk is catching my eye a bit better. They say the waterproof sack is attached and the price is lower.

3. A Reusable Water Bottle: Remember when they allowed liquids through airport security and we weren't required to purchase a $4 bottle of water in addition to our $5.50 double mocha frappachino extra whip? We took that treat for granted, didn't we?

find ways to save moneyI've been traveling with a budget for years and it's simple to get free hydration for your flight. Stash an empty bottle in your carry on, prance through security, praying they don't confiscate your 100th Bonne Bell lip balm and head for the nearest soda bank. Every airport in the United States has some kind of food court with a fountain soda dispenser. The hidden gem is that they also have a teeny tab just for water. If you can't find that, go for a water fountain.

Planes will suck every bit of moisture out of you if you don't do something about it and restricting your water intake to those tiny plastic cups is like trying to fill a swimming pool in the desert, one thimbleful at a time. Fill-em-up-Frankie.

4. A Pillow: If you're taking an overnight flight or traveling a distance of any kind, this is a MUST HAVE. True, you might feel like you're en route to camp, but this little bundle of squish can make ANY trip bearable. I was more than ecstatic to have one on this trip.

5. Vaseline: Seems like an odd carry on, but a little tub of this rub can save you from sickness AND keep your lips protected from the moisture sucking tin can (also known as the airplane).

Flight attendants use this trick to stay healthy. Take a little dab of Vaseline and put it inside your nostrils. This prevents you from inhaling the many germs that circulate the plane. The lips are self-explanatory, yes?

And there we have it folks, the 5 carry on items you might not have thought to pack. Happy travels!

What are your key carry-ons? Share them in the comments. Find us on Twitter or Facebook and let's start talking!