Via Business Insider:

…do everything you can to make it go smoothly — like, for instance, packing the perfect carry-on.

Even if your luggage isn’t lost (fingers crossed), you’ll no doubt be glad to have a fully-stocked bag on hand at all times. 

At the very least, it will spare you the expense of having to buy temporary replacements while your sweater/snacks/toothbrush idle in the bowels of an airplane.

What To Pack In A Carry-On – Business Insider

Useful advice. CPAP machines, however, make a bag like that more problematic.