Your best friend at the airport is not the TSA representative, nor the gate agent, nor the nice lady making those Auntie Anne's pretzels.  Your best friend at the airport is your carry-on bag.  When you're packing up for a girlfriend getaway or regular weekend trip, with all the restrictions on luggage, you want your carry-on "personal item" (i.e. your purse), to be the Ultimate Uber-Bag.

You'll ideally want a large, oversized tote, with a zipper closure and outside pockets.  The zipper in the main compartment is key.  When you turn the bag on it's side, and try to delicately cram it under the seat in front of you, you do not want the contents to spill out all over the floor.  No one on your flight really needs to know you're taking Hydroxycut.

Here are a few we like:

See by Chloe created a near-perfect tote in the Sundance Long Zipped Tote.  Shortened shoulder straps keeps the bulk of the bag close to you, and the flattened curve of the straps fit nicely on shoulders.  The tote has a roomy interior, with the zipper closure to keep everything inside.  Two outer side pockets are perfect for tucking your ID and boarding pass for easy access.

See by Chloe Sundance Long Zipped Tote at Shopbop

The Sak Dakota Shopper is a sturdy tote with zippered front and side outer pockets.  It offers the sturdy short straps as well as a longer shoulder strap for a little variety.

The Sak Dakota Shopper at Endless 

The Jill Stuart Georgina Large Tote is a sophisticated tote option.  It comes with the shorter, comfortable shoulder straps, zippered main compartment, and outer patch pockets.  Are you noticing a pattern here?

Jill Stuart Georgina Large Tote at Shopbop

The Gustto Seleta Dome Satchel comes in a soft, supple leather, with, say it with us, the comfortable shoulder straps, zippered main compartment, and outer pockets.

Gustto 'Seleta' Dome Satchel at Nordstrom

There are a great many oversized tote options out there in shoppingland, but you'll really need to look hard for the one that will make your travel experience less complicated.  Remember the things to look for:  shorter, flattened shoulder straps, zippered main compartment, outer pockets and if you can find one that comes complete with a money-filled wallet?  Faaaaaantastic.