Are you planning to travel by air soon? As with the 932 million passengers who traveled by air in the U.S. in 2016, you will need to make decisions about what to take.
You may worry about taking too much but are you leave out essential things that you should have with you on the flight? These things help reduce stress, improve your comfort and help you arrive better prepared for your trip.
Read on to discover what is essential to pack in your carry on luggage.
Carry on Luggage
Every airline has its own definition of carry on luggage. Each airline defines the size, weight and the number of items allowed in the cabin. Consult your airline before flying to make sure you don’t have an awkward situation to handle at the check-in desk.
Once you have checked how much space you have in your carry on luggage use this guide to make your flight as comfortable as possible.
Here are 10 things you need to have with you in the cabin.
1. Basic Toiletries
Each container should be a travel size not exceeding 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Place these in a small plastic bag. If you have toiletries in larger quantities pack them in your checked baggage.
What toiletries should you take? Have a toothbrush, toothpaste, and some face wipes so you can freshen up. Overcome the dry air in the plane with lip balm and moisturizer.
2. Entertainment
You get on the flight and you’ve seen the film before. It’s OK. You have in-flight entertainment with you.
Pack magazines, a novel or an e-reader. A crossword or Sudoku book is also an easily packed pastime. If you are traveling with a child have activities they can do while waiting by the baggage carousel.
Consider using the time in the air to prepare for your visit with a local guidebook. If you are on a business trip use the time to get prepared for meetings.
3. Clothing
You don’t have much space in your carry on luggage but do take some clothes with you. If your checked-in luggage doesn’t get to your destination at the same time as you, at least you have a change of clothes.
Take a change of underwear. A change of underwear at the end of the flight just feels nice.
The temperature on a flight can vary from warm and sweaty to quite chilly. Have layers you can strip off or add to so you can regulate your own temperature and stay comfortable.
Drape a sweater over your shoulders as you board and so save precious carry on luggage space.
4. Something to Eat
Onboard food prices can be high and choice restrictive. Take your own food. It’s cheaper and you have something you know you like to eat.
Be careful with your choice of foods. There are often restrictions, especially with fruit, nuts, and seeds. Check with your airline for any rules that apply.
5. Travel Documents
Have your travel documents together and handy. Check what you need before the trip.
- Passport
- Tickets
- Boarding passes
- Hotel reservations
- Itinerary with addresses of where you are staying
- Car rental reservations
- Parking documentation
Keep a pen with your travel documents. Sometimes you need to fill out a short form on the flight so having your own pen will save you having to borrow one.
6. Chargers
Laptops, phones, and tablets might be essential but when the battery is flat and without the charger they are dead weight.
Many airlines now have USB points. Take a charger with you and you have in-seat entertainment or work facilities on the flight and afterward too.
7. Valuables
Having your valuables with you is more secure than having them in your checked in luggage.
Don’t think that you don’t still need to take some sensible steps to protect valuables. In May 2016 a Turkish businessman reported the theft of $260,000 in cash and jewelry. He had placed it in his carry on luggage which he had stored in the overhead compartment.
Here are some sensible precautions.
- Don’t hang your jackets up with the wallet in the pocket
- Mark your bag so it doesn’t get mixed up with other bags
- Lock your bags so it’s difficult or at least inconvenient to open it
- Keep an eye on your bag as it goes through the scanner
- Keep your bag nearby and within sight
- Put valuables under other things in your bag not visible on the top
- Don’t keep your purse or wallet out of your back pocket and in front of you
These precautions will mean you will arrive with all your valuables intact.
8. Empty Water Bottle
You can’t take water through security in the airport but you can take an empty water bottle. Fill it up once you are through security.
9. Medications
Keep your medications including prescription medications in your carry on luggage. They will be subject to screening along with accessories such as syringes and freezer packs.
Check state laws on prescription medications and labeling and keep prescription information handy in case you need to explain what they are.
You don’t have to include prescription medications in the quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, and gels you take with your carry on luggage. You can bring medically necessary liquids and creams in more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) containers.
Put them in a separate bag and follow Transportation Security Administration guidance.
Keep information about any vaccinations you have had including vaccination certificateswith you.
10. Travel Accessories
Try sleeping in all but the best airline seats and you will appreciate a travel pillow. Partner this with an eye mask and noise canceling headphones.
Travel Stress-Free
Pack these 10 essentials in your carry on luggage and you’ll travel stress-free and arrive ready to enjoy your destination.
If you are planning to fly soon prepare for parking in good time by contacting us today.