Five essential items to have in your carry-on
Figuring out what to put in your carry-on bag for a plane trip is a lot like Goldilocks trying to find the right bed. One thing a lot of people forget is to pack the in-flight essentials in their “personal bag” that will go under the seat in front of them. You aren’t opening up your rolling suitcase from the overhead bin to find your earbuds or paperback novel.
Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll be packing like a pro in no time
- Tech toolkit – from your charged phone to a laptop; make sure your tech is with you in the cabin – including things like portable chargers, cords, and your headphones!
- Comfort and Cuddles – plane rides are not comfortable for most of us. But you can pack a few things to help you be more comfortable. A lightweight sweatshirt or sweater to wear over lighter layers if the plane gets chilly. A neck pillow if you would like to sleep on the plane. A favorite stuffy can bring comfort to kids (and adults) as a talisman for a safe flight.
- Hygiene Heroes – a travel kit with personal hygiene essentials can be a lifesaver, especially after a long flight. A travel size hand sanitizer, some wet wipes, a toothbrush, and toothpaste and mouthwash can make you feel a little more like yourself after hours couped up in an airplane. Make sure to also have some tissues and a lip balm.
- Documents and Drugs – alliteration aside, make sure you have any prescription medicine (in appropriately documented containers) on your person in the cabin. The last thing you want is to check your bag with your medicine and have your bag at the carousel in Marrakesh while you await it in Madrid. Also make sure you have a printed copy of your itinerary, your credit cards, cash, and passport in an RFID-blocking pouch.
- Snacks and Hydration – airport food is expensive and often unhealthy. Airplane food is scarce and on someone else’s timeframe. Most airport terminals have a bottle filling station near the gates, so pack an empty, refillable water bottle and use the filling stations to stay hydrated on the plane. And be sure to tuck away easy to carry snacks like pretzels, protein bars, or dried fruit. And definitely make sure you have your gum and mints for take-off and landing.s.