The Ultimate Guide To Carry-On Packing From A Seasoned Traveler
When packing your bag for the plane it’s easy to feel like you’ve forgotten something. Follow this ultimate guide to carry-on packing to be sure you’re ready to take off.
Pick A Good Bag
Figuring out what bag you want to use as a carry-on is just as important as packing it. You want something that will easily fit under a seat so it can’t be too large, but it does need to fit everything you need to play around with a couple of options. Another decision you need to make is if you’re going to with a backpack or a purse. They both have benefits and drawbacks so go with whichever one you’re most comfortable with.
Hoodie
The temperature on any flight can vary between the Arctic and the surface of the Sun so be prepared by wearing lighter clothes to the airport and then packing a cozy hoodie to keep you warm if the temperature drops. You don’t want to keep this bulky item in your bag but keep it around your waist or drape it over the edge of your purse.
Toiletries
Nothing over the 100ml limit but putting in a small bottle or toothpaste, a small deodorant, face wipes, and some foundation means no matter how delayed your flight is you will be looking and smelling clean.
Medication
If you have any daily medication that you need to have, keep them in your carry-on. It’s also a good idea to bring any additional medication you might need, either for travel sickness or allergies so that they are on hand as soon as you land.
Emergency Undies
If you’re stranded without your bags this will be your favorite thing you ever packed. Even if you’re re-wearing the same outfit – don’t re-wear the same undies. If you’re wearing shoes that need socks then pack an extra pair of socks too, just in case.
Book
Sometime you can’t rely on technology to keep you entertained the whole flight so break out a book you’ve been meaning to read for the couple of hours you can’t use your phone. Re-read a classic you always love or pick up something you’d never usually read and start your travel adventure early by diving deep into a good book.
Laptop
The main thing is you never want to pack your laptop in your checked bag, so it’s going to end up in your carry-on. Take advantage of the fact your laptop is ready to go and save a couple movies or episodes from your favorite show and enjoy. Be sure all your electronics are fully charged before you get on the plane, pack your chargers and if you have a battery pack to keep charge then pack that too.
Cheap headphones
You can bring your favorite headphones as well but if you’re planning on watching the inflight entertainment then cheap headphones are your best bet to enjoy. If you don’t want to pack these you can usually buy them at the airport or on the flight. Most plane headphone jacks won’t work well with Apple products so the cheaper the better. Alternatively, avoid in-flight entertainment and stick to your own technology.
Travel Documents
This is the most important thing! You literally can’t travel without them so make sure you have all the relevant paperwork, identification and any additional information printed and packed in a safe and easily accessible part of your bag. Using a passport holder that zips closed is a great way to keep everything in one place in your purse or backpack.
