Important Items to Keep in Your Carry On Bag

Important Items to Keep in Your Carry On Bag

Do you have a trip coming up? Are you taking a flight to get to where you are headed? Traveling can be a stressful and frustrating experience for some. Although, it doesn’t have to be. When packing your bags for your next vacation or business trip, you want to be sure you aren’t forgetting anything. “But wait! what if I get delayed? What if there is weather? What do I need to have with me? What if my luggage gets lost?”

Don’t worry. I’ve got your back. While a lot of your belongings can go in a checked suitcase or in your bag stowed in an overhead bin, there are items that you should have close to you at all times while flying. Here is a list of those items you should have within arm’s reach.

Headphones

                Many airplanes have either Wi-Fi, seat back television screens, or some form of personal device entertainment where you can watch movies from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. However most, if not all, major airlines require that personal entertainment be listened to with headphones or with the volume off and subtitles on. Some airplanes have complimentary headphones, but some do not. So, forget about the uncertainty, and bring your own headphones. An additional perk includes drowning out the sound of screaming or crying children.

Charger Cord

                Again, with the progression of technology, most commercial airplanes have electrical outlets in at least some rows of passenger seats. This makes keeping your devices charged from takeoff to landing incredibly easy. Unfortunately, you cannot keep your stuff charged if you don’t have your cord with you. So, it is wise to keep your charging cord in your small bag under the seat in front of you. Be aware, however, many airlines require you to unplug from the outlets for takeoff and landing. No big deal. You can plug it back in once you reach 10,000 feet, which is only about 5 minutes after takeoff, typically.

A Good Book

                Yes, more airplanes have access to Wi-Fi than not anymore, however, sometimes technology likes to play tricks on us and does not work.  “Well, what am I supposed to do on my 4 hour flight half way across the country without Wi-Fi?” If that isn’t a first world problem, I don’t know what is. It is inconvenient, sure, but it is not the end of the world. Especially when you come more prepared than the person sitting next to you by having a way to entertain yourself. Curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee is not only relaxing, but an easy way to pass the time. I have finished multiple books on flights without Wi-Fi or on flights where I forgot my headphones.

A Notebook or Journal

                What more of an opportunity to Journal or take notes about your travels will you have than sitting on your flight to or from your destinations? Depending on where you venture off to, you will have anywhere between 15 minutes and 15 hours to journal about your horizon-chasing adventures. It is also an incredibly efficient way to pass the time if, oh… I don’t know, the Wi-Fi on your aircraft doesn’t work or maybe doesn’t even exist.

Pens or Pencils

                You want to write in your journal about your adventures, both domestic and international. But you can’t do that without a pen or pencil. I always recommend bringing a pen, particularly one that is black or blue ink, for a couple of reasons: one, they are usually pretty easy to come by, and two, when traveling internationally, you will have to fill out customs and immigration forms. Because these are legal documents, black and blue are the two ink colors that are accepted on these forms. Bringing your own pen and filling out these forms on the airplane will save you time once you land and help get you through customs quicker.

Passport/Wallet

                Speaking of customs and immigration, you need your passport to go into another country. Just as you keep your wallet on you at all times, your passport should be on you at all times when traveling. Never put it in your checked luggage, and always keep it close to you. You may also need it to fill out those declaration forms, and it’ll be much easier if it is right there near you.

Scarf/Sarong

                A blanket scarf or sarong is probably not the first thing you would think about when packing your carry-on bag. But I’ll testify that it is a god-send on long flights. First of all, it is a layer that can keep you warm or be easily removed if you need to cool off. Because these garments are large but light weight, they are easy to carry with you, and they can be used as a blanket if you get chilly in flight or if you want to catch a few zzz’s.

Eye Mask

                Those few zzz’s you want to catch, they’ll be easier to grab if you can keep the light out of your eyes. An eye mask is a lightweight and easy way to keep it dark while you sleep. Also, an additional perk is that less people will bother you if you are wearing one.

Chewing Gum

                This one may be an oldie but a goodie. Chewing gum is not only delicious, it is an excellent way to help your ears pop as the aircraft ascends and descends.

Medication

                This is so incredibly important. If you have any sort of required medication, do not put it in any other bag except whichever bag you decide to put under the seat in front of you. If your checked luggage is lost, you will still need that medication. If, heaven forbid, you have an emergency landing and have to evacuate, you will still need that medication – and it can probably fit in your pocket. Keep that medication with you, within arm’s reach at all times.

Keys

                It is always important to keep your keys with you. You’d hate to get home, and find out your luggage was accidentally shipped to the wrong city with your car keys in it. Keep those keys on you so you can at least wait for your luggage to get rerouted to you in the comfort of your own home. Also, with key fobs, it is incredibly easy for someone to drive off in a new car if those keys are found by someone at your home airport. Just saying.

Ok, these last few items are items you really may not have thought of, but should be considered insurance for you if your flight is cancelled, delayed, diverted, etc.

Toothbrush/Toothpaste

                Nobody, especially those seated around you, likes the I-slept-in-the-airport-morning-breath. A little travel sized tube of toothpaste and a dollar store toothbrush will help you feel refreshed after a long night of delays.

Underwear

                Again, sometimes you get delayed, cancelled, diverted, etc. Even if your hair looks a total mess, you will feel more refreshed and ready to take on a new day if you have a change of underwear handy.

Deodorant

                A little travel sized deodorant stick can be obtained for a couple bucks at any Walmart. If you’re spending the night anywhere without your big toiletry kit, you’ll probably want a little swipe of deodorant in the morning.

Again, these last few were more insurance than anything. You can never be too prepared. I hope you never have to spend the night in the airport because your flight was cancelled. If you do have that experience however, at least now you’re ready for it.

There were a few items that didn’t make the list of necessities for your carry-on bag, but are definitely honorable mentions and if you have space, by all means, take them too.

    Laptop and Charging cord – some international destinations require these items to be checked

    Coloring Book and Colored pencils – but don’t color on the walls

    Hot Cocoa Packets or Favorite Tea bag – ask the flight attendant for hot water and a stir stick.

What are some of your go to must haves on your flights? What can you not live without? Comment below with some of your favorite carry on items, and share this post with your friends and family! Safe travels!