The travel experts at Cheapflights are offering a peek into their carry-on bags, sharing with you what their must-have travel items are in hope to make your future travels a little easier.
The basics
Along with the items you need for travelling, and most commonly carry with you daily (i.e., ID, tickets, cell phone and wallet), here are a few more basic items our experts like to keep in their carry-on bags when travelling.
Pen and Paper: You might need to fill out paperwork for customs, do the puzzles in the in-flight magazine or take down the phone number of a fellow passenger. Whatever the reason, it’s something easily forgotten, but good to have with you.
Noise-cancelling headphones: Let’s face it, planes can be noisy, so opt for a pair of these and enjoy the sounds of your choice.
Book or magazine: A form of entertainment that doesn’t require batteries, so you won’t have to worry about charging up. Keep in mind that buying these at an airport kiosk can add up, so bring along magazines you already subscribe to or books you already own, or pick up any extras at a store before your trip. Just make sure to recycle used magazine, or give them to another traveller, before your flight home to lighten your carry-on.
Hand sanitizer: Germs are everywhere, so be prepared. In addition to a small bottle of sanitizer, bring a small packet of antibacterial wipes on the plane so you can wipe down the tray table.
Tablet, laptop or MP3 player: These are great for keeping yourself entertained while travelling. Load up your device with pre-downloaded movies, shows or music to make the ride fly by (no pun intended).
Chargers: In the dreadful situation that your luggage is lost, you won’t have to worry about your devices dying. Also, it’s good to have with you at your gate in case you are running low on battery.
A warm layer: Planes can get chilly, so even if you are going someplace tropical, pack a light sweater. Another option is to wear a scarf or pashmina on the plane – they can double as a blanket or a pillow if you bunch it up.
Cash: It’s always a good idea to carry a little bit of cash on you and it’s a nice way to avoid high ATM fees.
Mini first-aid kit: Plan for unexpected bumps and bruises. Include your personal medication you might need on your trip, some pain-relievers and band-aids.
The extra’s
Bathing suit (if you’re going somewhere tropical): If you lose your luggage, at least you can hang out at the pool or beach.
Change of clothes: Although unlikely, it is important to plan for the situation of your luggage not arriving with you. Keep an extra outfit in your carry-on bag that way you aren’t stuck in the same clothes for days. Tip: try to stick to neutral colors. This way you can mix and match with the outfit you wore on the plane.
Essential toiletries: If you ever find yourself without your luggage, you will be relieved to know you still have your own toiletries. For people who wear contacts it’s always a good idea to carry on an extra set of lenses, your glasses and eye drops. Even if you don’t wear contacts, eye drops are a good idea (there’s a reason why they call overnight flights red-eyes!)
Playing cards: Cards can provide entertainment on a long flight with friends/seatmates and it doesn’t require batteries. Win-win!
Snacks: Airport snacks can sometimes be expensive, so save some cash by bringing your own. Also, if you are travelling alone it can be chaotic to have to lug your luggage around with you just to grab a snack. By packing your own you can stay by your gate and you also don’t have to wait for a flight attendant. Tip: bring some gum if your ears are sensitive to the altitude. The chewing can help your ears “pop.”
Skin care items: Planes can leave your skin dry. Combat this with moisturizer, face wipes and lip balm. If you really want to leave your skin feeling fresh during or after your flight, opt for a *free* in-flight facial. Simply ask the flight attendant for a sugar packet and a slice of lemon when the service cart comes around. Mix the two together and rub it gently on your face to exfoliate. Rinse your face off in the bathroom and voila!
Sleeping materials: If you are hoping to get a little shut eye on your flight, make it easier for yourself by bring an eye mask and neck pillow. The more comfortable you are the better chance you have of falling asleep.
For families
Books, small toys and electronic devices: Although we recommend keeping things to a minimum, it’s important to keep children entertained and happy on travel days. Bring their favourite toy, books, colouring books and electronic devices, such as a tablet, that has movies and games pre-loaded.
Change of clothes for kids and parents: Accidents happen and if you happen to be holding your child when said accident occurs, you’ll be happy you brought along a change of clothes for the child and yourself.
Diapers and wipes: If you have a young child still in diapers, it’s recommended that you pack one diaper for every hour you are travelling. It may seem a bit much, but better safe than sorry! Along the same lines, don’t forget to pack a change pad for changing tables and any rash ointments you may use (don’t forget to keep them under 100ml).
Plastic bags: Continuing on the theme of accidents and diapers, it is a good idea to carry some plastic bags in case the flight attendant isn’t coming around with a trash bag anytime soon.
Headphone splitters: Avoid carrying more than one electronic device that plays movies. With a headphone splitter more than one child can watch a movie at the same time.
Blankets: As mentioned above, planes can get chilly, so pack a small blanket for each child to ensure they are warm and cozy. If you’re lucky, they may even be cozy enough to fall asleep.
Snacks: When children are hungry, they are hungry and don’t want to wait for food. Avoid any temper tantrums by carrying a few extra snacks in your bag.
Presents: Packing a few small, wrapped presents can create excitement for children. Plus the novelty of a new toy will, hopefully, keep them entertained for a while.
Patience, humour and lots of fun: This one is self-explanatory.
Tips for parents:
- As a parent, wear a backpack so you have both hands free to use.
- If you are using a stroller, bring it right to the gate and check it there.
- Many airlines offer families to board the plane first, which is great if you know you will need extra time to get settled in. However, if you don’t need the extra time, wait to board so that way the children aren’t on the plane any longer than they need to be.
- If your child is old enough, have them carry on their own small bag. This way each child has their own snacks, toys and electronics, and everyone isn’t searching through mom and dad’s bag looking for things.
- If you are nursing, book a window seat if you want a little extra privacy. If you are travelling with another person, book an aisle and window seat in hope that the middle seat stays empty so you have extra space.
- For long-haul flights, fly in the evening so everyone has a better chance of sleeping.
More tips from the experts
“Keep valuables in a handy outside pocket in case your bag has to be checked and you need to grab things quickly”.
“Don’t take a chance on it being too large for carry-on, check the specs and conform to the airline guidelines. Avoid the ‘…sorry you have to check that…’ nightmare”.
“Pack things expecting that the carry-on will get jammed in a tight place. This means no breakables or anything you wouldn’t want squished”.
“I love my ‘urban murse’. It’s high quality with plenty of compartments and also can be used as a backpack, cross-body bag or carried with its handles”.
“I am a fan of a carry-on that has a good mix of pockets so you can keep thing organized and secure. An inside zipper pocket is a must. If it’s a vacation, I like a bag that can double as tote for a day out exploring or heading to the beach”.
“Bring a bag you’ll use while you’re in your destination. For example, if I’m on a business trip, my carry-on bag will be the bag I’ll use to go to and from meetings or the office. If I’m heading out on an adventure, I’ll bring a backpack as my carry-on. Then, I can use it when I go hiking or take trains here and there in my destination”.
“Envision yourself moving through airport and destination hassles, i.e., going through security, transferring from the airport to your hotel or hostel, etc., then go from there in terms of packing your carry-on. It’s much easier to navigate all these situations if you just have a few things to deal with rather than a giant carry-on with tons of unnecessary items that you won’t even use on the plane”.
“Pick a bag with at least one smaller interior pocket where you can put things you’ll need as you move through the airport – your passport, ID, boarding pass, etc. I find it much easier to quickly locate items like this over and over again (at the bag drop desk, at security, during boarding, etc.) if they’re in a smaller, designated pocket rather than swimming around in one giant mishmash of things”.
“Pack any valuables in your carry-on. Even though I put a lot of trust in the fact that my checked baggage will arrive with me and with all its contents in place, it’s just not worth the risk for items you really care about. But that said, try to bring as few valuables as possible. You don’t want to have to worry about them on your trip”.
“Try to keep your carry-on bag to a small size that fits under the seat in front of you. That way you won’t have to battle for overhead bin space or have a wrestling match with your carry-on upon arrival as you try to remove it from the bin while everyone behind you gives you the stink eye because you’re blocking them from getting off the plane”.
“Keep your keys zipped in a pocket. I’ve had enough scares over the years from carelessly tucking keys into coat pockets or some random corner of a purse where they float around my entire trip, ready to be lost, stolen or checked with luggage that may or may not arrive when I do”.
“I find a backpack is just easy to cart around for trips where I’m planning to be more active (e.g. go hiking, etc)”.
Featured image: andy-li
