Travel Tips: What to pack in your carry on bag

One of my cardinal rules when I travel: avoid checking in luggage.

Part of this stemmed from the fact that I used to fly every week for work and simply did not have the time to wait around for a suitcase on the baggage carousel every Monday morning.  The other part comes from the fact that I am paranoid about the airline losing my luggage and would rather have my items close by (yes I have had my luggage lost once or twice).  Lost luggage is covered in insurance clauses by a few credit cards, but I still like to have my own stuff around.  Even if I do need to check in luggage, I will always have a carry on suitcase and personal item (purse, backpack).  I check on these items occasionally through out the flight, especially on a long haul flight.  There have reportedly been incidents of passengers in Asia rifling through other people’s luggage and attempting to take them.  I may sound like a worry wart, but I say always be careful right?

Vs. Magazine Spring Summer 2013

Here are the items I definitely pack into a carry on bag, regardless of the trip destination:

1. Valuable items

Are you bringing a favorite watch on your trip? A staple designer purse? A wedding ring?  If I’m not directly wearing my valuable items, I am putting them in my carry on luggage.  A watch given to me by a family member for a special event can not be replaced.  Also remember that there are still limits to the value that can be reimbursed for lost luggage (check the specific value, e.g. $1000).  It is always better to keep these items close at hand or better yet on you directly.

2. Gadgets

Yes, it can be annoying to take out your tablet and laptop every single time you go through security.  But these gadgets are certainly safer with you than they would be in a checked in bag.  Even if you have secured the gadget when you packed it, your luggage may be randomly screened; trust me, the airport screeners have no incentive to pack as carefully as you do. Fit your gadgets in lightweight neoprene sleeves or in a specially padded pocket in your bag. You can of course also easily access your gadgets now as well during the flight (admit it, you totally downloaded a reality show or two to pass the time).

3. Small toiletries

You will inevitably have drier skin during a flight.  The cooler air constantly coming into the airplane cabin will both parch your throat and dry your skin.  I like to have a small facial cleanser in my carryon as well toothpaste and a toothbrush.  I take 20+ hour flights several times a year and certainly feel the need to clean up at least once during these arduous journeys.  If you have sensitive skin or love your skin care products, I would also suggest that you carry them in travel size containers.  Your destination may not sell those same products if they are lost in your luggage (e.g. I love my Shiseido eyelash curler and am not sure I could find the same model everywhere!)

4. Medication

Are you currently taking any medication?  If you are taking a long haul flight, you may need to take your medication during the flight so you should time it out appropriately.  In addition, I like to pack a small medicine kit including ibuprofen, motion sickness pills, and bandages if I need them during the flight – there is nothing worse than a mid-air headache!

5. Snacks

I’m a constant snacker.  I’m not always a fan of the peanuts and pretzels that are typically given out in economy class.  Those snacks are also only given at specific times though there are likely snacks in the galley if you are on a long haul flight.  Even if I do eat the peanuts, I’m not always a fan of airplane meals.  I inevitably leave a large portion of my meal behind, not only because of its taste or texture but because I generally try to avoid starches and sugars.  I’ll have my own piece of fruit or a small snack so I don’t completely starve on long flights.

6. Jacket/Shawl

Fact: plane cabins are really cold.  I suppose it is better that they are cold rather than warm because there are many people in a confined space.  I usually like to bring my own jacket or shawl to better protect against the cool temperatures inside the plane.  I’m always a little wary of how many people may have used the blanket before I have used it and what may still exist in the blanket (eww) so I like to wear my own jacket and at most have the blanket cover my legs.

7. Staple clothing and underthings

I always keep either my most valuable and my most worn items in my carry-on bag.  So my gorgeous silk dress for an event will be alongside my favorite jeans and shoes.  I usually stuff my shoes with socks or something soft so the space is maximized.  I place my underwear in clear ziploc bags so TSA or other airport screening agents won’t have to open it up (don’t touch it please!) While clothing and underwear can be replaced, it is just plain annoying to have to shop for staple items again.

What else do you pack in your carry on bag?

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