11 Things to Always Have in Your Carry-On Luggage So You’re Ready for Anything
Updated: Jul. 10, 2019Pack these easy, budget-friendly travel essentials, and you’ll be flying easy in no time.
Power up with chargers
Travelling with a phone, laptop or tablet? If it needs power and you’ll be using it during your travels, be sure to keep your power cords in your carry-on, not in checked bags. Also, take along a small portable power pack (they start at about $20) so if your phone is on two per cent and there’s not a plug-in site (though you’ll find them under your seat on most airplanes these days), you can still listen to your tunes in-flight or use a taxi app when you land.
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Clean the scene with sanitizer
Planes are dirty. There, we said it. Have you seen how long cleaning crews have between legs to freshen up a plane between flights? Usually in the less-than-10 minute range. Which is why hand sanitizer and/or disinfectant wipes are a must for to not only clean your hands, but to wipe your tray too. Just how dirty are those trays? As we reported in 14 Things You Should Never Do on an Airplane, trays have an “average of 2,155 colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch.” While you’re at it, wipe down your armrest and the spot where you’re about to rest your head if you snagged a prime seat next to a window.
Control the noise
To create your own stress-free island in the back of the plane, be sure to pack headphones. Don’t count on airlines to provide auditory accessories, as many are now charging for disposable ear buds, and the ones you borrow might not be as germ-proof as you’d like to think they are. And if you pack noise-cancelling headphones, you can check out without having to listen to music that might otherwise keep you awake.
Don’t forget a snack
Although we applaud Delta for handing out Biscoff cookies (they’re delish), a cookie does not a dinner make. And when airlines do serve food, it’s pretty universally awful.) Pack a substantial snack such as protein bars, dried fruit, and/or trail mix or a sandwich or salad for a healthy boost until you get to your destination.
Hydration station
While you’re packing your snacks, add a refillable water bottle to your must-haves. After you go through security, fill it at a fountain or restaurant before you board (not on the plane where water isn’t potable in bathrooms, and is questionable at best in galleys). Staying hydrated on a flight is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick on a plane (add a vitamin packet for real pick-me-up).
Discover how much water you need to be drinking to stay hydrated.
Sleep soundly with ear plugs and eye mask
You don’t need to pay a premium to get a first-class dopp kit. You can make your own for $8 at the drugstore by buying disposable ear plugs and a light-blocking eye mask. These travel essentials pack up small and let you sleep any place at any time. (Extra points for throwing in a pair of dollar store disposable socks for a true premium-class experience.)
Check out Amber Mac’s 5 Tips for a Better Sleep on the Road.
Wrap up with a large scarf
More than just a stylish accessory, a large wrap doubles as a blanket, can be folded up to be a pillow, and can even become a sarong skirt in a pinch, to say, cover up a pair of leggings. If you’ll be touring cultural sites at your destination, a sarong can come in handy to cover shorts or a mini when entering churches, synagogues, and other holy places of interest.
A (few) aspirin a day to keep headaches at bay
All this talk of delays is sure to bring on a headache, but if you’re on a plane, there’s no chance to buy a painkiller. Always keep a few in your carry-on luggage for emergencies. While you’re at, throw some upset stomach remedies in your bag as well because flying—and deviating from your regular diet—can upset a delicate system.
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Go analog with unplugged diversions
If you get stuck on the runway for a long delay, some airlines will make you stay powered down until take-off. Keep yourself entertained with an old-school paper book, magazine, newspaper, pad and paper, or stress-free adult coloring book.
Refresh with toothbrush and wipes
Whether you’re on an overnight flight or just been on the road for what feels like 24 hours, pack a toothbrush with powdered tooth powder and pre-moistened face wipes, and you’ll feel as fresh as if you were waking up at home.
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Change it up Superman-style
Finally, if you’re checking luggage, add a change of clothes (or even just a fresh pair of underwear, socks, and clean T-shirt), to transform yourself into a truly super flier, or at least just a prepared traveller, even if your suitcase doesn’t make it to your final destination.
