Summer is a popular time for traveling. Whether you’re visiting family a few states away or traveling outside the country, you want to be prepared. And not just when it comes to your itinerary, but also when packing your essentials.
If you’re flying and your trip is a week or longer, you’re probably checking a bag at the airport. Sure, checking a bag helps you avoid lugging a heavy suitcase around the airport. But what if your flight is delayed or your bag gets lost? While no one wants to be without their luggage, it’s always a possibility. To prepare for the unexpected, consider bringing a carry-on bag.
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In this article, we share five items you should pack in your carry-on bag:
1. Medication
Avoid keeping your medication in your checked bag, regardless if you take blood pressure medication or birth control. Not only is there a risk of your bag getting lost, but what if your flight is delayed? You could be without your bag for hours or even days, and in turn, without your medication.
Your carry-on bag is the perfect place to keep items you’d be lost without, like your medication. Contrary to popular belief, no rule says you have to check medication. If your medication is in liquid form, the bottle has to be around three ounces. But you can carry on an unlimited amount of medication if it’s in solid forms, like a pill.
While no one wants their flight to be delayed or canceled, there’s always a chance. That’s why it’s important to keep your essentials with you, in case of an emergency.
2. Your Identification
To fly within the United States, even internationally, you need to present a form of identification. And while you might think it’s safer to store your license or Passport in a checked bag, it’s riskier.
Even if you don’t need your ID to board the flight, what if your checked bag gets lost? Or, what if someone grabs it by mistake? You won’t have an ID, which can make traveling difficult. This is especially true if you plan on renting a car or checking into a hotel at your destination.
It’s a good idea to keep a form of identification with you at all times. If you have two forms of ID, you can store one in your checked bag and the other in a carry-on. This ensures all your bases are covered, even if you misplace your carry-on bag.
3. COVID-19 Essentials
Thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, more and more people feel safe going without a mask. The CDC even got rid of mask mandates for those traveling via public transportation like on an airplane.
Even still, the coronavirus hasn’t gone away. In May, there was a spike in COVID-19 cases. Because of this, you should still consider traveling with personal protective equipment like hand sanitizer, a mask, gloves, etc. Make sure you keep these belongings in your carry-on bag for easy access.
While some airlines offer personal protective equipment, not all of them do. It’s better to pack your own just in case. And remember to wipe down your seat and tray table with disinfectant to avoid coming into contact with any germs.
4. A Change of Clothes
Bringing a change of clothes in your carry-on is a great idea, especially if you have a long flight or layover. There’s a good chance you don’t want to sit in the same clothes all day and night. So make sure you have a fresh pair of clothes (and don’t forget your undergarments).
Having a change of clothes also comes in handy in the event your luggage is lost. With that in mind, consider bringing multiple options in case it takes a few days to locate your bag.
You might also bring an extra toothbrush and toothpaste to freshen up in between flights. Sure, you could always buy these items at the airport, but why waste money when you already own them? Just ensure your toothpaste (and any other liquid you bring) doesn’t go over the three-ounce requirement.
5. Your Electronics
Chances are you plan on storing your phone in your carry-on bag. But what about your other electronics like your computer or your iPad? Even if you don’t plan on using these devices on the plane, make room for them in your carry-on. After all, what if you store your electronics in a checked bag and it goes missing?
Not to mention, your bag goes through a lot when it’s checked. It’s moved from one place to the next, and not always handled with care. The best way to keep your electronics safe is to stow them with you, rather than in your checked bag.
Don’t forget about your chargers either. You want to make sure you have everything you need to be able to use your devices. A great tip is to store your chargers in a large Ziploc bag. This way, you’ll know where they all are and have easy access.
No one wants their flight to get delayed or their luggage to get lost, but it happens. That’s why it’s important to expect the unexpected when traveling by plane. Packing your essentials in a carry-on bag can give you peace of mind knowing they are always within reach.
