Over the past fifteen years, we've taken quite a few flights that have lasted between five and fourteen hours. At times, what I bring along on these long flights can help make the time go more quickly and/or comfortably or possibly be essential for a successful trip. Here are 14 items that are typically in my airplane carry-on bag:
- Noise Cancelling Headphones - My younger daughter gave me a pair of Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones as a present last Christmas. These are probably the most comfortable headphones I've owned. Sometimes I'll wear the headphones with noise canceling enabled but without any connected audio source. The capability just to remove airplane engine noise is often a welcome relief.
- iPod Nano - I always bring my iPod along to have easy access to music and podcasts. Before traveling, I try to upload recent NPR podcasts and remove older podcasts that I've previously heard.
- Computer or Tablet - I have a two-year old HP 11 inch netbook that I like to travel with. If I know there will be weight restrictions for my carry-on luggage (often remote destinations using small planes), I will bring my Nexus tablet instead of the netbook. Generally, I will include a bluetooth keyboard for the tablet as I find I need a keyboard to more easily update my blog and respond to email. The downside to the tablet is that it can't be used to backup my camera compact flash and SDHC cards. The memory cards are too large and exceed tablet storage. Sometimes I will pre-load a movie or two for mid-flight watching.
- Kindle - If there isn't much to do during the flight, I will often read from my Kindle e-book reader. Its pre-loaded with about 50 books and there is a wide selection between fiction and non-fiction. I also store manuals for my electronic devices on the Kindle.
- Smartphone - I travel with an unlocked Samsung Galaxy 4. When overseas and using my ATT SIM, I disable data services. If I'm spending some time in a single country, I'll look for a local SIM to purchase. With my phone, I can be reached via cell phone number, email, text or Skype number.
- Digital Camera - Depending on where I'm going, I'll travel with either a small point and shoot (Canon G15) or a larger DSLR. If the DSLR is brought, I will often include a telephoto lens and external flash. In extreme cases, I might bring both cameras.
- Electronic Leashes - As there's always a chance that my checked-in luggage could be late or lost, I prefer to keep all my recharging cords and USB chargers in my carry-on luggage. Having these cords and chargers in my carry-on also allows me to recharge an electronic device in the airport or during a flight. I try not to duplicate power cords as much as possible. On a side note, many hotels have a supply of unclaimed chargers that previous guests have left in their rooms, if you forget a charger.
- Plastic Folder with All Trip Documents - In advance of the trip, I assemble a folder with all paper boarding passes and air flight, limo and hotel information. Depending on the itinerary, the folder could also include electronic theatre tickets and event information and maps. I haven't got into the habit yet of using electronic boarding passes.
- Prescription Drugs - You never want to risk placing your prescription drugs or OTC supplements in your check-in luggage. The loss or misdirection of a luggage piece could cause a medical issue. My carry-on contains enough drugs to cover the trip duration plus a few extra days. I want to be prepared to deal with any rescheduled air travel and/or delays.
- Spare Glasses or Contacts - Being nearsighted and an age where reading glasses are helpful, I always keep a spare pair of glasses or a pair of contact lenses in my carry-on. There is absolutely not much worse than being almost anywhere and also being unable to see clearly.
- Sweater or light fleece pullover - I often find the ambient temperature in a plane can quickly fluctuate from being too cold or too warm during a flight. The capability to layer is helpful and most airlines have done away with providing a blanket. Moreover, if a blanket was provided you may have wondered about how many times its been used before you've taken your seat.
- Sanitizing Wipes and/or Small Hand Sanitizer Container. Sanitizing wipes are often useful for a quick clean-up of your tray table, seat arms and seat belt clips. That said, I'm not sure how well these surfaces are disinfected after a wipe-down. The sanitizer is also useful after a visit to the aircraft lavatory.
- Resusable Nylon Shopping Bag - This comes in handy if you purchase some last minute items in the terminal before boarding or if you need to gate check your carry-on bag. If the latter, this bag can be used to transfer your more fragile or essential items from your carry-on bag into the plane. My bag has an integrated 2 inch by 3 inch storage pouch.
- Change of Clothes - If we've had a long international flight and we have access to an airport lounge (and enough layover time), it feels great to take a shower. Changing into some different clothes after your shower is also refreshing and you feel better prepared for the next flight, however long.
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