What's In My Carry-on Bag - 2017

About two years ago, I added a post that described the contents of my carry-on bag for flights lasting between five and fourteen hours. Here is an update to the list.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS
QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling 
In-Ear Headphones

• Noise Cancelling Headphones - Depending on how much I have in my carry-on bag, I'll include either a pair of Bose QuietComfort  over-the-head headphones or smaller noise cancelling ear-buds. The Bose headphones, while comfortable and extremely effective at limiting external noises, are large and take a lot of space in my carry-on bag. Alternatively, I have a pair of AudioTechnica ear-buds that take up little space in my carry-on bag.  Note that AudioTechnica earbuds still permit some external noise through but are less expensive than Bose.

• iPod Nano - I typically 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. Since I replaced my Android tablet with an iPad, I can access my music and podcasts during a flight via the iPad. The iPod remains convenient while using a hotel gym.

• Computer or Tablet - I have a two-year old HP 11 inch Stream laptop that I like to pack. If I know there will be weight restrictions for my carry-on luggage (often remote destinations using smaller planes), I will instead bring my 11 inch iPad Pro. Generally, I will include a portable Smart keyboard for the iPad as a full-size keyboard makes it easier to update my blog and respond to email. Sometimes I will pre-load a movie or two on the tablet for mid-flight watching. I also maintain a Virtual Private Network (VPN) account so that I can use public WiFi in a more secure manner.

• 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 currently travel with an unlocked Nexus 6P smartphone. 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. The phone keeps me reachable by at least a cell phone number, email, text or dedicated Skype number. I use an encryption app (eWallet) for remote access to credit card numbers and card provider contact information.

Cable Example

Canon M5

• Digital Camera - Depending on where I'm going, I'm generally traveling with either a mirror-less camera (Canon M5) or a larger Canon DSLR. If the DSLR is brought, I often include a telephoto and wide-angle lens. In extreme cases where a backup camera is needed (polar regions), I might bring both cameras. With an adapter, the DSLR lenses can be used by either camera. One advantage of the current mirror-less camera offerings is their smaller size and weight.

• 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've recently exchanged one of the long cords for a shorter version. I also ensure that I have two cables/adapters for every charging system so that I can recover from any single cord failure during travel. On a side note, if you forget a charger many hotels have a supply of unclaimed chargers to borrow that previous guests have left in their rooms.

• Plastic Folder with All Trip Documents - In advance of the trip, I assemble a folder with all paper boarding passes and air flight, car service and hotel information. Depending on the itinerary, the folder could also include paper theater tickets and event information and maps. I also use Tripcase (online or app) to maintain electronic travel itinerary information and keep emergency travel related documentation in PDF format stored in Evernote (online or app). PDFs include advance directive copies, health insurance cards, vaccination records, marriage certificate, medical evacuation instructions, auto insurance information, Auto Club information, copies of foreign VISA paperwork and travel insurance policies. PDFs with private information are encrypted. I use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service for secure wireless connections.

• 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 airline 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.