What’s in my carry on bag?
9:10 PM
My actual carry on bag would vary depending on my destination and length of trip. Most of the times I would prefer one with wheels especially if it’s a long haul flight. If I’m bringing my laptop and a lot of cameras having a carry on luggage is helpful getting around the airport and waiting in line.
As a rule though I limit myself two 2 bags: 1 carry on and my handbag. I prefer bringing a larger carry on than having a camera and laptop bag separately. Also if I’m planning on bringing something fragile I prefer to place it in my carry on.
Make sure to check with your airline their specific carry on size and weight allowance. There are some airlines that count the handbag as the carry on bag. Some airlines like Philippine Airlines have a total measurement as their basis while other airlines often have a specific size that you’re carry on must fit. It’s usually 1-2 inches smaller or specific on the length x height x weight. Note this especially if you’ll be traveling on several airline brands on a specific trip.
- Travel Docs & Wallet: You can’t leave without your passport, travel documents and wallet. I also bring a copy of my travel docs in my carry on and save them online so it’s easy to access in case I’ll need it. Don’t forget to bring a pen to use for immigration and customs card.
- Travel Pillow : A travel pillow is essential especially on long haul flights. My favourite travel pillow is this one from Muji with a hoodie that covers most of your face so you won’t need to bring an eye mask. It also has a removable cover so you can wash it and a belt buckle so you can hang it to your bag or use as long pillow instead of a neck pillow.
- Scarf: Airports and planes can be cold and having a scarf is great option to keep you warm. I love bringing a scarf big enough to use as a blanket but light that it’s not bulky to pack
- Toiletries : You’ll need some of your essential toiletries to freshen up during or after your flight. Some of my essentials are face wash, lotion (airplane air can be drying), alcohol and wipes to sanitize my seat area, and your toothbrush & toothpaste (especially on long haul flights). You never know too if your flight might be delayed and a short flight becomes a whole travel day.
- Change of clothes: I always bring at least one set of clothes and clothes I might need for the night. In case your luggage gets lost or your flight delayed, you have an option for a change of clothing. I usually pack something that isn’t bulky and is versatile (something you can use day or night). If I’m headed to somewhere cold, I also pack my layers in my hand carry so you won’t need to unpack your luggage at the airport or where the layers on the plane.
- Medicines: I bring on my carry on some of my essential medicines in case I feel bad on the journey. If you have prescription medicines, I usually suggest carrying it with you in case your luggage gets lost. Depending on the country, getting replacement for your prescription medicines might require you to see a doctor first.
- Tumbler: Depending on the length of your flight or your airline of choice, beverages may be served or sold on the flight. I bring an empty one and fill it up either at the water fountains in the departure area or ask the flight attendant to fill it up. I don’t like how small the cups for water is when you’re served on the plane. With a tumbler you can get it filled up and have water in easy access during the flight. You’re also saving money and the earth by bringing you’re own tumbler. If you’re using a stainless tumbler, I would suggest bringing it out of your bag and putting it out on the tray when you go through the X-ray to the departure gates. It’s often asked to be brought out if it’s inside the bag. By putting it on the tray, you’ll be saving time.
- Entertainment: A good book or my phone and tablet loaded with things to watch or your favourite playlist on the flight. Depending again on the airline and you’re route, you can’t be assured of in flight entertainment. I love having options during the flight. Make sure to bring a good set of head or earphones.
I usually place my power bank & phone and tablet in a transparent pouch that can be easily pulled out and returned to my bag when going through security. With the number of gadgets and things you need to put in the trays, you’re less likely leave or lose something if it’s in a pouch. By putting it in a transparent pouch, the security can easily see the contents.
- Power bank & chargers: I bring my phone and power bank charger and my power bank. I don’t like charging my phone in the USB chargers in the airport or the plane. If I need to charge, I usually use my power bank and just charge the power bank at the airport or on the plane. If I need to charge, I prefer charging with the charger directly to a plug.
- Cameras & Film: Always bring your camera and gadgets with you. It isn’t advisable to put them in your checked baggage. Since I also use Instax and film camera on most trips, you’ll need to bring it with you. The X-rays used for checked bags are stronger and most likely expose your film. If you’re using a film pouch that protects the film in your carry on, I would suggest putting it on the tray when you go through security. They will likely ask you to bring it out and security often checks the contents of the pouch.
Carry On Baggage Reminders
Make sure to lock your carry on baggage before you get on the plane. Especially if you’ll be putting it in the overhead compartment, this will keep your belongings safe during the flight.
Always have on your person, your passport and wallet. Don’t leave it in the bag you’ll put in the overhead compartment. If you’re traveling with companions, make sure to tell them to watch your bag under the seat if you get up during the flight. Being on the flight doesn’t assure you your things are safe since there have been instances when theft occurs during the flight. By having your valuables safely tucked away, you can have a safe flight.
Make sure not to bring only the allowed amount of liquid with you. On some airports even if the contents of the bottle is less than 100ml but the bottle size exceeds the size allowed, they’ll confiscate. Make sure not to bring on your carry on the other items not allowed like scissors, lighter (for Japan airports though they prefer you carry them instead of in the check in baggage) , tape (though not specified - depending on the size - they sometimes confiscate this too), and other dangerous or flammable items.
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