Most frequent and even semi-regular travelers know the basic drill — don’t put anything really important in your checked baggage. Most columns and posts are jewelry, keys, prescription medicines, computers and anything exceptionally valuable. But there other important items that we can’t live without.
Here, garnered from friends’, clients’ and my experiences, are some things you should always carry on.
1. Laptop and cellphone chargers. This is a big one. I have lost track of the number of times I have been talking to clients with travel problems and they tell me “I’m running out of battery.” (In some airports now, charging stations are available, but it’s safer not to count on it.)
2. A change of clothes if at all possible. Most luggage that doesn’t arrive with you will eventually show up, but having to buy new stuff, even if the airline reimburses you, is a pain and a waste of time. If you are headed for a beach/resort pack a swimsuit. That way at least you can relax by the pool or beach while waiting for your checked bags.
3. Pack a backup book. If you are a Kindle reader, download an extra book. Personally, airplanes have become my favorite place to read, and I do prefer old-fashioned actual books. (Easier to flip back and forth, mark a page etc, and they just feel good.) But, when a book turns out to be a faster read than expected, just not very good or flights are delayed, nothing makes a flight go longer for me than having nothing left to read. SkyMall is only amusing for so long….
4. Some sort of snack. Whether it’s a sandwich, candy, a power bar, dried fruit, crackers, nuts or whatever, a little food can be a lifesaver. Just had a client last week relay the story of a cross country flight where a longer than usual security line and long lines at the restaurants near her gate meant no chance to buy anything before boarding. So, she decided she would just purchase something on the plane. But, her aisle seat in the back of the plane meant the “buy-on-board” options were gone when the flight attendants got to her.
Moreover, depending on your destination and potential hotel, a flight delay or late arrival time may mean nothing but vending machine options, so it’s not a bad idea to have something you available consider edible.
5. A copy of your itinerary. If it’s not on your phone or easily accessible from your laptop make sure one is in your carry-on luggage. This may seem silly, but I’ve had countless clients call or email over the years upon landing and ask, “So, where am I staying?” Or, “Which car rental company did I book?” And yes, once or twice, “What airline am I on?
No doubt there are other things I have missed, or important items that Consumer Traveler readers have put in checked luggage and wished they hadn’t. If so, please add them in comments.
Every little tip helps.
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
