Guide on what to take with you on your hand luggage for your next flight.
Get prepared
Make sure your liquids (that each need to be less than 100ml) are in a clear plastic bag before you get to the airport to save you time getting through security (and needless eyeballs from other customers you’re holding up in the queue).
Get organised
A travel purse/wallet is a great way to store your passport, currency and handwritten itinerary all in one place. I got mine from Not on the High Street and take it with me for every trip! Even if you have hold luggage, I would advise to take enough currency in your carry on just in case your hold luggage doesn’t make it to your destination- you don’t want to be stranded at the airport with no luggage AND no money.
Stay fresh
I always pack my toothbrush and hair brush with me on the plane so I can freshen up either before getting off the plane or in the toilets when waiting for my hold luggage. Again, if my hold luggage didn’t arrive at least I could clean my teeth! Can’t go wrong with packing a spare set of underwear too. Not that I’d be expecting any accidents but it’s nice to freshen up. To be extra luxurious (especially for a longer fight) take a sheet face mask with you too. I really like the Garnier moisture bomb ones. Flights dehydrate your skin so purchase a bottle of water after security to take on the plane and relax with a face mask on too.
Stay warm
Flights often mean you’re travelling between 2 very different climates so it’s best to wear layers. Even if you’re travelling between two hot countries the temperature inside the plane can dip so take a jumper to wrap round your waist or use as a blanket.
Stay entertained
Short haul flights often have no in-flight entertainment and you can’t always guarantee yours will be working for a long haul so bring a tablet with some films downloaded on. Its also nice if you want to chill out in your room for an hour (you know, when you’re too sunburnt to stay outside and have a few hours until dinner). Also remember your headphone and phone/tablet chargers (with travel adapters).
Stay safe
Keep any medication you need in your hand luggage from asthma pump to contraceptive pill. You never know when you’ll be delayed or if your main luggage gets lost. I was once on a flight when a woman had an asthma attack as she’d not brought her pump and it was very scary. Although the cabin crew did an amazing job and hooked her up to an oxygen tank you don’t want to be putting yourself in that situation.
Checklist summary
- liquids in clear bag
- travel purse/wallet
- currency
- passport
- credit cards
- phone
- toothbrush
- hair brush
- sheet face mask
- underwear
- bottle of water
- jumper
- tablet with films downloaded
- headphones and chargers
- travel adapters
- medication