Must haves in your hand luggage
It’s very easy for anyone to get side-tracked with the overarching packing needs you’re going to have when travelling. But, one of the secrets to efficient travel is making sure your hand luggage is well-stocked. Arguably, your hand luggage is the most important part of your trip. This is because it can really enhance your experience, making your travel a lot more stress-free than it could be otherwise.
If you’re planning a long international flight, then having your essentials in your hand luggage is a must. Let’s take a look at how you can pack your hand luggage efficiently.
Check the rules
Before you get too carried away with what you can add to your carry-on … you need to check what the rules are for your airline. Make sure that you’ve got the right bag size (and weight), when it comes to your hand luggage allowance. You can also check to see what items are restricted from being brought in your carry-on baggage.
For instance, items such as liquids over 100 ml are forbidden in your carry-on. You also can’t take sharp items nor can you take sporting equipment or alcohol. Considering these limitations is essential if you don’t want any issues when going through security.
What can you bring?
Well, there’s a lot you can pack. For instance, you can take any medication or medical equipment you might need. Depending on the equipment (e.g. a CPAP machine), you may need to notify the airline first, getting documentation to take it on board. You can take toiletries including aerosols as long as each one is under 100 ml. Additionally, you can take chargers, battery packs (as long as they meet airline requirements) and electronic equipment such as laptops and mobiles.
The essentials
When packing your hand luggage, the best thing to do is make sure you have all the items that you’re going to need to travel. First on your list should be all your travel documents. This includes passports, ID, health insurance, travel documents, hotel reservations and so on. It’s a good idea to have these all prepped on a smartphone, so you can show them whenever you need them.
If you’re going away for a long time, then you should consider how you’re going to relax or be entertained. If this involves electronic equipment, you’ll need a portable charger or battery pack, as well as any specific cables. You don’t want to run out of battery before you’ve made it to the plane. These days, you can find charging spots in the airport or even on the plane itself, so always have a cable handy.
Make sure anything valuable you’re travelling with is in your hand luggage too. This means laptops, money, jewellery and so on. Don’t pack it in the checked bag in case it gets lost or damaged. You should also carry headphones, an eye mask, compression socks, neck pillow and other devices to improve your entertainment and relaxation options when on a plane.
If you’re going for a long time, taking a small wash kit in your hand luggage can really elevate your experience. Pack a toothbrush, deodorant, face wipes, hand sanitiser and sunscreen so that they’re easily to hand. It may also be a good idea to have a change of clothes prepped, just in case. As water is so expensive in airports, it’s a good idea to take a refillable bottle through security with you. Many airports have refill stations, which makes it a lot easier for you to have a drink.
Other items you might want to consider packing include chewing gum for the take-off and landing, a book or Kindle to stay entertained whenever you’re waiting around (or on the plane), and maybe a scarf if you get cold.
Prioritise your packing
When considering all these things, try and still be as minimal as possible. Make sure your bag is empty of items from the start. Taking snacks can be a good idea too as airplane food is often lacking. For longer flights, make sure you prioritize the items that will help you sleep and make your space comfortable. And, make sure you’re prepared with all toiletries already in a clear bag for smooth security checks.
