Many people prefer to book a flight rather than drive a few hours to a far-off destination. Air travel has made it much quicker and safer for people to move from one place to another, even if they must cross multiple borders and vast bodies of water.
But of course, this method of travel still has its downsides, such as the higher expense. Also, there are people who don’t feel too comfortable with the thought of flying, despite the numbers showing that this mode of travel is much safer than driving.
No matter how you feel about getting on a plane and flying, there are ways to ensure your comfort while in an aircraft. Aside from the built-in tools in your plane seat and the services offered by the airline, you can bring a carry-on with all the items you need to feel safe, secure, and well-rested during your flight.
At the same time, though, it’s important to check that the items you’re bringing with you on the plane comply with the safety rules followed for air travel. Here’s a list of the practical items and tools you should bring with you in your carry-on.
Important Documents
First and foremost, you need to have your important documents with you when you board your plane. This includes your IDs, passport and visa, boarding pass, hotel voucher, insurance policy, and other documents that you may be asked to present during your journey. This way, you’ll have an easy time getting through lines and you won’t hold up queues.
Face Mask and Sanitizer
While face masks are no longer required by some airlines, bringing one or more in your carry-on bag still has practical benefits. In addition to providing you with a layer of protection against airborne pathogens, wearing a face mask can help you make sure your mouth is covered if you tend to sleep during a long flight.
Before your flight, check out where to buy antimicrobial neck loop face masks and purchase a pair or two. Bring a small sanitizer as well, so you can quickly clean your hands whenever the need arises.
Phone and Headphones
There are planes that feature a screen behind the seats where you can watch a show or movie, sometimes at an additional charge. If you’re not certain whether or not this option is available to you and you have an hours-long flight, then download the shows and films you want on your phone.
Many flights also offer free earphones, but if you’re particular about this type of tool, bring your own as well. It’s also an option to bring a book or other reading device with you if you like to spend time this way.
Medication and Medical Tools
If you’re taking any maintenance or prescription medication, be sure to take them with you on your flight. Remember that some flights can get delayed, and if you don’t have immediate access to your meds, then you might not be able to take them at all until you get your checked luggage back.
The same can be said of medical tools like auto-injectable devices and nebulizers. It’s also a smart idea to pack a few basic medications for body pains, fevers, mild allergic reactions, and stomach issues.
Personal Care Products
You might want to freshen up a bit before disembarking on a long flight so you can hit the ground running once you arrive at your destination. If this is the case, bring your personal care products with you in your carry-on. The air in the cabin can be quite dry, hovering at 10% humidity, so it’s advised to bring a moisturizer and lip balm.
However, do take note that there’s a limit to the volume of liquids that you can put in your carry-on bag. The container for each liquid must have a capacity of no more than 3.4 ounces and must fit into a 1-quart-size resealable bag. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule for medications and food for infants and young children.
Earplugs and Sleep Mask
If you prefer to spend your flight in deep slumber, then make sure to pack earplugs and a sleep mask in your carry-on bag so that your sleep will stay undisturbed even if you’re flying with unruly passengers.
Some nervous flyers opt to take sleep aids as soon as their plane has been cleared for takeoff to help them get through the more anxiety-inducing parts of the flight. You can also bring a neck pillow and a blanket if your flight does not offer the use of these amenities.
Comfortable Clothes
While a good portion of your clothes might be in your checked luggage, you might still want to pack an extra outfit in your carry-on bag. This change of clothes will come in handy in case you want to wear something more comfortable on the plane or if you spill anything on yourself.
In the unfortunate event that your checked baggage gets lost or slightly delayed, the change of clothes you packed in your carry-on will help you stay comfy until the issue gets resolved.
With these items in your carry-on bag, you’ll have plenty of options that will help you stay comfortable on your way to your far-off destination. Remember these tips when packing your bag, and check the guidelines for carry-on luggage to make sure that you won’t face any inconveniences during the pre-flight inspections.
