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What to pack in a carry on - ten things Gadling readers actually use
So, you've got yourself the ultimate carry on for your upcoming air travel. Now, you have to figure out what to pack in it.For those of us who check a bag, it can be hard to decide what, exactly, to bring on the plane with us. Valuables and documents are a must, for safety, but do you really need that computer cable? Do you need Bandaids? Did you splurge on a stupid gadget you'll never use? Traveling light is key; it's no fun lugging a full, heavy carry on around. We asked our readers on Facebook what they actually use during their flights. Take a look at this list before you overpack and weigh yourself down.
Ten things Gadling readers actually use from their carry ons:
1. Kindle - Marsha, Christine, Martha and Max
2. Book and/or magazine - Saadia, Amy, Karen, Despina, Norma and Nicole
3. Noise canceling or other headphones - Christine, Arun, Norma and Shelby
4. Knitting - two Nicoles
5. Hand sanitizer or wet wipes - Candace, Saadia, Karen and Anna
6. Lotion - Saadia, Amy, Arun, and Karen
7. Neck pillow - Stephen and Norma
8. Contact lens gear - Max
9. Music device - Stephen, Arun, Despina, Martha, Ben and Max
10. Snacks or gum - Norma and Shelby
So. When you look at that carry on bag and wonder where to start, put in your valuables and documents, then take a look at the list above. Don't cram it full in dire fear of boredom, and don't worry about "emergency" stuff like Bandaids. They have those on the plane, you know.
What else do you use? Want to join in the conversation? Visit the Gadling Facebook page!
Photo by ahhhnice via Flickr.
5. Hand sanitizer or wet wipes - Candace, Saadia, Karen and Anna
6. Lotion - Saadia, Amy, Arun, and Karen
7. Neck pillow - Stephen and Norma
8. Contact lens gear - Max
9. Music device - Stephen, Arun, Despina, Martha, Ben and Max
10. Snacks or gum - Norma and Shelby
So. When you look at that carry on bag and wonder where to start, put in your valuables and documents, then take a look at the list above. Don't cram it full in dire fear of boredom, and don't worry about "emergency" stuff like Bandaids. They have those on the plane, you know.
What else do you use? Want to join in the conversation? Visit the Gadling Facebook page!
Gallery: Top Five Carry Ons for the Holidays 2010
Photo by ahhhnice via Flickr.
Filed under: Gear, What's in Your Pack?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Lynn Dec 15th 2010 1:30PM
I'm curious about the knitting - how does it get past security? I work at an airport, where knitting needles are always confiscated by security officials....
carr5 Dec 20th 2010 4:57PM
Even plastic knitting needles? Metal I can understand, but I've taken plastic on before with no trouble. (yes, after 911)
Katie Dec 21st 2010 9:46AM
Knittting needles are allowed, even metal ones.
Gene Dec 21st 2010 2:33AM
Have always used bamboo knitting needles and have never had them confiscated at the airport.
MHAithaca Dec 15th 2010 2:59PM
My laptop bag always gets a few extra things in case my checked luggage doesn't arrive when I do. My camera comes on the plane with me, as does a book, a magazine, laptop and iPad and their assorted cables, and a spare pair of underwear tucked in the bottom of the bag.
virginia.sprayboat Dec 15th 2010 6:50PM
Laptop (hoping to get a lighter weight one)
Camera, lenses, etc. (have had too many cords not arrive in my checked bags)
Money
A piece of clothing
Medication
Jewelry not expensive kind
Book
Very small clutch bag for $$$, passport & passes
I switched to a Computer bag after gate attendant said my small carry on did not comply and it needed to be specifically a "computer bag". Mind you, this bag was holding my computer and I had no purse. So now it is difficult to fit this in my "Lady Computer Bag" (I do). I know it is a lot, but I hate replacing a cord or card reader when abroad.
I would like to whittle it down because is heavy, but until then I will persevere.
Joce Dec 16th 2010 6:55AM
Lip balm and a scarf that can double as a blanket on chilly planes.
HNL Bill Dec 16th 2010 8:28AM
Foam earplugs! Roll 'em up, put in your ear, and hear the sound level go way down as they expand in your ear! They reduce the airplane "slipstream" noise. Target brand works best from my experience.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, ziplock bag of kitchen-cleaning wipes to clean your tray table and your hands, reading material (Kindle!), clothes - everything in ziplock bags. (Sit on the ziplocks as you seal them to get all the air out). It can be done - everything you'll need for a 5-day trip in one carryon bag.
Georgette Miller Dec 20th 2010 4:44PM
This story should remind people to pack their Rx in their carry-ons or any medicine, even over-the-counter. Getting a headache on the plane and not having something to take is murder!
Kathy Dec 20th 2010 8:53PM
I always take enough meds to cover the whole trip in my carry on---just in case my checked baqs get delayed or (gasp) lost. Also, one change of clothes.
Lucy Rauch Dec 20th 2010 4:36PM
Do you suggest putting a day's supply of medication in your carry-on?
carol Dec 20th 2010 6:22PM
ALWAYS PACK A SET OF CLOTHES IN CASE THEY LOSE YOUR LUGGAGE, ALSWO ANY MEDS YOU NEED.
Frankie Dec 21st 2010 4:01PM
As expensive as medication is now, I'd take it all with you, or take as much as you'll need for the entire trip plus one extra day just in case of bad weather and cancelled flights.
Michael Dec 20th 2010 7:40PM
Dear travellers-
It seems that most of you are much healthier than I am; I require numerous meds to keep my heart and head functioning properly. While it may be good advice to carry prescriptions for each of these meds, I have never had a hassle over a one to two week supply of my scripts in my carry on bag as long as they were allotted in pilll reminder boxes (compartment for each day of the week). TSA agents are not idiots and do have some power to make reasonable decisions at clearance point in the airport. (now if I could just convince them that removing my shoes at checkpoints is not a major hassle for for my old, decepit body...)
Michael
kathy Dec 20th 2010 6:33PM
must haves are, clean underwear, change of clothing, swimwear and don't forget any medication that you take, everything else you can pick up or is available at the hotel
Donna Young Dec 20th 2010 6:55PM
To the person who wants to know how knitting needles get past security. The TSA guidelines state that kniiting needles are allowed in a carry on bag, so long as it is obvious that they are for a needlework project. So in other words, they check to see if you have yarn or a half- finished project and just not needles by themselves. I have traveled with wood and plastic needles and had no problems with the TSA. The only problem I have had was dropping one of the needles on the plane and having it roll on the floor all the way to the back seat. LOL
My list of carry on essentials is: camera, laptop, medications, magazine, book, small needlework project (knitting, cross stitch or needlepoint), lip balm, wallet with money and license, and a change of clothes and underwear.
kimmie Dec 20th 2010 6:57PM
Hahaha. Bringing honey roasted almonds is just wrong!!! Someone could choke on those.
Anita Dec 20th 2010 7:02PM
A couple of years ago, I packed 10 days' worth of clothing and everything I needed for my trip. My friend couldn't believe I got so much in one carryon and demanded I show her how I did it. Easy! You just roll up everything, and use the one pair of shoes I'm not wearing to stuff with socks. I don't carry heavy clothing; knits are perfect - no wrinkling. This way I don't have to worry about lost luggage and waiting for ages at the luggage retrieval section.
Toni Dec 20th 2010 7:06PM
No problem with knitting needles or any type of needlecraft item. I have gone through checkpoints with crochet hooks many times. Go to TSA website to see items.
brad Dec 20th 2010 7:50PM
For medications yes bring everything you take for all the days you will be gone, and a few extra days. Depending on where you are going you might not be able to get them replaced....and we all know tsa loves to steal your medication, but who knows if they think you have something illegal? I carry a copy of my prescription along with the bottles through security.
I only get luggage delayed with layovers, but it can happen on even a straight flight.
Serious about the medication, if you take something you need, or could be a serious health problem take them with you.
I'm curious if anyone is as paranoid as me with carry on, meaning I don't trust people, so if you get up to the lavatory, I have a small lock always on my carry on. Maybe paranoid but something like if you have your ipod, etc could be stolen easily. Its a different world we live in unfortunately!