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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 2 of 2)
SammysMom Dec 20th 2010 7:50PM
Empty water bottle for refilling when needed.
brad Dec 20th 2010 7:56PM
Oops I forgot to say I was joking I don't think TSA wants to take your medication! I did get luggage delayed with packing protein powder on checked luggage....it was opened and inspected who knows if they tested it! I suppose that made sense!
Kathy Dec 20th 2010 9:22PM
Never had a problem with meds. But TSA will check powder of just about any kind. I even had them check a couple of jars of BBQ rub that we were taking to our son---it was kind of funny actually.
CB Dec 20th 2010 8:05PM
I always pack my medications, camera and jewelry in my carry on. Plus I always include a change of clothes because you never know when you will have a lay over some place not scheduled. I went on a trip with a friend and on the way home she teased me about packing a change of clothes for on the way home. At least at home you still have your own items even if your suitcase does not make it. However, due to bad weather, we ended up having to stay over night at our layover location. The airport would not give her her suitcase because it had already gone through security and would be staying with the rest of the suitcases. She had to buy a t-shirt at the gift shop just to sleep in. Never again will she travel without a change of clothes.
georgettec28 Dec 20th 2010 9:10PM
I take 10 different life-saving medictaions daily. They all go in my carry on luggage. God forbid if my luggage gets lost. What would I do if I packed the meds in my luggage?
Jan Lahey Dec 21st 2010 12:52AM
In my carry-on bag I always pack my camera & charger; a magazine or crossword puzzle book; pen; medications in qt. size bags; a qt. size bag with travel size items like shampo, conditioner, hand lotion, and deoderant, toothpaste; hair brush; travel documents; change of undies; slip on scuff slippers (take little space and light weight); night gown/pajamas; change of clothes; and swimsuits. I plan my trip and pack my carry-on with items I might need if my baggage is delayed...which has happened, not a lot of fun to arrive at your destination and not have the basic necessities.
Donna Brocchini Dec 21st 2010 1:06AM
had to do a layover in Dallas one year. The thing we missed most was a change of undies. So now I carry at least a change of underwear or maybe a whole change of clothes, depends on how many plane changes or length of flight.
I also carry extra quart size bags, I have given them to other passengers who aren't properly prepared.
Guinvere42 Dec 20th 2010 9:55PM
I beg to differ about the airlines having bandaids. I ripped off a nail putting on my tennis shoe and all they could give me was a wet paper towel and some ice. It bled all the way home. Not too pleasant....
GB Dec 20th 2010 9:56PM
I always wear 7 pair of underwear and just take one off each day
Laura Lynn Dec 20th 2010 10:01PM
Knitting? When did they start letting you take knitting needles on-board airplanes again? Last time I checks, they were still on the "Potential Weapons List".
Kathryn Dec 20th 2010 10:36PM
In my carry on I take anything that I may need the first day of my flight. This includes underwear, clothes, a swimsuit, flip flops, night wear, makeup, hair appliances, medicine, and anything valuable like jewelry. Think about what you will need for the first day of your trip. If your luggage is lost it may be 24 hours before you get it back. My husband travels with knives in his checked luggage. He always has to buy more for his food shows because TSA takes them. If there stealing his cheap knives from his checked luggage, don't put jewelry or medicine in your checked luggage. Don't let it leave your sight. When he and I travel together, we always pack one of my outfits in his luggage and one of his in mine. If just one persons luggage is lost you will still have something to wear.
Kekemapa Dec 20th 2010 10:56PM
AS I am a diabetic and have some other medical conditions, I carry all my medication and testing equipment with me and any jewelry that I am taking with me on the trip. I also include my cameras as I have invested too much to run the chance that they mght go missing. No point in tempting another. I have yet to take a trip thatmy bags have not been opened and checked out, I find the card that the put in them to that effect. I will say this, they do not mess up my packing when they do so.
Tom Dec 21st 2010 1:42AM
I always take a notebook computer. I can check on things where I am staying and check on email if necessary. It's small and light weight and I have a small bag designed for a cd player but the notebook fits just fine and you don't know that there is a computer inside. I also take a eathernet cable and 3 prong a/c adapter incase I need it along with the power cord and computer guide. And if I get free wify that's a plus.
NurseRiverBoat Dec 21st 2010 1:58AM
A spare change of clothes is essential on the carry-on bag, in case they loose your luggage. Also a toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up, fleece scarf, a few magazines, trail mix and I wear a jacket with large pockets onto the plane because I can remove it immediately, and I can stuff kleenex in the pockets, breathmints, my reading glasses, and a paperback book too.
All this stuff is essential if the airlines loose your luggage.
I also pack a barf bag - I won't barf, but you could be seated nearby another person who gets airsick and if you catch it in time, it prevents a smelly cab.
Bringing a neck pillow is also essential, if your flying international.
Other than that, a person will find entertainment onboard already, and can the laptops! It's a vacation!!! RELAX!!!!
Lynn Dec 21st 2010 1:15PM
Knitting needles are not allowed in the European Airports that I am familiar with, like LHR:
http://www.heathrow-airport-guide.co.uk/security.html
and AMS.
Really.