Having travelled through a few airports by now and packed my fair share of bags, I thought sharing a list of packing essentials and things to consider would be a good idea! This is by no means an extensive list, nor is it something you have to follow of course - just a few tips and tricks I've learned from my own experiences!
Now, when J and I travel to see each other, we rarely have more than our checked bags. The exception for us was Christmas visits where we both flew home with a second bag we hadn't arrived with due to an unforeseen about of gifts received around the holiday! Otherwise, we stick to a carry-on bag (and usually a purse for myself) and hope for the best.
If packing a purse/laptop bag/small personal bag, here are a number of items to consider bringing! *check airline size/weight restrictions*
Personal Bag List
Passport, ID, travel documents
* tip: keep in a plastic folder together for easy access and organization
Foreign currency and regular money (for use in domestic airports)
Wallet
Phone
Earbuds/headphones for phone and flight
Electronics (ex. switch, kindle, earbuds, etc.)
Chargers: phone, other electronics (ex. switch, kindle, earbuds, etc.)
Book, magazine, activity book, pen and notebook
Disposable masks (multiples)
Hand sanitizer, lotion, lip balm → might need to put in liquid bag through security, but then put in purse
Gum, mints, candy
Packaged snacks
Wet wipes, tissues
Empty water bottle (preferably clip on) → fill up AFTER security but BEFORE flight departs
If packing a carry-on bag, these are some items to consider: *check airline size/weight restrictions*
Carry-on Luggage List
Liquid bag → needs to be clear/see through → pack last so it’s on top of your luggage when you get to security
Ensure items are travel size
Clothes
Extra shoes (if needed)
Anything you’re bringing that doesn’t fit in purse/isn’t necessarily needed during flight
As well, while packing a carry-on bag, especially if it is your sole travel bag, be sure to pack carefully. For example:
Choose outfits that have multiple uses
Example: if choosing between two pairs of pants, decide which pair can be worn with the most shirts/shoes/jackets you are also packing.
Leave out an outfit to wear while traveling/on the flight(s) → dress casual/comfy for walking and sitting
Pack for the weather of your destination
Wear your coat to the airport/on the plane, rather than trying to fit it in a carry-on
Shoes take up lots of space: choose any extras wisely
Make sure to pack your liquid bag on the TOP of your clothes for easy access through security
While I have limited experience packing checked luggage (I've only done it once on a flight home), remember to only pack things you are willing to lose or misplace (even if it's just for part of your journey). It's best to only pack clothes in checked luggage, if possible, and to have at least one set of clothes in your carry-on bag should something happen. Anything that is breakable, liquid, or irreplaceable should be in your CARRY-ON bag. And always check airline size/weight restrictions when planning to bring extra luggage.
As well as being able to pack your bag in an efficient and resourceful way, it's also important to consider various things when actually booking your flights to and from your destination! Having flown direct and with connections, I can say that there's a thing or two to learn about airports and how they work.
Things to consider when booking your flights
What time does the flight depart your domestic airport? Is it early? Late?
If there is a connecting flight… how long is the layover?
~3+ hours is probably best between flights to ensure you can get from one gate to another
Pay attention to when you DEPART and when you actually ARRIVE at destination
Example: Your flight might leave one city on March 28th, but you don’t actually arrive at your destination until March 29th
Flight times will be listed as local time
Example: a flight departing the UK at 09:00 means it leaves at 9am UK time, which will be a different time for you locally.
What kind of seating and baggage do you need? Is it included in your ticket?
There are usually 3-4 levels of pricing for seat options
Basic level (just a seat, no checked bag, no seat selection)
One where a checked bag and often seat selection are an option
And then the most expensive first class type of tickets
Consider if you will need a checked bag, would prefer to select a seat (aisle, middle, window/where in the plane you are seated; front or back), and various meal options.
And here are a few lists of things to do before you book, the day before you depart, and at the airport to help things go as smoothly as possible for you and your next adventure!
Things to do before you go
Book tickets (see tips above)
Exchange currency
Consider travel insurance
Book room(s), car rental(s), other activities
Check travel requirements for country (i.e. COVID-19, etc.)
Book time off work (if needed)
Find ride to/from airport
The day before you depart
At the airport
I hope that these tips and tricks help you prepare for your next flight. I've tried to write them for those who are new at flying or possibly have never been on a flight before to help ease any fears or anxieties about heading off to the airport.
Enjoy your adventure!
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