These 10 Things You Always Carry On Board
September 17, 2007 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Air Travel, Travel Tips
Last week I wrote a post explaining why I check my bags, and sharing with you some tips to make sure that your checked luggage doesn’t go astray.
There are, however, certain items that you should NEVER check, and should ALWAYS bring with you onboard in your carry-ons.
I rarely use absolutes like NEVER and ALWAYS when talking about travel, but in this case, they apply.
Here are 10 items that ALWAYS go with you in the cabin of the plane
- Tickets. I have actually seen people scream out that their tickets are in the bag as it rolls off to the conveyor belt. If your bags don’t catch up with you, it’s going to be tough to return home without your tickets. This recommendation also hold true for other tickets — concerts, admission tickets, theaters, etc.
- Identification. Keep your passport, drivers license, insurance cards, etc., with you.
- Money, credit cards, and/or travelers checks. It amazes me how many people pack their travelers checks in their luggage. It’s nearly the same as cash! What are you thinking?
- Jewelry. While I may tuck in some costume jewelry in the corner of a bag, the good stuff goes with me. Even better though, is leave most of the good stuff at home and you won’t be a target for theft on the road.
- Fragile items such as glassware, antiques, and expensive knick-knacks. It’s tough enough to transport these items without damaging them yourself. Why would you trust their safety to baggage handlers.
- Camera gear. Unless you have lots of gear that is professionally packed to avoid damage, carry it on. Many professionals ship a portion of the gear ahead of their own travel so it is waiting for them when they arrive.
- Perishable food. That tuna sandwich or potato salad may not survive the trip. And even if it does, it’s going to stink up the joint.
- Medication. You may need to take it before you even arrive at your destination. Keep it handy.
- Birth control. If your bags are delayed, you’ll need something to do before your clothes catch up with you.
- Itinerary. Keep a copy of your itinerary with you on the plane. If your bag does go astray, you’ll need the information to fill our forms, and to leave an address where the bags should be delivered. Besides, you’ll need to know where your hotel is, confirmation for your rental car, important phone numbers, etc.
These items will easily fit in a purse or carry on tote, along with a few toiletries, reading material, iPod, and other personal items that you choose to take with you. There are other items that I like to take in my carry-on bag, but these 10 are absolutes.
____________________________________________
Will tuna sandwich and potato salad make it past security? I’ve seen such things confiscated at one security checkpoint, and passed through at another.
A tuna salad and a side of potato salad should make it through just fine. Things get a little dicey when it’s a container of cheese spread, though. Some consider that food — other consider it a liquid/gel. It makes me want to shoud IT’S JUST CHEESE SPREAD!!!
Those who are taking medication should remember that they have to have the prescription info with it! Security folks aren’t too big on random pills hanging around in your bag. It’s easiest just to keep the medication in the bottles/packaging it came in, which has the prescription info printed on it. However, if you’re using one of those daily dosage containers, be sure to print out a list of exactly what medications you’re carrying and the doctor’s contact info.
Wow, this is a handy list! I agree about the prescriptions — we had some basic cough syrup issues. And I love #9 — too funny!
Thanks for stopping by Jennifer!
And while #9 may be funny, I wonder what the birthrate is like after certain things go missing!
hey, great list–and I usually manage to remember all that stuff! But you left one thing off: house and car keys! My husband once tucked his keys into his suitcase pocket rather than into his carry-on. Fortunately, the luggage arrived where we did. But usually he goes to get the car while I wait for the bags, saving a bit of time for us as we try to hurry home. That time we both had to hang around waiting for the bags because we had to wait for the car keys.
And I don’t even need to mention the need to keep your house keys with you!
OH NO! Keys! Another very bad thing to pack away. Thanks for addition to the list, nmihats!
Do not put film in any checked luggage.
Period.
The x-ray machines that scan checked luggage will fry film. I’m aware of no airport that does not acknowledge this.
Hello!
I think this try.
Are glass wares allowed as carry on when boarding a plane?
Joe: As long as your glassware is properly packed (that is, in a container that meets the size limitations to bring on board) it’s fine. Of course, no liquids in the glassware!
Glassware is a frequently gift purchase, and is frequently seen among carry on items.