Personal Bag Prep
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Nic and I travel with a carry on bag and a personal bag to make it easier on ourselves when we have shorter layovers. We always fill our personal bags with what we will be utilizing on the plane. So when it comes around to actually packing for the trip we always break down packing into four questions:
How can I make this flight easier on myself?
What items am I going to have to remove from my bags for airport security?
What items am I going to bring to keep me entertained?
What items will keep me comfortable on the flight.
Airport Security
Getting through airport security can be done easily. You can find out more about it here.
But for the sake of this post I broke it down into basics. These are all items that I am going to want to pack toward the top of my bag to make it easier for me to grab them out while standing in line so that I am prepared once I reach the bins.
That list consists of:
Liquids – in your one quart bag with 3.4 oz of liquid
I use this TSA approved Liquids Bag - it comes in a pack of three which is great for Nic and I because that is one liquids bag each and then an additional toiletries bag
Electronics – Tablets, laptops, cameras, cell phones etc.
For me I pack my Canon 60D or my 80D body and then my 18-55mm lens at the top of my bag
Possibly snacks – I like to save money and know what’s in my food. Right now you may be asked to pull out any and all snacks that you bring with you. So be nice to yourself and pack your snacks in a clear plastic bag to make it easier to pull out of your bag. You can read more about the approved TSA snacks in this blog post.
What activities will I be doing to keep me preoccupied on the plane?
That plane ride is several plus hours, you are going to want something to do.
Listening to music – iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Google or YouTube. Whichever service you use, save yourself from paying extra for the Wi-Fi and download your favorite playlists to get you through.
Reading – Download books onto your phone or tablet the night before you leave for the airport. OR bring an old fashioned bound book with you. Just know that it takes up extra space.
Writing – whether it’s for my blog or one of my novels I always have a notebook and a couple pens on hand.
Type C charging cord - to keep my phone and tablet charged up on the plane. Some planes have the USB ports for charging - you can check this out when you look at the details of your plane.
Noise Cancelling Headphones - I have tried out a couple types of noise cancelling headphones. Both of the ones that I am recommending allow for you to plug directly into the seatback entertainment. The In - Ear ones that I enjoy are these which are not available right now, I will update if they become available. My over ear ones are my Bose.
External Battery - Nic and I both have one. There are two that I can recommend. The first is a solar charging one that we take on our camping and kayaking trips. The second is one that stays in our travel bin and is brought with specifically for flights!
How am I going to keep myself comfortable?
Gum – My number one thing I bring on any flight is gum. This helps with the changing of pressure and helps not affect your eardrums, as much.
To stay warm-
Planes get cold and if you’re like me you are a freeze baby. Save yourself the shivers and pack these items.
Warm socks – these can be wool socks or compression socks, the choice is yours
Blanket scarf – I use this as a barrier between me and the provided (over night, long haul flights) blanket.
Slippers or ballerina slippers - To travel between your seat and the bathroom - because its not very appealing to have to wrestle your shoes back on when you can just slip on your slippers - especially in the middle of the night.
To combat the dry air in the plane –
You know that cold plane air, well it’s also dry.
I have used two different moisture kits while traveling (these are the ones that work best for my skin type - please research the best travel products for your skin type! :) They have chapstick/lip balm, face cream, lotion for hands etc.
I wear my glasses instead of contacts - no one needs dry irritated eyes
Micellar water & cotton pads - because a clean face is the best feeling in the world - whether you wear make up or not.
To help sleep and stay balanced –
Melatonin gummies (for those long overnight flights)
Snack – you can find a list of TSA approved snacks here.
I usually go for a fruit or veggie to help keep my stomach calm
Water – to stay hydrated - I always pack an empty water bottle to fill up once I have gotten through security. The bottle I have is this one and I absolutely love it! Nic uses this water bottle.
Preparing to land - after a long overnight flight I know I always feel better after I brush my teeth and change my clothes.
Liquids bag - this is what I have at the top of my bag to take out for security - it also helps when I want to freshen up before we land.
Change of clothes - because a nice, fresh pair of clothes help me feel ready to take on the day and not have to worry about wearing my airplane clothes.
