Whether you’re booking a private jet charter from West Palm Beach or you’re traveling via a commercial airline, there are certain things that you need to carry with you whenever you fly. Some of these can be placed on your carry-on while others can be on your person, but they are all must-haves when you board your flight.
- All Important Documents
You probably already have your usual photo ID in your wallet, but you should also have your visa if you’re leaving the country. If you have physical tickets for your flight or anything else, you should at least have them in your carry-on if you don’t want to keep them on your person. Double-check to make sure that you have all the documents you need before getting on your plane.
- Medication
All prescription medication should be kept with you or in your carry-on. Even if you aren’t scheduled to take your medication during your flight, you can’t risk losing something so important. If you don’t take prescription medication, it’s still a good idea to have over-the-counter decongestants or ibuprofen on hand if the cabin pressure gives you a headache or has you feeling stuffed up.
- A Phone Charger
The last thing you want is to deal with a dead phone battery once you’ve reached your destination. If you have a phone charger in your carry-on, you’ll be able to charge your phone and make use of it once you’ve landed.
- An Appropriate Change of Clothes
Most of your clothing will likely be with your luggage, but you should still have a simple outfit packed into your carry-on. That way, if your luggage is lost, you’ll still have a change of clean clothes when you reach your destination. Just make sure that whatever you pack is appropriate for your destination. You probably don’t want to pack a thin t-shirt if you’re going someplace cold.
- A Snack
It’s always a good idea to take some non-perishable snacks with you whenever you fly. Airlines still serve food during flights, but it isn’t free. Having a small bag of mixed nuts, dried fruit, or beef jerky can come in handy if you start to feel hungry during a long flight.
- A Water Bottle
Airplanes are incredibly dry, and you’ll almost certainly get thirsty during your flight. While most airlines will still provide bottles of water, they might not be enough to keep you hydrated. Instead, pack a collapsible water bottle with a filter along with your snack in case you need something to drink.
- A Comfortable Hoodie
It can get cold in an airplane, so wearing a comfortable hoodie is always a good idea. Be sure to keep this on your person when you board your flight. Airlines don’t count it as a carry-on, so you’ll be able to save space in your bag.
- Toiletries
Toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, facial wipes, shampoo, and the soap should always be kept in your carry-on for the same reason you’d pack a change of clothes. If your luggage is lost, you’ll at least be able to freshen up while you look for your other belongings.
- Hand Sanitizer
It’s easy for people to forget, but we’re still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thoroughly washing your hands after using the bathroom will help prevent the spread of the virus, but you’ll still be touching the same surfaces as countless other people. Before you get on your plane, pick up a small bottle of hand sanitizer to keep with you and use during your flight.
- A Source of Entertainment
Flights can be incredibly boring if you don’t have something to occupy your time, so bring some entertainment with you. A book is probably best, but you can also download movies, music, or podcasts to your laptop or smartphone to enjoy during your flight. Just be sure you bring a good pair of noise-canceling earbuds so you don’t disturb others.
Even though you can pack everything you need for a trip into your luggage, these items should always be kept with you when you fly. Check to make sure that you have them with you to make sure that you have a safe and comfortable flight.
