Things to consider when packing for a journey by air. Packing the right things in your checked bags and your carry-on luggage can help your comfort en route.
This article continues the series "Flying Basics", written for first-time fliers and others who are wondering about commercial flights, even if it is not their first time flying. If you have a fear of flying, reading enough to understand what to expect may help. The series includes:
- Flying Basics - An Overview
- Flying Basics - Airport Security
- Flying Basics - Booking
- Flying Basics - Seat selection
- Flying Basics - Weather Info
- Flying Basics - Weather Matters
- Flying Basics - Packing for Events.
The example used for Flying Basics is a domestic flight of about four hours, where there are no stopovers, no border crossings, and the flight is on a regularly scheduled route with one of the major airlines, not a discount or no-frills carrier.
Other articles in this series will look closely at special needs and some of the things which arise when your flight is not exactly like the basic example.
Here are some things you should consider when packing for a trip by airplane:
- the weather at your destination
- the activities you plan on doing and any special events you plan to attend
- how long you will be gone
- gifts and goodies you plan to leave at your destination
- what sort of things you can buy fairly easily at your destination
- what sort of things are necessary but difficult for you to get at your destination
- how much luggage the airline allows you to take on your flight - remember to consider your return flight as well
- how much luggage you are allowed to carry on to the plane with you, called your cabin baggage or carry-on items
- what sorts of things are not allowed in cabin baggage and must be placed in your checked bags
- what sorts of things are not allowed in your checked bags (and are therefore probably not allowed on the flight at all)
- what things you will need on the plane during the flight
- what things you would like to have with you during the flight
- what you can comfortably carry if you have to
- any special items you are bringing, or special needs you may have.
