If you’re ready for a flight across country, it’s time to pack your carry on luggage for the airline trip. This can be a simple thing to do, or it can turn into an annoying ordeal, depending on whether you properly pack your carry on luggage for the airline or if you make a mistake or two on the way. Proper packing is the first key to making sure you have a comfortable flight, so know how best to pack for your trip and save yourself some hassle at the airport.
For Short Trips
If your flight is short, packing your carry on luggage for the airline should be a snap. If you have a portable DVD player, leave that and the movies in your other bag, since in an hour-long flight, there’s little time for electronics. If your DVD player is your laptop, consider packing that in the bags you check when preparing your carry on luggage for the airline. With the amount of space given to a passenger in an airplane, using a laptop can be awkward, and you also have to go through the risk and hassle of taking it out of your bag at the security checkpoint.
If the trip is only for a day or two, consider making the only bag you bring to the airline your carry on luggage. By holding onto your only bag, you guarantee that you know where all your things are and aren’t putting your things in the hands of a stranger. If you make this choice, though, remember not to overstuff your bag, since it needs to fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. Always keep your packing as compact as possible.
For Longer Flights
If your flight is longer than an hour, consider bringing a few more diversions, unless you plan to sleep through the flight. A movie player can be a great item to bring, though you must wait until electronics are allowed to turn it on. For privacy and for the consideration of your fellow passengers, headphones will work well for a music or movie player alike. Try packing the type that fits in your ear, as they are more compact. A book is a great thing for a flight, and one should last you for the trip to and from where you’re going.
If you stick to one or two things for diversions when packing your carry on luggage for the airline, try to buy a small bag rather than a suitcase, as it’s less of a hassle to get things out from a bag under the seat in front of you. With a little thought and careful planning, you’ll be flying comfortably with a light carry on bag, whether your flight is long or short.