What to take with you on a plane?
The question of what to take in your carry-on luggage on a plane is asked by many passengers. Today we will try to answer it. First, let’s clarify — you can take nothing at all except your passport. Most likely, you won’t need anything else. A plane is not a bus; most flights last up to 3 hours.
What to take on a plane for a comfortable flight?
The list of things you will need on a plane depends on the flight duration.
- Hygiene products: toothpaste, brush, comb.
If the flight is over 6 hours, many airlines distribute small kits that include a mini-version of toothpaste, a brush, an eye mask, and earplugs. But if you use a specific toothpaste or the flight is not that long, it’s better to bring your own. Pay attention to the volume of the toothpaste tube; toothpaste is a liquid, and as we mentioned earlier, liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml are allowed in carry-on luggage, with the total volume of liquid a passenger can carry in carry-on luggage being 1 liter. Wet wipes will also be useful, and if you have dry skin, then face and hand cream too. (cream is also a liquid)
- Sleeping pillow, eye mask, and earplugs
Many airlines have pillows on board, but they are not always comfortable, and on short and medium-haul routes, their quantity is usually limited. You might not get one if you don’t ask the flight attendant in advance. If you board the plane and see that there isn’t a pillow and blanket on every seat, ask the flight attendant for them immediately. If the flight is short, they might not be available at all. An eye mask and earplugs, as we mentioned above, are often included in kits distributed to passengers, but only on night and long-haul flights. If your flight is not that long, it’s better to bring your own. An eye mask can often be bought at the airport, and earplugs are available in almost every pharmacy.
- Laptop and tablet
Laptops and tablets are only carried in carry-on luggage; don’t forget their chargers. Some planes have power outlets on board. You can find out in advance if they will be available by checking the plane’s layout on seatguru.com. Additionally, you can charge your device during a layover at the airport.
Read also: Rules for carrying a laptop on a plane
- Comfortable clothes and socks (or slippers)
Warm socks will be useful on a long flight. Sitting for several hours in street shoes, or boots if it’s winter, is not very comfortable. You can also walk around the cabin in socks. As for clothing, ideally, you should choose light and comfortable options for the flight that won’t restrict movement. However, this is not always possible; in this case, bring a change of clothes. You can change either at the airport or on the plane after takeoff when the “fasten seatbelt” sign turns off.
- Medications
Always take something for a headache on the plane, just in case. And if you have health problems, be sure to carry your medications in your carry-on luggage.
Read also: How to carry medications on a plane
- Pen
A pen will come in handy if you are flying abroad and need to fill out an immigration form. This will save you a lot of time when going through all the formalities.
- Books, newspapers, and magazines
These items are not included in the carry-on weight, so feel free to take your favorite magazine or book.
Read also: What cannot be carried in carry-on luggage?
What food to take on a plane?
Food is served on planes and is included in the airfare. If the flight is short, up to 3 hours, you will be offered tea/coffee or juices for free. Read more about in-flight meals>>
Paid meals are only available on budget airlines, as well as on semi-budget carriers (airBaltic, Air Berlin) if you bought the cheapest fare. If you don’t like airplane food or the portion provided is too small for you, you can take a small snack in your carry-on. Remember that you cannot open a window and air out the plane, so leave fried chicken and eggs at home. The ideal snack is pastries, waffles, chocolate, a lean sandwich, and fruits or vegetables. Always remember about liquids; you can carry no more than 1 liter in carry-on luggage, with the volume of each container not exceeding 100 ml. Liquid is not just water; it also includes milk, kefir, gel, cream, paste, sauce, canned goods, soft cheese, and much more.
Read also: Rules for carrying food on a plane
During the flight, it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids. Since the flight attendant with drinks does not come around constantly, bring a small (empty) container for liquids that you can fill after security or on the plane.
