Carry-on bag packing advice [closed]

I was on a flight once that boarded and then we sat for almost four hours before we even took off. Even though my bag was stuffed full, all I really had to help pass the time was a bag of M&M's and a magazine. As we sat there, I saw another guy that had a carry-on bag that didn't look that full but it seemed like he had everything he needed.

Over the hours I watched him pull out things including food, drink, book and computer. He even pulled out a battery to charge his phone. Obviously he was a professional traveler who knew how to pack, unlike me. It left me wondering how much trial and error he went through to get where he was.

I saw a news article today where people had to sit on the plane for 12 hours before they even took off and it reminded me of my flight.

What tips to pack a carry-on like a pro?

air-travel tips-and-tricks

Best Answer

Always bring a pen (a cheap one is fine). This is useful for immigration forms and other stuff.
Headphones.
Load some favorite podcasts (BeyondPod), videos (YouTube: Watch Later), etc. on your phone. Maybe a two-player game.
Kindle if you like to read.
Salty snacks to keep your thirst up (dehydration is a problem on long flights).
A sense of humor.
USB charger with adapters for US, UK, and Euro outlets (I prefer to carry one or two simple plug adapters, no need for whiz-bang "world travel adapters").
Earplugs and eye mask. If you fly often you should train yourself to fall asleep early and often. This is a huge time saver! I learned to sleep 60 minutes on an 80 minute flight, even in the afternoon.
A very light jacket or second shirt, in case it's cold. This is mostly to help with sleeping.

Pictures about "Carry-on bag packing advice [closed]"

Carry-on bag packing advice [closed] - Smiling woman with shopping bag and packed goods

Carry-on bag packing advice [closed] - Empty apartment with packed carton boxes before moving

Carry-on bag packing advice [closed] - A Person Sitting on a Wooden Floor while Preparing Travel Essentials

Can you pack everything in a carry-on?

Here's what you can't pack in your carry on:

Liquids, gels, or pastes in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
Guns and ammunition (including BB guns and cap guns)
Stun guns and tasers.
Sharp objects (knives, axes, razor blades)
Self-defense items (such as pepper spray, brass knuckle, billy clubs)

What Cannot be packed in carry-on?

Open a carry-on bag to make sure that the interior has plenty of usable space and at least one zippered pocket for securing small items. The bag should also be fairly lightweight when empty. Remember, you'll have to lift it onto the security conveyor belt and into overhead compartments.

Minimalist Packing Tips \u0026 Hacks - Travel Light With Only Carry-On Luggage!

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Pavel Danilyuk, Liza Summer, Ketut Subiyanto, Timur Weber