A seasoned traveler has revealed three essential items you should never forget to pack in your hand luggage when flying, as there is a strong chance you will need them either mid-flight or immediately upon arrival.
Why These Items Matter
Hopping from one country to another can be straightforward, but only when everything runs smoothly. To help ensure your journey goes without a hitch, Jacqui, a frequent solo traveler, has outlined the items she urges you to keep in your carry-on bag — particularly in case your checked luggage goes astray.
She emphasized that these are likely things you have not previously considered including in your hand luggage.
Money
Jacqui explained that carrying physical currency for your destination is absolutely crucial.
She said: "Not money from your country. Something that I have seen people doing videos about travel on TikTok is getting to the place they are going and being surprised that in another country, people do not take your money."
"Take the money of the place you are going, because just having a bit of cash, especially on you, is always really helpful, especially if your hold luggage were to get lost."
Power Banks
Jacqui stated that a power bank in her hand luggage is something she simply could not do without. However, it is absolutely crucial to remember these must not be used during the actual flight, with most airlines now taking a firm stance on this.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, power banks must always be kept in your hand luggage and are strictly prohibited from checked bags and suitcases. If security finds one in your checked bag, it will be confiscated, and you risk serious flight delays or even costly diversions. You are not permitted to charge them during the flight, nor can you use them while in the air. However, they come in extremely handy once you touch down in a new destination.
"I cannot leave home if I am travelling without a power bank," Jacqui said. "You can get a cheap one on Amazon; they do not have to be super expensive, but just being able to charge your phone everywhere is so useful."
She went on: "And if your hold luggage gets lost or you end up just with your carry-on, you become super reliant on your telephone – we are all super reliant on our telephones when we travel these days. I cannot believe I used to travel without a mobile phone. But being able to just plug it in and charge it is just so so so useful, so make sure that you always have that in your hand luggage."
Pants
Jacqui noted that packing a spare set of underwear — or several — in your hand luggage can prove incredibly useful.
She added that on long-haul flights, she would pack a complete outfit, reasoning that, should her hold luggage fail to arrive, it could "maybe be a few days," and she would want a fresh change of clothes.
"Or at least something that can get me through the day until I can get to the shop and sort myself out," she added.
Other Useful Items for Your Carry-On
- Medication
- An empty water bottle to fill after security
- Electronics, including iPads and Kindles
- Valuables
- Travel documents, including a passport and a boarding pass
- A pen
- Earplugs, sleep mask, travel pillow
