As a frequent flyer with years of experience criss-crossing the globe, I've learned that some travel wisdom can only come from those who live in the skies. And when a seasoned flight attendant shares their hard-earned knowledge, smart travellers listen.
The Golden Rule of Packing
There's one cardinal sin that countless passengers commit without realising the potential consequences. While most of us worry about lost luggage or delayed flights, there's a more immediate threat to your travel comfort that's entirely preventable.
According to airline insiders, there's a particular category of items that should never, under any circumstances, end up in your checked baggage. Making this simple mistake could turn your dream holiday into a stressful ordeal before you've even left the airport.
What Exactly Should Stay With You?
The consensus among flight crew is clear: essential medications and medical supplies belong exclusively in your hand luggage. This might seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised how many travellers make this critical error.
Here's why this rule is non-negotiable:
- Lost luggage happens - and being without vital medication is more than an inconvenience
- Flight delays and cancellations could separate you from your checked bags for hours or even days
- Temperature fluctuations in cargo holds can damage certain medications
- Emergency situations during flights may require immediate access to your medicines
Beyond the Obvious
While medications top the list, experienced travellers extend this principle to other crucial items:
- Important documents - passports, visas, travel insurance details
- Valuables - jewellery, electronics, and significant amounts of cash
- Essential toiletries - in travel-sized containers meeting liquid restrictions
- A change of clothes - perfect for long layovers or lost luggage scenarios
- Chargers and power banks - because dead devices help nobody
The Professional Perspective
Flight attendants see the consequences of poor packing decisions daily. They've witnessed passengers facing medical emergencies without their necessary drugs, business travellers arriving at important meetings without crucial documents, and holidaymakers starting their vacations with unnecessary stress.
"We can't emphasise this enough," one experienced crew member shared. "Your health and essential documents should always be within arm's reach. The cargo hold might as well be another country when you're at 30,000 feet."
Smart Traveller's Checklist
Before you zip up that suitcase, ask yourself: Could I survive 24-48 hours without accessing my checked luggage? If the answer is no, you need to reconsider what stays in your carry-on.
Remember that airlines have limited liability for lost or delayed baggage, and while most luggage eventually finds its way home, your health and important commitments can't wait for reunification.
This simple packing adjustment takes minimal effort but provides maximum peace of mind. After all, the best travels are those where you're prepared for anything - especially the unexpected.
