How to Pack in a Carry-On
Traveling can be complicated enough with the stress of packing, parking & getting to the airport and through security without forgetting anything! I'm not sure about you, but I hardly ever sleep well the night before flying - even if it's a midday flight! This has nothing to do with a fear of flying as it's alllll about what to pack and getting through security at least an hour before boarding. Plus this way you can explore all the food and shopping your airport has to offer! If you're in ATL stop off at Concourse A for an iced coffee from Dunkin' and hand lotion from L'Occitaine.
As a Delta Baby (child of Delta Airlines employees), my entire life is basically a meme of every dad telling their daughter they need to be at the airport at 5 am for a 10 am departure. Except, as a standby passenger, it's usually true - the earlier the better! So here is my How to Guide to packing EVERYTHING you need into one carry on bag with one personal item.
Let's start with your "personal item". Ladies, this is most likely your purse, tote, diaper bag, etc. Men, your backpack. (Or murse if that's more your style!!) Now let's talk logistics - are you traveling for work or play? This drastically changes what you need to take. Are you carrying a laptop, work documents, charger, mouse, etc? If so - I opt for my backpack as my "personal item" and then consolidate my purse into my backpack prior to boarding.
If it's for play, I take my LV Neverfull MM tote. Inside I categorize things into groups and try to separate into smaller zippered bags and compartments inside:
Necessary for Travel - This is the stuff you cannot get on the plane or through security without. Think passport, ID, credit cards, cash, cellphone, boarding pass. If your boarding pass is on your phone, make sure your phone is charged and you can easily access your ticket. When traveling abroad I always pack copies of my license and passport in my luggage in case something were to happen. I keep these things in a zippered pouch for safe keeping. Lastly, I group cash into this section. I don't usually carry cash, but when I travel I carry single dollar bills for tipping at the airport, hotel, taxis etc.
Entertainment - These are things like headphones, a book or magazine, nail polish, a deck of cards, & portable chargers. Remember that most headphone jacks on a plane are not bluetooth compatible so be sure to bring an older pair of headphones that have the aux jack instead of the iphone charging port.
Cleanliness - I am NOT a germaphobe, but there's something about recycled air that doesn't sit well with me, so I try to be prepared. Especially international travel where you're stuck for 9-10 hours in a confined space, you may want to freshen up before landing. I pack make-up wipes, a toothbrush and eye drops to wake up. If I know I'm going right out and about, I'll keep some make up in an easy to reach spot for touch ups. Another thing I pack is one of those tiny hand sanitizers because you never know who touched that tray table before you!
Warmth - Lastly, let's talk about staying warm because at 30,000 feet your window seat is going to cool down about an hour after takeoff. If you're on an international flight, I don't care if it was 99 degrees in Hotlanta when you left, you're going to be chilly and have a loooong few hours ahead of you. I pack an extra pair of socks, a cardigan and sometimes a blanket scarf (depending on the time of year, you can get away with more!) Socks so you can take your shoes off and not feel so exposed (or gross out your neighbor), a cardigan to bundle up and a blanket scarf for added weight.
Those four groups may look slightly different to you and whether you're traveling in Business Class. If you are, you'll receive a lot of those things in your amenity kit once you board but either way, you'll be prepared with this list!
Next, let's move on to your luggage. I just recently switched over to a hard side suit case and I LOVE IT!! I got my Delsey Chatelet 21 Inch Luggage as a gift and I am obsessed! It is so chic and I love how the inside has two separate zippered compartments. The divided inside makes packing/organizing so easy.
Now packing has a lot to do with where you are going and what time of year. But for me, there are a few staples that go everywhere and can be interchangeable for seasons and destinations. When packing, I usually start by grouping outfits by activity or style (ie sleepwear, athleisure, day time vs night, swim or snow gear, etc.) Put outfits together inside your suitcase that actually go together. This way you aren't digging to the bottom, they're already grouped together. This goes without saying, but folding your clothes nice a flat will make packing and finding your clothes so much easier. Some people prefer the rolling method, but I've have better luck with laying flat.
I always take a pair of jeans and black jegging/leggings that can be worn with multiple outfits, along with simple tops that can be dressed up or down with accessories. Now, shoes are my biggest struggle when packing. {Quick Tip: Wear your biggest shoes and jacket on the plane to save space in your luggage!} If you're wearing boots or wedges, you'll have more space for flats and tennis shoes in your bag. Place shoes in the corners or wedge them down beside the edges. I usually take a pair of booties or wedges, a pair of sandals and either tennis shoe or slides. I recently got these Dr. Scholl's slides and have been loving them for travelling since they are beyond comfy and can be dressed up or down!
When packing toiletries, I grab travel sized shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste to save space and be sure to abide by the 3.4 oz limitations to get through security. Don't get caught off guard and have to pitch your R+F regimen because you didn't look at the size. I grab those at Target and then ditch them when I'm finished. {Quick Tip #2 - if you're traveling with makeup brushes, keep the protective cases on them to avoid them getting ruined in flight.} Sometimes liquids spill/pop mid-flight due to cabin pressure, so keep them safe! You can also place a tiny piece of Saran Wrap over the lids of your liquids if you're super worried about them spilling.
Other than that, the things I think of when packing are things that I know I can't buy/get elsewhere. This list is much much smaller (ie spare contacts, medication, passport, credit cards, etc). Once you've got those basics enjoy your trip and know that most things, while annoying to purchase, are replaceable. Safe travels & enjoy your trip!
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