The Top 6 Travel Items to Bring When Flying

This time of year, the travel industry is busy. Whether traveling to meet friends and family for the holidays or just taking a trip to get away from the hustle and bustle, flights in the air all around the world are packed with travelers.

As optimistic as we all want to be about traveling on commercial airliners during this busy time, it is important to remember that the weather, overbooked flights, and other unforeseen circumstances can lead to long delays, cancellations, and other unpleasantries. Flying private gives you a much better experience entirely, but you still never know about the weather.

So, to keep yourself taken care of – and occupied – whether you are waiting in an airport or have a long flight to your destination, there are a few items you will want to bring with you to make the entire trip much more enjoyable. Below you will find the top six.

1 Headphones

Headphones can be very beneficial when flying. Not only can they allow you to listen to music, watch a movie or binge the latest series, but they can also allow you to block out noise when you just want to get some sleep.

Sure, many airlines offer headphones – either for free or for a small fee. But, bringing your own headphones is more comfortable – especially if you plan on wearing them for an extended time. And, who knows, if you are traveling commercial and you have a talker next to you – all you need to do is put them on, and when you don’t respond, they’ll think it’s due to the headphones.

2. A Portable Charger 

The truth is, you don’t always know where your travels will take you when you get on that plane. Life can change in an instant – and so can travel plans. And there are not too many things worse than having your phone battery die when you need it most. Many terminals – and even planes – may have a place for you to charge your devices, but it is best not to rely on this.

Instead, be prepared with your own portable charger.  If you want to be extra cautious, bring two!

3. A Reusable Water Bottle

Dehydration is common when traveling. You are out of your routine, which means your water intake (or any fluid intake for that matter) is likely different. Combine this with the dry air while onboard aircraft, and you can begin to feel the impacts of your lack of fluid intake.

Dealing with dehydration while traveling can leave you susceptible to jet lag, with dry skin, and can even weaken your immune system – making you vulnerable to illness and germs.

With a reusable water bottle, you can fill up at various spots around the airport after you get through security and keep yourself well-hydrated throughout your entire travel time.

4. Something to Eat

You want to keep your body energized, and feeling nourished while you travel. And that means bringing your own snacks. You may have a long flight, or you may find yourself either dashing between two planes with a short layover – or stuck in the terminal for an extended time. You never know what foods may or may not be available, and you need to have something just in case. So, what to bring? Consider some of these travel-friendly snacks:

• Apple
• Nuts
• Jerky
• Seeds
• Granola
• Trail mix
• Dried fruit

Keep in mind that if you travel via a private jet, you won’t have to worry about food as you can custom order your meal so that you always have something good to eat.

5. Important Toiletries

Sometimes it just feels good to freshen up. You may have a long flight, or you may get stuck due to delays or cancellations. Without your checked bag, you aren’t going to have access to things like a toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, a hairbrush, and so forth. Pack a travel-size toiletry bag in your carryon so that you are sure to look revived when you reach your destination.

This can make dealing with layovers much less stressful when you know you’ve got stuff to get you through. Some people even suggest throwing a change of clothes (or at least underwear) into your bag, too.

6. Eye Mask – and Ear Plugs

Sleeping on a commercial plane or in a terminal is not ideal, but it is necessary. And, it never fails that just as you decide to catch some zzz’s, the person next to you turns on the overhead light to read a book. To make life easier, pack an eye mask to block out any light. Then, use earplugs to keep sounds to a minimum. You will be able to rest much better – and feel more energized when you get to your destination.

A Perk of Flying Private

When you fly commercial and have checked luggage, your suitcases become separated as soon as you arrive at the airport. You then go through security, wait for an hour or more at your gate before boarding, take your flight, deal with layovers and changing planes, and eventually meet back up with your bags at the baggage claim of your destination. And that’s as long as it makes it there and doesn’t get lost between point A and point B – which happens regularly. If you need anything you have packed between this time, you are out of luck.

Flying private is a much different scenario. Your bags are with you as your board. You don’t have to worry about them getting lost since you won’t be changing flights. And, depending on your jet, you could have your eye on your luggage at all times if you wanted to.

That’s great news, isn’t it? Perhaps the best part is that this is only one of many perks of flying private. You wouldn’t have to worry about these essentials because you could sleep when you want to without getting disturbed, enjoy a nice catered meal, listen to music without headphones – and not disturb anyone, and so on.

So, gather up your empty suitcases, load them up with all the essentials, and head on out to wherever your travels take you.