Maximize your personal item
- Kandace
- Dec 7, 2018
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 14, 2019
Airlines allow you at least one personal item per person free of charge. Make the most of this by checking the dimensions, which are often generous, and using that space wisely. You can always pack a smaller “day-to-day” purse or messenger bag in your carry-on; these lie nice and flat, taking up very little space. Why bother taking a big purse with dimensions of 9"x9"x3", when you could, for no extra cost, take something that measures 17"x13"x10"? That's just shy of double the amount of space. Here’s what you might not have considered for your personal item:
Lip balm
Breath mints
Pain reliever
“Tummy trouble” meds
Prescription medications
Nail clippers (I don't know why, but travel inspires hangnails)
Phone charger and cord
Bottled water, purchased at the airport after clearing security or your own container filled at a drinking fountain at the airport
Snacks, purchased at the airport after clearing security
One change of underclothes, in case your baggage or carryon gets inexplicably lost
For things you don’t need to pack in your personal item (or your carry-on, for that matter), see Packing light is a breeze.
Good point - thanks. On long flights I barely have room for my personal item under the seat. 🙂 The “things to put in your carryon” was more for things people might not think of, but you’re right, some people might not think of a charger or cord.
Sorry, but I don't agree with you on the "purchased at the airport" part. Security has no problem with an empty water bottle, and many airports actually have bottle filling stations right after security nowadays. And snacks are typically both cheaper and with more choice at a grocery store. You're missing the USB charger and cable in the list of things to pack in the carry-on, and (if traveling internationally) an international plug / converter. Earplugs, if you're so inclined.
Also, I would suggest making sure your carry-on fits under the seat in front of you. That makes you independent of the overhead bins, saves you from struggling with them. This probably won't be possible if the carry-on is the _only_…