Pauls Travel Notes

Today, we’ll answer the question, “What should I put in my carry on bag?”. Far too often I see people moving through the airport, with what looks like all their worldly possessions being carried in an overstuffed carry on bag.

Even worse, are those folks who can’t contain themselves to have just one bag. They have a couple of stripey laundry bags with them as well.

I’ve seen a couple of cases where the aircrew just refuse to let the bags travel in the cabin. The bags are checked, for an eye watering fee of course.

Now, this post isn’t aimed at those very dedicated people, who can manage overseas travel, with carry on as their only luggage. Well done to them. I certainly can’t do it.

Jacqui and I have been traveling fairly extensively for the last 20 years. And between us, we reckon we’ve got it sorted out.

So, let’s jump in, and explore the world of carry-on bags.

What Style Of Bag Should I Take?

It used to be, that your carry-on bag was whatever you got given by the airline. Yes, that’s right, the airline would issue you a cabin bag. It was their way of ensuring that you didn’t bring more into the aircraft than they allowed.

To be fair they weren’t bad quality either. Our Air India bags lasted a good 20 years, and so did our Qantas bags.

But these days, people don’t want to travel around with an airlines name on their bag. Not all bags work for all people.

Travel Duffel

These are not your big carry all style duffel bag. Just a nice small bag. With one big opening in the top, and a pocket at either end.

They’re very good for accessing your stuff and have a reasonably good separation. But they must be carried. Either with handles or with a shoulder strap. If you have a large roller bag, you may be able to strap the smaller bag on top.

Shoulder Bag

These are more like the original style issued by the airlines. A bit more stylish than the travel duffel, with a big flap that goes over the top.

You tend to carry slightly less stuff in these than a sports bag. Which is good.

They tend to have several compartments which is nice. It helps to keep some separation between you belongings, which makes retrieval easier.

As far as carrying them, they fall into the same class as the sports bag. The difference is, that they are designed to be carried over your shoulder. They feel more ergonomic when you carry them like this.

Roller Bag

These are much more the rage these days. Either in soft sided or rigid design. 2 wheels or 4, with an extending handle. These take the weight off your shoulders. They’re certainly a lot easier for using in the airport.

They generally have one main compartment which is easy to access, and maybe a smaller zip section on the front.

For me there are 2 downsides to these. Firstly, the weight. They can weigh 2-3 kg(4.4-6.6lbs) empty. Which means that you’re are rapidly approaching the maximum allowable weight before you get started.

And secondly, the rigid design is not too forgiving if you are traveling with other people. Soft bags can be much easier to squeeze into small places if you are sharing a car.

Backpack

Not as posh as a roller bag or shoulder bag, but very practical. Throw it on your bag and your hands are free. With a large interior and multiple pockets, you can cram all sorts of stuff in here, and easily get it back out.

I work in the mining industry these days, in Emergency Services. Our company, like many other mining companies, issues backpacks to its workers to travel to and from site. These bags get treated roughly. Jammed into overhead bins and thrown into the back of Utes.

Most of the Australian companies use the High Sierra brand, and they are as tough as old boots.

Combination Bag

Jacqui and I have just moved to this style of bag. Our daughter has been using one for the last 3 years and it seems to work well.

It is a High Sierra backpack, with wheels. So, it can be used either as a backpack or a roller bag. They’re slightly more upmarket than the backpack, with only a little more weight.

It gives me options that I didn’t have with the other styles of bags.

If you would like to check this bag out for yourself, just click here. This will take you to the Amazon page. If you do purchase the bag, then a small commission will be sent to me.

What Size And Weight Must The Carry-On Be?

Size is easy. 115 linear centimetres (46 inches). This means if you add the height, width and the depth, they should come in inside this number.

When you buy your bag, the dimensions should be listed on the label. It should also be labelled as carry-on compliant.

As for weight, well here’s where it can get tricky. You’ll need to check with your airline to see what their limits are. It used to be 7kg(15lbs). I know Qantas has moved to 10kg(22lbs), some airlines are still at the lower figure.

Check the website for all the airlines that you are traveling with to stay compliant. Bear in mind that some of the budget airlines also have fairly small overhead bins.

So, although your rigid case is compliant, you won’t be making friends if you must turn it side on to get it in.

So, What Should I Put In My Carry-On Bag?

Oh, well done Paul. 4 pages in and you’re finally going to answer the question. About time. Yeah alright. But I had to build the scene. Fill in the background as it were.

Valuables

It stands to reason that anything valuable should be kept close to you. Jewellery for example should either be worn or stored in your cabin bag. The best way to store jewellery is in pill containers. This way they can be kept separated and are easy to retrieve.

Medicines

Keep medicines with you in your cabin bag. Where possible, you should also keep the prescription. If your list of medications is large, then a letter from your doctor would be worthwhile. This will be useful if officials want to know why you are carrying this medication.

This letter should give your basic medical history, along with the list of medications you are currently on. This will also help if your bag gets lost or stolen.

Obviously, an electronic copy sent to your email, is an extra level of protection.

The old advice was, to always carry your medications in their original packaging. That was not always practical however if you must open the box every day, it can quickly get dog eared.

The best way now is to have your pharmacist make up a blister pack. The medication is clearly labelled. And conveniently it is broken up into your daily doses. This is a much easier way to store them.

Travel Documents

Most documents today are electronic, and folks carry them in their phone or tablet. The passport obviously, must be produced, so keep this handy.

But also, things like boarding passes, immigration cards and visa’s, may need to be in paper form.

I still like to carry copies of my tickets, hotel bookings and car hire with me in a simple display folder. Jacqui carries one in her bag as well. They weigh very little and give me piece of mind.

We’re not the best with technology. Despite having a blog.

Change Of Clothes

I’m generally heading somewhere warm. So, for me a spare pair of shorts, shirt and some underwear is reasonably easy.

I use a vacuum to store them, so they pack down quite well. If you haven’t used these bags, you don’t need a vacuum cleaner to deflate them. Just pop your clothes in, seal the bag and then roll it down.

This will force most of the air out, and still allowing you to flatten the bag back out. This way it will sit nicely in your bag.

These clothes are handy for if your luggage gets lost. At least you’re not in a mad panic to try and buy replacements.

If you’re traveling with kids, then you’re probably already used to packing a spare set of clothes somewhere. Accidents do happen.

Electronics

Here I’m talking about a mobile phone, tablet or laptop, camera and iPod. Of course, for some of you that’s probably one device. Anyway, these goods need to go into your carry-on bag. And don’t forget the chargers that go with them.

For the chargers, I like to put them into a clear pencil case. Along with spare SD cards and a universal plug adapter.

A pencil case keeps them all in one place and easy to get to. It also means that if the case is clear, then security don’t need to go through it. They can already see what’s inside.

Snacks

Pick some snacks that you like and stash them in your bag as well. Buy them from the supermarket before you head to the airport. They will be cheaper there and you’ll get a better variety.

Although you tend to get fed well while you’re on the plane. It’s the layovers that get you.

Time to kill and so many shops selling food. Having your own snacks leaves more money for the holiday.

Notepad And Pen

I always make sure I’ve got a notepad and pen with me when I travel. It’s just the way I like to jot down ideas. Maybe it’s just the tactile nature of it that I enjoy.

Even though I write a blog on a computer. I still plan each post out using a notepad and pen.

Obviously, a decent chunk of my readers will take notes on their phones. It seems to be the go-to these days.

But, when you get to customs and have to fill out forms, and there’s only one pen for everyone else to share. You’ll thank me.

Book

This falls into the category of distractions. When you’re sitting in a terminal waiting for your flight. Or you’ve seen all the movies the plane has to offer. Then you need a distraction.

Admittedly, most people probably read books now on their mobile device these days. That’s fine, as long as you’ve got one.

Also to consider, is to download movies, T.V. shows or podcasts. These can all keep you entertained when there’s no internet.

Headphones.

Some people use ear buds instead, but I love my noise cancelling headphones. They really work to get rid of the aircraft’s engine noise. It may not sound that loud, but over time it can work to fatigue you.

I use them every week when I have to fly to work. They make a huge difference to how ready to start work I am.

If you’d like to check them out, this link will take you to Amazon. This is an affiliate link. So if you purchase the item then I receive a small commission.

Sony Headphones

Glasses

Prescription glasses or sunglasses. Both can be very expensive, so it makes sense to keep them close.

At least you would be able to replace sunglasses at your destination, although at cost. But prescription glasses could be more of a problem to replace. This is more of an issue if you need to drive while on holiday.

Water Bottle

I always like to use my thermal water bottle. It will keep cold water cold for 24 hours. And I much prefer to drink cold water instead of warm.

Airports these days have water fountains installed, so you can fill the bottle up there instead of buying bottled water.

A word of warning though, is to make sure your bottle is empty before going through security. Otherwise, they will confiscate it.

Wet Wipes

A small packet of wet wipes takes up very little room and can come in so handy. There are quite a few folks who recommend wiping down the tray table in the aircraft as soon as you sit down.

They are just good for hands as well, especially after a meal. If you have kids, then you probably have these anyway.

Money

I like to carry some cash with me when I go overseas. Not a huge amount, but enough to get started in the country. I carry some in my wallet and some in my carry-on bag.

It’s also worth carrying some of your home currency with you as well. This is just handy for when you fly back in. You have change for a coffee, or to pay for parking.

Toiletries

Now I don’t generally travel with toiletries in my carry-on bag, unless it’s a multistage long-haul flight. On those I quite often need a freshen up along the way.

Just remember that there are rules in place for liquids. They can’t be more than 100ml each, and they must all fit inside a 1Litre(1 Quart) clear plastic bag.

So that’s my list of what I put in my carry-on bag. This should give you everything you need, while keeping the weight within the required limits.

If you have something else that you think is essential, and I’ve missed it out, just drop me a line and I’ll have a look at it.

To help you with planning your next trip, here’s a few other links that I’ve written.

What Should I Put In My Carry On Bag?