No matter how long my flight is there are definitely some essentials that I never leave home without. Over the last couple years of travel I feel I have perfected packing my purse to maximize my experience on a flight. I have never been a huge fan of flying and tend to experience a lot of anxiety and agitation when flying. I have found that what I do pack in my purse does make a big difference on how enjoyable my flight is. Here is a packing list of essentials I make sure are always in my purse:
Passport/Boarding Pass
Always make sure to keep your passport and boarding pass on you, as these are the most important items you take with you on vacation. Make sure you store them in a safe place that is easy to access. You will need your passport and boarding pass in order to connect to your next flight or to clear customs upon arrival to your destination.
Wallet – Cash and Cards
I always keep my wallet in my purse, as I never know when I’m going to need some money. Depending on the length of your flight, most airlines will offer snacks and beverages during the flight, which you must pay for using a credit card.
Printed Itinerary/Hotel and Flight Confirmations
Before I leave home I always make sure to print a complete copy of my hotel and flight confirmations for my entire trip. Most of trips I plan I usually have somewhat of an itinerary planned to make sure I hit the main attractions for my destination. I always make sure to keep a printed copy on me as well as email a copy to myself in case I lost it.
iPad/Tablet
Over the last couple years I have found that the best way to ensure I have an enjoyable flight and less anxiety is to make sure I bring my iPad. Not all airlines provide access to free Wi-Fi so I always make sure to download some shows and movies on Netflix before getting on my flight. Watching Netflix keeps my mind busy and helps pass the time before we reach our destination.
Headphones
Headphones are one of the most important items you want to make sure to bring with you on any flight. I invested in a pair of Beats Solo Wireless headphones last year and I couldn’t imagine my life without them. Not only is a good pair of headphones perfect for watching TV or listening to music, but they also help drown out any loud talkers or babies crying.
Charging Cables
I always make sure to keep my charging cables in my purse for easy access. For me, the worst thing would be my phone or iPad dying as I rely heavily on them to keep me entertained and reduce my anxiety and agitation while flying. I always try to ensure my devices are fully charged prior to getting on a flight but sometimes that is out of your control.
Portable Charger
Sometimes on the smaller airlines or airplanes there isn’t always a place to plug in to charge your device. I always make sure to bring my portable charge everywhere I go in case I ever need to charge my device and don’t have access to a plug-in.
Snacks/Drinks
I like to make sure I have a couple snacks packed in my purse as I don’t usually like to buy the overpriced food the airline has to offer. Currently, my favorite snacks to bring on a flight are nuts and popcorn. I also recommend bringing water with you to avoid getting dehydrated during your flight.
Medication
I always make sure to keep all of my medication in one place in my purse, which includes my Advil and Aleve. I often get pressure headaches while flying so I always keep a full bottle of Advil in my purse for easy access when I feel a headache coming on.
Glasses/Sunglasses
My sunglasses always live in my purse in my day-to-day life, but I also like to keep a pair of glasses in my purse while flying. Depending on the length of your flight or your arrival time you may want to change over to your glasses at some point during the flight. If I have an early morning flight I usually wear my glasses and switch over to my contacts prior to getting off the airplane.
Lip Balm, Lotion and Make up
Airplanes can be pretty dry so I tend to keep a small bottle of lotion and lip balm in my purse. I also tend to check my make up before we land and make any touch ups to my make up before we get off the flight. Once that plane has landed the only thing in my mind is getting my luggage and getting out of the airport so I can begin my adventure!
