11 things frequent fliers always keep in their carry-ons in case of a delay or lost luggage
Gabbi Shaw
- In case you missed it, this summer has been horrible, in terms of airline travel.
- Delays, cancellations, lost luggage — all are commonplace when you walk into the airport now.
In case of long delays, you don't want your phone dying on you. Make sure to have a phone charger or power bank on hand.
Having a dead phone at the airport seems mildly terrifying, especially if you're stuck at the airport for hours, without a book or laptop to keep you company.
A general rule of thumb: keep all your chargers in your carry-on — or, you can check out an Away suitcase which comes with a portable charger inside of it.
Noise-canceling headphones are a travel game-changer.
Of course you'll want headphones in order to listen to your music and meditation guides in peace, or to watch movies and TV shows without disturbing those around you, but noise-canceling headphones take everything to a new level. They'll help you nap, or even read in peace even while a toddler is having a tantrum nearby.
If you have wireless headphones, make sure you have the charger on hand for those as well.
Insider has recommendations for the best best noise-canceling headphones.
The AC blasting at the gate will get old quickly. Don't forget to bring something to keep you warm.
If you don't want to take up precious real-estate in your bag with a bulky sweater, consider a scarf.
A scarf comes in handy as a fashion accessory, a blanket, and even lumbar support once you're finally on your flight.
Or, you could just wear your sweatshirt to the airport and tie it around your waist if it gets too hot at your destination.
Nothing will keep you refreshed like a toothbrush and some travel-sized toothpaste.
If you're stuck in the airport overnight, a toothbrush and toothpaste will help you feel like a new person.
Generally, it's a good idea to keep a day or two worth of toiletries on you, just in case, from deodorant to makeup remover wipes.
If you're rocking contacts, don't forget your glasses . You might get stuck overnight and need to give your eyes a break.
Wearing contacts overnight can be very bad for your eyes, so make sure to bring along a back-up pair of glasses to give your eyes a break.
In fact, you could be at the airport long enough to need a new pair of contacts. A mini-kit of extra contacts, solution, re-wetting drops, and a case in your carry-on will come in handy.
If you have any medication that you need to take regularly or at specific times, make sure to keep it on you.
It might also be a good idea to have basics on you like pain relievers, allergy meds, Tums, and band-aids.
Dry shampoo will make your hair look and feel almost freshly washed.
Dry shampoo will give limp hair a boost, will have smelly hair smelling fresh, and will have dirty, oily hair look clean.
We've rounded up the best dry shampoos, according to Insider.
Bring an empty water bottle you can refill.
No matter how long your delay, you will get thirsty.
Instead of spending an obscene amount of money on bottles of water at the airport, bring a reusable one. Just remember to empty it before you go through security.
Long stays at the airport will be made more bearable with a fresh pair of underwear. And, if you can fit a whole change of clothes in your bag, even better.
Long layovers can get stressful, hot, and sweaty, especially this summer. If you don't have enough room for a whole new outfit, at least make room for a clean pair of underwear. You won't regret it.
No one wants to be seen with a severe case of bedhead, so keep a brush within your grasp.
Even if you can't shower, being able to brush your hair will at least simulate being cleaner.
To save space, pack a comb.
An eye mask will help block out the fluorescent lights of the terminal.
An eye mask is a tiny item that could make or break your ability to nap at the airport after finding out you have a five hour delay. If you're stuck sleeping at the airport, and you can't afford one of those sleep pods, you might as well block out as much light as possible.
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