Travel – My carry-on packing list

Airport carry-on hand luggage should hold passports and ID-cards, travel documents, tickets, visas, money, credit cards, essential medication, cameras, phones, laptop/tablet, keys, spare prescription glasses, etc.).

I put these valuables in a series of separate transparent Ziploc bags (don’t put everything in one big bag). Travel documents (including boarding passes) can go together in an easy to access travel pouch (some people have a “fanny pack“). I place my laptop/tablet in separate individual protective pouches, and also ensure that all my electronic equipment (including the camera) are charged, and easy to access during security screening (can be switched on if asked). I also take chargers and cables in my carry-on backpack (reserve chargers and cables go in check-in luggage). I include my spare prescription glasses in their protective case (also for my prescription sunglasses). I try to avoid taking any liquids or creams in my hand luggage (but otherwise follow strictly the rules). For example, I put disinfectant sprays in check-in luggage, and take disinfectant wipes in my carry-on.

The exception was my wife’s vanity case, which had a life of its own (and its own packing list). It was home to a minimum set of creams, liquids, sprays, etc. that she wanted with her, including her essential medication. My wife always told me that her ‘eau de toilette’ was an absolutely essential carry-on item for any French woman. These liquids, creams, etc. in her hand luggage always conformed to the strictest carry-on rules, and were in a series of small Ziploc bags.

As an aside I always travel with a second smartphone, with a SIM and subscription from a different operator in a different country. I leave it charged but switched off during transit. 

On both check-in and carry-on luggage I have TSA-approved padlocks on all zips. I have AirTag’s hidden in all my luggage.

Many carriers explain that medicinal tablets and capsules can go in checked luggage or in hand luggage, but must be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription. In my opinion, all essential medication, if possible in their original boxes along with the instructions for use, and with the prescriptions, should be separately packed and kept in carry-on luggage.

I prepare printed packing lists for both check-in and carry-on. I also have copies of any recent bills, proof of purchase, etc., just in case (e.g. laptop, tablet, camera, …). Sometimes people are questioned by the customs about what looks like something newly purchased whilst travelling, and original invoices can show where and when the item was originally purchased.

I also have in my carry-on luggage printout copies of my passport & ID, visas, travel documents, credit cards, etc.

I also carry printouts of my travel insurance documentation, including a statement from my heath insurance, and any forms needed for medical exams and claims resulting from an accident. (This second set of printouts can also go in check-in luggage).

I label all bags (including carry-on) with name, destination address, email address and mobile phone number. I also print out the same information in a large bold font on a A4 sheet and place it inside both my check-in and carry-on luggage. If you are moving from one destination to another, prepare different labels.

During my trip to the Antarctic, the cruise company required that luggage had to be correctly labelled, with complete name, the name of the ship, the destination and number of the cabin.

Always check the fine print. For example, for the cruise there was a long list of forbidden items, which included water heater, rice cooker, drones, radio-navigator, laser pointers, Samsung Note 7, and candles.

I take photographs of all luggage, including during packing. It helps also when I have to unpack and repack during a stopovers. For short stopovers, I try to separate what I need so as not to disturb too much the contents of my luggage during transit.

I also travel in a simple warmish jacket, always with zipped pockets (remember airplanes can be quite cold). So I can put everything in the zipped pockets and dump the jacket in the tray for security control.

In airports, planes, taxis, etc. I try to never keep stuff in trouser pockets, always in zip pockets. I’m a great fan of tops that have interior zipped pockets.

Don’t put any important hand luggage in the boot of a taxi, keep it down by your feet.