What should a traveler always keep in their carry on baggage? In your carry on bag you should always keep your passport, plane tickets and any other important travel documents. Statistically, your baggage...
Statistically, your baggage is extremely unlikely to be lost when traveling by air - most "lost" bags are simply delayed. However, you should always keep essential and important items in your carry on bag, just in case your checked bags are lost or delayed. A good way to approach the problem is to ask yourself how your trip would be affected - and how you would cope - if your checked baggage was delayed for a few days.
In your carry on bag you should always keep your passport, plane tickets and any other important travel documents. Many people also keep a copy of their tickets and passport about their person in case their carry on bag is lost or stolen. Having a list of phone numbers of friends and family as well as other important phone numbers is a good idea too. Make a note of the phone number to call if your bank card, credit card or traveler's checks are lost or stolen - most people would have no idea who to call if that were to happen.
In addition to the obviously important items, many frequent travelers also put a change of clothes or at least a change of underwear in their carry on bag (See question 10) in the event of being without their luggage for a day or so. You can fit more than you think in your carry on bag and still comfortably fit it in the overhead bin.
Always keep your camera and any rolls of film in your carry on bag. Contrary to popular belief, the x-ray machine at the airport will not damage most film or computer discs. If you are concerned, you can usually ask to have your camera and film inspected outside the x-ray machine. If you have a large camera bag or a camcorder, you can usually carry it on board with you separately as your personal item.
Most laptop computers will comfortably fit in a carry on bag, or you can carry them on with you in addition to the bag. Never put your laptop in your checked bag just in case your luggage is lost or items are missing from it. If you have your laptop in a separate carrying case and are told you must check it because of its size, carry the laptop itself onto the plane and check just the case.
Medication is usually allowed in your carry on bag and it is advisable to have it with you, rather than in your checked baggage. It is also a good idea to have your prescription with you and especially so if your medication includes the use of a syringe. Be prepared for examinations at airport security if you have a syringe or other certain medicines in your carry on bag.
And finally don't forget that book you have been meaning to read. Airlines have been cutting down on in-flight entertainment and dining options, and if you have already seen the in-flight movie, you will really appreciate a good book.
