Keep food and medications handy, even on the shortest of flights. — Blend Images/Getty Images
En español | Remember when plump packets of peanuts rained down on hungry air travelers and every seat had its own fleecy blanket? These days, airlines are stingy with the snacks, and full meals and blankets or pillows often cost extra. With delays common, you need to come prepared, whether you're flying short haul or long. Here are five air travel tips involving carry-on items that will make your flight comfortable.
Registration with a twist! Life@50+ Digital Experience registration is available exclusively for Las Vegas attendees.
1. Essential medications and toiletries
The last thing you need is to be separated from your medicine if delays are long or, worse, your checked bag is lost. Things to keep in your carry-on include prescription medications (in original packaging), nasal sprays, moisturizers and lip balm. Follow the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids and gels: containers must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit inside a clear, 1-quart, zip-top bag (one bag per passenger). Visit the TSA website (www.tsa.gov) for guidelines, including those for liquid prescription medications.
See Also: Is "duty-free" really much of a bargain?
2. Entertainment
A flight is forced personal time; for some that means a nap, for others, enlightening diversions. Bring earphones if you don't want to pony up a buck or two for an airline pair. Charge electronic devices before leaving so you can read, watch movies, play games or listen to music. As you know, all such devices must be shut off during takeoff and landing, so it's good to have books and magazines or newspapers on hand, especially since most airlines no longer offer much in the way of free reading material.
Topic Alerts
You can get weekly email alerts on the topics below. Just click “Follow.”
Manage AlertsProcessing
Please wait...
Tell Us WhatYou Think
Please leave your comment below.
You must be signed in to comment.
Sign In | RegisterMore comments »