What to Carry in Your Hand Luggage for Long Haul Flights
On a long haul flight, your hand luggage is your survival kit. It holds everything you need during the journey and anything you cannot afford to lose if a checked bag goes astray. Packing it well makes a long flight far more comfortable. Here is what to carry in your hand luggage for a long haul flight from Nigeria.
Your travel documents
Your passport, visa, tickets and other key documents must always be in your hand luggage, never in a checked bag. You need them throughout the journey, and losing them would be a serious problem. Keep them together somewhere easy to reach. Our guide on documents to carry while travelling covers the full list.
Medication and health items
Carry any medication you need in your hand luggage, with a copy of your prescription, so you have it even if a checked bag is delayed. Add basics like pain relief, any personal health items, and hand sanitiser. If you rely on medication, never pack it in the hold.
Electronics and chargers
Bring your phone, and if you use them, a tablet, headphones and a power bank, along with their chargers and the right plug adapter. A charged phone and power bank keep you connected and entertained. Keep electronics accessible, as you will remove them at security.
A change of clothes
Pack a spare set of underwear and a fresh top, and perhaps a light change of clothes. If your checked bag is delayed on arrival, or you spill something on the flight, you will be glad of them. On a very long journey, freshening up makes a big difference to how you feel.
Comfort items for the flight
Long flights are tiring, so pack items that help you rest. A neck pillow, an eye mask, and ear plugs or headphones help you sleep. A light jacket or wrap is useful, as planes can be cold. Warm socks and comfortable clothing make the hours pass more easily.
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Entertainment
While most long haul flights have screens, it is wise to bring your own entertainment too, downloaded to your phone or tablet in case the system fails or does not appeal. A book, music, films or games help the time pass. Download before you fly, as you will not have internet on board.
Snacks and a water bottle
Bring a few snacks you like, especially if you are particular about food, and an empty water bottle to fill after security, so you can stay hydrated without waiting for the crew. Staying hydrated and having a snack to hand keeps you comfortable on a long flight.
Toiletries within the limits
You can carry small toiletries in your hand luggage within the liquids rule, usually containers up to one hundred millilitres in a clear bag. A toothbrush, lip balm, moisturiser and deodorant help you freshen up. Keep them handy for security and for the flight.
Valuables
Anything valuable or irreplaceable, from money and cards to jewellery and important documents, belongs in your hand luggage where you can keep an eye on it. Never put valuables in a checked bag, which is out of your control and occasionally lost or delayed.
What to keep out of your checked bag
The rule is simple. Anything you cannot replace, cannot do without, or would need immediately on arrival should be in your hand luggage. Documents, medication, valuables, electronics and a change of clothes all fall into this. Your checked bag is for everything else.
If you are travelling with family
If you have children, pack their essentials in your hand luggage too, from snacks and entertainment to a change of clothes and any comfort items. Keeping the family’s key items with you makes a long flight far easier to manage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take liquids in my hand luggage? Yes, in small containers up to one hundred millilitres, in a clear bag. Larger liquids must go in your checked bag.
Should I pack medication in hand luggage? Always. Never put essential medication in a checked bag that could be delayed or lost.
What if my checked bag is delayed? A change of clothes, toiletries and essentials in your hand luggage keep you going until it arrives.
Pack it so security is quick
Pack your hand luggage with security in mind. Keep liquids in their clear bag near the top, and your electronics easy to reach, so you can take them out quickly at the scanner. A well organised bag speeds you through security and means less fumbling while others wait behind you.
Do not overfill it
It is tempting to cram everything into your hand luggage, but keep it within the airline’s size and weight limit, and leave a little room. An overstuffed bag is heavy to carry and awkward to fit in the overhead locker. Pack what you truly need for the journey, and let your checked bag take the rest.
Keep it with you
Your hand luggage stays with you the whole journey, so keep an eye on it, especially in busy airports and on the plane. It holds your most important items, so never leave it unattended or let it out of your sight.
A well packed hand luggage turns a long haul flight from an ordeal into a manageable, even comfortable, journey. Pack your essentials, your comforts and anything you cannot lose, and you will travel with ease. When you are ready, book your flight with Book with Hadey.