Ready For Anything: Top10 Items To Pack For Flight Delays

Imagine, for a moment, that you’re sitting in a busy airport, excited about heading off on vacation. As you check the departures board, your heart sinks… your flight has been delayed, and not just by a few minutes. You’re going to be stuck in the airport for a while.

Now, which scenario would you prefer…

A. Your departure time finally arrives, and you’re sweaty, flustered, bored out of your mind, and you feel bad for your seat mate because you probably don’t smell so fresh.

Or…

B. You finally board the plane, and you’re feeling great. Nothing can bring you down! You’re calm, relaxed, stylish, moisturized, and unbothered, ready to begin your vacation after a minor setback.

We’re going to go ahead and assume you’d prefer option B. So how can you make sure this is how you handle a flight delay? It’s all down to what you pack in your carry-on. A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to travel, so here are a few ideas of what to pack to prepare for any possible delays.

• Portable Charger – Your phone might end up being your main source of entertainment and information while you’re waiting for a delayed flight, which means more of a drain on your battery. Bring a portable charger (or two) in your bag – and consider bringing the charger as well, in case you’re lucky enough to find somewhere to plug in.

• Book or e-reader – Use this time in the airport as a chance to catch up on your reading! Load up your Kindle before you leave home, or throw in a paperback or two to help pass the time.

• Wet wipes – It’s not a substitute for a shower, but in a pinch, wiping yourself down all over with wet wipes (in the privacy of the restroom, of course) can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste – Few things make you feel more yucky than unbrushed teeth. Plus, you know, dental hygiene and all that. Make sure you’ve got a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag to help keep your smile sparkling.

• Moisturizer – This might seem like an odd one, but after you’ve cleaned yourself up with wet wipes – including your face – making sure your skin is hydrated will make you feel a million times better than if you walk around with dry skin. Trust us.

• Change of clothes – If you get stuck overnight, you don’t want to wear the same rumpled clothes you had the day before. Pack a fresh fit in your bag, and remember to include a sack to store your dirty clothes in.

• Headphones – Really, you should never get on a plane without noise-canceling headphones. They’re a lifesaver, even more so if you end up sitting in the airport watching movies on your tablet while waiting for your flight.

• Medication – You should always keep your medicine close to you when traveling. If you get separated from your luggage, at least you’ll know you have your meds – and you’ll need them with you if you’re stuck in the airport for longer than expected.

• Water bottle – Nothing wears you down faster than dehydration. Rather than throwing money away on plastic water bottles, bring your own reusable water bottle. Most airports will have filling stations to top up and keep yourself hydrated.

• Snacks – Sure, the airport is usually full of restaurants and shops, but what if you’re stuck overnight when they all close? Or you have dietary restrictions? Or you just don’t want to pay ten bucks for a bag of chips? Bring a selection of snacks with you, just in case.

With some planning, you’ll feel confident handling any setbacks the airlines can throw at you. Load up your carry-on with the things on this list – you might end up thanking us later.

Start your vacation right and pack for all possibilities!