Travel Tips
Airline restrictions limit the electronics that fit in your luggage. (Photo: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images )
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In today’s wired world, being separated from your personal electronics ranges from boring to disastrous. So it’s no big surprise that airlines have become increasingly friendly to the use of portable electronics in flight, with some even offering satellite internet to help keep you connected. But first you need to get through the Transportation Security Administration screening checkpoints, which include clear-cut rules for screening all manner of electronics, including medical electronic devices.
Check It or Carry It On?
The Transportation Security Administration quite rightly recommends keeping your personal electronics in your carry-on luggage. This not only gives you quick access but makes your electronics much harder to steal. If you do have to put electronics in your checked baggage, secure your bag with a TSA-friendly lock that allows TSA agents into your bag for screening if necessary, but impedes access by others. If you use a non-TSA-approved lock, TSA agents may cut it off as part of the screening process, leaving your bag vulnerable to would-be thieves.
Getting Through Security
Don’t pack your electronics too far down in your carry-on. Anything larger than a smartphone must come out of your bag at the security checkpoint so it can be screened individually. If you’re carrying a TSA-friendly bag, you won’t have to worry about this. It will have a separate compartment for your electronics, which can be opened so the electronics have nothing above or below them to impede screening. Additionally, members of the TSA Pre-Check program enjoy several perks, including the ability to breeze through the checkpoint without unpacking electronics.
If you’re packing electronics in your checked luggage, remove any spare lithium batteries and carry them on with you. This includes the rechargeable batteries you’ll find in laptops, in some digital cameras and also in portable power banks that you might use to recharge your electronics on the go.
Traveling With Medical Electronics
The Transportation Security Administration trains its officers to be respectful in their treatment of people who have personal medical electronic devices like pacemakers, neurostimulators and insulin pumps. That said, these devices can affect how you navigate the screening procedure. If you want to avoid discussing your device in public, download a notification card to show to a TSA agent. Let the agent know about your medical device before the screening process starts, and be prepared to go through the millimeter wave scanner or to receive a pat-down screening instead of going through a metal detector. If you use an insulin pump, the TSA agent may require you to do a self pat-down of your own pump, but they shouldn’t require you to disconnect from it.
If you want support during the screening process due to having a personal medical electronic device, keep in mind that the TSA offers a help line to answer your questions and provide assistance, including arranging an escort from a passenger support specialist.
If It Fits, It Goes
All right: You’ve made it through the security screening checkpoint, and now it’s time to board the plane. Airlines can impose their own regulations about what does and doesn’t go in the cabin of the plane, but as a general rule, they’ll allow anything through that passes the TSA checkpoint. Just don’t overpack, thinking you’ll breeze past the gate with your laptop under your arm; if you’re carrying too many items, or if they’re larger than the carry-on limits imposed by your airline, you may be asked to gate-check some of what you’ve tried to carry on.
While On the Plane
Once you’re on the plane, you’re free to use your portable electronics until the flight crew readies the plane for departure. At that point, most airlines require that laptops be stowed under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. However, most airlines will let you hold onto smaller electronic devices, as long as they’re put in airplane mode and are unplugged from airplane power during takeoff and landing.
How To Pack Your Electronics For Travel
If you’re going on vacation, you may want to take your electronics. Before you start packing your gadgets, you may want to consider how you should pack them. Just last year, the US government banned lithium-ion batteries from all checked bags. This means you will have to put it in your carry-on bag. Today, we want to go over some ways you can make your travel experience easier.
Lithium-Ion Batteries & The Cargo Area
Battery technology has advanced dramatically in recent years. As a result, Lithium-ion batteries are relatively stable but still have some risks associated with them. Lithium batteries will catch fire when overheated or punctured. For more information about why Lithium-ion batteries catch fire, check out our post here.
Make the Most of Your Carry-On
The ban means you are going to have to bring any device with a Lithium-ion (most devices) in a carry on bag. This can be challenging if you are trying to travel with multiple devices. First, consider what you will need during your flight. You will want to put these items in a bag that goes under your seat. This will make the devices easier to access mid-flight.
If you plan not checking any bag, you may want to separate your clothes, toiletries, etc. in a separate bag. You can throw this bag in the overhead compartment and have readily available under your seat. The TSA requires all electronics removed and placed in different bins for screening. This isn’t a huge deal as long as your bag is organized.
If you have several electronics, batteries, cords, etc. you plan on taking with you, consider getting an electronic organizer. There are several varieties out there, but BAGSMART makes a highly reviewed one. If you aren’t specially designed carrying bag, we suggest packing them on top of your bags so they are easy to get to at security.
Follow the Ban, Even if it Isn’t Enforced
The FAA is currently not severely enforcing the ban, but you still should follow it. The FAA requires electronic devices to be kept in a carry-on bag. If you put it in your checked bag, the device should be turned off and protected from accidental activation and damage. With that said, keep it in your carry-on. You do not want to start your vacation by unpacking your bags and finding your device damaged in transit (airline support staff doesn’t always hand luggage with kid gloves). For more information about the FAA rules, check out their website.
TSA Pre-Check
If you don’t want your luggage to be organized, don’t want to deal with the hassle of security, and travel a lot, the TSA Pre-Check might be for you. The process is time-consuming to enroll, but after traveling is a breeze. You will have to do a face to face interview, provide fingerprints, and allow a background check. If you pass all of these steps, you will pay an $85 fee for a five-year enrollment. After enrolling, you will have access to the TSA Pre-Lane. As a result, your trip through security will be reduced.
If you found this article interesting or helpful, check out our other posts!
Vacations are fun, but packing for them isn’t. There’s nothing worse than stressing over what to take before you hop on a plane, train, automobile, or ship. And, if you’re a geek like us, we like to bring our gadgets along. Or, should we?
As much as we want to bring our cameras, tablets, computers, gaming consoles, portable batteries, and what not, you should restrict the amount of things in your bag to match the type of vacation you’re having and your mode of transportation. Unless you plan to work, do you really need to bring a laptop? If you plan on participating in extreme activities, does it make sense to bring the DSLR? Take some time to plan, and your vacation or work trip could be stress-free before you arrive at the destination. Our guide will help you decide what you should pack to avoid unessential gear.
Determine your mode of transportation
Every mode of public transportation has instructions for what you can — and cannot — bring onboard. This includes planes, trains, cruise ships, buses, etc., and the information can be found on their respective websites. There are the obvious prohibitions: ammunition, firearms, explosives, and other hazardous items. But there are also innocuous things like a bottle of water or a portable USB charger. Check the service provider’s homepage for rules and regulations — even experienced travelers may be surprised by one or two. The Transportation Security Administration has detailed rules on its website.
Pick your most essential gears
Keep in mind the golden rule of packing: pack light. The duration of a trip will dictate what you need, but whether it’s a long or short sojourn, it’s best to practice some minimalism. Do you really need 10 charging cables, when two would suffice? Is that hair dryer or steam iron necessary when you plan to stay at a hotel, where they generally come standard? And are you so into a game that you need to bring a gaming console (if yes, you might want to cancel your trip and stay home to play).
Essential gadgets are exactly what those words mean: Enough chargers and cables to juice up your devices, portable battery, headphones, phone, and anything that offers benefits during the trip or is required (say, your work laptop for a business meeting or an adapter for international travel). For everything else, imagine what your trip would look like without the item, and then decide if you need it. Ultimately, what you bring is up to you — only you will know what’s essential — but less is likely more.
Use a small carry-on bag
The bigger the bag, the more likely you will fill it with unnecessary things. If you’re not a savvy packer, consider using a smaller bag — like a backpack or a specialty bag — to restrict the amount of gear you take. Another benefit is that it’s easier to carry and can fit underneath the seat in front of you, making it easier to access. Consider using a bag with dedicated pockets and compartments, or something like the Osprey Farpoint 55, which has a removable daypack for your gadgets and accessories (or as a bag for walking around town), laptop compartment, and lots of room for clothes.
Osprey Farpoint 55
Check international voltage and plug information
Different parts of the world use different voltages and plug types, so if you’re traveling internationally you will need to bring along an adapter or two. An item that’s certified for use in the U.S. may have a higher or lower voltage requirement than what’s supported, which could blow whatever it is you’re plugging into.
Voltage information can be found in the imprint or label under most battery packs or power supply. American appliances run on 110 volts while Europe and Asia supply 220 to 240 volts of electricity. If your gear is labeled “110-240 V,” consider yourself good to go; newer appliances are made to be dual-voltage, so you won’t need a voltage converter but just a regular travel adapter. If this isn’t the case, get yourself a voltage converter designed for travel, like the Bestek Travel Converter with 4 USB. Some come with surge protection as well.
Bestek Travel Converter with 4 USB
The travel adapter lets you plug your device into various socket types. (Remember: As mentioned, not all travel adapters support voltage conversion, so make sure it has that function if you need it). Electronics made for use in the U.S. run on either the two flat prongs (Type A) or three prongs (Type B: two flat, one circular), but unless you visit a country that uses the same standard, like Canada or Mexico, neither will fit the outlets in other countries (although Japan uses the same type of plug and outlet as the U.S., the voltage is different). Check out our list of best travel adapters to find the right one.
If you travel in a big group with a lot of gadgets that all need juicing nightly, consider bringing a portable outlet as well.
Pack neatly and efficiently
The airport and cruise ship terminals are places where your bags will get scrutinized and screened before you are allowed to board (although there may be random inspections at train stations, bus depots, and elsewhere). In case your bag gets singled out for a closer inspection, make sure the inside is neatly organized. Instead of tossing everything into a bag, layer the items neatly so security personnel can clearly see what each item is supposed to be, without needing to pull everything out.
To keep wires neat, simply roll them up neatly and tie with a rubber band or twist-tie. You could also use clear plastic bags, as you would with your toiletries. Alternatively, you could use an organizer with separate compartments, like the Pull Apart from Porte Play or the AmazonBasics Universal Travel Case.
Porte Play Pull Apart
Laptops and other large electronics may need to be screened separately. Either use a bag with a dedicated laptop compartment for easy access (or a laptop sleeve), or, if you’re using just one bag for your entire trip, pack your clothes at the bottom and the gear at the top (just remember not to load anything on top of your bag). You also don’t want the gadgets to shift in the bag, so be sure to pack tightly or organize them into a small bag that you can easily pull out.
A number of carry-on luggage items have a front compartment where you can put additional items, like shirts, sweaters, socks, and other soft items to add extra cushion to the gears that are sitting right under the front surface of the bag. Also, take advantage of bubble wrap. When you’re done packing, weigh your bag or suitcase to make sure it doesn’t go above the weight limit.
When in doubt, just make sure the things you place at the bottom are items that are the least susceptible to scrutiny. Don’t bury weirdly shaped electronics that a security agent has to dig through your other things to reach, messing up your belongings in the process.
Packing has never been easy for anyone. You realize there are so many things that should go into your luggage but then remember you have baggage restrictions to deal with and weight limits. If you are traveling by air, the airport rules make it even more frustrating. There is a way you can go about it without too much stress especially if you will be packing electronics. It is common for people to carry electronics along with them on a trip but you need to do it the right way so you end up not breaking any rules
Traveling with electronics is very common today and you will want to pack them right to prevent damage, also ensuring you are not breaking any rules. Here are some easy hacks to pack your electronics.
Larger Gadgets Come Last
It will be more convenient to have your electronics within your reach. Large electronics like your soundbar speakers and Bluetooth speakers should be kept on top. This is so you don’t need to dig deep into your bag to bring it out. You’ll end up taking everything in the bag out and rearranging your luggage from scratch. It is a good idea to have these items packed last to protect them.
If you’re still looking for a soundbar you can bring with you on your travel, remember to choose something compact to make packing easier. You don’t have to spend a fortune on these models, and you can find some great ones here under 200 bucks – .
Put Electronics Together
You should have all your gadgets and devices together for convenience. You can’t have your laptop in one bag and search for headphones or chargers elsewhere. You’ll end up rummaging around, and your luggage will be in disarray. Besides, you may end up losing valuable things when you don’t organize your luggage. Also having your electronics together will make it easy to unpack them when you have to go through airport security. You can reach easily reach them when you need to have your luggage screened.
Keep cables or cords in a sunglasses case
If you are carrying connecting cables like your USB, chargers, and other loose cords, it will be best to arrange them neatly in a compartment. This helps to keep your luggage organized and protected. If you have a glasses case that you haven’t used in a while, it can come in handy for this.
Pack Batteries Properly
There are usually rules for packing batteries at the airport. Airport authorities now insist that battery packs and lithium batteries must be in your carry on luggage. You can’t keep batteries in your main luggage. If you have electronics that use batteries like drone cameras, you will need to comply with the existing regulations of the airline.
Get A Smart Electronics Organizer
You also need an organizer to pack your electronics. Smart electronic organizers can keep your smartphones, adapters, USB, chargers, power banks, and cords. They usually affordable and will help save space in your luggage. It makes it easy to have everything you need in one place and also protects your gadgets.
Travel Tips
Backpacks keep essential items close to you while you travel. (Photo: woman with a backpack image by forca from Fotolia.com )
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A sturdy [backpack]() is good for carrying valuables, on-flight entertainment and travel documents. It’s safe, easy to keep an eye on, and less bothersome to tote around than a bag with a handle. Furthermore, a good travel backpack can double as a laptop carrier, beach bag or overnight bag upon reaching your final destination.
Electronics
Although airlines and travel experts advise travelers to pack gadgets in carry-on baggage, many still forget and end up losing expensive equipment due to theft or damage by airline personnel. Protect your property by carrying all of your electronic devices in your knapsack. Nowadays, there are padded backpacks made especially for laptops, with more than enough space for a digital camera, camcorder, phone and digital music player. Use this extra space for precious cargo and avoid tempting fate.
Jewelry and Other Valuables
If you can’t leave home without your jewelry and expensive accessories, keep these objects close by at all times. Backpacks are great for this purpose, since they usually have myriad little pockets and zipper compartments that fit small packages well. Keep these objects together in a plastic case or bag to make security checks quick and painless.
Travel Documents
In the front pocket of the backpack, place your passport, tickets and identification. To avoid pickpockets, place your wallet deep into the largest section. Using the front pocket for these important papers keeps them in easy reach, and will aid you during the check-in process.
Extra Change of Clothes
Airlines usually get baggage transport right, but it’s a real pain when things go wrong. One huge selling point of a backpack is the extra space to store an extra outfit in case of mishap. Even a t-shirt and some spare underwear will seem a huge comfort if a suitcase goes missing.
Liquids and Personal Care Products
Since all liquids must be checked by the TSA, pack all of those travel bottles in a small plastic bag and pack them near the top of your backpack. That way, it’s easy to reach in and show them for inspection. An added bonus: it’s easy to dodge into the restroom and freshen up upon reaching your final destination.
Entertainment Products
Use those side pockets to store a book, magazine or other leisure activity for the flight. On the side of the backpack, fit in a personal DVD player or gaming system. Fit in some work files against the back of the bag. With a backpack, the options for convenient item transport are endless.
By Christy Woodrow , Last Modified: October 27, 2019
Table of Contents
Carry-on Packing List for Airplane Travel
Packing for a trip can be overwhelming. You don’t want to bring an unmanageable amount, especially in a carry-on bag, but you don’t want to miss anything important. To make sure you’re prepared on the plane, bookmark this carry-on packing list with a list of our favorite products to help make your next flight a breeze.
Carry-On Bags
I travel with a lot of camera gear as well as a laptop, so my carry-on bag is packed full of electronics. This means I have to carefully consider every item that goes into the small top compartment of my backpack. I use the Lowepro Fastpack backpack, which has enough room for all of the items listed below as well as a Sony A7II camera body, 3 lenses, and a GoPro.
If you don’t carry around a lot of camera gear, then this bag is perfect for carry-on items, plus it doubles as a cute handbag for day trips once you are at your new destination.
Passports & Credit Cards
First, and most importantly, don’t forget your passport when traveling abroad (and any other important identification documents). You’ll need them to go through airport security checkpoints as well as in emergencies like missing belongings or canceled flight re-booking.
It’s a good idea to make copies of your passport and credit cards and keep them separate from the originals in case they are lost or stolen.
Medications
If you have prescription medications or supplements, packing them in your carry-on bag is the safest way to ensure you’ll never miss a dose.
Bringing relief meds for headaches, allergies, or motion sickness will also give you the means to reduce such symptoms right away, and vitamins like Vitamin C and acidophilus can help protect you from germs.
Activated charcoal pills are a good idea for mild stomach bugs and allergies. I never leave home without them!
Electronics
Are your cell-phone, laptop, or other electronics flying with you? Make sure they’re secured in your carry-on and don’t forget their chargers!
I always pack a portable charger (we use this one) for times when I don’t have access to outlets, such as on the plane itself or when exploring during a long layover. Finding outlets in some airports can be tricky and you don’t want to be stuck without power on your phone — especially if you are traveling solo.
Bring Clothes, Just in Case
Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with lost luggage, but it never hurts to be prepared. A change of underwear, socks, and an extra shirt can help you stay fresh until your belongings are returned.
If you’re traveling to a tropical destination, consider bringing your swimsuit in your carry-on, too, so you won’t have to miss out on any water time.
A comfortable cardigan or light jacket can also double as a blanket during air-conditioned flights. I’ve found the perfect long cardigan for travel and it always comes on the plane with me. Don’t count on airlines carrying blankets for every passenger — even on overnight flights.
Hygiene
Toiletries are a must for long flights. Travel deodorant, gum or mints, and a travel folding toothbrush are standard items that I bring on all flights.
Stuck without a shower? Biodegradable Wipes keep you clean and smelling great with tea tree oil, peppermint, and ginseng.
Clean & Clear’s oil-absorbing sheets are one of my favorite things to pack in my carry-on because they keep my face oil-free and can even be used over makeup to restore a matte finish.
I also like to carry a travel-size package of antibacterial wipes to clean my arm rests and food tray on the plane. It’s a great ice breaker if you offer one to your neighbor as well.
Liquids
You can easily bring your preferred lotions and other liquids from home by using your own travel-sized containers. I fill small contact cases with my favorite lotion for the plane. If you have a few different creams, lotions, or liquids essential to your self-care, you can get a pack of 3 for under $7.
Comfort Basics
We all know how dry airplane air can be. Pack some chapstick and eye drops to keep you moisturized and comfortable.
Sleep Essentials
An eye mask and earplugs are essential for helping you get some sleep, whether you’re taking the red-eye or just catching a nap. I always pack a pair of comfortable, noise-isolating headphones to play white noise or music to help me sleep. Most airlines don’t offer headphones free of charge, so I use these to watch movies as well.
Stay Hydrated
Carry a reusable water bottle to fill up after security. This reusable water bottle is something I’ve recently added to my carry-on packing list. I don’t have much space in my carry-on backpack due to camera gear, but this one can be rolled up and crammed into small spaces.
Stave Off Hunger
Airplane snacks can be unhealthy, unfulfilling, and may not take food allergies into consideration. Packing your own snacks means you’ll have what you like and what you need to nourish your body, without paying extra for food.
For more packing lists, visit:
The first question you must ask yourself is, how much gear should I bring? If you’re traveling light and avoiding any checked luggage fees, (plus the hassle of waiting at baggage claim, and the risk of lost luggage), then the answer is easy: You can only bring whatever gear you can fit in your overhead-bin-sized carry-on camera bag, plus one under-the-seat “personal item.”
This might mean that you can’t bring all your lenses, flashes, and light stands or whatever other accessories you would normally bring.
How to Pack for Airplane Travel with Camera Gear
So, you’ve decided how much gear to bring, and whether or not to check a bag. Next, how do you pack your gear? As the sarcastic reply goes… “very carefully!” Indeed, pack carefully. I’ll be specific, and not waste your time with sarcasm.
Checked Luggage vs Overhead Bin vs Under-Seat
Which items should go in which suitcases? That’s one of the best questions you can ask! OK, let’s talk about the checked luggage, which is where your clothes and some other stuff should go. These are the things you could possibly survive without, if your luggage were to be lost.
First, anything not so delicate, like light stands and tripods, should go at the very bottom of your suitcase.
Then, add padded case-type items, like lenses or flashes, inside their padded protection, but with batteries removed. I have found that while you’re not supposed to pack large Lithium-Ion batteries in your checked luggage, I’ve had no problems with other types of battery sets, like 4x Eneloop AA cases.
Last, on top goes the really soft stuff, your clothes, socks, and other items. I also prefer luggage that has one or two external compartments, so that I can quickly access accessories like rain jackets.
Next, what goes into an overhead bin carry-on, and your under-seat personal item?
Before we get any further, here is my very important, number-one rule: never let your bags out of your sight. Ever. If you’re late to the flight and the gate attendant tells you that you must check your bag, inform them that the value of the gear in the bag far exceeds the airline’s limit of liability for lost luggage, and you simply can’t take the risk.
Split your key pieces of gear up between your overhead carry-on item and your under-seat personal item. I usually put my main camera body and one lens and one flash in the under-seat bag, and my backup body, plus all other lenses, flashes, and anything I can’t afford to lose in checked luggage, in the overhead bin carry-on bag.
How Never to Forget Critical Photography Accessories
When you’re packing everything up, it really helps if you can come up with a system so that you never forget smaller items like batteries, memory cards, etc. This system should be super easy to follow; in fact, it should make failure almost impossible.
Maybe for you, what works best is a little whiteboard where you check off every single accessory before every single outing. Or a phone app that does something similar. Or, maybe you have a shelving organization system for dead and charged batteries.
My own secret trick is this: if something has a door, (battery door, memory card door) then I leave that door open if it’s empty inside. Flashes and cameras etc. are left on my gear shelves on their sides, with those doors left wide open. Now, it’s essentially impossible for me to pack up my cameras and/or flashes without first putting memory cards and batteries in them.
When I travel for my stock photography, I also like to get in the habit of formatting all my downloaded, backed-up memory cards immediately after I have verified that they’re downloaded and backed up safely, instead of waiting until just before my next big adventure to do all my formatting. Remember, a formatted but unused memory card is easy to recover images from; however, once you save new images to the memory card, it’s almost impossible to get over-written images back.
Final Air Travel Tips for Photographers
Here are a few more rapid-fire tips, just in case:
- Never check in most Lithium-Ion batteries—those must go in your carry-on luggage.
- Always check sharp pointy objects like pocket knives.
- Remember to remove any alcohol-based lens cleaning solutions from any of your luggage or bags. I’ve accidentally forgotten a small
1 oz bottle of Eclipse solution in my bag sometimes, and it was never confiscated, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Everybody knows that air travel can be an ordeal. So, take a deep breath, pack your bags long before the last minute, head to the airport very early, keep calm, and have a great trip!
Usnea Lebendig’s Bio
Usnea Lebendig is an urban activist and loves hiking and adventuring in the mountains in her spare time. For the past 10 years, she has been a traveling stock, landscape, and portrait photographer, having visited more than 40 countries all over the world. She currently writes for
Travel Tips: Packing a Personal Item
The things you pack in your personal bag have the power to make or break your flight. Pack the essential items on this list to arrive at your destination, entertained, rested, and comfortable. And if worst comes to worst and your checked bag gets lost or delayed, you’ve got everything you need in your personal item to make it a little more bearable.
It’s honestly kind of a learn-by-doing craft that has taken me years to perfect. So, with that, in addition to the obvious things you should bring with you on the plane (like your passport and wallet) here are a few must-have items that will make any flight a whole lot more enjoyable.
1. Sleep Stuff:
I’m talking travel pillow, sleep mask, earplugs, and a blanket. Some airlines tend to provide these products in complimentary amenities kits on longer international flights, but it’s not guaranteed. Plus, I really enjoy having my own stuff, just so I know it will be clean and that I will be cozy. That way, I can rest up and arrive ready to jump right in to the local culture!
2. Wear Layers:
To ensure the highest level of comfort, wear layers and definitely bring a jacket and socks. There is nothing worse than being unable to sleep because you feel like you’re in the frozen foods aisle. That said, you also don’t want to land in Hawaii wearing jeans and a wool sweater with no tank top underneath.
3. Entertainment:
Bring books or a Kindle/iPad. If you plan to watch movies or listen to a podcast, plan ahead and make sure you download the content you need before you get in the air. And don’t forget your headphones or charging cords! Pro Tip: This is the time to leave your fancy Bluetooth headphones at home and pack a durable, reliable pair that will work with the in-flight entertainment system and your phone or tablet. There’s nothing worse than boarding a transcontinental flight only to realize you’ll have to watch every movie with subtitles because your headphones aren’t compatible with the input in the armrest. And don’t forget to bring a pen! Better yet, pack two. Pens are crucial for crosswords and Sudoku, journaling, planning your itinerary (the old-fashioned way), and filling out custom forms!
4. Hunger and Thirst Prevention:
AC and recycled air lead to serious dehydration. That’s why I always bring a refillable water bottle with me most places. So, drink up before going through airport security, and then fill up as soon as you’re through. You’ll love having the “extra” water with you on your flight. Dehydration is pretty lame, and asking the flight attendant for 4 waters is not going to earn you any brownie points. Once you’ve taken care of thirst prep, stash some snacks! Make sure you pack food that will make it through security (sorry, no hummus) and survive being trapped at the bottom of your backpack. Packing healthy, simple snacks will keep hunger pangs at bay and you save money, so you can save up on the plane and then overspend on local cuisine. 😉
5. Personal Essentials:
Thirst isn’t the only result of dehydration—dehydration can impact how the rest of your body feels as well. Because of this, I typically travel in my glasses and always keep eye drops and my contacts with me. Having other essential toiletries like lotions and lip balm is also key to sanity. Believe me.
6. Destination Preparation:
Staying comfortable during your flight is crucial, but your arrival is important too! There’s just something about having freshly brushed teeth that makes you feel ready to tackle whatever is ahead of you, whether it’s a tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok or an Uber during rush hour. Fill a lightweight toiletry bag with a toothbrush, stick of deodorant, make-up, and any daily medications you may need (in case of a delay). This way you can freshen up mid-flight or before landing.
7. Change of Clothes:
I hate to say it, but sometimes your bag doesn’t make it. And when it comes to traveling, it’s always best to prepare for the worst. Whether your bag gets lost or the flip-flops you boarded the plane with aren’t going to cut it once you arrive at your snowy destination, you will be thankful for a change of clothes upon landing. So pack a fresh shirt, extra pair of socks, and some clean underwear.
8. Backpack it Up!:
You could carry a large tote, but my “personal item” of choice is a backpack. I love all the pockets and organization, plus I’m hands-free as I’m traveling through the airport… which means I can scroll through my Instagram feed and sip my Starbucks without any issues.
So, there you have it—a foolproof packing list that’ll make any flight a breeze. With a perfectly packed personal item, getting to your destination will seem like part of the vacation.
Close
From the classroom to the workplace to home, we carry our laptops with us along every step of our day-to-day journeys. Of course, it’s crucial that we keep these fragile electronics protected from everyday bumps and spills. But what if you need to ship a laptop to another destination?
Maybe you’re heading to college and would like to ship your computer just in time for the new academic year, or perhaps you’re a merchant fulfilling an online order to another state. Whatever the circumstance, shipping a laptop requires different considerations than when you’re transporting it in your backpack.
Here’s everything you need to know about shipping a laptop – from packing the device securely to an on-time arrival at its intended destination.
Selecting a laptop shipping box
Before we talk about how to pack the laptop in a box, let’s start with the importance of selecting the right laptop shipping box (or boxes) for your device.
If you’re shipping a new laptop, one option is to make use of the original box it arrived in from the manufacturer. This will normally supply a reasonable level of protection for your device.
However, keep in mind that most manufacturers’ boxes are intended for palletized shipping, and are not designed to be shipped as a standalone item. For this reason, you should also consider using an external box to provide an extra layer of protection for your laptop.
For effective double boxing, choose an outer box that is about six inches wider in all dimensions than the internal container. Use packing material, such as inflatable packaging or foam inserts, to fill the bottom of the outer box. Place the inner container on top of the packaging material, then fill the remaining space around the top and sides with additional cushioning.
Similarly, if you’re shipping an older, previously-used device and still have the original box, it might be possible to reuse that. If you want to go that route, make sure the box is in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, or corner damage. All flaps should be intact, too.
For total convenience, The UPS Store ® locations can help with finding a laptop shipping box that is right for your needs.
How to pack a laptop for shipping
Selecting the right laptop shipping box is a crucial aspect of shipping your device. However, there are a few steps you need to follow when shipping a used machine before it can go into its box.
Firstly, dust off and otherwise clean the laptop, ensuring it is free from moisture. Make sure the laptop is completely powered down. Don’t try to remove the battery from the device.
Protect the power button with a small patch of cardboard or electrical tape, so that the machine does not accidentally get switched on in transit. You may wish to similarly protect the volume buttons. For additional protection, place a thin layer of bubble wrap or foam between the keyboard and screen to protect the keys and screen while the laptop is closed.
Wrap the shell of the machine with plastic or bubble wrap. To further protect against the risks posed by static electricity in transit, place the laptop in a snug-fitting plastic bag. Separately wrap any cables, plug adaptors, and other accessories in bubble wrap, and secure them with cable ties.
Place the device in a padded laptop box (or the original manufacturer’s box if you’re using that) and fill any remaining space with additional packaging material, such as foam inserts, to hold the machine securely in place. If the original foam inserts are broken, repair them with two-inch-wide pressure-sensitive tape (or similar), or obtain new inserts. It’s best to avoid loose packaging, such as polystyrene peanuts, as loose material is less effective at preventing the laptop from sliding around on the move. Add any accessories into the box.
Gently shake the box to ensure it is securely packed and there is no internal sliding. Close the box and tightly seal with tape to avoid moisture getting in.
Now it’s time to double down. The double boxing method helps protect fragile electronics from the rigors of transportation. As mentioned, you should consider double boxing even if you’re shipping with the original manufacturer’s box, which may have been designed for palletized shipping rather than single-piece loads.
As described above, use packing material such as foam inserts and inflatable packaging to hold the inner box in place. Having ensured that the inner container is secure within the outer box, seal the outer box with suitable tape. Make sure to seal the seams of the box to preserve its integrity during transport.
Shipping a laptop by air
If you’re shipping a laptop by air, it is particularly important to protect the device against overheating. As already detailed, double check to ensure the laptop is not only completely powered down but is unable to accidentally get switched on during transit. The heat and static electricity associated with air travel are risk factors for the lithium ion batteries inside of laptops.
Make a note of the regulations that apply when shipping a laptop with lithium ion batteries inside the United States or, if you’re shipping across borders, for your destination country. Securely affix any required labels or notices to the outside of your box. For larger shipments of laptops, check with UPS on any additional requirements that may apply.
How to ship a laptop: Final considerations
Laptops can be expensive items and, by their nature, may contain sensitive data. Take sensible steps to protect the integrity of your shipment as you would any other valuable object. Consider increasing the declared value of your shipment or taking out insurance through UPS Capital to guard against the risk of damage or loss.
UPS’s Calculate Time & Cost tool can help you determine the likely cost of shipping your laptop. Make sure your package is properly labeled and you have verified the delivery address .
Shipping with confidence
Whether you’re shipping a laptop for back-to-school, or sending your machine to the repair shop, it’s important to handle your fragile electronic with care.
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