Airplane travel is always exciting. You get to people watch in the terminals, experience some things you don’t usually get to do, and sit on a plane to see the world from 39,000 feet! However, depending on how long your flight is it can get boring, fast. In a worst case scenario, you can have a screaming baby and forget your headphones! I have put together a list of some of the things I bring in my backpack when I am on a plane to keep my busy brain occupied.
- Headphones! I hardly go anywhere without a pair of headphones, but the airplane without them just sounds miserable. With headphones you can watch movies, listen to music on your phones, block out a screaming kid, or avoid the creepy talkative stranger sitting next to you.
- A Book. I usually bring my kindle because I can download movies on there or play spider solitaire, too. But a book is a great way to keep you busy and make you forget where you are. My favorite books to read on a plane are anything by Sara Dessen. Yes, they are kind of a young romantic genre but they are entertaining!
- My Computer. I usually only bring this if I have some homework to do, want to watch a movie, or need to write my article for The Odyssey Online (;
- Wallet. You need your ID to get through security so having it in a quick to access place is typically the best. But you never know if you’re waiting at the gate and want to grab a quick snack! Speaking of snacks…
- A SNACK! For those of you who know me, you know I love food! Any kind of food. So why not bring a small snack on the plane. I’m not talking a McDonald’s burger, but some fruit snacks or a small container of trail mix won’t hurt!
- A Water Bottle. Bring an empty bottle, like a Camelbak, to the airport when you are going through security. When you get to the gate you can either buy a drink or fill it up with water from the fountain. You don’t want to sit on a plane for a while without something to drink at least!
- A Light Jacket. Sometimes the airport can get a little chilly, and depending on the time of year you may not have a jacket handy. So pack a light jacket to put in your backpack incase you get a little cold!
- Glasses. Luckily for me, I don’t wear contacts. But if you do, the last thing you want to happen is for a contact to fall out and you’re left blind. So either wear your glasses when you are traveling or put a par in your bag just in case!
- A Portable Charger. Phones or electronics are handy to have. But if they die, you don’t really have them at all! So grab a cheap portable charger and keep it in your bag for an emergency charge!
- Last but not least, GUM! When you start to take off your ears can pop. To prevent that from happening you want to chew some gum. So keep a pack of gum in your bag as well!
These are the things that I bring in my backpack when I am on a plane. If you have your own list, please feel free to let me know! I am never too good for a little advice or a new idea! I hope my list at least helps you for the next time you vacation. Have Fun!