Travel Essentials for airplane or location

I always wear slip on shoes to the airport. Hate having to tie and untie my shoes when going through TSA.

xanax

If flying on American's regional planes, at least exactly 16 dollars in cash.

Honestly I keep meaning to do it but continuously put it off.

I just can't take a Xanax I feel like I will miss something important or sleep through my flight. When we did Europe I was awake for like 40+ hours as we left New Orleans at 7am (arrived at 5:30) and then didn't land until 8am the next day. I then stayed up till 5-6 local time before passing out and sleeping till 7am the next day.

—decent snack/small meal.....I like those little Duke sausages from Costco (or other dry cured salami type stuff) and some aged cheddar, plus an apple (washed, wrapped in a paper towel, and inside a ziplock), and a half dozen whole grain crackers. It’s just enough to,substitute for a real meal, and it is fine at room temp for a few days. Lots of fiber, some protein and fat, and enough flavor to feel like real food. Plane food is a pile of crappy carbs. This way, you’re fine even if you hit a ridiculous weather delay or get stuck in an airport with no open shops/restaurants.
—collapsible water bottle, to be filled after security. Never be stuck buying overpriced Evian again.
—an iPad full of ebooks and movies/TV

I’m also a fanatic about wool socks.

For long flights...6+ hours i wear compression socks and bedroom/bath slippers on the plain

If there is no in seat entertainment I make sure I've got plenty of movies and games downloaded

Snacks...a good combo of salty and sweet. Usually we bring like a box of triscuits or wheat thins, trail mix, pringles, chocolate covered almonds, etc

Water bottle. We also take shite from the plane like the apple slices, cheese wedges, plastic ware, blankets, etc. Comes in handy when starving and delayed sometime later on the trip. The blanket we can keep in the rental car and don't have to bring it home.

Ok- how I pack (mind you I travel every week) depends on where I am going. Things in my bag are:
-computer and charger
-two cell phone chargers
-flash drive
-cash
-sunglasses and glasses
-sound cancelling headphones (one over ear and one in ear) and chargers.
-portable charger
-journal and pen
-meds... like Advil, decongestant, and nausea meds

Short flights- clothes depend on where I am going and when I get in. Straight to the hotel... shorts and the like.

Long flight- layered clothing and my lululemon pants (yes guys pants) are a necessity. Wear a dry fit long sleeve shirt under my pullover.

No neck pillow... pain in the arse and you need to remember to wash it or you are carrying nasty shite with you.

Shoe wise... like others said get freaking pre check so it won’t matter.

If I am on an overnight flight I will make sure my toiletries are in the bag near my feet rather than the carry on. The exception is if I am in first class as I will keep it above me but in a designated spot to get meds and such out with ease.

I used to could make a great list for this when I was working overseas. I could expand on why for each one if needed. Below is for anything over 6 or 7 hrs or with a layover (most of my trips for work used to be 16-20 hrs of travel time). I've been stuck with long layovers all over the world. I'll fit all this in a backpack for the flight, i never bring a rolling bag on board in case i have to run or layover somewhere not roller bag friendly.

- At least 1 book or magazine not electronic
- Printed version of flight and hotel info
- ISOS card and emergency contact info on paper and electronically, embassy info if necessary
- Paper currency for all countries travelling to and laying over in
- Guide book if it's my first time to that country
- paper and pen
- Ipad w/ movies and books
- rechargers
- Charging cords for all electronics i'm carrying
- 1 change of gym clothes (shirt, shorts, socks; boxer briefs)
- Baseball cap, hair is a mess after 20 hrs of travel
- slippers for the flight, whatever shoes i'm wearing will get kicked off the first 5 min i sit down and it's a pain to put them back on to go pee
- outlet adapters for whatever countries i'll be passing thru
- Rain jacket (with liner if flying thru somewhere cold)
- Noise cancelling over the ear headphones
- Regular headphones
- Earplugs
- Travel water bottle full of water
All travel size
- toothbrush/toothpaste (even if business i bring all my own toiletries in case of layover)
- deoderant
- face wash
- gold bond
- hand sanitizer
- mouthwash
- disinfectant wipes
- Headache meds
- Sinus meds
- stomach meds
- gum

Sounds like a lot but i used to be able to stuff all this plus my work laptop into a large booksack.