There are definitely benefits to checking your baggage at the airport. In addition to having more room for your stuff—and any purchases you make before your trip home, you also don’t have to worry about condensing all of your toiletry items and liquids to a quart-size bag. Checking bags also means one less thing to keep track of while waiting for your flight.
The downside? Well, while no one really wants to consider the possibility of their luggage getting delayed or worse, lost, there are important steps you can take to ensure you’re prepared in the event you and your luggage end up in different places.
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Identification & Documents.
The most important thing you would want to keep with you is any sort of identification needs. This would include your driver’s license, passport, state ID, birth certificates for minor children, insurance cards, COVID vaccination card, and any other official documentation you may need.
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Cell phone.
Make sure you keep your cell phone close, especially if you are using it for boarding passes and other online tickets. -
Charging cord & power bank.
What good is your phone if it has a dead battery? Make sure to bring your charging cord as well as a portable battery bank if you have it. -
Medications.
Make sure to bring any medications you need, especially prescription meds that are harder to replace.
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Money and credit cards.
You definitely don’t want to be away from home and without access to your money and any other traveling funds like travelers checks, etc.
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Snacks!
Don’t forget the snacks! Skip the pricey snacks at the convenient stores and instead bring your own. This is especially important if you’re traveling with young children and there are unexpected delays.
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Sentimentals.
Taking irreplaceable valuables on your trip? Pieces like heirloom jewelry and watches are good to keep with you.
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Change of clothes.
In the event you are separated from your luggage, the last thing you want to have to worry about is shopping for extra clothes while you wait for your bag to arrive.
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Small essentials.
If you don’t like leaving the house—or anywhere else—without makeup, you may want to consider it an essential and bring key pieces with you. Other items to consider are ear plugs, an eye mask, and a travel pillow. -
Tech.
Have a laptop, Kindle, iPad, headphones, cameras, or any other tech devices? These are great to keep on hand. These expensive items are not only expensive to replace, but also act as boredom-busters when you find yourself with extra time on your hands.
