Let me tell you an instructive story: Once upon a time, a lovely couple (we’ll call them Mom and Dad) flew from Boston to Washington, DC.
They didn’t want to drag their belongings to the airport so they checked the bags. Since the flight was short and I didn’t need many items for the flight itself, I packed everything in my checked baggage, including a tablet, glasses, and a handicapped placard for the car.
JetBlue then sent one of the bags to Detroit.
The couple were distraught. Someone steal the tablet?New handicapHave to spend hours at her DMV to apply for his placard?If Dad needs to buy clothes the next day, nearby store do you have your dad’s size?
This story has a happy ending. JetBlue was able to get him a little over 24 hours after an unexpected trip to the Midwest and send the bag to DC on partner airline American. No belongings were lost and the suitcase was intact.
But my husband and I learned a valuable lesson that day. No matter how short your flight is, never pack anything that is absolutely necessary for your trip or valuables that can be stolen in your checked baggage.
Just because your flight is only an hour or two doesn’t mean you can’t pack your bags for the long journey.
Learn from this true story: Of the many things airlines allow in your carry-on, here are 5 things you shouldn’t pack in your checked baggage.
Prescription drugs
If you can only bring one thing on board, make it your prescription medication. These tablets may be needed to keep you healthy and get you through the day. Skipping a day or two can lead to adverse side effects and even withdrawal symptoms.
Sign up for our daily newsletter
If you check your medicine and lose your bag, it’s not always easy to refill your prescription. Depending on your health insurance, your doctor may be able to ask your local pharmacy for a new prescription. Additional precautions should be taken during weekends and holidays, or if medications cannot be refilled before the previous prescription is exhausted.
Apothecary bottles are usually not heavy or bulky, so always carry them with you when you travel.
RELATED: Airline Baggage Fees: Here’s How Much It Costs to Check Baggage on Major U.S. Airlines
electronics
Many airport employees (and travelers) have access to their baggage once checked. Most people are trustworthy, but not all are.
Every time you put a tablet, computer, video game device, or other electronic device in your checked baggage, you risk having it stolen. Or, if the bag goes missing and is never returned, those expensive items (which may contain important data) are lost forever.
When traveling, pack your electronic devices in your carry-on or leave them at home.
Valuables
The same principle applies to valuables such as jewelry and cash, or items of personal importance. If it would be a financial or emotional loss if those items went missing, do not put them in a suitcase that you travel separately from.
RELATED: Here’s what to pack in your carry-on when you travel
daily necessities
Think about the items you need to get through the day, and pack those in your carry-on as well. Ideally, don’t check out your glasses, hearing aids, night guards, or the adorable and fidget toys that are a child’s must-haves.
Airlines generally don’t count medical or assistive devices (CPAP machines, breast pumps, etc.) against your carry-on and personal item allowance. .
hard-to-find items
If the item cannot be purchased quickly and easily at your destination, do not put it in your checked baggage. For example, I always carry Curly Hair Styling Gel (3 oz. in a TSA-approved bottle). This is because it is difficult to find and cannot be covered by drugstore products.
If you’re having trouble finding your clothing size, consider packing at least one clothing item on your rollboard. Travelers with dietary restrictions should probably avoid checking for special vegan or gluten-free snacks if traveling to places where finding such foods is difficult or impossible.
Related: Carry-on vs Checked Baggage: Which Is the Better Choice?
Conclusion
Even if you believe in the value of checked baggage, you always want to carry with you things that you cannot live without, things that you can’t buy while traveling, expensive things that you can’t do without, and meaningful things. .
Remember that even if your flight is a rush flight, your checked baggage is just as likely to go missing as it is on a long, direct flight, and you may end up traveling farther than you actually are. Please give me.
You can manage your misplaced luggage situation better if you don’t pack essential or absolutely necessary items in your checked luggage.
