What to Pack for a Round the World (RTW) Flight: A blog about what to pack for long distance flights.
What to Pack for a Round the World (RTW) Flight
What to Pack for a Round the World (RTW) Flight
A blog about what to pack for long distance flights
What should you bring when flying around the world? The biggest question people have is what kind of luggage they can bring on their trip. They often ask, “Can I bring my carry on?” or “Are there restrictions on how many bags I can take with me?” The answer to these questions depends on the type of ticket you have.
Carry-on or Checked Bags?
There are two types of tickets: regular and budget. Regular tickets allow travelers to bring one carry-on bag and one checked bag while budget tickets require all bags to be checked. Checked bags usually come with a fee ranging from $25-$50/bag. Carry-on bags are considered items such as purses, briefcases, and laptops that fit easily in overhead storage bins. Most airlines allow you to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a laptop bag or purse. The total weight of these items cannot exceed 18 pounds for most international flights. The exact weight limit will vary depending on your airline and destination so it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time.
If you’re traveling with a regular ticket then
With round the world flights becoming more and more popular, I thought it might be helpful to write a blog about what to pack for long distance flights. You’re going to be on that plane for a very long time, so you want to make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable journey.
The first thing to think about is what are you going to wear on the flight? There is no point dressing up in your best clothes for a long flight, it will just end up getting creased and uncomfortable. I always wear something warm and comfortable, preferably with elasticated waistbands!
My last round the world trip was from February through April, which meant I was going to experience summer and autumn/winter climates. My packing list included:
Shirts/tops x5 (including one t-shirt)
Jeans/trousers x2
Shorts x1
Skirt x1
Dresses x2
Underwear x7 (including 2 bras)
Belt x1
Pyjamas x1 (I tend not to wear them but some people prefer it)
Socks x6 pairs (ideally take 3 pairs of thick ones and 3 pairs of thin ones)
Trainers/shoes x3 (I
When flying around the world, or even just a long distance flight, preparing what you should pack is key. Packing too much will cause your bag to be over the weight limit and you could incur additional charges. On the other hand, packing too little can leave you without important items that could make your trip more comfortable.
The following are some of the most common items that people pack in their carry on luggage when traveling overseas:
Medicine – This is a very important item to remember to put in your carry on luggage. If you are going on a long distance flight, especially one that crosses time zones, it is essential that you remember to bring your medicine with you. If you don’t have any medicine that you need for health reasons, it might be wise to bring some over-the-counter pain relief medication in case you get an ear ache or headache from altitude changes during the flight.
International Plug Adapter – Most countries outside of the US use a different voltage than what is used in the United States. To ensure your phone charger and other electronics can be used in foreign countries, remember to bring an International Plug Adapter with you.
Snacks – Long distance flights can mean no food service or limited food service during your flight
From my experience, packing for a RTW flight is one of the most stressful parts of planning your trip. You only have a limited amount of space and you have no idea what to take or how to pack it. If you’re like me and have never traveled long distance before, you’re in luck. I’ve compiled a list of essential items that I took on my RTW flight.
1. Toothbrush and toothpaste
2. Listerine mouthwash
3. Dental floss
4. Hair brush/comb
5. deodorant (Roll-on or spray)
6. Shampoo
7. Conditioner*
8. Body wash*
9. Hand sanitizer* (I recommend Purell Advanced Refreshing Aloe Instant Hand Sanitizer Gel)
10. Sunscreen* (I recommend Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Sunblock SPF 45)
11. Chapstick with sunscreen* (Chapstick is an American brand of lip balm, but there are plenty of other brands)
12. Combination padlock (for locking your bag, though if you have a backpack a luggage
Our Top Ten Packing Tips
Packing for a long haul flight is an art. You want to take everything you need for the flight, but not so much that you end up paying excess baggage fees. You also want to keep your bag accessible because you never know when you’ll need something and rummaging through a suitcase packed too tightly isn’t fun at 35,000 feet. Here are our top ten tips on how to pack efficiently and effectively so you can be prepared for anything!
1. Choose a Carry-on Bag
Choosing your carry-on bag is probably the most important part of packing. If you decide to go with a backpack, make sure it’s one that you can easily get in and out of while on the go. If you prefer a rolling suitcase, pick one that fits within airline specifications. Either way, make sure it has lots of pockets for storing small items like passports or snacks.
2. Pack Your Important Items in Your Carry-on
Many airlines allow each passenger to bring one carry-on and one personal item on board (though some international flights may not be as generous). While it is tempting to bring two large bags full of clothes, we suggest dedicating your carry-on space
If you’re planning on flying round the world (RTW) you probably know that you don’t need to bring everything but the kitchen sink. But there are a few things you might want to bring with you.
I’m going to share with you what I packed for my trip so you can use it as a checklist when packing, or just get some ideas.
This is what I brought on my Round the World Trip:
Clothing (4-5 Week Trip)
Toiletries & Medicine
Other Items