5 Things to Pack in Your Carry-On When Flights Are Unpredictable
5 Things to Pack in Your Carry-On When Flights Are Unpredictable
Let's be real: air travel right now is a mess. With the government shutdown stretching into its second month, TSA wait times are unpredictable, flights are being canceled with little notice, and airports are more chaotic than usual. If you're planning to fly anytime soon, you need to pack differently than you would during normal times.
Here are the five essentials you absolutely need right now — and why they matter more than ever.
A Fully Charged Portable Battery (And Your Charging Cables)
Why it matters:
When flights get delayed or canceled, your phone becomes your lifeline. You're checking flight statuses, rebooking tickets, calling customer service, texting loved ones, and researching backup plans — all while watching your battery drain in real time.
Airport charging stations exist, but they're usually crowded, inconveniently located, or occupied by someone who's been camping there for three hours. You don't want to be tethered to a wall outlet when you need to be mobile and ready to move.
What to pack:
- A portable battery pack with at least 10,000mAh capacity (enough to fully charge your phone 2-3 times)
- All your charging cables (phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch — whatever you're traveling with)
- A multi-device charging cable if you have multiple devices (saves space and simplifies things)
An Extra Set of Clothes (In Your Carry-On, Not Checked)
Why it matters:
If your flight gets canceled and you're stuck overnight, or if your checked bag ends up on a plane to a completely different city, you'll be glad you packed a change of clothes in your carry-on.
This isn't about fashion — it's about basic comfort and hygiene. Clean underwear, fresh socks, and a clean shirt can make a huge difference when you're stuck in an airport or trying to navigate the next day after sleeping in your clothes.
What to pack:
- One pair of underwear
- One pair of socks
- One basic shirt or top
- Travel-sized toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes)
If you have room, add a lightweight layer like a hoodie or cardigan — airports get cold, and you might be sitting in terminals longer than expected.
Snacks (Non-Perishable, TSA-Friendly)
Why it matters:
Airport food is expensive, often mediocre, and — when you're dealing with long delays — not always available. Concessions close. Restaurants run out of food. Lines get absurdly long.
If you're stuck waiting for hours (or overnight), having your own snacks means you're not hungry, cranky, and desperately overpaying for a sad sandwich at 11 PM.
What to pack (TSA allows solid food items):
- Protein bars or granola bars
- Trail mix or nuts
- Crackers or pretzels
- Dried fruit
- Beef jerky
- Individually wrapped snacks (avoid anything that could be considered a "liquid or gel" — no yogurt, pudding, or spreads)
An Empty Water Bottle (That You Fill After Security)
Why it matters:
Hydration is important during travel, especially when you're stressed and potentially stuck in crowded, dry airport environments for extended periods.
Bottled water at airports is overpriced ($4-5 for a single bottle), and you don't want to be constantly buying more. Bring your own reusable water bottle, pass through TSA with it empty, and then fill it at a water fountain or refill station on the other side.
What to pack:
- A collapsible or lightweight reusable water bottle (easy to pack when empty)
- Insulated bottles are great if you want to keep water cold, but any reusable bottle works
Important Documents (Physical AND Digital Backups)
Why it matters:
When flights get canceled and you need to rebook on the spot, or when you're trying to navigate customer service lines, having all your important information easily accessible is critical.
You don't want to be frantically digging through emails or trying to remember confirmation numbers while stressed and under pressure.
Physical copies (keep in a travel wallet or document organizer):
- Printed boarding pass (even if you have a digital one)
- Photo ID / passport
- Credit cards (bring at least two in case one gets declined or lost)
- Travel insurance information (if you have it)
- Emergency contact numbers
Digital backups (screenshot or save PDFs on your phone):
- Boarding pass
- Confirmation numbers for flights, hotels, rental cars
- Airline customer service phone numbers
- Credit card info (last 4 digits, customer service number)
- Travel insurance policy details
Bonus Tip: Keep Everything Organized and Accessible
Here's the thing: even if you pack all the right stuff, it doesn't help if you can't find it when you need it.
Use packing cubes, pouches, or organizers to keep everything in its place:
- Electronics and cables in one section
- Clothes in another
- Snacks in an outer pocket
- Documents in a dedicated wallet
When TSA needs to screen your bag, they can see everything clearly without you having to dump your entire carry-on onto the conveyor belt. And when you need to grab your charger or a snack, you know exactly where it is.
This is especially important right now when TSA lines are longer and more unpredictable. The faster you can move through security, the better.
The Bottom Line
Air travel during the government shutdown requires a different mindset. You can't assume things will go smoothly. You have to pack like you're preparing for delays, cancellations, and chaos — because those things are happening every single day right now.
The Five Essentials:
Pack these items. Stay organized. Arrive early. And give yourself the best possible chance of handling whatever comes your way.
🎒 Get Your Travel Gear Ready
If you're gearing up for a trip during the shutdown, make sure you're fully prepared.
Shop TSA-Ready Bundles →Complete travel kits designed to help you move through security faster and stay organized when things get unpredictable.
Safe travels. You've got this. ✈️