Transit in a Bag – how to love a long-haul layover!

Airport layovers may not be the most looked-forward-to part of your vacation, but for those who travel budget, head to out-of-the-way parts of the globe, or find their flight has been delayed, they are a fact of life. How you navigate these transiting trials can make all the difference to how you feel when you arrive at your final destination. We’ve put together a carry-on kit to help you weather any layover – planned or otherwise – so you come out on top! Check it out, below:

• Phone charging cord, earphones, and power pack (if permitted by your airline) – because communication is everything!
• Puzzle book and pen, and movie or book downloads – to help you while away the hours.
• Pack of playing cards (if travelling in a group).
• Wash cloth and small travel soap in a ziplock bag, toothbrush and paste in another ziplock bag.
• Travel towel (some airports have free or pay-showers).
• Moisturiser and lip balm (airports are notorious for drying out skin).
• Healthy snacks (providing you are permitted to take them into the airport).
• Deodorant
• Change of underwear, socks, and shirt (if you board your flight wearing your oldest pair of underpants and socks, you may even feel you can discard them once you’ve changed into the fresh items).
• Extra layer of outer clothing (airports can get cool during the night).
• Soft jacket (great for a pillow or to pop under your hips when sleeping).
• Neck pillow.
• Sarong (acts as a light blanket while also affording a sense of privacy when you use it to cover-up completely).
• Eye mask
• Noise-cancelling headphones (but be aware you won’t be able to hear airport announcements when wearing them).
• Hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes
• Water bottle.
• Travel pouch (keep your valuables in it, and wear it under your outer garments, as close as possible to your body, while sleeping).
• Medication (always carry enough regular medication to last you through planned and non-planned layovers).
• Extra contact lenses (if you wear disposables).
• Small reusable tote bag, handy for gathering your essentials (book, phone, snacks, water bottle) when you step away from your main carry-on. It also makes trips to airport cafés or bathrooms much easier without having to repack everything.
• Cash in local currency – because not all airport providers may accept credit cards, and as we all know, ATM’s like to swallow your cards at the very time you need them most!
• Translator app.
• Knowledge – nothing makes for a more comfortable layover than knowing your airport inside out. Research it before you go (or when you arrive if the layover is unexpected). Many large airports have apps or downloadable terminal maps showing quiet zones, showers, lounges and charging stations, so saving one to your phone can make it much easier to find what you need – especially if Wi-Fi is patchy. Search out the quietest spots, the most comfy seats or loungers, low light sleeping areas, available entertainment, shower or pool facilities (pack you swim suit in carry-on if you know it’ll be needed), the possibility of pay-as-you-go priority lounges or sleep pods, cafe opening hours, and best views.

Armed with the items above, your layover can be comfortable, and even enjoyable. However, don’t let it stop you checking out further ways to make your transit the best it can be. These include the following hints:

• Some airlines will provide you with accommodation if your flight is delayed over a set number of hours, so be sure to enquire before you settle into the airport transit lounge.
• Ask at your airline check-in counter if you are entitled to meal vouchers or priority lounge access.
• If your layover is toward the end of day, be sure to purchase food and beverages before the airport providers start shutting down for the night.
• Nab a comfy seat while one is still available! Or create a mini “sleep zone” – your sarong, jacket, neck pillow, eye mask, and headphones can quickly turn a bright, noisy airport corner into a more comfortable resting spot. Even a small sense of privacy can make it much easier to drift off.
• Lodge an online complaint asap as it can sometimes result in free air points or flight mile credits.

Layovers, planned or otherwise, hold no fears for the prepared planner and carry-on packer!