Most airlines allow you to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item with you at no charge when you fly. If these two pieces of luggage are your only belongings, you’ll have everything you need with you. However, if you check a bag, you’ll be without its contents for the duration of your flight.

In a worst-case scenario, you may even be without it for several days if it gets lost. Here, our PVD Airport parking company shares some tips on what to bring with you in your carry-on bag:

Important Documents

Whether you’re traveling for business or for pleasure, make sure you keep your important documents close by in your carry-on. The last thing you want is to lose your checked luggage and have something like business papers or a hotel reservation confirmation inside.

A Change of Clothes

You never know what’s going to happen, so it’s always a good idea to have a change of clothes with you in your carry-on. Be sure to include an extra pair (or two) of socks and underwear as well as a toothbrush.

Your Valuables

Valuables can mean a variety of things, from expensive jewelry to a family heirloom, but no matter the valuable, you’ll want to keep it close in case your checked luggage gets lost or damaged.

A Scarf

While it may not be the first thing you think of, a few of our PVD Airport parking staff members have suggested packing a scarf – it’s a versatile thing that takes up little room and can be used as a blanket, a bag, a headwrap, and more in tight situations.

Electronics

If you’re going to be needing your laptop or tablet, you may want to bring it with you in your carry-on rather than check it in your luggage. This also goes for your charging cords for these devices as well as your phone.

Snacks

Instead of spending money on food in the airport or on the plane, why not pack a few snacks from home? As long as it’s sealed or wrapped, you can take it through security with you and you’ll have something to eat on hand.

Fragile Items

It’s no surprise that airlines don’t handle checked luggage very carefully, so do yourself a favor and pack any of your fragile belongings in your carry-on so you won’t have to worry about them being damaged.

Medications

If you take medication on a regular basis, pack it with you so you can use it. You wouldn’t want to go several days without it – especially if being without it is problematic.

After you pack up your carry-on, remember: If you’re flying out of Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, make a PVD Airport parking reservation with us today and save.