However, retailing at around US$150 these aren't your casual coach-class investment.
To for a less invested solution that won't leave you out of pocket and dressed in a trench coat Tardis, we've come up with a low-cost solution for the essential carry-on flight survival kit.
Here's our check list to coming in under weight and under budget:
The bag
Leave the hard-shell at home. The appeal of a wheelie bag is obvious when tracking trough an airport concourse– but you'll find it stays useless and abandoned the moment you check into a hotel. Backpacks on the other hand are always ready to go. They stow easily under the seat in front and are ready as a day-bay for any adventure you might have planned on the other end of your flight.
Cost: $0. Everyone has access to a backpack - beg, borrow or steal. Younger scool-age siblings and boyscouts are a good mark.
weight:<1kg.
A protective shawl
There's nothing like a packed flight of flu-ey passengers to trigger a bout of hypochondria. A scarf or shawl can be a vital line of defence between you and the rest of the plane. A well wrapped scarf help shield you from the germs of other passengers. It will also be a darn sight more comfortable than any eye-mask. You may now breathe.
Cost: $0-$5 - essentially a small measure of material, budget depends on how thrifty or fashion-conscious you are. If all else fails, ask your nan.
weight:500g.
The bottle
Instead of the endless water torture of asking to fill up those tiny plastic cups, bring a bottle.
The flight attendants and the planet will thank you.
Unfortunately this era of terror hysteria means you can no longer take fluids on a plane. But there is nothing stopping you bringing an empty bottle. Just make sure you drain it before heading through security screening, or risk having it confiscated.
Cost: $0-$6 Don't baulk. The cost of a bottle of water past security is an insult. But it's a wise move to invest in a bottle and the future. BYO empty bottle, reuse, refill, recycle.
weight:750g.
Sound of silence
In the muffled space of a pressurised cabin, the endless drone of AC, engines and fellow passengers quickly become oppressive. Not everyone can afford a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Sleep deeper by bringing a pair ear plugs. Sold at most music shops and even pharmacists.
Cost: $4.
weight: 20g.
Inflatables
Instead of those U-shaped pillows that are impossible to store, and on the other side of your flight scream: "I'm on holiday. Mug me." Instead - for a thriftier, less conspicuous option for neck support bring an inflatable pillow. Best of all, these deflate away to nearly nothing and fit neatly in your carry-on.
Cost: $2 from Kmart or equivalent.
weight: 260g
Moisturise
Recycled air in a cabin can leave your skin feeling like the surface of the Sahara. Unless you're the plush end of the plane – moisturiser is not supplied. Here's a shameless travel hack: fee handouts and 70ml sample bottles are just small enough to take in your carry-on. Stock up.
Cost: $0.
weight: 100g
A pen
Be that organised individual. Of course there will be landing cards to fill out.
Cost: $0. Banks, post offices, unwitting colleagues are practically giving them away.
weight:6g. It's not like you need to bring a whole stationers.
A change of clothes
A pair of PJs can be a lifesaver on long-haul flights. However, a spare pair of undies and another layer are the sort of 'against-all-eventualities' insurance that all travellers should pack. Not that this happens regularly: but on the odd occasion that you arrive at your location and your checked luggage fails to materialise - you'll be grateful you have them. Plus – it can get pretty chilly in the sky.
Cost: $0. Raid your wardrobe.
weight:450g, at about 150g per t-shirt / set of undies.
A fresh smile
Avoid the fuzzy mouth and fluffy brain of a long-haul, and arrive at your destination with fresh breath and a smile. Bring a brush and buy tube of travel toothpaste.
Cost: It'll be the best $3 you spend on holiday.
weight: 19-45g
Belongings
Travel 101: Never put anything in checked baggage that you can't afford to loose.
Chargers, cameras, electronics, family heirlooms - all these should be kept within arms reach and in your carry on. But we've left plenty of room.
Cost:$0. These are things you hopefully already have, but will be very pricey to replace.
Weigh in:
Coming in at under $20 and 3.131kg, this ultimate survival kit will leave you with a good chunk of change and plenty of space for your own belongings.
Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs!
