First long haul trip (USA)- what am I missing?

[WiseFinch]

Long awaited trip for DP and I is just a few days away. I am a chronic under packer as is DP- neither of us will be checking in a bag but have a cabin bag each. Never been away for longer than 2 days and never left Europe! So any ideas of things I may have missed for a long haul flight would be so so hugely appreciated!!!
It’s an active holiday (hiking, swimming etc). I’ve got a 20kg case (more than I’ve ever been allowed on budget airlines which are the only ones I’ve flown with before!).
So far I’ve got (excluding clothes shoes etc)

• Travel adaptor
• ESTA paperwork (do I need to print this off or is the email confirmation ok?!)
• little 100ml thingies to decant my liquid into
• noise cancelling headphones
• couple books
• ipad which I’ll download shows onto

Clothes I’ve got 7 days worth as that’s how long we’re going for. Couple of pairs of trainers and a pair of heels I inevitably will not wear. Just seems like I don’t have enough stuff!!!! Just me and DP- no kids. Help me, what have I missed!

Oh my goodness- good luck! We are desperately longing for a baby (not relevant to the thread!!), but situations like travelling make it feel slightly less bitter… I will try not to feel too smug 😂 but in all seriousness good luck and have the best time with your gorgeous new baby ❤️❤️

With your headphones make sure they have a wire if you want to use the inflight entertainment. When I went to US last year they didn’t have Bluetooth connectivity and weren’t giving out the free headphones they used to give out on every flight. I had a load of stuff downloaded on my iPad so watched that instead.

Something warm is a great shout as everywhere will have air-conditioning. Might be worth buying suncream at the airport

Wishing you lots of good luck! Our small person came to exist after a very relaxing and sunny holiday to California last year, after 18 years together!

It won't be 30C for everyone of the 24 hours in each day! Have you taken a sweater? What if you spill something on your top or trousers? Will you have access to laundry and washing powder? How many pairs of pajamas are you taking? Are you going to get sweaty doing this hiking and will you need more than one outfit per day?

I live in the US. I can't imagine taking everything I need for a 7 day hiking holiday in my carry-on. The fact that it's long-haul changes nothing. You just need more clothes if you're going to be showering twice a day (which I imagine you will be).

Don't forget any medication. You won't be able to get emergency drugs here without forking out hundreds for a consultation and potentially whatever drugs you're prescribed.

I can pack for a family of 5 in one suitcase for a week so I'm with you!

I sleep nude, so pjs are minimal! If I was I’d take two sets for 7 days, 3 at a push. One jumper.

Who cares if you spill something down your clothes? I’d probably dab it or just ignore it.

If I only wear some thing for an evening I’d wear it again. So maybe 3 evening things. Shorts I’d wear for a few days.

We check a bag purely because I cannot deal with the angst of carry on bag size/toiletry restrictions etc. I find that checked baggage whizzes out these days due to all the folk that do carry on 🤣

Mosquito repellent. They thrive at National Parks IME

Which airline are you flying with?

noise cancelling headphones
thin fleece blanket for plane
5/6 way extension lead
inflatable neck cushion
iPad
powerbank
mozzie spray
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Family of 5 road/fly trip across USA last year, be prepared for food & eating out to be almost twice the price of the UK, however petrol is half the price 👍🏻

Oh and it’s worth having a bag within your bag. Something that separates the things you definitely want to have on the plane. Ive seen people being told at the last minute that there is too much carry on luggage and so they have to check it. You don’t want to end up with all your belongings in the cargo hold except what you can fit in your pockets.

I always have a checked suitcase even if it’s mostly empty on departure because I love buying souvenirs and stuff while I’m abroad so like to have plenty of free space available to fill up.

Forgot to say medication

We go July/August & have had temperatures up to 48c 🥵

Don’t bring mosquito spray the stuff we get here is awful, buy it when you’re there.

You don’t seem to have enough stuff for a hiking holiday. Socks, several t shirts, things will get sweaty, walking trousers/shorts, waterproof jacket. Top layer to go over t shirt if needed.

I’d forget about a carry on bag and get a case booked into the hold! Then you won’t have to worry about any liquids or whatever rule they come up with on the day. If you’re exploring national parks, you’ll need plenty of layers, t-shirts, long sleeve tops, fleece tops and waterproof jackets, plus a hat, footwear, good socks and compeed. A portable water bottle would be handy too. If you’re hiring a car you’ll need your driving licence. It’s handy to have for ID instead of your passport too.

Wet wipes and travel wash - you can use hotel shampoo though. Wet wipes are great for spills on clothing and if it's hot you can wash. Sweaty things through and they'll be dry next morning. Take a swimming costume/bikini if there's any chance you'll have a pool/lake/river to swim in. And a Turkish towel or two.

You don't need heels for a us holiday. Everyone at all times will be casual.

Decathlon thin towels are handy so you have the option to have a dip in a river or lake when out and about - i would be so frustrated to get to a pefect spot and not have this option. You will absolutely need a day sack - this might need to go in your carry on.

Prepare for eyewatering eating out prices - if you just accept it will be an expensive week you will have a much better time.

Wear your hiking boots take trainers and flip-flops.

You will probably be given an eye mask, pillow and blanket if the trip is long haul. If you are just taking cabin luggage that is not 20kg. Usually checked in luggage is set at 20kg or 23kg for low cost airlines.

In my cabin bag I just have a book, notebook and pen, headphones, earplugs, a water bottle (fill up after security from water fountain), medication and sweets for flight and lipsalve. Obviously paperwork and passport and charger for phone and power bank and sunglasses.

In my checked in luggage just clothes, shoes and essential toiletries and travel adaptors. Don't forget walking shoes and swimming costume.

If you’re hiking then bug spray, sun cream, a tick remover, salty snacks and lots of water - all of which can be picked up in the US.

As you’re just going hand luggage then you can ignore the advice to pack a change of underwear, a t shirt and a swimsuit in hand luggage in case the hold bag goes AWOL.

That’s me. I fly long haul regularly with a large checked suitcase plus cabin bags. If I have my children and DH with me we each have that.

I’m often going away for a month or more so I’m taking larger quantities of shampoo, body cream etc for myself (decent stuff not available where I go). I’m also taking lots of UK stuff requested by family. I am also often carrying gifts back for extended relatives on behalf of relatives here. For the last three trips I’ve been bringing back to the UK my aunts personal possessions for my cousin after her mother died.

I have cabin bags because of regular experiences of luggage going missing (three flights to reach my destination) and the need for clothing changes and toiletries for 2-3 days to tide me over till my big bag catches up with me. I also carry laptop and work stuff to keep me occupied in airport waits.

I could not do long haul (11 hours overnight) without compression socks, a very good flight pillow, lip balm/moisturiser, paracetemol, and a big bottle of water. All non negotiable for me.

OP are you flying through Heathrow terminal 3? They don't make you take small liquids any more so don't bother with small ones if you don't need to bring them home. The other terminals are still introducing the new scanners annoyingly.

Get some bug repellent bands too. I took pestects to Italy this year and they
worked, I didnt get a single bite.

Hiking boots take up a lot of room and they're uncomfortable to wear on a long haul flight.

Make sure to leave room for anything you buy there that you might want to bring back.

Flight pillows don't need to fit in your bag, if you hook it over the handle or wear it round your neck as you board they don't care.

Is it just to the East coast? Honestly it’s only about 8 hours. You really don’t need much for the flight itself. I like to buy a little Evian aerosol mist spray for my face for the plane trip - get it at a Boots after you go through security. But otherwise, a book and watch movies. It’s not a tough flight and hardly long haul.

If you’re going to the west coast you might want an eye mask and toothpaste and toothbrush. Make plans to sleep as it’s a 12-14 hour flight.

Wear shoes that slip on and off easily and socks for the flight. I have a cashmere hoody which I find comfortable but if it’s proper long haul, I go Business with a flat bed, and just sleep as much as possible.

Yes cabin baggage can be 23kg on some airlines (BA) as long as the dimensions fit the cabin criteria and you can lift it into overhead locker. However you may be required to check it in if plane is busy.

OP I always take loads of big cases as I usually bring lots back, usually food and things I can't get in the UK.

If I go hiking in the UK I reckon I take more than that.

Walking boots, multiple pairs of walking socks, moisture wicking base layer, fleeces, waterproof, day pack, water bottle, hiking poles, sun cream, hat, insect repellant.
If you are swimming too then flip flops, swim suit beach towel. Toiletries, PJ'S, other clothes. I think the thing I wouldn't be bothering with is the heels.