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As a pilot at a regional airline, I have a lots of checklist to run before we even get off the ground. I have an “originating checklist,” a “pre-start checklist,” an “engine start checklist,” and the list goes on. But what I didn’t have was a checklist to get out my front door. I found I would get to the airport and I’d be missing something that I REALLY wanted to take with me on this particular four-day trip.

So I came up with a checklist that I put in my suitcase, so that when I start to pack, I look it over and that helps me remember what I need and want to take with me. Then, when I’m done packing, I put in back in my closet and when I get home and have unpacked, I put it back in my suitcase till the next trip, because one thing I’ve noticed about myself, if I don’t do something I’m thinking about RIGHT NOW or I don’t write a note to myself RIGHT THEN, I tend to forget about it till after I need it.

 So, I hope this helps.

Documents and Things

• Company Badge and Airport SIDA Badge
• Pilot Certificate and Medical
• Driver’s License
• Passport – If you don’t have a passport or you need to review your passport, click here for the U.S. Department of State Passport Section
• Emergency Contact Card – Even though your company will basically know where you are at most of the time, it’s a good idea to have something in your wallet or on your telephone that contains emergency information. Click here to download a card from the Red Cross.
• Flight Schedules – If you are a commuter, click here for the Executive Travel Skyguide to get all the flights to your destination. Best of all, there is no charge unless you subscribe to their downloads
• Money – Get your tip money ready. And get your money from your bank and not one of those  ATMs. The ATMs will charge you a “transaction” fee and over time those can really add up.

Have You Packed Everything?

• Uniforms
• Camera – I use the Canon PowerShot. It’s compact, inexpensive, and loaded with features you want!
• Cell phone
• Cell phone charger – or just pick up the Power Monkey to charge your phone, iPod, PDA, etc., while you fly.
• Luggage – If your luggage is looking a little worn, consider picking up some new luggage at eBags. I recommend the Helium Pilot 22″ Carry-On Expandabole Suiter Trolley. Toughest and lightest luggage out there.
• Clothing
• Accessories – Watches, etc.
• Footwear – I recommend you get shoes that don’t have steel shanks in them. Easier getting through security.
• Umbrella – Pick up this Mini-Pocket Umbrella which is perfect for your suitcase or carry-on.
• MP3 Player – My favorite is the Black Apple iPod Nano with 8 GBs of space.
• Laptop – Now that you don’t have to take your laptop out of its case, get this inexpensive laptop bag
• Laptop charger
• Headgear – Don’t forget your hat or cold weather beanie
• Eyewear – Sunglasses, prescriptions, or contact lenses
• Clock – This might seem like over doing it, but a backup clock is a great idea. I use the Seiko Global Atomic Travel Alarm Clock.
• Calling card – A re-loadable calling card is essential if you are traveling to Canada or Mexico. Find the Lowest Calling Cards available on the Web at CallingCards.com!

Health Items

• Lunch box – I’ve recommended it before and I’ll recommend it again. The eBags Crew Cooler is the one to own. You won’t be disappointed.
• Food
• Prescriptions
• Vitamins
• Ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.
• Cold medicines (see side note below)
• Allergy medicines (see side note below)
• Contact lens solution and cases
• Diarrhea medicine – It’s always good to have some in case of an emergency.
• Laxative
• Sunscreen
• First aid kit – Some bandages and antibiotic cream are always good to have on hand.
• Lip balm or lipstick

Side note: If you are ever in question on whether you can fly while taking certain medication, check with the FAA or your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

Hygiene

• Toilet bag
• Shaving cream
• Razors
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Blow dryer
• Brush or comb

Miscellaneous

• Batteries
• Magazines or books
• Sewing kit – Most hotels have a sewing kit but I always keep one with me just in case.
• Baggies

And before you close the front door…

• Is Fido taken care of?
• Check doors and windows
• Put away valuables
• Turn down the thermostat
• Check refrigerator for things that can spoil
• Set lights on timers
• Notify your neighbor

Now I know that this is not an all inclusive list of things that you may want to take on a trip and you can add and take away from it as your needs dictate but the point is that checklist will help insure that you take the items you want to take with you

So what do you take with you on your trips? Leave a comment for me below.

Fly safe…

Jeffrey

Here are a few links that you might find interesting as well:

• Perfect Nights Rest on Overnights
• Magellan’s Travel Supplies

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