I'm preparing for my first ever MR next month to get NW platinum (SJO-IAH-LGW-IAH-SJC, coach on CO with elite seating, with only a two-hour layover at LGW). Here are the highlights of my packing list (which obviously overlap with stuff to take on any long trip). Although the list will vary depending on individual needs, I'm wondering if there is something obvious you would suggest I consider adding to it:

1. small carry-on which will fit under seat (in case there is no space in overhead compartment).
2. laptop with extra battery pack, dual-voltage charger
3. DVDs
4. iPOD loaded with 7000 songs
5. BOSE noise-cancelling headphones
6. passport, flight information, credit cards, $, elite card, Priority Pass, cell phone (for use in U.S.), home contact phone #s, NW/CO contact #s
7. a couple books or other gripping reading material
8. back-up edible, non-perishable food and beverage
9. toiletries including baby wipes (may be no shower at LGW), toothbrush/paste, comb, kleenex
10. change of clothes in case disaster/stuck at airport/flight back cancelled
11. pillow (better than the airline provides)
12. drugs: usual prescription stuff + motrin, ambien, dramamine, sudafed

Anything else ? . .. .

I've found that a 'variety' of reading material is better than a book or 2.

I bring several local and national newspapers too.
I also bring some magazines that I haven't had a chance to read yet.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ermdjdsj:
I'm preparing for my first ever MR next month to get NW platinum (SJO-IAH-LGW-IAH-SJC</font>

Your starting in San Jose, Costa Rica and ending in San Jose, California? ;-)

How on earth do you manage to fit all of that into a bag small enough to fit under the seat infront of you that dosn't also take up the space where your feet are supposed to be!!!
Happy flying ,tattikat2

-Ear plugs to suppliment the noise headphones
-A small towel to wash up with
-Breath mints
-Hand lotion & sanitizing lotion
-Chap stick (can you tell I have moisture issues http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif )
-Print outs of alternate schedules for each segment in case of possible bumps, misconnects etc.

Great suggestions from OutofOffice, thanks.

I'm not extra tall, so my feet don't need to go under the seat -- I actually like to prop them up a bit on the edge of a big sturdy under-seat carryon to take pressure off my sore back (especially on planes where there is no footrest to flip down)

P.S. I am both originating and returning to San Jose, California, not Costa Rica, sorry for the typo http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Also download the CO/NWA timetable onto your laptop.
Best for in-flight searches in the event your flight is running late.

Gatwick has showers just look for the shower head symbol. Towels are available for 2L or so. Good Luck and Have fun. Gatwick has some great shopping also! I did the run in Feb with a 6 hour layover so I got a room at the Hilton.

http://www.baa.co.uk/main/airports/gatwick/index.html

A bottle of water may also be helpful. Also, if the BOSE headphones are not two pronged, you may consider bringing a pair of CO headphones (never know when there's something good to watch).

here are a few of my suggestions:

*several small bottles of water
*eyedrops, especially if you wear contacts even if you feel like you never need them
*I find the best magazines are things like UTNE READER and THE WEEK, which have a variety of articles on a variety of topics from a variety of different primary sources.

Oooooooo.... I am so jealous! I love these quick turn arounds!

1) You have pre-boarding status as an elite so you will have plenty of overhead space. I brought 2 carry-ons and packed my thrift-store-$1-pillow (bought just for the MR!) into one along with my thrift-store-$1-blanket. I am a big guy and needed my own warm blanket in my e-exit row seat. My theory about the (clean thrift store items: I didn't care if they got lost or abused/dirty. When I got an upgrade on the way back and wanted the space for gift shop purchases I discarded the blanket in the concourse!

2) I wear versatile clothes and bring extra undies and shirt. Good for layovers/emergencies and good for feeling "fresh" on the return. (Wear a sweater onto plane, too.)

3) I bring a couple little gifts for flight crew, shower lady, etc. (Careful, they may be SFO based so cable car stuff is not always a good idea!). I try to befriend a couple FA's. Let them know I am doing a MR... but not wave low fares in their face.

Have fun!

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Just trying to keep up with the gals in the trailer park next door.

-flyertalk luggage tag (even though mine has had a relatively low success rate)
-hotel elite cards (in case of overnight bump)

-never so much stuff that they could actually force you to check your bag. if it gets checked, you may never see it again.

Eyeshades always accompany me on flights.

I usually cross them off my checklist so I could consciously decide not to bring certain things along, rather than just forgetting to even consider:

Documentation
- Phone numbers for ISPs along the stopover cities, as well as possible re-route points
- Terminal map of above airport, epecially location of lounges and operating hours
- Print out of rules of FF and alliance lounge access rules
- Copies of passport and driver's license
- Graphic print-out of seatmaps of planes, or download to your PocketPC or laptop
- Restaurant recommendations, iDine possibilities
- A 1/2 inch 3-ring binder to keep all paperwork in one place, with the packing checklist as the first page

Electronics
- Cell phone charger
- Adaptor for converting 110v-to-12v, so that the rest of car adaptors can work
- Digital camera
- Phone cord for modem access
- A CD for trial membership for AOL or other free internet service

Misc
- Antibiotics and some bandages
- A small stash of foreign coins and bills, save extras for your next MR
- Extra zip-lock gallon size bags
- A pen
- Playing cards
- Several extra pairs of socks
- An extra pair of prescription eyeglasses (if you are blind as a bat like me)


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International airlines seat desirability map (http://www.seatexpert.com)

I also strongly recommend eye drops as mentioned earlier.

If I were you, I would cut out:
2. laptop with extra battery pack, dual-voltage charger
3. DVDs
4. iPOD loaded with 7000 songs
5. BOSE noise-cancelling headphones

That is unnecessary weight that you can replace with water or food, or a lighter bag.

You only have three layovers (IAH, LGW and IAH), but on the second IAH visit, believe me, you don't want to be dragging around a laptop.

A couple of newspapers will take you a long time to read (or until you fall asleep). I find magazines have only one or two articles I like.

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"Yippie-kay-yay, Mr. Falcon!" -- John McClane, Die Hard II As Seen on TV

I did two overnight MR's this year, really more like two day ordeals, one into LGW actually. I carried a backpack with:
- Full Change of Clothes
- Deodorant, Toothpaste, toothbrush
- CD player with CD wallet, its amazing how much good music can make a flight fly by (pun intended)
- Two Magazines and a newspaper, good place to catch up on them.
- Two books, not heavy books, easy novels that you can get into.
- If you have one, a current OAG, it helps.
A few other tips, read the inflight magazines, if you have lounge access drink lots of water there, charge your cell phone nad laptop fully before your flights. You can bring your laptop charger and find an outlet at an airport, I charged my laptop at the STL Admirals Club this year. Most importantly, enjoy your Mileage Run!

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DC-10's Forever!
Congratulations to the Talkboard winners and thank you to those who voted for me.

Crazy... definitely bring a laptop with the a DC charger for the power outlets on the plane. Extra batteries not needed.

Bring plenty of DVDs ... and make sure you have some good reading and games available on your laptop.

I don't go any MR without my Powerbook!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JS:
If I were you, I would cut out:
5. BOSE noise-cancelling headphones
</font>

Sorry JS but I couldn't disagree more. Bose noise-cancelling headphones are the one luxury item that I think is worth it's weight on a MR. I find that even if I don't connect it to the onboard audio system, mp3 player or dvd player, that it helps by reducing enough noise to allow me to sleep comfortably and I feel it also helps prevent me from getting a headache while flying.

just my 2cents worth

mpc1 (70,000 mileage run miles in 2003)

edited for obvious typo.


[This message has been edited by mpc1 (edited 11-02-2003).]

I was bumped on a mileage run (actually bump run) and had to get the hotel shuttle to take us to wal-mart to get shorts for the hot tub.

All the papers everyone is suggesting would best be downloaded or scanned.

I think it is a preference of some people to cary paper and some to carry electronics. I like the electronics, but a paper book is needed for the times the electronics are impractical or prohibited. Many ebooks are available on Amazon.com now days.

I didn't notice business cards, foriegn currency, DVD movies rented at blockbuster (you said DVD's). I also like Galileo screen shots (this may be a mute point now)

If you don't get the moderator to close this thread your bags will exceed allowable limits and you may need more $.

You can buy a 2-prong adapter for the headphones. It took me a couple of flights on one of the airlines, DL I think, to realize that there had to be a better way. I found the adapter in the electronics store at the airport.

Blindfold, ear plugs (if you have the headphones then you're set) and an inflatable pillow. I can't sleep well on planes but the combo of the three always accompany me on flights.

I travel on MRs exactly the same way I travel for business..
Rollaboard with a clip strap for my laptop.. Never carry anything, simply wheel it all around..

I have a weeks cloths, bathroom kit, laptop, headphones, all in carry ons that are allowed on BA flights in Club Europe, or any american carrier..

I never check baggage, not even for business.. The wife has to sometimes.. Too many shoes http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

If stuck in Y, I have found newer aircraft much better or the route to be very important. Within each airline there is like a micro airline. ie. flying LAX-JFK you get flagship service and 3 class 767. Flying to BOS you get 757 and only a snack! Fly to Vegas out of DFW, doesn't really matter much if you fly the LRTC 757 on AA or 737 on SW. Another example, flights to Argentina on UA still give alcohol free whereas AA charges. Therefore, you got to look more into each of the flights and this adds tremendously to the comfort level.

I fly the new Airbus 330 to Europe instead of AA's 767. With the great entertainment system on board, I can leave the laptop behind. I was lead to find alternative routes to Amsterdam ever since BA cut to 25% miles for oneworld out of UK!

Among other items to pack, a light sweater. Lastly, don't forget a box of chocolates for the flight attendants or gate agents. I still have yet to get upgraded using this tactic but do enjoy exit row or other seat under airport control plus it really makes their day as they are more accustomed to travelers pounding their fists on the counter instead. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

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Please click daily and help and donate food for free!www.thehungersite.com (http://www.thehungersite.com)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by keithguy:
A bottle of water may also be helpful. Also, if the BOSE headphones are not two pronged, you may consider bringing a pair of CO headphones (never know when there's something good to watch).</font>


You can buy a 1 to 2 prong adapter:

http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?topicID=3&subTopicID=31&productID=0060080000

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Spesh:

You can buy a 1 to 2 prong adapter:

http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?topicID=3&subTopicID=31&productID=0060080000[/QU OTE]

RadioShack sells a nice adapter as well for $4.99 (at least my local Shack) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Some disposable underwear, that the Acupuncturist tried to sell me, maybe a good idea for some!

They might be handy for a change on the airplane!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mpc1:
Sorry JS but I couldn't disagree more. Bose noise-cancelling headphones are the one luxury item that I think is worth it's weight on a MR. I find that even if I don't connect it to the onboard audio system, mp3 player or dvd player, that it helps by reducing enough noise to allow me to sleep comfortably and I feel it also helps prevent me from getting a headache while flying.

just my 2cents worth
</font>

I totally agree - don't leave without those BOSE even for a short hop, much less a mileage run like this. You'll feel much better without having all that engine noise.

I'd add a disposable razor to the kit. Either get some shaving oil, or perhaps take a hotel-sized bath gel/shampoo rather than a can of shaving cream. Less bulk/weight. The gel/shampoo has the double advantage of pinch hitting if you can't get real soap at an aiport bathroom.

Be careful on your edibles - make sure they comply with any agriculture/customs restrictions.

Seems like many are forgetting this is a packing list for a MR! Not a regular trip! Suggestions such as "Several extra pairs of socks" or "I have a weeks clothes" just don't make sense.

The trick to packing light on a MR is to consolidate where possible... for instance:

* I'm all for laptops for entertainment. But don't carry an Ipod AND a laptop... just put your music on the laptop.
* Rip your DVD's onto the laptop... no need to carry them
* Rip music CD's onto the laptop, don't carry a CD wallet
* no need for cell phone charger for a MR. (your phone is off 90% of the time anyways).
* extra shirt, socks, and underwear is all that is needed for an (un)expected overnight
* don't bring binder!! A simple envelope with your documents folder works great, fits anywhere.
* put most documents on your laptop.
* antibiotics and bandages? This is a MR, not a wilderness hike!! In decades of flying I've NEVER needed such a thing. Airplanes and airports have First Aid kits if the situation should arise.

I carry a small daypack with built in padded laptop sleeve, minimal change of clothes, digital camera, a couple small water bottles, headphones, snacks, documents, some basic hygene items, and have plenty of room to spare.

So many people overpack. It's just a MR... you don't need much... and you have resources all around you at the airports to help you take care of the unexpected.

Happy flying!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GoodKarmaGuy:
... I brought 2 carry-ons and packed my thrift-store-$1-pillow (bought just for the MR!) into one along with my thrift-store-$1-blanket. ...
</font>

This is a great idea! There is no telling how many people have touched those blankets and pillows on the plane. Which thrift shop did you get such a good deal?

I'd like to add a few things to your list that I have enjoyed having on a few MRs...

- record of different plane configurations for your airline -- with equipment changes, bumps and upgrades, I always like being sure I know where I'm sitting and where those power ports are (aa), especially on the planes I'm not a frequent passenger on (a few days ago ORD-LAX turned into a 762, and I knew exactly what seat number to ask for to get put in the front and center woolly mammoth seat in first...

- for your iPod, I would download a few books on tape from audible.com or the iTunes music store (they have audible.com content). Sometimes I get finicky and can't decide what music to listen to... or if a need to fall asleep, a really boring book will knock me right out. BTW, I carry both an iPod and a laptop -- I find the iPod so much easier to deal with in terms of balancing while I'm trying to relax, sticking in the front seatback pocket to start using immediately after takeoff, etc... Also, if you are stuck without power on a plane, the iPod will last much longer than your laptop, especially if you also carry a Belkin Backup Battery Pack for the iPod (a x-mas gift from my secretary specifically for my MRs!).

- My current ration of Netflix DVDs. Now for the record, I really don't enjoy watching movies, and why I have a netflix account is really a mystery to me altogether, but the point is, it is really easy for me to carry around 5 DVDs in the small paper sleeves they ship them in, and if the mood strikes me, I have 5 unseen movies to choose from.

- Bose Headset -- yes, adds extra bulk, but not too much as it folds down flat and has nice case. I have been known to slip my iPod into the same case, but haven't made a habbit out of it yet. I always find that I am much happier when I wear the headsets for the duration of my flights, and during a recent MR from SJC-DFW-ZRH-DFW-SJC, made it really easy to doze off, which usually I have a hard time doing. It definitely doesn't eliminate all noise, but quiets things down. Also helps me hear my iPod over the whirr of the engine noise, etc.

- My last little habit -- this one fairly wasteful... I will sometimes pick up 2 or 3 trashy tech magazines to thumb through if the inflight mag is boring or a repeat... then, when I'm done with it, I toss it at the airport, and maybe get a new magazine to replace it. (I haven't found paper recycling bins at any airport I've been to, yet, and don't think it is polite to leave magz/newspapers in the flight lounge areas). Usually I rely on the inflight mag or just sitting quietly alone with myself.

Besides the obvious (IDs, CCs, $$), my MR must-have list is short and sweet:

1. Visine
2. Blistex
3. Listerine Pocket Paks
4. Earplugs
5. Propel (electrolyte beverage), lots
6. Peanuts/trail mix
7. Something to read

I wear Haggar Comfort-fit slacks, a silk tee, medium sweater, lightweight wool socks and Hush Puppies.
In 40 years of flying I have still not learned how to sleep on an airplane. And I really don't resent those who are able to nap, like mrs hiyo, who could sleep on an EMB 120. Really I don't.

Forget the bottles of water and trail mixes! Gosh, there's plenty of those on the plane. And you can buy them in the airport or get them free at the lounges.

I prefer low-salt packable snacks like apples and oranges packed in ziplock bags. Just make sure you finish them before you land in US.

Instead of thrift store, you may want to visit your local 99cent store instead. Cheap and always "new" (albeit sometimes stale) products that are disposable, e.g. toiletries bottles (to pack your favorite lotions/shampoos), pillows(?), crossword puzzle books etc.

I second these suggestions, never without them, MR or just 50 minute flights:
1. Face Cleansers, cleansing wipes are best.
2. Moisterizers, one for face and one for hands
3. Ear plugs
4. Eye mask
5. Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment

Personally, I am all for the Ipod, I never leave home without it, it doesn't take up any space, those things are so small. Also, as far as the laptop goes, I have a 12 inch ibook, it weighs like 4 pounds, I take it on all my trips. On the other hand my girl friend, has a compaq laptop that weight like 8 pounds, and that almost never leaves the house. Just my opinion, but laptops are great if they are light!

Timo

On a flight of any length I always bring nose drops - eitehr the cheap drugstore saline stay or Rhinocourt Aqua. A must for anyone with sensitive sinuses.

with new security rules, half this stuff cannot be easily brought on board anymore. Hmmm, maybe it's all a ploy from the airlines to prevent the MR!!
yeah, that's it!

MM

I'm a believer in a good deodorant so you don't have to bring as many shirts, especially since you might not get the opportunity to shower and change as often as you would like. I actually wear/bring older shirts on that last wearing so that I can discard a shirt after wearing. This at least helps the bag get lighter on the way back. I don't hassle with DVDs and Ipods, life is too short for all the electronics and chargers. Instead, I save my magazines and also trade for or buy cheaply a number of paperbacks from the used book store. After I read them, I leave them for others to read. I realize that sometimes they just get "cleaned" but enough people have thanked me for leaving them that I know they do sometimes get re-used. Again, not much help on the way out, but the bag gets lighter and lighter on the way back, which is when you are most tired.

I guess what I'm saying is, I don't think you need an entire change of clothes, you just need a change of underwear, socks, and shirt, but your pants and jacket should be OK. It isn't like you'll be slogging through leech-filled mud at the airport.

I don't bring a pillow but a pillow case that I can jam in the airline's pillow, my sweater, scarf, whatever I have that is soft to make a bigger pillow. However, this won't provide the firm support that some people need. You have to experiment.

Don't forget the charger for your cell phone. If you do, somehow it will find a way to lose charge anyway even though it's in "airplane mode" most of the time. I'm only a little bitter.

I do not bring ambien because I'm afraid of how it will react with my personality or with the adult beverages that I might enjoy along the way. But your mileage may vary.

Have a great trip!

I'm preparing for my first ever MR next month to get NW platinum (SJO-IAH-LGW-IAH-SJC, coach on CO with elite seating, with only a two-hour layover at LGW). Here are the highlights of my packing list (which obviously overlap with stuff to take on any long trip). Although the list will vary depending on individual needs, I'm wondering if there is something obvious you would suggest I consider adding to it:

1. small carry-on which will fit under seat (in case there is no space in overhead compartment).
2. laptop with extra battery pack, dual-voltage charger
3. DVDs
4. iPOD loaded with 7000 songs
5. BOSE noise-cancelling headphones
6. passport, flight information, credit cards, $, elite card, Priority Pass, cell phone (for use in U.S.), home contact phone #s, NW/CO contact #s
7. a couple books or other gripping reading material
8. back-up edible, non-perishable food and beverage
9. toiletries including baby wipes (may be no shower at LGW), toothbrush/paste, comb, kleenex
10. change of clothes in case disaster/stuck at airport/flight back cancelled
11. pillow (better than the airline provides)
12. drugs: usual prescription stuff + motrin, ambien, dramamine, sudafed

Anything else ? . .. .

I would definitely re-think that plan of bringing only one pair of undewear & socks. I would pack more than one set of those.

For a mileage run? Well, it depends on the run. You could pack two, as they don't really take up much space.

I would definitely re-think that plan of bringing only one pair of undewear & socks. I would pack more than one set of those.

For a mileage run? Well, it depends on the run. You could pack two, as they don't really take up much space.

I'm not talking about taking on a "bunch", but more like a "spare." In case something doesn't agree with the stomach, you're stuck somewhere for a long, long time, etc. etc.

So Computer rollaboard Case with:

Amenities kit
1 ziplock back with 'stuff'
underwear
Tshirt
Computer
Airplane Power cord for computer
HD With ripped Movies
two ipods
Headphones
book
Something for FA's both directions
Ambien
Phoen Charger
Passport
Print out of other 'stand-by' flights
Mints
FT Luggage Tag


What am I forgetting since the new restrictions....

So Computer rollaboard Case with:

Amenities kit
1 ziplock back with 'stuff'
underwear
Tshirt
Computer
Airplane Power cord for computer
HD With ripped Movies
two ipods
Headphones
book
Something for FA's both directions
Ambien
Phoen Charger
Passport
Print out of other 'stand-by' flights
Mints
FT Luggage Tag


What am I forgetting since the new restrictions....


We should have a contest and see how LITTLE we can bring on a MR or a long trip. Once a friend of mine brought back my luggage from China so i could not check luggage and try and make an ealier flight in SEA and the guy at customs questioned me to no end about how I was in China for 9 days with only a carry on.

We should have a contest and see how LITTLE we can bring on a MR or a long trip. Once a friend of mine brought back my luggage from China so i could not check luggage and try and make an ealier flight in SEA and the guy at customs questioned me to no end about how I was in China for 9 days with only a carry on.

I took a paperback, and my coat. I could have left the coat, but forgot to leave it in the vehicle. Now, you didn't say we had to compare the actual miles flown, but this thread is "Long Mileage Run..."


I also had my wallet, keys and cell phone. Other than that, just my clothes and shows. Of course, for future comparision, we could just compare those things one might have to actually pack, which is this case was only the paperback. Otherwise, we will have people going commando in shorts, flip flops, and a wife-beeter to win this contest.

I took my purse, my passport, and myself:)

* don't bring binder!! A simple envelope with your documents folder works great, fits anywhere.
* put most documents on your laptop.



I scan onto a small keychain type USB flash drive a copy of all my important documents for any trip I take. Passport, drivers license, tickets, etc. I carry this with me at all times either around my neck or in my pocket. That way I've always got a copy of any important documentation if needed. Works great. Certainly works better than a binder or carrying around a lot of paper.

LS

A bottle of water may also be helpful. Also, if the BOSE headphones are not two pronged, you may consider bringing a pair of CO headphones (never know when there's something good to watch).

Note that you can purchase a two-pronged adapter at any Radio Shack. This adapter works for any kind of single pronged headphones.

I would "mentally" carry an idea of alternate routings to your "destination" in case a flight to/thru a connecting airport or hub along the way is cancelled, delayed, etc. If that happens, you can call your airline (and you will already have that number on speed-dial) with a couple of possible solutions that you've thought of, rather than presenting yourself as "i'm stuck, get me out of here."

Speaking of what to "mentally carry", I would make sure you've set up flight status notification for all your flights. And, knowing that doesn't always work, plan on checking on a subsequent flight the minute you can use your phone. It's happened where I've landed after my subsequent flight left, but while taxi-ing to the gate, determined that I'd be in time to catch an alternate connection leaving soon.

In short... always have spare batteries!

I kept my (one so far) direct-flight turn-around TATL bag bare, using a Travel Pro rolling laptop bag. Bag fit perfectly in the single-space overhead over 10H, on a NW A330. Contents:

Bose QC2 - (2) spare AAAs
iPod, AC adapter, Belkin external battery, (24) AA batteries
Moto Razor, AC charger, Energizer external battery
(16) PowerBars (Cinamon Raison!)
(2) Sudoku books
(1) notepad
(1) Beenie Baby
(3) Magazines
shirt, socks, underwear (changed during layover)
cough drops, Sonata, saline, contact case, glasses
passport, BPs, receipts, itineraries, FF statement, etc.

Notice what I put first... the Bose QC2s. I couldn't imagine being in the air for 20+ hours, without a set! But that's it. NW A330s have amazing AVOD, and sitting in row 10 meant 75w power. Deliberately didn't take a laptop, had iPod and NW for the movies (seatmate each way had a laptop, used it about 2 hours, and that amount of use for the weight isn't worth it). Never used a spare battery (either for Bose, or iPod), watched quite a few movies, and played inflight multi-player games way too much. Saw two movies on the Ipod (out of 10). Never used the Sonata. If you have a club membership, or are top-Elite, just get what you need from the club, before/during/after. Always carry energy bars, for those "stuck on the tarmac for 8 hours" nightmares.

Steve B.

I agree about cutting out the laptop, especially as that will make security that much faster. I disagree about the ipod though. I couldn't think of a trip without mine.

The thread-title is an oxymoron.
"Long" and "MR packing list"??? Not. I think an MR packing list should be pretty short :D.

I agree that the laptop is indeed an extra burden to carry & get thru security. Whether or not it's worth that I guess depends on the particular routing, what a person's IFE needs/requirements are, etc., and wether or not one wants to rely on the airline's IFE to be a) working/operational, b) something you'd want to see anyways.

Ok. You mention you're taking ambien with you. A good idea in general in my mind but it will render a lot of this stuff as useless. Like the pillow idea since you will be sleeping a good portion of this.

An emty bottle to put water in might be a good idea.

Leave most of your CCs at home. Take 1 and the atm and that's it.

Full change of clothes for a turn I would scale back to socks, underwear and a shirt/sweater. If anything really goes wrong, that's why you have the ccs with you.

Put the dvd's on your hard drive and leave the actual discs at home if you must take the laptop. I value the laptop more when I travel alone than my usual with someone. So I wont tell you to leave it home as many have.

My personal list is little more than Bose, slippers/plane socks, passport and paperwork, and credit card/atm and some small money, small toiletries and a little other things. but really a MR and especially with Ambien I would take less instead of more.

Comments on above items:

>>> Forget the water - you will never get it through security.

>>> Bring only 1 carry-on item - LGW will restrict you if you leave the security area. However, showers are inside the main waiting area.

>>> Don't forget your mobile so that you can text yourself the CO boarding pass - only available at IAH !

I think tenmoc nails it. Less is more.

Last MR was just laptop, headphones, iphone, power cord with tips for other countries, jacket, undewear, tshirt, book (which i finished on the way over and gave to a FA) and little plastic bag with 3oz limit.

oh and my passport.

Last MR was just laptop, headphones, iphone, power cord with tips for other countries, jacket, undewear, tshirt, book (which i finished on the way over and gave to a FA) and little plastic bag with 3oz limit.

oh and my passport.

Yeah. Big fan of the magazine/book karma. We're always leaving them with FAs or in seat backs. And since starting that I have to admit, its come back more often than we've given out. Not from lack of effort though.

A good list.
I'd add a nice set of eye masks to block light. Really helps sleeping.
I'd also add that it is good to try to charge your headphones at the airport somewhere if you can't on the plane. NCHs and eye masks are key, at least for me, to a relaxing experience on flights where I need to sleep. Best of luck. - SV1K

Also, recommend loading the United travel desk (local copy) free download on your PC. Will really help you in case of irregular ops. I have defined my new routings with 1k customer service before and it is MUCH smoother than asking them options.

Best of luck.