No, you don't have to carry all that (my dvd player with ipod insert doesn't take up that much room). I've been on flights where I've seen all the movies. I use my flights to catch up on TV series. No one has to do that; but that's what I do. I find myself a pretty happy flyer. I'm not saying I never complain, because I do - but I realize that travelling will always bring pitfalls so I try and plan for that. You brought this issue to a board where you will get a variety of opinions. I've simply offered up mine.