Frequent travelers are careful about what they pack in their carry-on luggage. But before 9/11, savvy travelers could load up with all kinds of “just in case” items. Take a look at this newspaper article titled “Lights out? Laptop fried? Savvy travelers ready” — published in USA TODAY, believe it or not, on the morning of September 11, 2001.
Look at the sidebar checklist on the far right, titled “Cautious Traveler’s Checklist.” (click image to enlarge) Incredibly, the very first suggested item is a Swiss army knife!
Here are the rest of the items along with their current validity.
| ITEM | OK IN CARRY-ON? |
| Swiss army knife | You’re kidding, right? |
| A universal tool | No way |
| Extra batteries for all electronic gear | Maybe |
| Extra eyewear | Ok |
| Extra medication | Probably ok, but you may have trouble with liquids. And gels. |
| Extra change of clothes | Ok if you have room |
| Doctor’s phone number | Ok |
| Thermometer | Good luck |
| Flashlight | Maybe |
| Extra AC adapter for computer | Ok |
| Paper copies of contact, itinerary | Ok |
| Photocopies of important documents | Still a good idea |
| Latest Official Airline Guide (OAG) | Do they still print this? |
| First-aid kit | I wouldn’t try it |
| Battery-operated alarm clock | Not if it goes tick-tick-tick |
| Snack bars and bottled water | Take the snack bars, leave the water |
| – | – |