Is this the single most important item you should bring on a flight?

It’s remarkable what some people carry on to a plane. Neck pillows, blankets, duty free, and bulging bags stuffed full of crap are all things I’ve seen. Despite this, so many passengers overlook the single most important item you should bring with you.

No, it’s not your significant other, nor is it a change of underwear for those turbulent flights. It’s something far more mundane and lots of people just don’t carry one with them.

What Is The Single Most Important Item?

There is one small thing, as I have learned through experience, that is often needed when you least expect it when flying. I’m sure you’ve guessed by now, but it’s the humble pen.

The amount of times I’ve randomly been asked to fill in unexpected paperwork on board is pretty remarkable. For example, some countries (I’m looking at you, Australia!) still make you complete paper declaration cards prior to arrival.

It’s the single most important thing to have handy and the crew on board just don’t have 350 pens to hand out. There is always a scramble when the paperwork appears and much borrowing ensues.

Overall Thoughts

Bring a pen with you when flying. I actually keep one in my carry-on luggage so that I never forget it. Apart from being that person who actually has one and can complete whatever is needed, you’ll also be popular among your fellow non-pen bearing passengers, as they’ll usually ask to borrow yours.

Do you bring a pen with you when travelling or do you just wing it? Is it the single most important thing or do you feel something else would take the prize? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

Like planes? See my “Does anyone remember” series.
Flight reviews your thing? Mine are all indexed here.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Featured image by Pablo Romay on Unsplash.
Pens by Carlos Delgado via Wikimedia Commons.