The last thing anyone wants to deal with after takeoff is the “I now have to get to my stowed away carry-on to get to my wallet, book, computer, magazine, pillow, snack and everything else I’ve brought on the plane with me” guy. I have devised a system that puts all my personal  flight (under 5 hours)  needs in one place. Upon finding my seat, the following order of operations are followed through with precision:

1.) My small case containing my mp3 player and headphones is taken out of my awesome    “personal carry-on” purse that sits at my feet.

2.) In this small case are place 2 items:

a.) Two pieces of gum. One for takeoff and one for landing.

b.) My business specific credit card. Now that most airlines in coach offer food “only for purchase” and cash not excepted, this ensures if my tummy needs a little something to go with my normal tonic water, then I can get it without having to endure dirty looks from my seat mates for the duration of our time together because I am digging all over the place for an acceptable form of payment.

3.) Next comes the ultrabook- which is PRELOADED with which ever fine form of Star Wars DVD I will be enjoying for this particular flight. If there happens to be an outlet under the seat, the computer is also plugged in at this time…..NOT halfway through the flight and right before the computer dies so there is a panicked last minute struggle.

4.) Both of these items are then placed in the seat pouch in front of me so that they are easily accessed at the appropriate time of use.

A little pre-planning will make your flight that much more enjoyable!