I can make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable by packing a well-equipped carry-on for the flight. That means having a trusty travel tote that can accommodate my books, earbuds ...
For me, that’s a small Tumi carry-on. It’s a rollaway briefcase with 360-degree wheels—a must!—that make it a cinch to bring through airports, as well as rest my stuffed tote bag on.