If I could ever offer any piece of travel advice it would be this-

Pretend your luggage won't get there.

Also face the fact that, you won't either in the time you thought you would.
I spent two hours Friday trying to help a friend get from DC to New Orleans.
Then, quite obviously, when he got there, his luggage arrived before him, and was locked away.

Always, always, always carry on at least-

-Toothbrush & toothpaste (in your ziplock it's a liquid)
-Clean underwear
-Clean shirt
Depending on the climate-
-Clean Pants/shorts


Technically, if you get there without luggage, you can sleep naked, so that's all good. When you get to the point that you haven't slept in 36 hours, you have a new appreciation for a toothbrush and clean drawers.

Also, since you're carrying on a bag now. Do yourself a favor and throw in a granola bar, some peanut butter crackers, and maybe some goldfish. When the unexpected layover happens late, there is no food. Goldfish are also great to bribe the small child seated behind you so they don't kick your seat.

Unless of course, you're the carry on pro like myself. Then you take it all, except your liquids, which you ship domestically. Internationally you must do the small bag puzzle and figure out which you love more, your eye cream or mascara.