By Tyler Smith, Royl Photography | August 10, 2025
Tomorrow morning, I board a United Airlines First Class flight to Washington, D.C.—a trip years in the making, and one I’ve looked forward to for a long time. But before the monuments, museums, and Potomac views, there’s the part of travel that often gets overlooked: the prep. So today, I’m walking you through how I get ready—what to pack, what not to forget, and how to plan whether you’re flying in First Class or Basic Economy.
Let’s Start with Logistics
I’ll be flying out of Houston’s IAH airport, and if you’re anything like me, airport timing can make or break the tone of your whole trip. My advice? Book your parking in advance. Covered garages are worth the few extra bucks, and for longer trips, economy lots do just fine—but keep in mind the shuttle might add an extra 15–20 minutes to your timeline. If you’re lucky enough to be flying premium, check to see if your airline offers priority parking or valet perks—it’s a game-changer.
When it comes to timing, I’m not taking any chances. I always plan to arrive 3 to 4 hours before my flight—yes, even for domestic First Class. Why? Because early morning departures can mean long security lines, limited staff at check-in, and unexpected delays. For Basic Economy travelers, this buffer is even more crucial—especially if you're checking a bag, need to print a boarding pass, or just want to avoid the stress of rushing through a crowded terminal.
Packing with Purpose
Packing for Washington, D.C. in August requires some balance. This city calls for comfort, especially with the amount of walking you’ll be doing, but it also rewards those who pack a little style. I like to stick to neutral layers—easy to mix, match, and layer up when the A/C hits hard in museums or evening temps drop. A light jacket, a few polished looks for dinners or content shoots, and a pair of comfortable sneakers are my go-to staples. Add a travel-size umbrella, and you’re set for anything D.C. weather throws your way.
The key isn’t just what goes in your suitcase—it’s how you pack your carry-on. That bag is your lifeline. Inside mine: a fully charged phone, backup power bank, hand sanitizer, my camera (never checked), headphones, and travel documents. If you’re flying Basic Economy, remember that you’re usually limited to one personal item only, so make it count. A soft backpack or tote that fits under the seat will do the trick—just make sure it’s packed strategically with everything you’ll need in flight.
Let’s Talk Logistics: Parking & Timing
When flying out of Houston’s IAH, my go-to is Fine Airport Parking - IAH, and I highly recommend their valet service. It might cost a bit more than the average garage, but the convenience, customer service, and quick shuttle turnaround make it so worth it—especially when you're catching an early flight or returning late.
They’ll park the car, handle your bags, and have you at the terminal in minutes. No circling the lot, no dragging luggage across uneven pavement, and no stress.
As for timing, I play it safe and always plan to arrive 3 to 4 hours before my flight—yes, even for domestic First Class. Why? Because early morning departures can mean long security lines, limited check-in staff, and all the unexpected surprises airports love to throw at us. If you're flying Basic Economy, this buffer becomes even more essential—especially if you’re checking a bag or printing a boarding pass. The earlier you arrive, the smoother your takeoff.
💡 Travel Tip:
If you don’t have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, give yourself even more buffer time. Standard TSA lines can get backed up fast, especially during morning rush hours. Consider downloading your airline’s app to get real-time updates on security wait times, and pack your personal items so they’re easy to remove at screening (laptops, liquids, shoes off, etc.). Being organized = flying smarter.
If you're flying Basic Economy, this extra time is even more crucial—especially if you're checking luggage or still need to print your boarding pass. A stress-free travel day starts with smart timing.
📸 For Photographers & Travel Content Creators
If you’re a photographer or travel blogger like me, your packing strategy is everything.
🎒 Camera Essentials:
Primary camera body + backup if space allows
Versatile zoom lens (24–70mm or 18–135mm)
Prime lens for low light or portraits (like a 50mm)
Extra SD cards + backup drives
2–3 charged batteries + charger
Lens wipes and microfiber cloth
Tripod or mini travel tripod
ND filter (for shooting in harsh daylight)
🎥 Content Creator Extras:
Phone mount or gimbal for video
Power bank (especially for reels and story shooting)
Pre-downloaded music, captions, or templates for IG/FB
Notes or checklist for reels, blog shots, or must-capture spots
Lightweight laptop or iPad (if you plan to edit on the go)
📝 Pro Tip: Keep your camera gear with you at all times—never check it. Use a camera backpack that fits under the seat. I recommend packing a few lens-friendly outfits too—neutral backdrops and textured layers look great in photos and reels.
Washington, D.C. is full of historic architecture, monuments, waterfront views, and museum interiors that are all incredibly photogenic. Plan out a few creative shoot ideas in advance, but also leave room for spontaneous shots—you never know what you’ll find on a street corner or inside a Smithsonian exhibit.
Packing for D.C.: Comfort Meets Content Creation
D.C. in August means you’ll be walking a lot, sweating a bit, and still wanting to look put-together for photos or nice dinners. My approach? Pack neutrals you can layer, mix-and-match outfits that work for day or night, and always bring comfortable walking shoes. Toss in a light jacket for chilly museums, a travel-size umbrella (D.C. weather changes fast), and your camera gear if you’re like me and capturing every moment.
When it comes to my carry-on, I never leave out:
Phone, charger, power bank
Travel documents
Hand sanitizer & wipes
Headphones
Camera body and lens (never checked!)
A change of clothes in case of luggage delay
If you're flying Basic Economy, you’ll be limited to one personal item under the seat. Go with a slim backpack or tote, and be strategic. Wear your bulkiest shoes and layer up to save space.
Flying First Class vs. Basic Economy: Know the Difference
Whether you’re flying high in First Class or rolling with the simplicity of Basic Economy, knowing what to expect makes all the difference in how smooth your travel day feels.
I’ll be flying First Class with United Airlines, which always makes the start of any trip feel elevated. From the moment I hand over my keys at valet parking to stepping into the United Club Lounge, there’s a noticeable difference in comfort, convenience, and overall vibe. You get priority check-in, priority boarding, and a spacious seat with extra legroom, which is a blessing when you’re up early or flying several hours.
Plus, on most flights, you’ll be offered complimentary meals, drinks (yes, even cocktails or wine), and extra personal space to work, relax, or get a little shut-eye before landing. For content creators or business travelers like myself, that quiet space and early boarding makes it easier to stay organized and arrive feeling refreshed.
That said, even in First Class, I still pack essentials in my carry-on. I've learned the hard way that in-flight entertainment systems glitch, outlets don't always work, and sometimes you just want your own gear within arm's reach.
On the flip side,
Basic Economy is the most affordable way to fly, but it comes with trade-offs. You’re limited to one personal item that fits under the seat—no overhead bin access, no seat selection unless you pay extra, and you’ll likely be last to board. It’s best for light packers and short-haul travelers.
But here’s the truth: if you're well-prepared, Basic Economy doesn't have to be stressful. Pack strategically (compression cubes help!), wear your bulkiest clothes (like a jacket or sneakers), and keep your must-haves in a backpack or slim tote. The key is managing expectations—don’t expect extras, and you won’t be disappointed.
Both options get you where you’re going. The difference is how you arrive.
✅ Final Pre-Trip Touches
As I finish packing tonight, my checklist is short and sweet:
✔️ Weather forecast checked (hello humidity)
✔️ Itinerary saved and screenshotted
✔️ Devices charging
✔️ SD cards cleared
✔️ Alarms set (twice!)
D.C. is waiting—and this trip promises to be packed with history, storytelling, first-class flights, and camera-ready moments. Thank you for tagging along from the beginning. I’ll be sharing updates, tips, behind-the-scenes reels, and photos all week long here on The Royl Travel Guide.
See you at the terminal.
📍✈️📸
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