What I Pack: Ewan Wilson

Ewan Wilson. Photo / Supplied

Do you travel light or heavy?

Most times with just a carry-on. Recently I have found cruises to be some of the best-value holidays around. My wife Monique and I also like dressing up in the evenings for dinner on board. That means I've now moved onto a mid-size suitcase on wheels to carry all the formal gear, in fact last time I had more shoes than my wife!

Cattle or first class?

Cattle class, although I have been know to try a number of tricks to get an upgrade, as the long-haul flights are hard in sardine seating.

I can't travel without...

My wife. She doesn't let me!

What type of suitcase do you carry?

No brand names but I do name my suitcase. Monty is my carry-on bag after my loyal german shepherd.

What's always in your hand luggage?

My cellphone.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?

That's easy: my wife. I met her in a train station in Belgium on my big OE.

Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?

The old Hong Kong Airport. I could have picked the washing off the clothes line we were so close to people's houses.

Best packing tip?

Roll everything. My wife is the supreme packer and can pack for the whole family using a mid-size bag and we still have everything we need.

What do you do while on the plane?

I try to set a new record every time for the amount of movies I can watch. Record so far: six.

Ewan Wilson, former CEO of Kiwi Air, is a pilot and tour operator, and recently released a new book, Help My Plane's On Fire.