What is the longest flight you have ever been on? 4 hours? 6 hours? 10 hours? How about 16 hours?
Does 16 hours sound like torture? I love long flights, and it usually means arriving to a really cool new country, where I can experience new culture, food, and sights.
You’re probably thinking that the destination sounds cool but how does one survive that flight?
I have two rules: sleep, and pack the correct items for survival.
So lets look at my essentials for a long haul flight.
A small “plane bag” for the seat back pocket.
Yes, you have your suitcase, and yes, you have your personal item. But this small bag will hold all of your in flight essentials, so that you don’t have to go into your backpack or carry on during your flight. The one that I recommend is from Aloha Bags, and it is their small splash proof travel pouch. There are tons of colors and patterns, and best of all, it is waterproof, so it can double as a bag to use during your travels, too. They also have a mid and max size, but the small is perfect for the seat back pocket.
Headphones: 2 pairs
Two pairs? Yes, and I will tell you why. First, I always bring a pair of wired headphones for the seat back entertainment. Long haul flights will have a ton of movies to watch, but sometimes, the airline runs out of free headphones, or sometimes they aren’t free. Pack your own, and you’re good to go.
Secondly, my everyday headphones are the Apple AirPods Pro, simply because of the noise cancellation. Any headphone without noise cancellation still allows you to hear the background noise on the plane, which isn’t as enjoyable. With this, I can listen to my phone, or my iPad, or even my seat back entertainment, with this next gadget I’m about to show.
A bluetooth transmitter to watch movies with your wireless headphones
You want to watch a movie or two with your favorite wireless noise cancelling headphones? No problem! Get this bluetooth transmitter, plug it into the headphone jack, and listen away. Pro tip: Make sure it’s fully charged.
Your Phone charger/ Portable charger
… Because if you play on your phone the whole flight, you will wake up with a low battery, and that is never good. Most planes have usb ports these days to charge, but I always bring my portable charger with me, just incase. This one is the best, it charges so fast!
Compression socks
These are essential for long flights to stimulate circulation in your legs. I also recommend getting up and walking at least twice during the long flight. There are many styles, but I prefer lightweight ones that come in a pack, like these.
Eye mask
Like I said, sleeping is essential on a long flight. Your vacation will be miserable if you do not sleep on the plane. In addition to noise cancelling headphones, this is essential for me. And personally, I like a satin one that cools my face, and is comfortable. These ones are a multi pack, in many colors.
Sleep aids
Sleep aids are essential, in my opinion, to help you relax and fall asleep, especially if you need to sleep earlier than your body is used to. This can be whatever your preference is: Melatonin, ZzzQuil, Benadryl, or Dramamine. Of course, you can always bring something prescribed by your doctor, but it must be in its original prescription bottle, and some countries might not allow it.
Moisturizer
Plane cabins are dry. I love to keep my face hydrated with moisturizer. Obviously any liquid will pass through security as long as it is under 3.4 ounces and in your clear liquids bag. But before the flight, I take out my moisturizer (and a few other items that I will mention soon) and put it in my plane bag. There are several that I have used over the years, like this one.
Eye drops
Speaking of liquids, eye drops are extremely essential as well, especially after waking up. The dry air will make it hard for you to open your eyes, and these drops can help.
Face spray
I wouldn’t call this facial mist an essential, although I never travel without it. Not only do I love it when my face feels dry, but I also love it to help wake me up, freshen my face when I land, or even spray it if there is a foul smell in the airplane.
A disposable toothbrush with toothpaste
Keep your regular toothbrush and toothpaste packed away, and use these disposable ones for your flight. Use one after dinner/before you sleep, and one for when you land, to freshen up.
A compressible water bottle
Hydration is so important on a long flight, but so is saving space. I like to board my flight with a full water bottle, and once I’ve drank it all, the water bottle can roll up, and take up barely any space at all. In fact, it can fit in my plane bag once it’s finished. This one is my favorite. Believe me, I have tested them all.
A large body wipe
These can be wonderful after a long flight, to get refreshed, when a shower isn’t immediately available. I prefer ones in single packs, like these. They are also great after hikes!
Chapstick
Same as the above. Moisture and hydration. I always use this one with SPF and it tastes good!
Pens and Your passport
It is always a good idea to have your passport handy in your plane bag, as well as a few pens (blue or black ink). Why? Immigration forms! Often times, the flight attendants will pass out forms for you to fill out mid flight, and they have to be completed and turned in upon arrival. You will need to fill out your passport information and hotel information (have a picture of the name and address on your phone!). I always like to have 2-3 pens with me, because my seat mates will be ever so grateful.
Of course, there are tons of other things that one can find essential on a long flight, but these are my favorites. What are yours?
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