Whether you are traveling on a plane for business or pleasure, you want your travels to be as smooth as possible. This means, having the right supplies to make sure you feel right at home. That is why we have put together a list of the top long haul flight essentials!
There is nothing worse than being on an airplane and realizing you forgot something at home. While you can always buy it when you get to your destination, your flight just because increasingly more miserable, and now there is a baby crying behind you.
This essential packing tips every traveler should know should help!
This list will provide you with a checklist so you do not forget all the important things you need to bring! Keep reading for more on the top long haul flight essentials!
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Luggage
The first thing you need on any flight is a decent carry on bag. I know what you are thinking- duh!
The reason I suggest this, is because I have had my own fair share of flying with old and beat up luggage, and it is just a disaster. I’ve had wheels break off, handles snap, zippers break- it is just not worth it. Spend some extra money and get yourself something decent! Especially if you are a frequent traveler, it will be worth it to get some high-quality luggage!
My tip is to get a carry on suitcase as small as possible. I have found measurements in the US to be different than in other countries, and have had to check what I thought was my carry on bag and pay extra money.
Make sure you check your airline to double-check the size requirements before purchasing a new bag.
A mini suitcase like this one from Amazon is the perfect size for a carry-on. We typically do not check bags and fit everything we need in our carry on bags. However, it is understandable that you might need to check a bag. Make sure this luggage is high quality too, to prevent any rips or tears.
Don’t forget, airlines usually give you a personal item as well, for extra packing space! You can use a small tote, a purse, a backpack, or a camera bag. My all-time favorite carry on bag is the only carry on bag you will ever need!
This is my current carry on bag I use, and is by far my favorite I have ever used! Click the image for more information!
Especially if you are taking a long flight, you are going to want to get some shut-eye. If you do not have the proper items, you are going to have a difficult time getting to sleep! You don’t want to be groggy and tired when you get to your location- you will want to get out and explore!
Ensuring you get some quality of sleep on your flight will help you with dealing with jet lag, which can be a huge trip ruiner!
These items will fit perfectly in your carry on bag, and make your long flight much more comfortable and easier to get through!
For starters, make sure to make some quality noise-canceling headphones, just in case you got lucky enough to sit next to the 6-month-old baby. Plus, airplanes are noisy in general, so having some quiet should help you get to sleep. I’m sure you won’t appreciate the humming of the airplane’s engine or the dinging from the flight attendants while you are trying to get some shut-eye!
Also, be sure to get a good neck pillow. In my opinion, it would be pretty much impossible to sleep on an airplane without one! You could bring a regular pillow, but those are bulky and annoying to carry through the airport.
If you forget a pillow, you can always ask the flight attendants, but no one wants to use one of those flat airplane pillows!
There are tons of different kinds of neck pillows nowadays, so choose one that looks most comfortable for you!
An airplane footrest is key to getting good sleep on an airplane. Think about how uncomfortable you get squished into that tiny airplane seat. Sometimes you just want to put your feet somewhere!
This airplane footrest hangs easily on the tray table in front of you, and gives you an extra area to put your feet! This will also help your feet from falling asleep and becoming swollen. Sounds like a win-win to me!
To get some quality sleep, you will definitely want a light-blocking eye mask! Imagine this: you are stuck in the middle seat, and your awesome neighbor has the window shade wide open, letting all the sunlight in. Try falling asleep with that!
Having a good eye mask will ensure you have complete darkness, even if the cabin lights come on. I don’t know about you, but the darker it is, the easier I can fall asleep! Plus, you might find this helpful in the hotel, on a train, or even taking a nap during the middle of the day!
Personal Items
Some other top long haul flight essentials include personal items. Airplanes can be crowded, stuffy, and cramped, so you will appreciate having some items to help pamper yourself and feel more relaxed!
We suggest creating your very own personal health pouch. This may include different things depending on the person, but here are some of my favorites:
- Wisp disposable toothbrushes
- Facial Cleaning Towelettes
- Refreshing Body Wipes
- Super tiny deodorant
- Eye Moisturizing Drops
Airplanes can dry out your skin and eyes, and make you feel uncomfortable. Having this small pouch will give you the opportunity to freshen up during your flight or before you land. It will also be helpful at the airport, or during long layovers. You will feel so much better after giving yourself some love! Here is a guide to self-care on an airplane for further information!
Entertainment
Other long haul flight essentials include entertainment! Especially during a long flight, you will probably get bored at some point!
One of my favorite things to do is listen to audio books. You can start a free trial of Amazon’s audible program here, for one free month of unlimited romance listening! If romance isn’t your jam, you can still sign up, here!
Another thing you can do is watch your favorite shows! You can start a free one month trial for Amazon Prime Video! Even if you cancel your account after your flight, it is worth it, and completely free!
With unlimited audio books and TV, you should be good to go for your long flight!
Read further on unique ways to pass time on an airplane.
Clothing
People used to dress up for flights, but that is certainly a thing of the past! Long haul flight essentials nowadays includes the comfiest clothing you can find! This is the time to put on all your comfiest clothes, especially if you are planning to sleep, or have a long haul flight ahead of you.
I like to wear compression socks, especially during long flights. They help keep blood flowing to your legs and feet, giving you extra comfort on your flight!
Pack some extra layers in your bag as well. I usually wear a sports bra with a t-shirt and bring a hoody in case I get cold. Yoga pants or leggings on the bottom, with compression socks and I’m good to go! Comfort over fashion here, guys.
Read more about what to wear on an airplane!
Snacks
Perhaps the most important long haul flight essentials are your snacks, of course! No flight is complete without stuffing your face with your favorite snacks, right?!
These are really great for keeping all your snacks in one place. Try to pack snacks that are high in protein and that will fill you up. Bring at least a couple of healthy snacks, so you do not feel bloated and sluggish when you get to your destination.
Also, bring some special snacks for yourself to help get you through the flight! When you start to get bored on the flight, you can remind yourself of that special treat you brought, and give yourself some enjoyment for a bit!
I like to bring snacks that take longer to eat, in order to kill more time during the flight.
Here are some suggestions:
- grapes, or fruit from the hotel buffet
- pretzels, popcorn, chips
- trail mix
- protein bars
- baby carrots
- Raisins
- Pita chips
- animal crackers
Read more about how to eat healthy on a plane.
We hope you enjoyed reading our long haul flight essentials! With these items on your flight, you will be certain to have a more enjoyable and relaxing experience. The best part is, these items are small and compact, making packing easy, cheap, and useful! If you have any other suggestions of things you need in your carry on bag, please leave a comment below! We would love to hear from you!
Antoinette
Monday 27th of April 2020
Thank you for sharing your tips! I especially liked reading ideas on how to get sleep on the plane. A couple other items I found useful are a Britta filter water bottle that I fill up at the airport to have extra hydration on the plane (especially for times when drink service cannot be served), and a small bag of Ricola sugar free lemon cough drops (when mouth is dry), ginger chew candies like Chimes brand to suck on when I’m getting motion sick, and antacid like Tums for upset stomach.
ericacsailor@gmail.com
Tuesday 28th of April 2020
Great advice! I second the Chimes ginger chews- they have saved me from getting sick a few times!