Long flights can be really hard. Even with the best seats, there are things you need to make things a little extra comfort. I will also say we do try to be strategic about our flight selection. We try to fly overnight for more sleeping opportunities whenever possible. We will also upgrade our seats to larger seats. All of these are our must-haves to make long-haul flights more enjoyable.
Traveling internationally? Find out all the things you need to know before you go!
Travel Pillow
There are so many travel pillow options out there. We have some that attach to our bags so it’s even easier to travel with them. Now there are some that help keep your neck stable. Really spend some time looking for the one that will work best for you.
Snacks & Reusable Water Bottles
Now we ALL know that you cannot bring water through TSA at an airport, but you CAN bring an empty water bottle. Airport food and water is expensive, plus it’s nice to have a water bottle at your destination (especially in summer or if you’re doing a lot of outdoor activities). Regarding snacks, I’m a big advocate for traveling with snacks! I get hangry so I need to have snacks readily available.
Eye Mask & Ear Plugs
This eye mask includes earplugs. I like earplugs whereas Larry prefers noise-canceling headphones (see below). But we both agree this mask is the best one. It is contoured to fit your face better. It also has a mold around your eyes – ideal for those long eyelash peeps!
Toiletries
SUPER important especially for long flights. You’ll want a toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, face wash, deodorant, feminine products, extra hair ties, and anything else that will make you feel refreshed and comfortable after a long flight. Remember you can be in a dry plane for about 8 hours, some refreshing will be necessary.
Mini First Aid Kit
Now you can make your own first aid kit or you can buy one. Remember to take out any mini-scissors if you buy one. You really never know when you might need a band-aid or any other kind of first aid things. This is a great one to keep handy. Along with band-aids, I suggest some mild medications like cough drops, Tylenol/Advil, any allergy meds, and Tums or Pepto Bismol.
Power Bank
Larry got this solar-powered power bank a couple of years ago for a trip in which electricity might be scarce. We’ve used it a ton ever since. Not only can you plug in and charge this power bank, but you can clip it to your bag and let it solar charge as well. Now you don’t need this one in particular, but any power bank comes in handy. In airports, many times the outlets are already taken OR don’t work so well. That is why a fully charged power bank is essential for all traveling days (then you can use it on long days out on your trip too).
Entertainment
This one is super personal. Larry enjoys watching movies so he’ll pre-download some to his iPad to watch on the flight. I like reading so I’ll either bring a book or read one on my phone. For longer flights, I also recommend travel-size games such as cards or farkle. Larry once tried to spend a weekend train trip teaching my sister and I how to play poker, it’s still one of my fondest and funniest memories. No worries, we still don’t know how to play poker.
Universal Adapter
This is SUPER important when you are traveling internationally. Not just when you arrive at your location, but if you have an international layover you may need the outlets. Many airplanes now are moving to USB chargers which is ideal, but it’s still necessary especially if you have an adapter that allows you to plug in multiple items like this one.
Traveling Internationally? Take a look at this post with some other must-have items.
Compression Socks
These are a MUST-have for long trips! Since you’ll be sitting for many hours you run the risk of clots. You can usually wear them for over 16 hours so you’re good to wear them from the moment you hop into the car. Along with your compression socks wear comfy shoes!
Noise Cancelling Headphones
A good pair of headphones is so needed. This pair isn’t expensive ($52) and allows for ambient noise mode so you can listen to announcements without taking off the headphones. They come in black & white. Excellent for helping you fall asleep or to watch one of those pre-downloaded movies. I would also say getting a blue tooth wireless transmitter is a must-have. This means you don’t need new headphones, you can use the blue tooth ones you already have.
So, What items for a long flight are needed?
This list isn’t inclusive of everything you could possibly want. There is also the fact that some stuff is needed when you arrive at your destination. Personally, I don’t like traveling with a lot of items to use during the flight because I fear losing things. It is not the case for everyone. Many people are much better at keeping track of their items.
Need help creating your own travel itinerary? Check out the step-by-step guide!
