Traveling can be a hassle, especially if you’re taking a long-haul flight. But with the right preparation and packing, you can make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. This post contains 18 long haul flight essentials to make your flying experience as smooth as possible.
Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link. Clicking on this link is a not extra cost for you and will help me with this blog and feeding my dog.
18 Long Haul Flights Essentials
Traveling can be a hassle, especially if you’re taking a long-haul flight. But with the right preparation and packing, you can make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, here are 18 essential items that you should bring on a long-haul flight to make your journey more comfortable and stress-free.
N01 – Carry-on luggage
For starters, you’ll need a carry-on bag to carry all your essentials on board!
Carry-ons can be tricky because there are so many different types (carry-ons with wheels, backpacks, weekenders, …).
After many flights and many trials with different types of carry-ons, I can safely say the weekender bags work best!
They’re flexible meaning you can squish them in the metal racks that measure your luggage at the airport and there is often a separate compartment for shoes! This is great if you plan on taking a second pair onboard (slippers or flip flops for extra comfort onboard!).
Here is a weekender bag that I enjoy :
N02 – Travel pillow
A neck pillow is a classic essential for long-haul flights. It will help you find some sort of comfort to try and find sleep and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.
N03 – Eye Mask
Even when the flight attendants prepare the aircraft for “night time” theres bound to be some light. Your neighbourg might be reading a book with the light on, another passenger might open a blind to get a peak outside, you get the idea… there’s bound to be some light and if you’re senstive to light when sleeping it might bother you.
That being said, to block out light and noise, bring an eye mask with you. This will help you sleep better, especially if your flight is during the day.
N04 – Earplugs
Earplugs are always a good idea when traveling! You never know how noisy it will be when you try to get some shut-eye and it doesn’t take up a lot of space or weight.
N05 – Noise-Canceling Headphones
If you’re not a fan of earplugs, noise-canceling headphones are a great alternative. They will block out noise, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet.
When it comes to headphones you can’t compromise on quality, investing a little more in the beginning will make it well worthwhile in the end.
Headphones must be comfortable, lightweight, have a noise canceling feature and have good sound quality.
N06 – Travel Blanket
A travel blanket is another essential item for long-haul flights. It will keep you warm and cozy, so you can sleep comfortably.
Even though most long haul flights will hand out a blanket for free it’s no longer a garanteed standard so you might as well have one on hand just in case.
N07 – Adaptor Plug
This one is a must-have! To ensure that you can charge your devices, bring a travel adaptor with you. Make sure to check the voltage and plug type of the country you’re visiting to ensure compatibility.
To be hassle free, I recommend an international adaptor plus with multiple USB outlets as well :
N08 – Portable Power Bank
Have you ever tried a power outlet on a plane? They never seem to work! No matter which airline or seat they seem to be always flimsy.
Even if you have charged you’re phone or tablet completly at the airport you could run out of juice by the time you’re in the air. Having a portable power bank is just extra security to make sure that you can listen to you’re favorite podcast, watch your netflix shows, or listen to you’re spotify playlist if inboard entertainement doesn’t match your taste.
You can use it to charge your phone, tablet, or any other device that requires a USB port. Look for a portable power bank with a high capacity and multiple charging ports.
This power bank is a great option in my opinion and should have you covered in most situations :
N09 – Comfortable Clothes
Considering you’re going to be in a tight space for a long time you need to consider being comfortable before anything else. To be comfortable during the flight, bring clothes that are loose and comfortable. Avoid tight clothes that will constrict your movements.
N10 – Scarf or Shawl
If you don’t want to bring a travel blanket because you’re worried it will take up too much space. A scarf or shawl is a great option and can be used as a blanket, pillow, or cover-up. It’s versatile and will take up minimal space in your carry-on.
N11 – Fuzzy Socks
To be comfortable during the flight, bring fuzzy socks with you, plus they will keep your feet warm.
N12 – Toothbrush and Toothpaste
It’s crazy how a little toothpaste and a good toothbrush can make you feel refreshed (your neighbors will thank you as well 😉 ).
A travel-sized toothbrush will take little to no space in your carry-on.
N13 – Hand sanitzier and Sanitizing wipes
Planes are dirty little things let’s face it. It’s impossible for the flight crew to clean the plane completetly in between flights. I’m no germaphobe but first thing I do when I take my seat on the plane is to clean the table and more or less everything I know i’m going to touch in proximity with my seat.
N14 – Toiletries Bag
To stay refreshed and clean during the flight, bring a toiletries bag with you. This should include essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, and hand sanitizer.
Take a clear toiletry bag with you if you can so that you won’t have to switch all your toiletries to a clear plastic bag during the security check.
N15 – Lip Balm
Airplanes are very dry environments and it’s important to stay moisturized during the flight. Bring some lip balm with you to avoid chappy lips.
N16 – Water Bottle
To stay hydrated during the flight, bring a water bottle with you. You can fill it up once you’ve passed security, and it will save you from buying expensive drinks on the flight or at the airport.
N17 – Snacks
To avoid hunger and have a backup food option, bring snacks with you. This could be anything from fruit to trail mix.
N18 – Entertainement
To pass the time, bring some entertainment with you. You never now if there is entertainment on board (you’re screen could have an issue or there is no entertainment available). This could be a book, a tablet, a laptop, or a portable game console.
If you have a streaming provider check before your flight if there is a possibility to download a movie or a few episodes of your favorite show.
