An Insider’s Look at travel essentials for long flights

Packing the right travel essentials is key for a great long-haul flight. You’ll need things for staying hydrated, comfortable, and entertained. A seasoned traveler shares tips from over¹ 175 hours on 26 long flights around the globe.

Get ready to start your trip feeling confident and ready with these top travel tips for long flights.

Key Takeaways

Bring a refillable water bottle to save money and reduce plastic waste¹
Pack lip balm and lotion to keep your skin hydrated during long flights¹
Carry Advil to minimize headaches caused by dry air on planes¹
Don’t forget a neck pillow and sleep mask for comfort and rest¹
Download entertainment like movies, shows, and podcasts onto your device¹

Hydration Essentials

Long flights can dry out the air, making it hard to stay hydrated². A refillable water bottle is key to fight this. It saves money and cuts down on plastic waste². You can find these bottles for about £37, with prices between £23 and £99, depending on what you need².

Don’t forget to pack lip balm to keep your lips moisturized². Lip balms are priced between £7 and £16, making them a smart buy for your skin’s health².

Some flights offer lotion or face mist, but it’s wise to bring your own³. Having your own moisturizers ensures you stay hydrated and look good when you land.

Comfort Items

Long flights can be tough, but having the right comfort items can make a big difference. A good neck pillow helps you find a comfy spot to sleep. The Nodpod weighted sleep mask, priced at $34 on Amazon and Nordstrom⁴, blocks out light and helps you sleep better. The Mzoo contoured sleep mask, once $29, is now $23 on Amazon⁴.

Noise-cancelling headphones are also key for comfort. The Bose QuietComfort headphones, once $349, are now $249 on Amazon and the Bose website⁴. For a budget option, the Midola kids Bluetooth headphones, now $15 on Amazon⁴, are a great choice.

Keeping yourself entertained is important too. The Kindle Paperwhite, available for $150 on Amazon⁴, offers a great reading experience. The 1Mii Bluetooth 5.0 adapter, $60 on Amazon⁴, lets you connect your headphones to the in-flight system.

Staying hydrated is crucial for comfort. The Owala FreeSip bottle, $32 on Amazon and Owala’s website⁴, is perfect for long flights. The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth, now $30 on Amazon⁴, is another good choice.

Don’t forget about your skin care. The Aēsop hand balm, $33 on Amazon and Aesop⁴, keeps your hands moisturized. The Clinique Moisture Surge, $46 at Sephora and Nordstrom⁴, hydrates your face. The Laneige and Summer Fridays lip balms, $19 and $25 respectively, keep your lips soft.

Product	Price	Source
Nodpod weighted sleep mask	$34	Amazon, Nordstrom
Mzoo contoured sleep mask	$23	Amazon
Bose QuietComfort headphones	$249	Amazon, Bose
Midola kids Bluetooth wireless headphones	$15	Amazon
Kindle Paperwhite	$150	Amazon
1Mii Bluetooth 5.0 adapter	$60	Amazon
Owala FreeSip bottle (32-ounce)	$32	Amazon, Owala
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Flex straw cap (32-ounce)	$30	Amazon
Aēsop Reverence Aromatique hand balm	$33	Amazon, Aesop
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator moisturizer	$46	Sephora, Nordstrom
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm	$19	Amazon, Sephora
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm	$25	Amazon, Revolve

With the right comfort items, long flights can be more enjoyable. From sleep aids and headphones to hydration and skin care, these items can greatly improve your comfort⁵⁶.

Health Essentials

Keeping your health in check during long flights is key. Having a few must-have items can keep you feeling great. Items like painkillers and oral hygiene products are a must for any first aid kit for flights⁷.

Painkillers

Long flights often lead to headaches due to the dry air. Be ready with a small pack of painkillers, like Advil. They can ease your pain and keep you comfy⁷.

Oral Hygiene Products

Even when traveling, keeping your mouth clean is vital. Remember your toothbrush and toothpaste for fresh breath and clean teeth. Chewing gum can also help with ear pressure changes⁷.

Item	Price	Source
Crest Scope Mini Disposable Toothbrushes With Toothpaste and Pick (Pack of 6, 2 Brushes Per Pack)	$10 (50% off)	⁸
Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly	$5	⁸
Afrin No Drip Extra-Moisturizing Nasal Pump Mist	$9	⁸

With these key health items, you’ll stay on top of your game and keep clean during your flight. Whether fighting a headache or needing a freshen-up, these items ensure you arrive feeling fresh and ready⁷.

“Maintaining your health and wellness during long flights is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.”

Fresh Change of Clothes

When you’re on long flights, having a fresh change of clothes can really make a difference. It’s smart to pack a clean t-shirt and undergarments in your carry-on. This way, you won’t feel sweaty or dirty from being on the plane for a long time⁹. Also, keep deodorant handy to freshen up during layovers and stay confident.

Choosing the right clothes for your flight is key to feeling good¹⁰. Many people like to wear layers so they can stay comfortable in the changing cabin temperature¹⁰. Comfortable leggings, soft tops, and slipper socks are great choices because they’re practical¹⁰. A versatile scarf can also keep you warm and cozy.

Having a fresh outfit, like a clean t-shirt and undergarments, can really improve how you feel when you land⁹. Plus, using deodorant during layovers keeps you feeling fresh and confident⁹. By picking the right clothes for your flight, you’ll be comfortable and ready for whatever comes next¹⁰.

Clothing Item	Purpose
Clean T-shirt	To feel refreshed and comfortable upon arrival
Undergarments	To maintain a sense of cleanliness during the flight
Deodorant	To reapply during layovers and feel confident throughout the journey
Comfortable Clothing (e.g., leggings, soft tops, slipper socks)	To prioritize comfort and functionality over fashion
Versatile Scarf	To provide warmth and a sense of coziness during the flight

“Packing a fresh change of clothes is a game-changer for long flights. It helps me arrive at my destination feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.”

Plan ahead and pick the right clothes for your flight to make sure you feel great when you land¹⁰⁹.

travel essentials for long flights

Getting ready with the right travel essentials can make long flights better. It’s about staying hydrated, keeping healthy, and having fun. Pack things you think you’ll need to make the flight comfy¹¹. Whether it’s a short or long flight, the right items help you relax and enjoy your trip¹¹.

A refillable water bottle is a must-have. It’s important to drink water on a long flight because the air inside the plane gets dry¹². Choose a bottle like the ThermoFlask Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle¹². Don’t forget a lip balm, like the Eos Organic Lip Balm 4-pack, to keep your lips soft and safe.

Being comfy is crucial on long flights. Pack things like the Elastique L’Original 27-inch Leggings, Comrad Knee-high Compression Socks, and the Bearpaw Shorty Boots¹². These items can make you feel warm and cozy, improving your flight.

Essentials for Long Flights	Recommended Products
Refillable Water Bottle	ThermoFlask Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle
Lip Balm	Eos Organic Lip Balm 4-pack
Cozy Leggings	Elastique L’Original 27-inch Leggings
Compression Socks	Comrad Knee-high Compression Socks
Slip-on Shoes	Naturalizer Women’s Marianne Loafer
Comfortable Slippers	Bearpaw Shorty Boots

With the right travel essentials, long flights become more enjoyable and stress-free¹¹. Whether you’re crossing time zones or on a long 18.5-hour flight¹¹, having what you need can make a big difference.

Entertainment Essentials

Long flights can be boring without the right entertainment. Make sure to download movies, TV shows, books, podcasts, and more onto your devices before you fly. This way, you’ll have plenty to do during the trip¹³.

Using noise-cancelling headphones can also make your entertainment better. They help you focus on what you’re watching or listening to, blocking out the noise around you¹³.

Portable Electronics

Smartphone or tablet loaded with entertainment options
Noise-cancelling headphones for immersive listening
E-reader or kindle for digital books and magazines
Portable charger to keep devices powered throughout the flight

With the right electronics and entertainment, long flights can be either productive or relaxing. You can make the most of your time in the air¹³¹⁴.

“Staying entertained during long flights is key to a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.”

Entertainment Option	Recommendations
Movies and TV Shows	Download a variety of genres to cater to different moods and preferences
Books and Magazines	Load your e-reader or tablet with a selection of reads for all tastes
Podcasts and Music	Explore a range of podcasts and curate playlists to suit your interests
Games and Apps	Bring along engaging mobile games and apps to pass the time

With the right entertainment, you can turn long flights into times of fun or rest. This makes the most of your time in the air¹³¹⁴.

Power Bank

When you’re on a long flight, having a power bank is key¹⁵. The Anker Portable Charger is a great choice, costing $50 on Amazon¹⁵. It can fully charge your device four to five times before needing a recharge itself¹⁵. This 20,000mAh power bank has USB-C and USB-A ports, so you can charge two devices at once¹⁵. It can charge an iPad mini 5 two and a half times and a Samsung Galaxy S10 five times¹⁵. At just 12.2 ounces, it’s a trusted choice for over 55 million customers¹⁵.

Power banks come in sizes like 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh¹⁶. A 10,000mAh power bank can recharge an iPhone 14 once and a half times, perfect for weekend getaways¹⁶. For longer trips or events with few charging spots, go for the 20,000mAh option¹⁶. Power banks are a must-have for keeping your devices charged on long flights¹⁶.

The limit for carrying a power bank on a plane is 27,000mAh¹⁶. So, whether you pick a 10,000mAh or a 20,000mAh power bank for flights, your devices will stay powered¹⁶.

With a good airplane charger, you can stay connected and productive on your flight¹⁵¹⁶.

Product	Price
Anker Portable Charger	$50¹⁵
10,000mAh Power Bank	Suitable for weekend trips¹⁶
20,000mAh Power Bank	Recommended for long flights¹⁶

Conclusion

Getting ready for a long flight can feel overwhelming, but with the right travel essentials, it can be easier. By packing comfy clothes, staying hydrated, and meeting your health and entertainment needs, you’ll feel great when you arrive¹⁷. This makes your journey more enjoyable.

Don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle, moisturizing lotion, lip balm, and noise-canceling headphones¹⁷. These items help keep you hydrated and comfortable. Also, think about packing a packable parka or a lightweight down jacket for changing temperatures¹⁷.

For long layovers, check airline policies and pack snacks, a travel blanket, and an eye mask¹⁷. These items make your wait more comfortable.

With the right long flight preparation, air travel essentials, and travel tips for long journeys, you’re ready for any flight¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹. By focusing on your in-flight needs and packing smart, you can enjoy packing for extended flights. You’ll arrive refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

FAQ

Why is it important to pack a refillable water bottle for a long flight?

A refillable water bottle is key for long flights. It keeps you hydrated and saves money. Plus, it helps reduce plastic waste by letting you refill it during the trip.

How can a neck pillow and sleep mask help with in-flight comfort?

A neck pillow supports your neck, making it easier to sleep. A sleep mask blocks out the cabin lights. This helps you rest better during the flight.

What health essentials should I pack for a long flight?

Take painkillers like Advil for headaches from the dry air. Also, pack your toothbrush and toothpaste for oral hygiene. Gum can help with ear pressure and fresh breath.

Why is it important to have a change of clothes for a long flight?

Long flights can make you sweat or feel dirty. A fresh change of clothes, like a clean t-shirt and underwear, can improve your comfort when you arrive.

How can I stay entertained during a long flight?

Download movies, TV shows, books, and podcasts on your device before flying. This way, you have lots of entertainment options. Noise-canceling headphones can also make your entertainment better and help you focus.

Why is a power bank an essential item for a long flight?

With all the electronics you’ll use on a long flight, a power bank is crucial. Even if the plane has outlets, having a backup power source is smart. It keeps your devices charged and avoids the worry of running out of power.