Long flight essentials

• To make your experience on a long-haul flight more comfortable, a neck pillow, blanket or scarf, and compression socks are must-haves. 

• Pack some healthy snack options and a refillable water bottle to stay nourished and well-hydrated while flying for long hours. 

• Download movies and music on your device and keep noise-canceling headphones, a book, and some personal care items for extra convenience. 
   

If you have to travel by air for a distant journey, it is natural to wonder what long flight essentials you will need before arriving at the destination. Longer flights can be difficult, but a little preparation can go a long way. If you pack certain items and tools along, you might be able to have a more manageable and enjoyable time during your journey. So, what items are exactly important to enhance your flight experience? Let’s find out! 

Necessary Comfort Gear 

Preparing for a long flight often begins with gathering the necessary gear and devices to ensure added comfort throughout the journey. Here is the necessary gear you must pack before heading out: 

• Travel pillow and blanket: It is no secret that cabin air can be cold enough, and the seats are uncomfortable for sleeping. So, if you’re looking forward to catching some sleep on your flight, you must get a neck pillow to support and avoid straining your neck. For added comfort and warmth, a blanket or scarf can be a great support during your journey. 

• Compression Socks: If you are vulnerable to leg cramps from sitting for long hours, compressive socks might be necessary to help blood circulate during a long flight. 

• Earplugs or Noise-Canceling Earphones: Long flights can be noisy, especially if you’re seated near the engines or surrounded by chatter. Consider packing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to block out disturbances.  

• Extra Charging Devices and Power Banks: If you are going to watch downloaded content, your device might be dead by the time you land. So, pack your power banks and chargers to ensure you can access important documents on your device upon arrival. 
   

Hydration and Snacking Essentials 

Cabin air can be dry enough to quickly dehydrate you, so you must be prepared for long in-flight hours. Here are a few things to help you refuel and stay well-hydrated: 

• Water Bottle: Keep a refillable bottle and fill it up after getting through airport security and before boarding. 

• Snacking Options: Pack an assortment of fruits, nuts, or granola bars in the carry-on you plan to bring on the flight so you can have them whenever you like. Avoid items with too much salt or sugar to prevent feeling drained or tired by the end of the flight. 
   

Entertainment Options and Tools 

Flights are a great way to catch up on some books you’ve been meaning to read for long or movies on your must-watch lists. But what are the things that can help with your pastime activities? Here’s a list you can consider: 

• Locally Saved Content: Some flights might not allow you to stream content online due to your device operating in airplane mode as part of aviation’s safety protocols. So, you can download movies and music you’d like to enjoy offline. This means you are covered for entertainment options even if in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable. 

• Books or e-Reader: An e-reader or a book can offer great company during long stretches of flight. So, be sure to pack a good novel or your Kindle for a more relaxing journey. 

• Eye Mask and Earplugs: If you hope to get some sleep on your long haul, bring your earplugs and an eye mask to block out unwanted light and noise and drift off easily. 

Hygiene and Personal Care Items 

Even after long, tiring hours on the flight, it’s possible to stay comfortable and as fresh as a daisy, and here’s what you need for that: 

• Hand Sanitizer: You can bring sanitizer but check the regulations of the airline or airport you’re traveling through. Keep it accessible for quick cleaning of your hands every now and then. 

• Wet Wipes: Keep wet wipes to clean your face and hands or wipe off surfaces around your seat if something spills. Alcohol-free wipes can come in handy to freshen up while staying seated. 

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: A small toothbrush and toothpaste can be a convenient way to freshen up midway through the flight. This way, you can feel more awake and comfortable anytime during the flight and avoid feeling sluggish. 

• Lip Balm and Moisturizer: The dry air on a flight can make your skin and lips feel parched and flaky. To help prevent discomfort, you must keep a moisturizer and lip balm in your carry-on. 

• A Change of Clothing: You must bring a change of clothes, extra pairs of socks, and undergarments in case of accidental spills or discomfort during your flight. 

Organizing Travel-Related Essentials 

While comfort and personal care are important, essential travel requisites are indispensable and should be prioritized. So, organize the following in separate sections of your bag: 

• Passport and Travel Documents: As guided by the US Department of State, you must keep your important travel documents, like your visa, passport, boarding pass, tickets, and travel insurance policy, in an easy-to-reach compartment of the carry-on. This ensures you don’t have to keep looking around your luggage when any of these documents are needed. 

• Necessary Over-the-Counter Relief and Prescriptions: Carry essential prescription medicines along with doctor’s notes so you can easily get through customs. Also, keep pain relief options for issues like headaches or neck pain during longer flights. 

Additional Tips for a More Comfortable Journey 

Here are a few tips that can help make your journey more comfortable and keep you refreshed even after arrival: 

• Adjust your schedule for sleep a few days before your flight to reduce jet lag when you arrive. Shifting your bedtime can ease the transition and adjustment, especially if you’re flying past multiple time zones. 

• If possible, check in early and choose an aisle seat for more legroom access or a window seat to sleep against the cabin wall. 

• Minimize carry-on weight to keep the overhead bin from clutter. Keep essentials near you but try not to overstuff your space. 

• Consider easy-to-wear shoes and avoid wearing excessive metal items or bulky accessories. 

• If you can, take a walk around the terminal or do some light stretching before sitting for a long period. 

• Adjust your watch or phone to your destination’s time zone as soon as you board to help mentally prepare for the new time zone. Try to nap or stay awake according to the time at your destination. 

• Once you land, be sure to spend some time in sunlight to help reset your circadian rhythm. This can make you feel more alert and adjust to the new time zone.
   

FAQs About Long Flight Essentials 

1. What should I keep in mind when packing liquids for my long flight? 

Liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in 3.4 ounces or 100 ml containers in one “quart”-size transparent bag for every flyer onboard. Check the TSA regulations before packing your bags to ensure you don’t carry more than permissible limits. 

2. What should I do if I feel motion sickness on my long flight? 

Try switching your seat to somewhere near the wings for less noticeable movement. Sip water to stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals. If necessary, take anti-nausea medicine or use motion sickness bands. 

3. What in-flight entertainment options can I get on my long-distance journey? 

Most airlines provide in-flight options for entertainment, such as music, movies, and games for both adults and children. So, you can keep yourself entertained if such options are available.