Long-haul flights, those marathon journeys across oceans and continents, offer exciting adventures but also the challenge of spending many hours in the air. To ensure you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to explore, having the right essentials in your carry-on can make all the difference. In this blog post, we'll guide you through a carefully curated list of must-have items, from comfy travel pillows to high-tech gadgets, that are sure to elevate your long-haul flight experience. Say goodbye to travel fatigue and hello to jet-setting in comfort and style.
be prepared for chilly cabins
Lightweight Sweater
Flights are notoriously cold, particularly when traveling on long, international routes at higher altitudes than domestic flights. Most flights will provide blankets and a pillow for sleeping, but you'll want to bring a lightweight zip-up sweater or jacket to wear or drape over your legs. Zip-ups are better because they are easier to take on and off. Sometimes, I'll use it to rest my head on if I need the pillow for lower back support.
let your feet rest easy
Comfortable Socks
On most international flights, you can expect to see many people removing their shoes. I typically wear fuzzy socks since my feet get cold quickly, but as I've gotten older, I have noticed swelling around my feet and ankles for more than 7 hours. For those longer ones, I'll pack compression socks if I need to hit the ground running.
on-FLIGHt Entertainment
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Not only do noise-canceling headphones provide entertainment for your smart devices, they double as functional earplugs. Kids crying, snoring, chattering, someone playing loud music, or even the flight announcements can get annoying.
great
stocking stuffer
frequent flier must-have
iFly Bluetooth Transmitter
I do not typically watch movies or TV shows on flights, but on a 15+ hour flight, sometimes it is the only way to pass the time. I'm a huge Apple Airpods fan, but I always used to forget that I couldn't connect Bluetooth to the back of the headrest and would need to use the free headphone cables provided by the airlines. iFly is a must for any traveler — long-haul flight or not.
Sleep kit essentials
Ear Plugs
You need a pair of earplugs in what I can call your flight "sleep kit." Yes, you may have noise-canceling headphones, but listening for extended hours can cause headaches for some people. I rarely use these, but they were worth it in the few times I've needed to pull them out over the last five years. Foam ones work here, too.
Sleep kit essentials
Melatonin and Headache Relief
Again, though I rarely use them, always bring a sleep aid and pain relief in your sleep kit. Time zone changes, noises, and kids kicking your seat can throw off your sleeping schedule — and potentially affect the first few days of your trip.
Sleep kit essentials
Sleep Mask
I pack a simple eye mask in my sleep kit to ensure the cabin lights, reading lights, windows, and digital screens won't disturb me. Some airlines will provide these for business class passengers. We had a significant problem on a Paris to Miami flight with a woman who argued to close OUR window and turn off OUR reading light because we were working during business hours. She should have brought her mask!
stay hydrated
Refillable Water Bottle
A large water bottle is an absolute must! Given how dehydrated they can make your body and skin, I drink a TON of water on flights. The flight attendants will provide water with meals, usually tiny cups or mini plastic bottles. On long flights, like my flight from New York City to Singapore, they happily filled 64oz bottles for passengers who brought their own.
maintain your nightly routine
Toiletries
I usually travel with my toiletries and makeup bag in my carry-on, regardless of the flight duration, to avoid the risk of them getting misplaced, such as lost or delayed luggage. Toothpaste, toothbrush, contacts and solution, medicine, hair ties, makeup wipes, and face wash are all usually in mine. I try to maintain my nightly routine on red eyes — flying fresh-faced and prioritizing your skin's health.
Stay healthy
Disinfectant Wipes and Creams
Toss a few disinfectant wipe packets to wipe down your tray and screen from germs, especially during flu season. Bonus points if you pop in a hand sanitizer, too! I usually keep a small bottle of Everyday Oil in my bag when traveling during winter months.
combat dry skin
Travel Size Moisturizer
Technically, this would go in my toiletry kit, but it's worth its call out. My skin gets so dehydrated on long flights, paired with being used to hot, humid South Florida weather. I have this small bottle of Everyday Oil that is great for dry patches on my face, hands, and even static-induced hair flyaways during winter or at colder destinations.
more entertainment
Books and Magazines
I love my Kindle; it is the first thing I pull out of my carry-on for any flight. Be sure to download your reading material at the hotel or the airport for faster loading speeds. I'll usually throw in a travel magazine or two as well!
doubles as a phone stand for watching movies
External Battery Pack
One day, you will encounter a charging outlet under your seat that does not work. If you are traveling alone, keep one of these in your bag to avoid competing with your airline neighbor or walking out with a dead cell phone. Not all international airports will have outlets once you exit the plane and head to customs; more have you complete and submit the paperwork digitally via your smartphone.
durable carry on suitcase
Rimowa Cabin Suitcase
I swear by my Rimowa suitcases. I have had the large aluminum cabin one for years, and these are worth the investment since they will last for a decade (or longer), even with heavy travel. Go for the silver — it's less likely to show scratches and dents than its matte black counterparts.
With these long-haul flight essentials in tow, you can transform your travel experience from exhausting to exhilarating. By incorporating these carefully selected items into your carry-on, you'll be able to navigate those extended flights with ease and comfort, arriving at your destination ready to embark on your next adventure. Bid farewell to travel woes and embrace the excitement of long-haul travel, fully prepared and rejuvenated for the journey ahead.
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