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This post shares long distance flight essentials to pack in your carry-on for a more enjoyable flight.
Spending several hours on a long flight can be daunting, no matter how often you fly.
Staying comfortable and entertained is necessary and what better way to do this?
By making sure that you have these essentials at your fingertips. They will definitely make the time fly by!
12 Long Flight Essentials You Must Have in Your Carry-On
1. Noise Canceling Headphones to Travel in Peace and Quiet
If you want to block out the ambient noise and chatter around you, noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds are what you need.
Create your little quiet sanctuary for your long-haul flight.
Tip: Choose headphones with a long battery life and pack a backup pair just in case.
2. Ear Plugs Will Help Block Out All the Noise
Ear plugs are probably the most underrated essentials for staying comfortable on a plane.
Although they may not completely cancel out noise, Loop Quiet Ear Plugs come close. They are my go-to for any noisy situation
High-quality earplugs are a great alternative if/when you need to charge your headphones. The best part? They don’t require batteries. So, you can remain in your little sanctuary no matter what.
3. Choosing Your Seat Is a Must For A Comfortable Long Flight
Your seat can make or break your comfort during your long flight. Choosing your flight as soon as you can is a must. The extra cost is worth it.
When it comes down to it there are only two seats you want the aisle or the window.
I love the aisle.
You can come and go as you please, stretch your legs out often and never need to worry about climbing over strangers you’re sitting next to.
The window seat will give you the ultimate place to rest your head and nap. You get to look out and see everything down below!
You never know how full your flight will be and relying on getting your desired seat at that point is a total gamble.
4. Collapsible Water Bottle: Easy to Pack and Refillable
Staying hydrated during any flight is very important and a collapsible water bottle will be the easiest to travel with.
They pack small, so they don’t take up a lot of room in your carry-on. Then fill it up after going through security and throughout the flight.
So keep yourself refreshed and hydrated during your whole flight.
5. Wear Comfortable Clothes to Move Around In
Comfort is key when taking a long flight. Choose clothes you can layer and are more loose-fitting.
These options allow for better movement, are less restrictive, and can help when there’s a temperature change in the cabin.
These are the essentials for a cozy airplane journey:
- A warm sweater – can be folded up as a pillow.
- A lightweight shawl – that will easily convert into a blanket.
- Loose-fitting pants – easier to move around in and not as restrictive as jeans.
Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Great for going through security checks.
6. BYOE: Bring Your Own Entertainment
Most long-haul flights do have in-flight entertainment, but it’s always nice to have your personalized selection.
Pack an iPad or Kindle and download different books, movies and shows! You never know what kind of mood you’ll be in once you take off. Plus, Kindles last forever!
If you’re travelling with another person, bring a Bluetooth headphone adapter. Just plug it into the headphone jack on your tablet.
The adapter allows for two sets of wireless headphones to link to one device so you can watch your shows together.
You can also take advantage of the in-flight entertainment with this adapter too!
It guarantees that you’ll never run out of entertainment until you get to your destination.
7. Pack Snacks for More Variety
the long flights that you know you love.
Most long-haul flights do provide a meal, but you can never know if it will be something that you actually want to eat.
Having a stash of your favourite snacks is a game changer.
Think protein bars, dried fruit, chips, or even a bagel and cream cheese.
All are great and can provide a quick energy boost when you need it most.
8. Mini Toiletry Kit to Freshen Up
Stay fresh by having a small pouch of travel toiletries that you can easily reach throughout the long flight.
You don’t need many, but there are a few toiletries that I consider to be essentials, for any length of flight.
- Cleanser – Dissolvable face cleanser sheets are easy to pack and
- Face Lotion – Find one that is hydrating
- Lip chap or Vaseline – Again help battle chapped lips from that dry cabin air
- Toothbrush & toothpaste – fresh breath
- Hand Sanitizer – battle the germs that can be on a plane
- Deodorant – smells fresh, which will help you feel fresh
All these work wonders to combat the dry cabin air. Keeping your skin hydrated during long-haul flights is important.
These in-flight essentials will have you feeling rejuvenated after hours of travel.
9. Portable Power Bank: Stay Fully Charged the Whole Flight
Always pack a portable power bank, an essential for any kind of travel, but especially when you’re on that long flight.
Most airlines also have outlets for your seat, but they don’t always work.
With a power bank, you can keep all your devices fully charged while on the flight. I personally like ones that have more than one port so you can charge multiple devices or share.
Don’t let a low battery ruin your flight! Always remember to charge your devices the night before.
10. A Travel Pillow for Added Comfort While You Nap
Being able to sleep on a plane is a gift and a talent.
Bringing a travel pillow allows for a much more comfortable flight. Especially if you are a frequent flyer.
When choosing the best neck pillow for long flights look for a memory foam pillow for ultimate comfort.
11. Eye Mask to Block Out Any Light
Bring a black-out eye mask, with a contoured design, for ultimate comfort. It avoids pressure on your eyes to help you sleep better.
Add your noise-cancelling headphones with your pillow and eye mask and you have the ultimate trio for a personal sleep sanctuary in your seat.
12. Pens! You Never Know When You’ll Need One
Maybe the most ordinary object but one everyone seems to forget. Always pack pens!
Sometimes you to fill out declaration and immigration forms before landing. Yes, the airline will usually provide pens but better to be safe than sorry.
Plus, it’s always good to have one during your vacation too.
To sum it up,
a long-haul flight is more than just getting from A to B. The name of the game for a long-haul flight is to stay comfy and stay comfortable.
By bringing these long flight essentials, you’ve just created the perfect flight essential kit.
You’ll be landing with a smile and a bounce in your step, refreshed, and ready for your next adventure!
