If there is one thing you don’t want to experience on a long flight, it is that feeling that you forgot something important. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it when you are already up in the air, and your airline may not have what you need, even if you are in first class.
It is therefore important that you pack every essential thing you would need on a long flight, based on the recommendations of the world’s most frequent flyers.
10 Essentials to Pack for Long Flights
These ten travel must-haves will change your flying experience for good.
- Compression socks or tights
The most important things you need on a long flight are those that protect your health. Compression socks or tights will allow blood flow properly through your legs.
Without proper circulation, due to sitting for a long time (over four hours), there is a risk of blood clots forming in your legs. This is why flyers are advised to walk around, and some long-haul flights even have a bar. But despite wearing compression socks, you should still walk around every couple of hours anyway.
- Toiletry bag
When you come off a long flight, chances are you won’t be looking as put-together as you were before you boarded. You would have changed time zones, gone from day to night or vice versa, and your skin might be dry because of the high altitude.
For this reason, you need to bring your own travel size toiletries. Toiletry bags are great for traveling in general but are particularly handy for long flights to put your toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, mini deodorant, sanitary products, and medication into.
If you are flying business class or higher, your airline would probably give you one, but it may not contain all the things you need.
- Water bottle
Another travel must-have is a water bottle. Carry an empty water bottle with you through customs, then top it up afterward. It is often a long wait before you board and you will get thirsty and cranky.
It is also handy to carry some snacks with you but remember that fresh fruits need to be consumed before arrival.
- Noise-canceling headphones
We know everybody has headphones or earphones, so why the reminder? These aren’t just any headphones, these are noise-canceling headphones. The small name change makes a big difference.
Crying toddlers, loud announcements, over-zealous passengers and anything else that can drive you crazy can be eliminated with this one, simple adjustment. These headphones tend to be a bit pricey, but they are worth it if you are a frequent traveler.
- Writing material
You will always have to fill out a form and the airline probably won’t have enough pens. Slip one into your bag (now, so you don’t forget) and use it for other important tasks such as completing crossword puzzles or playing sudoku.
- Travel scarf
When you are on a long flight, chances are you will experience various temperature changes, whether on land or in the air. A travel scarf is a great accessory for both. When the plane gets cold and the blanket is not sufficient, use your scarf for extra warmth.
Travel scarves also have the added benefit of having a pouch compartment, where you can keep some valuables like money, cards and your passport. So, if you don’t feel like putting things in your bag or pockets, you can store them securely around your neck.
- Travel pillow
Travel pillows are a must have, which is why you probably own one already. However, there are people that are not fans of the conventional ones. Luckily, travel pillows have evolved over time to accommodate people with different preferences.
Now, you can get scarf-shaped pillows and infinity pillows, which would provide the typical support for your neck, but you can also put your arms in, just in case you don’t want your arms flailing while you sleep.
- High-altitude makeup
The air up there gets really dry, which is why regular makeup doesn’t work. High-altitude makeup works like magic in the air. But don’t worry, you can use all the products as normal when you reach your destination.
- A tablet computer
Long flights need a lot of entertainment. If you are not a fan of puzzles on paper, you can catch up on your favorite TV shows, read several eBooks or listen to music off your iPad or any other tablet you have.
Ensure you pick one with long battery life, or you might be needing to find an alternative source of entertainment sooner than you think.
- Power bank
Finally, do not leave home without your power bank. You may not always find a charging port and seeing as you probably would be spending a lot of free time on your phone or tablet, you definitely need to bring this along.
Get comfortable
With these travel must-haves, your next adventure in the skies will be more pleasing and rewarding than ever before. Check out our other flying tips to make the most of your trip.
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