What to pack for a long haul flight?
What is the longest flight you have ever been on? 4 hours? 6 hours? 10 hours? How about 16 hours?
Does 16 hours sound like torture? I don’t love long flights, BUT it usually means arriving to a really cool new country, where I can experience new culture, food, and sights.
You’re probably thinking that the destination sounds cool but how does one survive that flight?
I have two rules: sleep, and pack the correct items for survival.
So lets look at my essentials for a long haul flight.Yes, you have your suitcase, and yes, you have your personal item. But this small bag will hold all of your in flight essentials, so that you don’t have to go into your backpack or carry on during your flight.
Inside the small plane bag of essentials -
2 pairs of head phones - Two pairs? Yes, and I will tell you why. First, I always bring a pair of wired headphones for the seat back entertainment. Long haul flights will have a ton of movies to watch, but sometimes, the airline runs out of free headphones, or sometimes they aren’t free. Pack your own, and you’re good to go. Ear pods tend to have better noise cancelation and sound, so they are also important to have.
Medicine that keep you comfortable - Flying and plane food can cause you to be uncomfortable. Keeping a few meds like Tums, Pepcid, tylenol, immodium etc can be really helpful.
Your Phone charger/ Portable charger -Because if you play on your phone the whole flight, you will wake up with a low battery, and that is never good. Most planes have usb ports these days to charge, but I always bring my portable charger with me, just incase.
Compression socks -These are essential for long flights to stimulate circulation in your legs. I also recommend getting up and walking at least twice during the long flight. There are many styles, but I prefer lightweight ones that come in a pack.
Eye Mask-Like I said, sleeping is essential on a long flight. Your vacation will be miserable if you do not sleep on the plane.
Sleep aids -Sleep aids can be essential, to some, to help you relax and fall asleep, especially if you need to sleep earlier than your body is used to. This can be whatever your preference is: Melatonin, ZzzQuil, Benadryl, or Dramamine.
Passport and Pens - It is always a good idea to have your passport handy in your plane bag, as well as a few pens (blue or black ink). Why? Immigration forms! Often times, the flight attendants will pass out forms for you to fill out mid flight, and they have to be completed and turned in upon arrival. You will need to fill out your passport information and hotel information (have a picture of the name and address on your phone!). I always like to have 2-3 pens with me, because my seat mates will be ever so grateful.
Eye drops- The dry air will make it hard for you to open your eye. Eye drops are extremely helpful as well, especially after waking up.
Water bottle/Collapisble water bottle- During take off and landing, water is unavailable; and sometimes flight attendants are busy...bring your own water or beverage. Insulated bottles are great too to keep drinks cold/ warm like your favorite coffee or tea.
Tissues/Kleenex- Isn’t it the worst when you need on and don’t have it?!
Chapstick- Moisture and hydration
Book/Kindle/Audible - You can only watch what is on the plane for so long. Sometimes you need a break from the “blue light”. Relax with a book (or similar).
Of course, there are tons of other things that one can find essential on a long flight, but these are my favorites. What are yours?