The Ultimate Must-Have Essentials for Long-Haul Flights
I have taken my fair share of long-haul flights (think 6 hours or more) and have accumulated more travel items than I would like to admit. I think that I have developed a pretty good system for things that I need in-fight to make me comfortable.
Whether you’re taking a 1-hour domestic flight or a 10+-hour transatlantic flight… check out my ultimate must -have essentials packing guide for a smooth trip!
WHAT TO CARRY
Depending on your trip, you may need a carry-on suitcase, or you may only need a large purse or hand luggage. Here are my recommendations for carry-on (personal) bags:
Tote Bag
I have searched for years for the perfect carry-on bag that can hold everything I need and still be stylish and practical. In the past, I have used a laptop backpack that was just bulky and ugly and I hated carrying it on my back as it would hurt and make me sweaty, YUCK! I’m still searching for the perfect travel backpack that’s stylish and practical so when I find one, I’ll let you all know.
If I am taking a quick domestic trip that I will not need to bring a lot of things, I like to use my Louis Vuitton NEVERFULL GM bag. This bag holds the essentials like my phone, laptop, chargers, hand cream, wet ones, lip balm and my keys and wallet.
On longer long-haul trips, I finally found the perfect carry-on tote and it’s the Lo & Sons’ Overnight & Gym Bag. This is such a stylish, lightweight yet super functional overnight travel bag that has a place for your laptop, separate shoe compartment, and plenty of pockets to hold your gadgets and other nick knacks. What I love most are the durable handles and optional crossbody strap. The bag also has a sleeve that makes the bag slip onto your luggage for easy carrying. I must also mention that Lo & Sons’ has exceptional customer service. I bought my bag in November of 2018 and on a recent trip in April 2019, one side of the strap broke. I reached out to customer care and was sent a new bag!
If you are carrying on a suitcase or tote onto the plane, your liquids need to be in a TSA approved clear container. I have never had issues in the states with the type of case I use but in France, I was asked to take them out and put it in a ziplock that they provided me with. To avoid that, you can get a cute clear TSA approved liquids bag from TJ Maxx, or Home Goods. You can also find cute ones on Amazon like this one.
WHAT TO WEAR
Airports and airplanes in general are just germ ridden places. I never wear my fashionable stuff to the airport or on the plane. I save that to change into when I land and have had a chance to freshen up. You can still be stylish and be comfortable without looking like no one loves you. Wear something comfy and practical especially if you don’t have TSA Pre-Check and have to take your shoes off.
Shoes
I like to wear slip on shoes or sneakers to the airport. It’s usually my more bulky item so instead of putting it in my luggage, I wear them instead. I have to say that my new favorite travel shoes are the Allbirds’ Wool Runners. They are soooo comfy, and are easy to slip on and off. They come in a bunch of neutral colors that you can rock with anything and also functions as gym sneakers. And the price isn’t bad either!
I also like to bring a pair of hotel slippers to walk around the plane in. I will use these along with my compression socks so that I am not going into the restroom with just socks on or bare feet (cause that’s disgusting).
These are a must for long-haul flights where you’re sitting down for long periods of time. Travel-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition dubbed “economy-class syndrome” which causes blood clots following long-haul air travel in cramped conditions. No matter what cabin class you’re traveling in, you should have a pair to help with blood circulation, your limbs will thank you.
Loose Fitting Clothing
Depending on the weather, I like to wear loose fitting jeans or jeggins (jeans that feel like leggings) on the flight. I hate anything too close fitting that will dig into my skin while sitting for long periods of time. I also pack a light sweater as planes tend to get cold and I like to be warm and cozy. On long-haul flights, regardless of the cabin class, I like to bring a change of clothes to sleep in so that the clothes I wore on the plane can be kept fresh for when I land. Some Business Class airline products give out pajamas like Qatar Airways, but not all.
SLEEP
Sleeping on a plane when not in Business or First Class requires some ingenuity to ensure a comfortable flight. Most airlines these days no longer give free pillows, you have to buy them. Here’s what you should take to ensure a good rest on-board.
Most airlines no longer give travel pillows in economy. Some will have them for sale and others only provide them for Business and First class passengers. I always carry my travel pillow with me to ensure a comfortable flight. I like this one that you can pick up from Amazon.
I use an eye mask to block out cabin lighting and your neighbors reading light or light from electronics. It also signals Do Not Disturb. You can grab a cute one like this one from Amazon.
Ear Plugs
Because that kid sitting behind you might cry all night, use a pair ear plus to drown out all that noise and have a good rest on-board.
Most airlines do not provide it for economy passengers (savages), you can often purchase them on-board if not provided, but I don’t trust those things to be very clean even if sealed. I like this travel blanket to snuggle in and get cozy in.
KEEP HYDRATED
Airplanes are moisture suckers with the recycled dry air. On long-haul flights especially, your skin will feel really dry. Here are some essentials to keep you hydrated on your next flight!
I like to carry a water bottle with me to refill at the airport. You can ask the flight attendant to fill your bottle instead of giving you a single serve plastic cup (because we should all try to do our part to save the planet). Amazon has some really great bottles that are compact to fit in your bag to take around with you.
Facial Moisturizer
Show your face some in-flight love. Regular lotion can also be drying to your face and not give you as much hydration. I like to use Fresh Deep Hydration Moisturizer for my face. If you have sensitive skin like I do, this is a great option.
Hand Lotion
I always have a small travel sized hand lotion in my carry-on for those dry moments like after I wash my hands. No cracked dry hands over here.
Check out more of my personal favorite travel essentials below. All photos link to the products on Amazon where you can purchase directly!
I hope you have enjoyed these tips. Watch my YouTube video below for a more in-depth look at all my in-flight essentials. I promise you’ll enjoy having them on your next flight!
Long-Haul Flight Essentials 2019 | What's in My Carry-on Bag