Are you planning a long-haul flight and want to make your journey as comfortable as possible? Packing these items will help you feel spruce and raring to go when you reach your destination.
Khalifa Tower view © ZAAAZO
Any flight is an unpredictable experience. The cabin may be too hot or too chilly or the pressure may feel too high and give you a headache. Your plane may be delayed on the tarmac when taking off or stuck in a holding pattern when trying to land. While some airlines have plenty of in-flight entertainment and snacks, others offer very little.
It’s easy to improve your travel experience by being prepared with a few simple accessories. Use this list to make flying comfortable and to arrive in the best possible shape.
Documents And Travel Essentials For A Comfortable Long-Haul Flight
Comfortable travel starts with knowing what to expect at the airport and having all tickets, passports, and other documents to hand. It’s hard to predict how big queues will be, so leave plenty of time if you need to check in and drop off your hold luggage.
- Passport And Boarding Passes – Keep your passport, boarding pass, and any necessary travel documents in a secure, easily accessible pocket of your bag. If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you also have any necessary visas.
- Passport Cover – A decent cover will protect your passport from damage and is a practical way to safely group boarding cards and other transit documents.
- Travel Wallet – Alternatively, a sturdy travel wallet will also keep your cash, cards, and documents tucked away. The Lewis N. Clark RFID Security Wallet is the right size for passports and other necessities, but is still comfortable under clothing.
- Travel Insurance Details – Having your travel insurance policy information is important in case you need medical assistance or experience flight disruptions.
- Credit / Debit Cards And Cash – It’s always a good idea to carry your credit or debit cards and a small amount of cash for any purchases at airports, in-flight shopping, or emergency situations.
- Pen – You may need a pen to fill out arrival forms or other documents during your flight or upon arrival, so keep one handy.
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Luggage For A Comfortable Long-Haul Flight
Make sure your cabin bag is the right weight and size, otherwise there’ll be a problem when you board the plane.
Navigating airport security is much easier if you adhere to limits around liquids and electronic devices, and separate these from your cabin bag in advance. If you put any keys, watches, jewellery, belts, and other loose items into your jacket pocket, you can take this off as you reach the scanners and put it in the tray to be x-rayed. On a good day, you can be cleared and through in less than 10 minutes.
- Cabin Bag – There’s an enormous range of cabin bags, built to airline specifications, so this will largely be a matter of personal choice. Airports tend to have lots of stairs, so I usually go for something with carrying handles or shoulder straps. However, these can get tangled up in the overhead compartments and you may prefer a cabin bag with wheels. Whilst a boxy case with a hard shell fits snugly in the cabin space and seems to offer more protection, a softer carry-on bag will almost always have tons of handy pockets and compartments and can useful as a makeshift pillow.
- Clear Cosmetic Bags – All carry-on liquids need to be declared, so a clear cosmetic bag is mandatory at the airport. The advantage here is that you can pack small travel bottles snugly together, which is convenient both for airport security but also for easy access on the plane. Make sure you go for something both durable and waterproof, so that leaks aren’t going to spoil the rest of your luggage.
- Travel Organiser – Similarly, you can group small electronic items like powerbanks and handheld games consoles in a separate travel organiser, like the Amazon Basics Universal Travel Case. This will help protect them and make them easier to find and declare at the airport.
- Packing Cubes – If you’re only bringing cabin luggage with you, it’s a good idea to separate out anything you’ll need on the flight into a separate travel cube. That way you can easily find what you’re looking for and won’t have to keep rummaging through your case.
Comfort Accessories For A Long-Haul Flight
Long flights can do strange things to the human body, so it’s important to mitigate the effects of flying. Sitting upright in cramped and pressurised conditions, and eating meals, puts a strain on different areas. The stomach can feel bloated, legs and feet swollen, whilst the neck and shoulders can be tense. The following items will help you get target each of these and get as comfortable as possible.
- General Comfort – If you’re wearing tight clothes on a flight, you’ll soon know about it, especially after a meal. Instead of trying to look fabulous when you step off the plane, you’ll feel better if you go for a loose and leisurely outfit. Lounge pants will stop trousers and belts digging into your stomach. Travel slippers or slipper socks are much kinder to your feet than tightly laced-up shoes. You can change into these once you’re on the plane. Definitely invest in a comfortable, well-fitted bra, if you wear one. Packing an extra pair of socks will keep your feet warm, especially if you plan on sleeping or lounging.
- Snacks And Drinks – The availability of food and drink on a plane can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to carry a bottle of water and some emergency snacks, like nuts, granola bars, fruit, or protein bars. Buy these airside. It may cost a bit more but it will save any hassle with security. Staying hydrated is key, so drink plenty of water during the flight and cut back on the coffee and alcohol. Also beware that many countries forbid you to bring food and drink into the country, so you may need to ditch these on the plane once you’ve landed.
- Neck Pillow – A good travel pillow makes any long-distance journey more comfortable and can seriously make the difference if you’re trying to get some sleep. High-end pillows use memory foam to give your neck and shoulders more support, and cut down on neck strain. If possible, road test a few before you buy.
- You might also consider a travel pillow for lumbar support, especially if you find sitting for long periods uncomfortable. A small cushion for your lower back can help you sit more comfortably and prevent lower back pain.
- Eye Shades – For those of us in the cheap seats, the secret of a good sleep is to cut out all sensory input. An effective eye mask or shade will fit snugly without being too tight and it needs to block out all light. Try it out at home before you travel to get used to wearing it.
- Earplugs – Blocking out sound is the other piece of the puzzle. Comfortable earplugs can help you doze off in transit, no matter how noisy the engines or surrounding chatter. Cirrus Healthcare EarPlanes are designed specifically for air travel. Also see noise-cancelling headphones below.
- Blanket Or Shawl – Plane cabins get very chilly, particularly on overnight flights, so a warm blanket or travel wrap can be very cosy indeed. Some of these, like the 4-in-1 Travel Blanket, can be very elaborate and others can fold down to handheld size. You’ll want something soft and light that doesn’t take up too much room in your luggage, but with thermal properties like fleece. These also double as a pillow if needed.
- Compression Socks – The lack of physical activity on a long flight, combined with cabin pressure, can result in swollen feet and ankles, and even an increased risk of thrombosis. Compression socks help regulate your blood flow, reducing risk and increasing comfort. KKUP2U Compression Socks are designed of long-haul travel.
- Basic Change Of Clothes – All it takes is the seat in front of you to move back suddenly for a drink to end up all down your front. So carry a spare t-shirt with a backup pair of socks and underwear. You’ll also feel so much better if you nip into an airport loo when you land to clean up and change.
Toiletries And Personal Care For A Comfortable Long-Haul Flight
- Moisturiser – Long flights will leave you feeling dry, so keeping your skin fully hydrated will help counteract that sense of tiredness. You could even treat yourself and pick up a fancy brand like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream in an airport shop before you fly.
- Hand Cream – Constantly washing your hands or using hand sanitizer can dry out your skin, so keeping a good hand cream will prevent your hands from becoming dry and cracked.
- Lip Balm – Don’t forget to keep your lips moist with a small stick or tin of lip balm. Burt’s Bees is a good choice.
- Breath Freshener – Pack some mints or chewing gum to help keep your mouth fresh.
- Face Mask – COVID may now be just a strange memory but air travel remains one of the most likely places to pick up some lurgy just as you’re about to go on holiday. Wearing an SFP2 facemask on the flight can cut back on the risk. It’s also a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser when you travel.
- Tissues And Sanitising Hand Wipes – A pack of tissues is useful for dozens of little emergencies, whereas some sanitising hand wipes are great for a little energy boost and can even cool you down.
- Face Wipes – Similarly face wipes or facial mist are excellent if you want to freshen up or stay hydrated. They’re a quick, easy way to cleanse your face without needing to visit the bathroom.
- Eye Drops – The dry cabin air can make your eyes feel irritated. Eye drops can help keep your peepers moist and relieve discomfort.
Health And Wellness Items For A Comfortable Long-Haul Flight
Cabin conditions can have an adverse affect on how you feel. Prepare for this with a small pack of medication. Keep these in their original packaging and observe restrictions on quantities of liquid permitted.
- Prescribed Medication – If you use a prescribed sleep medication or any other kind of medicine, make sure you bring them in their original packaging with a copy of your prescription, especially if you’re travelling internationally.
- Pain Relief – Headaches caused by cabin conditions and travel tiredness can make a long flight miserable. Make sure you have a small supply of over-the-counter pain killers such as paracetamol. Ibuprofen Lysine is particularly good for relaxing muscle ache and tension.
- Hydration Aids – Cabin air can be dehydrating, so packing electrolyte tablets or hydration drinks in powder form can help maintain your electrolyte balance and keep you hydrated.
- Sleep Aids – Many people have trouble sleeping in transit, even with the aid of masks and ear plugs. Ask your local chemist to recommend an over-the-counter sleep aid like melatonin.
- Antihistamines – Popping an antihistamine can counteract the sneezes brought on by recirculated air on planes. Pop one or two at the start of a journey.
Entertainment Accessories For A Comfortable Long-Haul Flight
Not everyone can sleep through a flight. In fact, any long-distance travel is a great opportunity to binge on a TV series, finish a game, or listen to an audiobook as you relax and watch the world pass by below. Make sure you’ve plenty of entertainment on hand to pass the time.
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones – If you’d rather listen to music (or podcasts) in the air, then a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones are recommended for travelling. These will cut down on ambient noise without needing to boost the volume to dangerous levels. Sony’s MDRZX110NC Noise-Cancelling Headphones are reasonably priced but conveniently foldable for storage. Though more expensive, wireless noise-cancelling headphones are less vulnerable to travel damage than wired cans.
- Kindle Reader – Lightweight and easy on the eye, the Amazon Kindle is perfect for travel. You can load it up with a huge library of books, periodicals, and graphic novels, without worrying about the battery.
- iPad or Tablet – Don’t assume your plane will have an in-flight entertainment system. Though heavier and less durable, a tablet can offer practically unlimited entertainment. Depending on your device, you can download audiobooks, films, TV shows, games, music, and more. You could even take advantage of a free trail with Audible or Prime trial, just for the flight. Just be sure to download everything you want before you travel.
- Games Console – A handheld console could be all you need to while away a 10-hour flight.
- Power Bank – It’s unwise to assume you’ll always be close to a power supply and there’s no guarantee that the aircraft will have a USB slot for recharging devices. But you’ll always have enough battery juice if you carry a fully-charged power bank in your cabin bag.
- Power Adapter
– If the plane offers an in-seat power outlet, you might need an adapter that’s compatible. Check with the airline before you travel to see what they offer. Don’t forget your charging cables!
On Arrival
One of the best things to do once you’ve landed and are safely in the airport is to find a toilet to freshen up. You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to face the day.
- You can have a quick all-over wash with some body wipes and put on some deodorant.
- Then change your t-shirt, socks, and underwear.
- Clean your teeth with a travel brush and paste or a waterless toothbrush and sort your hair out with a travel brush.
