Planning a trip and are dreading the long flight? These 17 flight essentials are sure to make your time in the sky a bit more tolerable.
Flying is not fun. There I said it. Even after the hundred of flights we’ve taken we aways dread it. So overs the years I have managed to put together the perfect flight essentials kit. You will always find these items in my carry on.
This guide we will cover all the top travel essentials you need for a long haul flight. From travel pillows to ear plugs to cozy socks and more.
After reading this post you will know exactly which products to bring for your upcoming flight.
This post is all about the 17 long flight essentials that every traveler needs in their carry on.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please readfull disclosurefor more information.
Flight Essentials
These are some of the best long flight comfort items that are an absolute essential for every traveler.
1. Travel Pillow
Over the years I’ve purchased several different travel pillows but never actually found the one that I couldn’t seem to leave home without, until I found this one! This travel pillow actually does what a typical travel pillow can not and that is comfortably supporting your head and neck so you don’t wake up with neck strain. It’s the only travel pillow I recommend.
2. Travel Blanket
I’m noticing over the years that less and less airlines are supplying blankets to its customers. When it comes to long flights a blanket is a much needed comfort item. So I recently started carrying my own because nothing is worse than trying to take a nap without a cozy blanket. This one fits perfect in my carry on bag.
3. Travel Foot Rest
Very few airplanes come with foot rests. It’s a luxury that you never thought you needed until you’ve tried it and realize how much more comfortable the flight is with it. Thankfully they sell travel foot rests that are compact and fit easily into your carry on.
4. Sleep Mask
Not all flights are red eyes and not everyone will pull their screens down, so and an eye mask is a must have for long haul flights. You will be very thankful you can blackout your surroundings when you need it.
5. EarPlugs
Nothing is worst than a super loud flight. Especially when you are trying to read your kindle, get some work done or trying to take a snooze. That is why I always carry a couple earplugs for any flight we take, it’s a small investment but one of the most important items to bring on a flight.
6. Cozy Socks
One of my favorite airplane comfort hacks is wearing cozy socks. Airplanes tend to run cold and cold feet suck. These socks will keep your feet warm and are so comfortable that for a minute you’ll forget you’re on a plane. Common cozy socks are the best!
7. Hand Sanitizer
For obvious reasons I always carry a couple hand sanitizers. These ones are awesome because they’re refillable and are the perfect size to get through TSA.
8. Disinfecting Wipes
Even before COVID it was my ritual to always disinfect my seat, the hand rest and the much needed tray table. I mean there is no possible way that airport staff or flight attendants clean those parts after every flight. These wipes smell good, come in travel packs and can be used for so many other surfaces on your trip.
9. Toothbrush & Toothpaste
For long haul flights a toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry on is an absolute MUST. Instead of packing regular toothpaste pack toothpaste tablets they are much more travel friendly and you won’t have to worry about your TSA liquids limits.
related post:A Complete Travel Essentials Guide
10. Skin Care + Hand Lotion
Nothing dries your skin out quite like hours and hours of recycled air. Keeping up with your skincare routine will not only help hydrate your skin but will make you feel so refreshed. Hand lotion is also a plus, your skin will thank you for it.
11. Lip Balm
Never board a flight without lip balm. Again, your skin tends to get so dry in the sky and your lips are no exception. Aquaphor is one of my favorite hydrating lip moisturizer and never travel without it. Highly recommend this brand.
12. Noise Cancelling Headphones
I can’t believe I went flights and flights without headphones. Mathew always told me to buy some but never I thought I needed them. Ultimately I caved and have never looked back, I couldn’t imagine going on a flight without my headphones now. I recommend investing in a good pair of noise cancelling headphones. I especially love the Sony headphones because they are comfortable, easy to use and comes with an airplane adapter that connects to any tv monitor on board.
13. Kindle
Kindles are very popular for good reason. Mathew loves his Kindle and has never been on a flight without it. It can store over 2,000 ebooks. Thus you have plenty of entertainment to occupy yourself for many many flights. You can purchase ebooks on amazon or through the Kindle Store.
14. Laptop
I never travel without my laptop. I edit photos, videos and now will be working on the blog. Also, not all flights have free entertainment, for this reason I suggest uploading movies or tv shows to keep you occupied throughout your flight. Wifi is also available on a number of airlines if you need to catch up with work or emails.
15. External Battery Charger
Although USB ports are available in a number of airplanes not all airplanes have them. I have also learned that a lot of the time they don’t actually work, especially older planes. Don’t make the same mistake I did and run out of battery with 3 hours left in your flight. Not fun.
16. Water Bottle
Flight attendants are more than happy to fill your water bottles. It’s especially important to stay hydrated on long haul flights and asking for water in those tiny cups becomes annoying after about the third time and of course it’s super wasteful.
17. Snacks
First of all never go on a flight without snacks. Airplane food is a little hard to eat and if you’re not vibing what they are passing out, snacks will save your life. Even if you are enjoying the plane food, having some comfort foods will make your flight even smoother. These are some of my go to snacks.
- Gummies
- Jerky
- Dried Fruit
- Crunchy Chickpeas
- Protein Bar
- Chips
- Chocolate
Bonus Flight Essentials
Here are some additional products you might want to add to your carry on.
1. Phone Holder
Nothing is worse than walking into a flight you know you”l be on for hours just to find out there are no monitors, meaning no entertainment. This phone holder will be a life saver in those situations because you’ll be able to enjoy some screen time without having to hold onto you phone. The flex phone holder is compatible with a phone or tablet. These are great too because you can use them not only on your flight but at the airport too.
2. Seat Cushion
Okay this is something I just recently purchased after our last trip because I was having a lot of tailbone pain and was very uncomfortable on our flights. This seat cushion works great for long sitting hours and adds instant comfort to any chair. Definitely tushy approved.
3. Toilet Seat Covers
Nothing is worst than finding yourself in a restroom with no toilet seat cover. When I found these flushable toilet seat covers on Amazon they were an instant buy. Use them on a flight or for any sketchy restroom that your tushy needs protection from.
4. Poo-Pourri
Although we all try using the restroom before any flight, when it comes to long flights that could be a bit of a challenge . Nobody wants to do it but when nature calls you have no other choice. Carrying Poo-Pourri will help keep the smell down and your fellow travelers will thank you for it.
5. Hydrating Face Mist
Like I mentioned earlier, skin tends to get extremely dry during a flight. That’s why I love carrying a facial mist in my bag. This is a nice quick fix to keep your face fresh and hydrated. Honest is one of my favorites and comes in the perfect size for TSA liquid regulations.
Well that about covers it, those are the 17 long flight essentials that every traveler needs in their carry on. Happy Traveling!
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE:
- A Complete Travel Essentials Guide
TRAVEL RESOURCES
Here you can find all the travel site links that we personally use and recommend.
ACCOMMODATION:We find the best deals withBOOKING.COM. The more you book the better the perks like free breakfast with your stay, room upgrades and even higher discounted room rates.
CAR RENTALS:We have always usedRentalCars.comand find them to have the best deals, customer service and selection of locations.
FLIGHTS:Our go too for booking flights has always beenSKYSCANNER.We always find the best prices on this site.
TOURS/EXCURSIONS:GET YOUR GUIDEandVIATORare two very reputable sites with easy and hassle free bookings.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:It’s so important to travel with insurance and for this we useWorld NomadsorSafety Wing.
PIN FOR LATER
