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Long-haul flights can be really enjoyable – especially when you’re wrapped up in your airline blanket, halfway through a movie marathon, belly full from an in-flight meal, and you’ve just woken up from a surprisingly decent nap.
I’m no stranger to long-haul flights: my longest one was a whopping 15 hours from Seoul to London. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that surviving (and actually enjoying) a long-haul flight comes down to two things: staying hydrated and being comfortable.
Of course, not every flight is smooth sailing. There can be external factors that can make or break a flight from having a nasty cold to the person behind you persistently kicking your seat (and testing your patience!). And it can even come down to the airline you choose – some are definitely better than others. Which raises the question: Are budget airlines really worth it?
All that to say, long-haul flights can be great; I, for one, genuinely love long-haul flights! The secret is being prepared. You can’t control everything, but you can make your journey a whole lot better with the right essentials. And if you’re looking to travel more sustainably, don’t miss my list of top eco-friendly travel essentials!
So, as a seasoned long-haul traveller, here are 25 must-have items I always pack in my carry-on – and you should too!
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25 Must-Have Long Flight Essentials
Chewing Gum
If you struggle with pressure changes or motion sickness when flying – especially during take-off – then chewing gum is an absolute lifesaver. It helps open up your Eustachian tubes (fancy term for those pressure-balancing bits in your ears), making the whole experience way more comfortable.
Now, not all chewing gum is created equal. Thrillist tested the longest-lasting ones and the winners were Dentyne Ice (5 minutes 35 seconds), 5 Gum, and Eclipse (both lasting over 6 minutes). Way better than Extra or Juicy Fruit, which would probably give up before you even hit the runway!
Clean Underwear (And Spare Bag For Dirty Underwear)
Depending on how long your long-haul flight is, packing a spare pair of underwear is a solid move. Let’s be honest, being stuck in the air for hours, binge-watching movies, and not moving much can leave you feeling a bit manky. A quick change of underwear (and even your outfit) can help you feel way cleaner.
Plus, you never know how long you might be hanging around in the next airport waiting for a connection or transport to your accommodation. So, if you’ve changed especially towards the end of the flight, at least you’ll land feeling a bit fresher!
Comfortable Clothes
On a long-haul flight, your schedule is basically made up of relaxing, watching movie after movie, eating, and squeezing in some sleep. The last thing you want is to be stuck in something uncomfortable while trying to do all that.
Luckily, these days you can find some seriously comfy loungewear that doesn’t sacrifice style. By opting for cosy clothes, you'll be much more comfortable on your flight. Plus, you’ll have the perfect outfit for any other long travel days during your trip!
Compression Socks
If you’ve ever struggled with circulation issues on a long-haul flight, then make sure you pack some compression socks into your carry-on. They gently apply pressure to your ankles, which helps reduce the risk of blood clots, swelling, and leg pain.
Another tip for surviving those long flights is to get up every couple of hours. Walk around, stretch your legs, and get the blood flowing. It’ll make a huge difference and help you feel less stiff by the time you land!
Deodorant
Maintaining basic hygiene on a flight is oh-so-important! I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of sitting next to someone who doesn’t smell the best, and on a flight, you definitely don’t want to be that guy!
Especially on long-haul flights where you’re up in the air for hours on end, you’re bound to feel less than fresh. So, it’s always a good idea to have some deodorant tucked away in your carry-on, just in case!
Ear Plugs
Planes can be ridiculously loud – with over 250 people chatting, moving about, and generally making a racket. Unfortunately, there’s no volume control, so the best thing you can do is come prepared.
That’s where earplugs come in; silicone earplugs are the BEST. They mould perfectly to your ears to block out all that unwanted noise. I tried them a couple of years ago, and now I never travel without them – especially when I need some shut-eye on public transport!
Electrolytes
When flying, the air inside the plane is extremely dry. With such low humidity at high altitudes, your body loses moisture faster than normal.
As with many of the essentials on this list, it's about taking preventative measures to maintain hydration in your skin and body. By popping one of these electrolytes into your water bottle, you'll help your body retain water and regulate fluid balance. So you can land feeling a little less parched!
Eye Drops
As mentioned Hydration is key on a long-haul flight, but don’t forget about your eyes! If you wear contact lenses, packing some eye drops becomes even more important.
I learned this the hard way: once on a long flight, I wore my contacts and then had a nightmare trying to get them out because they’d pretty much welded themselves to my eyes. Trust me, not an experience I recommend!
Eye Mask
If you’re hoping to catch some quality sleep while travelling, a good eye mask is an absolute game-changer. Planes are full of distractions – blinding aisle lights, restless passengers, and the glow of someone else's in-flight movie.
That’s why investing in a blackout eye mask is a must. One that blocks out every bit of light so you can snooze whenever and wherever you need to.
Face Wash
On a long-haul flight, it’s easy to feel pretty groggy, especially after waking up from one of those disorientating naps where you’re not quite sure where you are and what time it is.
Heading to the bathroom to wash your face can work wonders to help you feel a bit more refreshed and awake. Plus, this face wash will help to combat the drying effects of flying.
Hairbrush
This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but trust me, a hairbrush is a must-have for feeling a bit more put together during a long flight. Whether it’s detangling those pesky knots or just taming the frizz that comes with hours in the air, a quick brush can make all the difference.
I swear by my Tangle Teezer hairbrush – it’s hands down my favourite. Whether I’m doing a quick touch-up mid-flight or styling my hair on a daily basis at home, it leaves my hair feeling smooth and untangled.
Hair Scrunchies
Anyone with long hair will probably be able to relate but it can be so annoying when your hair keeps falling in your face. On a long-haul flight, the last thing you want is to be constantly brushing it away. You just want it out of your face so you can get comfy and enjoy the flight!
That’s where satin scrunchies come in. Not only do they keep your hair in place, but they’re also way gentler on your strands, helping to reduce breakage – which is especially important in the dry air of the plane.
Hand Cream
Your hands are just as exposed to that drying air on a plane as your face, so they definitely deserve a bit of attention too. We often forget about them when we’re focusing on our skincare routine, but after hours in the air, your hands can feel just as dehydrated and rough as your face.
To keep them from looking like sandpaper by the time you land, pack some rich, moisturising hand cream. It’ll keep your hands feeling soft and nourished throughout the flight!
Hand Sanitiser
Let’s face it – with the cramped spaces and constant flow of passengers (especially on those back-to-back flights), planes can be a bit of a breeding ground for germs and bugs.
The last thing you want is to land and feel ill before your holiday even begins! So, pack some hand sanitiser to keep things disinfected, and if you want to take it one step further, throw in a COVID mask for extra peace of mind.
Hydrating Skincare Travel Kit (And Cotton Pads)
Having a little skincare routine on a flight is such a nice treat for yourself! It’s a fab way to refresh and keep your skin from feeling completely zapped by the dry cabin air.
This e.l.f. hydration kit contains everything you could possibly need including a cleanser, hydrating balm, moisturiser, eye cream, and night cream. Plus, all the bottles are travel-size approved, so no stress at security! The only thing you’ll need to remember is some cotton pads to apply and remove the products. Refreshing, and perfect for that in-flight glow-up!
Kindle (or a Book/Magazine)
Sometimes, you just don't want to spend your whole flight glued to the screen, watching TV or movies – otherwise, you’ll step off the plane looking a bit like a zombie (hello, eye bags)! That’s where a Kindle comes in handy – it gives you a change of pace and offers a nice alternative. Whether you prefer a Kindle or a physical book, that's down to personal preference. But let’s face it – books and magazines take up a lot of space, especially when you're travelling.
The better option is a Kindle. Load it up with all your favourite reads, and you’ve got a whole library in one slim device. It’s the ultimate space-saving hack for book lovers. Even if you only use it for trips, you can always go back to your paperbacks when you're home.
Lip Balm
Let’s not forget about your lips when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated during a long-haul flight! A good lip balm, like this lip repair one, is a must for making sure your lips stay soft and smooth, even in the extremely drying atmosphere.
It’s all about giving your whole face the hydration treatment it deserves. After all, no one wants to land with cracked lips!
Noise Cancelling Headphones
As I mentioned earlier, flights can get pretty noisy – from babies crying to your neighbour’s never-ending chat, or even the flight attendants buzzing up and down the aisle. That’s where a pair of noise-cancelling headphones really come in handy! Trust me, bringing them (or leaving them at home) can make all the difference between a smooth flight and a difficult one.
I swear by the Soundcore by Anker headphones. Not only are they great for blasting your own music from your phone, but you can also use the AUX cord to plug them directly into the seat screen. Suddenly, you’ll have a way better pair of headphones for watching movies and TV shows than the tiny, uncomfortable ones the airline provides you.
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones
Prescription Medication and Any Pain Relief
I've heard so many horror stories about people accidentally packing important medication – like EpiPens or other prescriptions – in their checked luggage, only to realise they need it mid-flight! Don’t make that mistake. Always pack any essential medication in your carry-on and keep it easily accessible, just in case.
Oh, and don’t forget the basics like paracetamol or ibuprofen – you never know when a headache might occur!
Pens
Long-haul flights often involve extra paperwork, especially when landing in a country where you're not a citizen. When visiting Asia, the Americas, and parts of Africa, you'll usually need to fill out an arrivals card with your personal information for immigration.
On the first long-haul flight I took, I never knew anything about this, so I didn't have any pens packed. Cue me awkwardly asking fellow passengers for one (thankfully, most people are happy to lend a pen). To avoid the stress, just chuck a pen in your carry-on – it’ll save you a lot of hassle!
Power Bank (And Charging Cables)
Depending on how long your journey is, your phone (or any other gadgets) might not last the trip – especially if you’re using them for work, reading, or entertainment. That’s why packing this Anker power bank in your carry-on is an absolute must.
And let’s be real – the last thing you want when landing in a new country is a dead phone while trying to work out how to get to your accommodation or just for general safety. To be even more prepared, sort out your eSIM in advance with a Yesim international electronic SIM. That way, as soon as you land, you can text, call, and use data as usual – without getting hit with ridiculous roaming charges!
Reusable Water Bottle
Okay, so you can’t take water through security – but here’s the hack: you can bring an empty water bottle. Then once you're past security, most airports have water fountains where you can fill it up. If you're worried about space in your carry-on, you could go for a collapsible water bottle instead.
Trust me, from my long-haul experiences, they don’t hand out nearly enough water on flights. When you do ask for a drink of water, it usually comes in a tiny plastic or paper cup about one gulp full – leaving you dehydrated for the rest of the journey. And if you end up drinking alcohol or caffeine, it only makes things worse.
By bringing your own bottle, you can stay hydrated throughout the flight without having to keep asking the flight attendants for more water! Plus, if you're heading to a destination where the tap water isn’t safe to drink, you could invest in a water bottle with a filter instead – so it's useful throughout your trip and it means you’re not just lugging a bottle around.
Slip-On Shoes
When it comes to long-haul flights, comfort is everything – and your feet deserve some serious TLC. These slip-on trainers have memory foam soles which makes them ridiculously comfortable, not only for walking about the airport but also for lounging on the flight.
The best part is these shoes are easy to slip off without a hassle so you can get even comfier on the plane. And when it’s time to land, putting them back on is a breeze too as you won't need to fiddle with any laces!
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Bad breath – no one wants that, not in daily life especially not on a flight. You definitely don't want to be that person while you're stuck in a confined space. A little dental care goes a long way, especially when you're miles above the ground.
This dental care set has everything you need – a toothbrush, toothpaste, and even two flossers, so you can keep your mind at ease knowing your teeth are fresh all flight long.
Travel Pillow
A good travel pillow is an absolute must when you're jetting off on a long-haul flight or taking any public transport – especially if you're travelling economy.
Getting some decent shut-eye while travelling is essential! There’s nothing worse than waking up with a stiff neck because your head did that awkward nod-and-drop move mid-snooze. Save yourself the discomfort and pack a comfy travel pillow – especially the Trtl travel pillow, which gives your neck the support it needs. You’ll thank yourself later!
FREE Long Flight Essentials Checklist
Want to make packing for your long-haul flight super easy? I’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find a totally free downloadable PDF of my Long Flight Essentials Checklist.
Print it off, tick things off as you pack, and avoid that last-minute “Did I forget something?” panic. Oh, and to make things even easier, I’ve added a little preview so you can see exactly what you’re getting before you hit download. Enjoy! ✈️
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This post is all about Long Flight Essentials. Thanks so much for reading, it means the world!
Kirsty x
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