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Long flights can be a horrible experience if you’re unprepared. I’ll tell you what to bring on a long flight, to help you have a wonderful trip. What are your favorite travel tips and hacks, what do you bring on long flights? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’ve ever been on an airplane, you know long flights are often cold, dry, long, and boring. You need things to keep yourself warm and comfortable. You’re going to need something to eat and drink, and definitely, something to do.
The first thing you’re going to want to bring is a bag to put everything in. This can be something like a small backpack, or personal item that’s small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. The key is to pack this bag with everything you need, BEFORE you get on the plane, so everything is easy to access.
Comfort
Sweater or Jacket
You’re probably going to want to sleep during your long flight, and it’s probably going to be cold on the airplane. So the first item you should bring is something warm, like a sweater, or light jacket. You can wear this if it’s cold, and if they do give you a blanket, .ou can always use your sweater as a pillow.
Comfortable Shoes and Socks
The next thing you will want is, a comfortable pair of shoes. You’re going to be squished in a small seat for hours, so you want your feet to be comfortable. And also bring a nice pair of warm comfy socks, so you can take your shoes off. And definitely if you’re wearing sandals.
Eye Mask and Earplugs
The next item is an eye mask. A lot of times they give you one of these on long flights, but I wouldn’t’ count on it. They’re cheap and light enough, it’s worth just getting your own. Earplugs, are a lot like the eye mask. They’re cheap, and totally worth bringing if you want to get some sleep.
Neck Pillow
The last comfort item to bring is a neck pillow. There are definitely pros and cons on bringing on of these. The upside is that they’re comfortable. The downside is they take up a ton of space. And now you have to carry a pillow around for the rest of your trip.
Something to Eat and Drink
The next thing you are going to need, is something to eat and drink. Long flights, generally provide meals, but it’s good to bring some snacks so you don’t need to pay for the $14 in-flight cheese sampler. I find whole food Lara Bars are great for long flights. They fill you up, without processed ingredients.
You’re also going to want to bring a giant water bottle. You could buy a bottle in the airport, or bring a refillable water bottle. You can use these over and over, and it folds down small when not using it.
Something to Do
You’re going to need something to do on your long flight. I would recommend using a travel organizer, or small mesh bag to store electronics and other small items. You’re going to want to keep your passport with you at all times. And you need a pen to fill out immigration and customs forms, which they usually give you on the airplane before you land.
Headphones
Next you’re going to want to bring headphones. I usually bring a set of earbuds, because they’re small. But if you have space, a set of noise cancelling headphones can be really nice.
Chargers
Also bring your chargers with you. Most airplanes will have a USB charger in the seat. But you should also bring an external battery pack, in case the charger ports in your seat don’t work.
Tablet or eReader
Next, bring a Book or an eReader. Tablets are totally worth the weight, you can fit hundreds of books, music, movies, on these things. And make sure you download everything in advance BEFORE you get on the plane. You can’t assume flight has wifi, or that it will be free.
Miscellaneous
Wet Wipes
Be sure to bring hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes (travel sized). Airplanes aren’t cleaned nearly as often as you think they should be. So bring something to clean the seat and tray table. The advantage of wipes is you don’t need to put them in your liquids container.
Tissues and Lip Balm
Bring some tissues, in case you get a runny nose, and lip balm. If you can, I like to get ones with a twist off top, so it doesn’t melt or leak in your travel backpack, especially if you’re going somewhere hot.
Medications
Next, bring a mini first-aid kit. I love these little pill bottles, you can get them in the sample section at Target. It’s nice to have some medications with you in case you get a headache, upset stomach, or have allergies. Any plan ahead, be sure to bring any prescriptions, vitamins etc., you will need to take during duration of the flight.
Gum!
And lastly, bring some gum to help pop your ears when taking off and landing.
Comfort:
- Jacket – (Adv3nture Travel Fleece)
- Comfortable shoes – (Lems Nine2Five)
- Warm socks (Darn Tough)
- Eye mask (40 Blinks)
- Ear plugs (Mack’s)
- Neck pillow
Something to Eat:
Something to Do:
- Organizer (Bond Gear Pouch)
- Mesh Pouch (Eagle Creek 1/4 Cube)
- Passport
- Notebook
- Pen
- Headphones
- Chargers
- External battery pack
- Tablet or eReader (Kindle)
Miscellaneous Items:
- Wet wipes (Wet Ones Travel Pack)
- Kleenex (Travel Pack)
- Lip balm (Twist Tube)
- Medicine (Pill Bottle From Sample Section)
- Gum
That’s it! I hope you enjoyed my travel tips on What to Bring on a Long Flight. Please let me know your favorite travel hacks and tips below, what do you take on long flights?
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