Small StepsOver the past decade I’ve spent countless hours in the air and finally found a convenient way to organize my luggage and its content. Whether you’re flying for 4 hours or 15+, these tips will help you have a more comfortable flight every time.
–> Skip the details and go straight to my packing list.
Before any trip the first thing to decide is whether you’ll bring a carry-on or checked bag. There is a fair debate for each, but nonetheless, my tips in this article will apply to both. Regardless of which one you choose I’d recommend you bring a small backpack or purse to keep under the seat in front of you with the items below included in the bag for easy access.
Backpack / Purse (Easy Access)
Choose a backpack or purse that is big enough to store anything you’ll need easy access to – but small enough to fit under the seat. I currently use the Monos commuter bag.
Make use of Pouches
Pack in pouches. Packing in pouches makes organization and accessing your items a breeze in tight spaces. You can choose a backpack with multiple compartments, or use pouches in a tote or standard backpack to separate items. I’ll usually have 3-4 small pouches for: toiletries + medicine, snacks, electronics, and misc items.
Skincare Pouch
Long flights dry our your skin and dehydrate our bodies. I started doing this earlier in the year because I noticed how dry my skin was and how gross my face felt without being able to wash it for a hours. Having easy access to skincare is a great way to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed on long flights, and it can also help you to stay feeling clean and comfortable. Check out my ultimate travel skincare routine for a full list of product recommendations.
I pack my essential skincare items in a small toiletry bag, which includes:
- Cotton pads
- Moisturizing toner
- Hand lotion
- Sunscreen (stick or cream) – make sure to apply before and during the flight, I like cream before and the stick for touch-ups.
- Eye drops (if you wear contacts, though normally I wear glasses)
- Hair tie
- Chapstick
- Face mask (optional)
- Hand sanitizer
- Hair comb
- Travel-size Advil
Snack & Refreshments Pouch
Long-haul flights will serve snacks and meals throughout the flight, but it’s hard to know when and what will be served ahead of time. In my experience keeping a small pouch with snacks I enjoy keeps me feeling satisfied without starving myself between meals or if the meals aren’t appetizing. I personally prefer simple snacks, some salty and some sweet, and ideally a few high in protein. I also choose snacks that aren’t particularly strong smelling to respect other passengers. If you’ve ever been on a flight that serves tuna sandwiches…you’ll know what I mean. That should be a criminal offense. I usually choose a few protein bars, pretzels, and a sweet candy. If I have a layover I’ll usually pick up a snack for the final leg of the trip.
- Protein Bars
- Pretzels
- Candy – something sweet
- Toothbrush, mouthwash, or mints. Something to freshen my breath.
Electronics Pouch
- Wired headphones
- USB charger for devices (phone, headphones, etc).
- External battery
Wired Headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones
Long flights often provide cheap in-ear headphones for their entertainment systems, but I recommend bringing your own wired headphones or a converter for wireless headphones. Personally, I prefer wired headphones because I don’t have to worry about charging them, but Bluetooth headphones are convenient because they don’t get tangled cords. If you choose Bluetooth headphones, I still recommend bringing a spare wired pair or at least the charger for the flight. Also important to consider is your headphones comfort and quality. I believe a high quality set is a great travel and personal investment and will make a big difference in your enjoyment of your flight.
USB charger for devices
Most long flights have USB ports, and there are also charging stations in airports. I recommend bringing a charging cable that is at least 3 feet long for your phone and any other devices you need to charge on the plane or that need to be fully charged when you land. This way, you can be ready to go as soon as you step off the plane.
Pro Tip: You can check airplane specs to see what is provided on board.
External Battery
While most long flights have USB ports, it’s best not to rely on them. Some planes may not have them, they may not work, or they may charge slowly. As a precaution, I always pack an external battery to charge my devices on the go. This is useful not only on the plane, but also at the airport, where charging stations can be few and far between, and out in town after a long day of exploring. An external battery is a must-pack safety essential for any trip.
NOTE: External batteries are only allowed in carry-on bags and cannot be checked.
What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight:
Compression Socks
Compression socks are a great way to reduce swelling, inflammation, and the risk of blood clots on long flights. (Layers
Lately I’ve seen a lot of people wearing shorts, sports bras, and generally surprising attire choices on airplanes. Personally, I want to avoid having the least amount of my bare skin touching the seats as possible, because – let’s face it – planes are nasty. The less I’m exposed to, the better. Plus – airplane temperatures fluctuate and tend to be very cold for me. So what should you wear? I recommend layering your clothes, especially if you’re going from a cold to hot environments or vise-versa. I also think dark colors are best, in tight spaces it’s easy to spill or stain your clothing or accidentally sit in something on the plane or airport.
Other Considerations:
What to Pack for a Long haul Flight: Packing List
