There’s no denying that spending hours on an airplane is uncomfortable, but with these long haul flight essentials you can make the experience a little less painful.
As a travel blogger, it’s obvious I have a passion for travel. But the actual act of transport via long train rides, car trips, or flights doesn’t top the charts of things I enjoy doing. This is especially true of flights longer than five to six hours.
While one way to make the experience more enjoyable is simply booking business or first class, as a budget traveler that’s usually not an option for me. Instead, I thoughtfully plan and pack my carry-on and personal item with essentials I know will help me pass the time.
No matter if you’re flying economy or first class, here are some long flight essentials I’ve found make air travel a little less terrible.
»Read more: 50+ Must-Have Travel Essentials for Women
Table of Contents
Carry-on Luggage
Personal Items
Supplements and Snacks
Essential Travel Gear
Tech + Entertainment
Toiletries
Essentials for Comfort
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Best Carry-on Luggage Options for Long Haul Flights
In general, carry-on bags shouldn’t be any larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. These measurements change when flying budget airlines.
Clamshell backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
A clamshell backpack I personally use and love. The bag is available in many fun colors, comes with a rain cover, features two internal zipper compartments to keep everything organized and together, and more. It measures 56 x 30 x 25cm and I’ve never gotten stopped with it. It’s also smaller when the support straps are tucked in.
Mid-Range Carry-on Spinner: American Tourister
I love my American Tourister luggage. This reasonably priced suitcase comes in three sizes and features a zipper internal pocket, and smooth 360-degree wheels. It also comes in fun colors.
Luxury Carry-on Suitcases: Samsonite or Away
For something a little higher end, Samsonite is usually a sure thing. This reputable brand is often highly reviewed and a great pick for a sturdy suitcase.
Away is another brand that’s rocketed to the top of the charts as an excellent maker of suitcases. No doubt thanks to their well made bags and unbeatable lifetime warranty.
It’s on my dream list of future purchases, but in the meantime I’m lovin’ my reasonably priced American Toursiter.
Stylish Duffel: Beis Weekender
Beis’ The Weekender bag is another cult favorite! This unique duffel is carry-on sized and features a trolley sleeve, separate shoe compartment and internal laptop pocket.
»Read more: 11 Best Front Loading Backpacks for Travelers
Best Personal Item Bags for Long Haul Flights
Personal items are meant for under the seat and are generally sized around 17 x 10 x 8 inches.
These personal item bags are great for keeping essentials handy during your flight and are spacious enough to fit a lot but small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
Laptop backpack: Fjallraven 20L
I’ve had my Fjallraven 20L for seven years which is a testament to how much I love it and how durable it is.
This compact backpack features a laptop sleeve, fleece-lined sunglasses pocket, organizational pocket and front zip for easy access to small items.
It’s also made with rain-resistant material, making it a great backpack to use in the great outdoors too!
Travel backpack: Beis Backpack
Beis has made a name for itself for creating minimalistic yet functional bags that are also stylish. And The Backpack is no exception.
This thoughtfully designed bag features a trolley sleeve in the back, a spacious interior you could cram with enough clothes for a weekend, water bottle pockets, and more.
Spacious tote: Barsine Canvas Tote
If you’re more of a tote person, this canvas tote is an affordable and cute option designed with travel and business in mind.
It features pockets galore, including an exterior pocket that can be opened up to place through the handle of your suitcase.
The bag also has a 15.6 laptop pocket, a water bottle pocket, and other small pockets.
25 Must-Pack Long Haul Flight Essentials
Here are my tried and true essentials for long haul flights the next time you hit the skies!
1. Medicine
I was never good at remembering to bring along pain relievers on the go, but when I turned 30, I quickly learned that had to change!
I recommend packing basic pain relievers like Advil Liquid Gels (ibuprofen) or Tylenol Extra Strength (acetaminophen) in case of headaches, or any other aches and pains that may hit you on your long flight.
I also usually bring Tums for heartburn, Benadryl for any potential minor allergic reactions, and emergency cold meds like Sudafed.
Not that you need them for the flight, but other meds to consider are Imodium or Dramamine if traveling somewhere with the risk of food poisoning and motion sickness.
2. Hydration Packets
Air travel is notoriously dehydrating, especially on those long haul flights. I’ve started bringing along a few packets of Liquid IV to have before I fly, mid-flight, and post-flight if I’m still feeling dehydrated.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m dehydrated it can lead to unwanted sickness and can make it more difficult to get over the jet lag. So having Liquid I.V., and a tasty excuse to drink water keeps me hydrated.
3. Jet Lag Supplements
I’m a gremlin without a good night’s rest, which means jet lag is basically my number one enemy when I travel to a far-off destination.
A friend recommended jet lag pills for my recent trip to Australia because this homeopathic supplement can reduce disorientation and improve sleep, amidst other benefits.
Another way to beat jet lag is to consider taking Melatonin to help you sleep on the plane during bedtime hours in your destination. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that signals to your body it’s time to sleep. And taking a melatonin gives your body’s circadian rhythm a head start at adjusting to your new time zone.
4. Portable Pill Case
Carrying all those individual meds is impractical, which is why this handy portable pill case is a must! It’s compact and has internal dividers to keep your pills organized.
5. Small Snacks and Gum
Small snacks and gum on a long flight are imperative. Especially if you’re someone who gets hungry every few hours!
Plus, it’s best to come prepared in case you’re not a fan of the airplane meals served on board. And who wants to pay airline prices for a tiny bag of chips?
My go-to airplane snacks are filling granola bars and travel-sized trail mix packs as well as fun snacks like cheez-its and fun-sized candy.
Gum is also a must to help with popping ears, bad breath, and general boredom (to give you something to chew on).
6. Reusable Water Bottle
Circling back to the importance of staying hydrated while flying, a reusable water bottle is an excellent and affordable way to do so! But don’t forget to fill up after security, before boarding.
I never go anywhere without my 32oz Hydro Flask, which I feel is big enough to last me a bit without being too bulky that it’s annoying to carry around.
For something more space saving, this collapsible water bottle is another great pick.
7. Passport Wallet
Obviously if you’re about to embark on a long haul flight, you’re going to need your passport! Having a passport wallet is a great way to keep track of your important travel docs.
For extra security, consider getting an RFID Passport Wallet. RFID protection is an added bonus because it makes it impossible for scammers to walk by and scan your credit card information.
8. Airplane Footrest
This airplane footrest is more for my shorties because I’ve tried it and it doesn’t work well for me (I’m 5’10” for reference).
However, my friend who’s also an avid traveler swears by it and loves that it takes the pressure off of his feet!
9. Eye Mask and Ear Plugs
Traveling with an eye mask and earplugs is vital to a good night’s rest, especially in public places like airplanes or hostels. I travel with a satin, black-out eye mask, and Mack’s Silicone Earplugs.
The Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask or Silk Sleep Mask, 2 Pack and Loop Quiet Ear Plugs are other highly-reviewed options.
10. Pen
A pen is an important thing to have on hand for those pesky customs forms that you may need to fill out on arrival.
Although they’re becoming less and less common, a pen is still nice to have for those random moments of need.
11. Airplane Smartphone Holder
This clever airplane smartphone holder attaches to most seat trays so you can view and use your smartphone hands free.
12. Portable Battery Charger
While you can’t technically use a portable battery charger while on the plane due to risk of fire, it is still something I recommend packing on long flights.
That’s because during your flight, you’re no doubt going to be spending a ton of time on your phone. And while many new planes have outlets or ports, they tend to be slow at charging. Or maybe you get distracted and forget to plug in!
A portable battery is essential back-up power that ensures you’re not caught off guard with a dead phone when you land in a new place.
Some recommended portable batteries:
- The Anker Portable Charger is a top-rated portable charger that tops the charts as one of the best quality, durable, and long-lasting.
- I recently purchased the Zendure SuperMini 20W per a New York Times recommendation in their 2023 roundup of the best portable chargers and love how compact it is and that it can charge my phone nearly two times.
- Omnicharge Omni 20+ 20000mah Power Bank is a powerful charging bank that packs a punch! This thick charger allows you to charge your phone and larger devices like laptops. It’s great for those who require a lot of power and must charge multiple devices simultaneously.
13. Cord Organizer + Charging Cords
I recently picked up a travel cord organizer and I’m so glad I did! I can be a *bit* unorganized, but having a designated place to store my computer charger, Kindle cord, phone cables, etc, has been nice.
And as a friendly packing reminder, don’t forget to pack your cords in your carry on! Because most airlines these days have outlets and charging ports so you’re gonna want them to stay fully powered.
14. Book/Kindle or Tablet
One of the main challenges of long haul flights is staying entertained, and a good book is one way to stave off boredom.
And while I know some book lovers are staunchly opposed to e-readers (I was once in the anti camp), having one is actually a great space saver. Plus, they make it possible to carry hundreds of books on the road without the weight of physical copies.
Some of the best E-readers/tablets are:
- Kindle Paperwhite: I love my Kindle. It’s compact and lightweight, doesn’t need to be charged often, holds hundreds of books, and the new models are even waterproof. Kindles are also affordable, and mine has lasted me years.
- iPad mini or SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab: for a tablet that can do more than just act as an e-reader, consider one of these leading tablets. A compact tablet can mean not needing to carry around a hefty laptop, offering more functionality than just an e-reader.
15. Laptop
Traveling with a laptop can be a pain because it’s another thing to look after and means digging through your bag at security.
But if you have things that can keep you busy and entertained on your long flight, it’s worth it. For me, I love traveling with my laptop because I’m a writer!
16. Headphones
Another integral thing to bring along on any flight, are a good pair of headphones! And I actually always bring along a set of corded headphones for watching movies on the plane’s screens as well as my air pods.
Packing a quality set of noise canceling headphones like Apple AirPods Pro or SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 True Wireless Earbuds isn’t a bad idea either to avoid hearing noisy passengers throughout the duration of your flight.
17. AirFly Pro
If you don’t want to carry outdated, corded headphones, the AirFly Pro is for you. This viral travel gadget is a wireless transmitter that connects Bluetooth earbuds to tech with an audio jack such as airplane monitors. It’s also useful for gym equipment if looking to justify the cost.
18. Clear Toiletries Bag
The rule for carry-on liquids is that they must be travel sized and fit in a quart-sized bag in the U.S. or a one liter bag in Europe (very similar in size).
This thick, reusable clear toiletry bag is sturdy and ensures you never have to worry about getting stopped in airport security.
19. Travel Bottles
Additionally, no single travel item can exceed 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. That’s where having a reusable bottle comes in handy!
These travel bottles have blown up in the travel community, probably because they’re cute and good quality.
20. Long Haul Flight Essential Toiletries
Because long haul flights often disrupt our normal hygiene routines, packing your favorite toiletries is a must.
Being prepared with the essentials ensure you feel clean, fresh, and comfortable during and after your journey.
Some must-pack toiletries include:
- Lip balm
- Hand cream
- Travel perfume bottle with your scent
- Hand sanitizer
- Blotter sheets
- Deodorant
- Travel wipes and make-up wipes
- Facial moisturizer
- Concealer
- Hair ties and silk scrunchies
21. Travel Toothbrush and Travel Toothpaste
In tandem with the above, maintaining good teeth hygiene is highly recommended not only for the health of your teeth, but for the sake of your seat mate!
This travel toothbrush and toothpaste kit is convenient to pack in your personal item. For something a bit higher-end, this electric Quip Toothbrush is sleek, affordable, and comes with a travel cover.
22. Travel Neck Pillow
Admittedly I have been anti-neck pillow for most of my travels, until I recently had 20+ hours of flight time on my way to Australia!
I took a memory-foam neck pillow with me, and I’m so glad I did. It helped me sleep sitting up, a feat I usually am incapable of.
The trtl travel pillow is another neck pillow that travelers swear by! I’ve never used it personally, but thought I’d shout it out since it is so popular.
23. Scarf or Blanket
The temperature on planes seems to be either way too hot or way too cold. And on longer flights, I find the latter to be true more often than not.
Bringing along a scarf or a travel blanket is a great way to stay warm and cozy on your flight.
And while many international flights do include complimentary blankets, having your own is handy in case 1. The plane’s blanket isn’t very nice and 2. So you have a backup to use if you’re extra cold or need more head support, etc.
24. Comfy Clothes
I’m not going to sit here and pretend that sitting on an airplane for X amount of hours is ever fun.
But one way to make it a little less unbearable, is to skip the formal clothes and wear something comfy instead. I’ve never understood the formal airport clothes trend honestly.
Instead, I recommend wearing some form of soft pants (leggings, sweats, joggers), warm socks, and a sweater or cover up over a t-shirt so you can regulate your temperature easily.
25. A Spare Outfit
While it’s always a good idea to carry a change of clothes on any duration flight in case your luggage gets lost, it’s especially important for long haul flights.
Depending on your travel plans, you may want a spare outfit to change mid-journey if your itinerary is more than 12 hours. At the very least, I recommend a change of socks and undies to feel refreshed. I’ll let you handle the shopping here 😉
Cough drops, tge dry air makes you cough and coughing annoys people!!! Been on the MYC to Singapore route, longest flight in the world
This is an excellent tip!! There’s nothing worse than a coughing fit without a way to make it better. Thanks so much for sharing!