What I Always Bring on Long International Flights
Airfly
If you already own quality headphones, this little gadget is worth every penny. I use it on flights because I would much rather watch three movies with comfortable headphones and good sound quality than fight with tangled cords and feel like I'm listening to audio from under the water.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Speaking of headphones, noise-canceling headphones are absolutely essential for me.
Planes are loud. There are engines, crying babies, people talking, snack carts rolling by, and the occasional passenger who apparently wants everyone to hear their movie.
Even if I'm not listening to anything, I often wear my headphones just for the quiet.
I use them for movies, downloaded podcasts, audiobooks, music, and even just creating enough silence so that I can fall asleep.
Long flights feel a lot shorter when you can create your own little bubble.
They don't have to be expensive either. I've had these for years and I honestly liked them better than my air pods for a fraction of the price. The charge lasts the entirety of a long haul flight too. Don't ask me how.
A Refillable Water Bottle
Airplane cabins are incredibly drying and dehydration hits me faster while traveling than it does at home.
I always bring an empty reusable water bottle through security {with ice because it's a solid!} and fill it before boarding.
Could I rely on those tiny cups of water the flight attendants hand out? Yep. But having my own water bottle allows me to have it on my own terms. I can refill it with those little cups if I want.
Hydration isn't exciting, but it's one of those things that makes a huge difference once you land.
Bonus, I also save money on drinks and water when I arrive at my destination and it's good for the environment.
A Lightweight Scarf of Blanket
Airplane temperatures seem completely unpredictable.
You'll either be sweating during boarding or wondering if the cabin temperature was set somewhere around Antarctica.
I always bring a large scarf or wrap that can double as a blanket.
I love items that serve multiple purposes while traveling, and this checks a lot of boxes. It can become a blanket, neck support, extra layer, or even a makeshift pillow if needed.
Plus airline blankets are hit or miss.
Sleep Essentials
If a flight overlaps with sleeping hours, I try to sleep.
I always bring:
- A sleep mask {this is my favorite one}
- A neck pillow {this is my favorite one}
- Melatonin or the Sleepi gummies from Soul
I try to take cues from the cabin crew. If the lights go down and everyone around me is settling in, I try to sleep or at least doze off for a bit. This means turning off the show I'm binging and turning on some quiet music or an audiobook.
Future me is always thankful.
Download Entertainment
I've learned never to fully trust the in-flight entertainment system.
Most of the time it works perfectly.
But all it takes is one broken screen on a 14-hour flight to make you question every life choice you've ever made.
Before every trip I download:
- Podcasts
- Audiobooks
- Shows
- Movies
- Music Playlists
Even if I never touch them, I like knowing that I have a backup.
It's also incredibly helpful if where you are traveling to doesn't have reliable or consistent WIFI while you are there.
A Small Toiletry Refresh Kit
Long flights can make you feel less than human by hour ten.
Unless you are flying in business or first class, you are on your own when it comes to amenities. I keep a tiny pouch in my carry on with:
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- face wipes
- lip balm
- hand lotion
- eye drops
- deodorant
- medication
Easy Snacks
I've learned not to overdo snacks because international airlines tend to feed you constantly.
But I still like bringing a few things I actually enjoy eating.
I usually choose high-protein snacks that travel well.
Sometimes you need a snack between meals, during a long layover, or when airplane food isn't exactly your favorite.
Bonus: if you don't end up eating them all on the plane, you have some snacks for when you arrive.
Layers and Comfortable Clothes
Comfort matters on long flights.
I don't wear pajamas on planes, but I do wear clothes that look nice but feel like pajamas!
I usually wear:
- stretchy pants
- a tshirt
- a sweatshirt or sweater
- slip on shoes
- layers I can easily add or remove
Cabin temperatures change, destinations change, and after ten hours sitting in one place, comfort wins every time.
Pro tip: I am the carry on queen, so any bulky clothes I have, I wear. Wearing layers makes this easier when I fly and they are usually the bulkiest.
I've learned that surviving long international flights isn't really about making the flight shorter. Unfortunately, I haven't discovered how to time travel.
It's about making yourself comfortable enough that the journey doesn't feel miserable.
A few years ago, I probably would have packed lots of extra "what if" and "just in case" items instead of what would actually improve my experience.
Now I know exactly what earns valuable space in my carry on.
Because the truth is, your vacation starts long before you reach your destination. If you can make the flight itself easier, you'll arrive feeling rested, prepared, and ready for whatever adventure comes next.
No comments
Post a Comment