The thrill of jetting off to an exotic location is all part of the holiday experience, and when you’re facing a lengthy flight, it pays to be prepared. Those moments considering what essentials to pack will make all the difference for your time in the air and ensure that you have a comfortable journey.
We asked leading travel experts Travelbag for their top tips on the essentials to pack for a long-haul flight. Here are their top eight must-haves.
Entertainment
Whether you’re jetting off to New York, Dubai or somewhere farther afield like Australia, stocking up on entertainment should be one of your main priorities when taking a long-haul flight.
Ahead of your flight, make sure you download your favourite movies, TV series, books and playlists to your devices. It may sound excessive but it will give you options and help pass the time.
A good old-fashioned book or magazine also does wonders to take your mind off the flight and transport you somewhere beautiful.
Snacks
While you can opt for in-flight meals, there’s nothing better on a long journey than home comforts. Plan ahead and pack snacks that will keep you going during your trip.
It’s also important to stay hydrated during your trip, and packing a collapsible water bottle with a filter means that you can keep those all-important water levels up. This will also help you minimise your jetlag when you land.
Sleep
While it may be tempting to try and stay awake for your flight, it pays to stick to your normal sleep pattern. So, if you’re flying late at night, make time to rest. If you’re a light sleeper, items like eye masks and ear plugs are a must.
A memory foam pillow is also a great investment for long-haul flights as it provides a great level of comfort that will help you drift off.
Outfits
There’s no better feeling than stepping on to the runway looking and feeling great. But in order to get to that point you need to put the effort in.
When travelling for long periods of time, it’s worth dressing for comfort rather than style. Loose clothing is a must. A simple yet stylish outfit of a t-shirt, shorts or leggings and sandals or will keep you comfortable on your flight.
You can always pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and mix up your outfit before you land. If your feet are prone to swelling in the heat, it’s well worth investing in a pair of compression socks to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
On-Board Beauty
Your skin loses moisture throughout the day, so ensure you pack the essential products to keep you looking and feeling tip-top when you’re travelling.
Eye drops, lip balm, moisturiser and hand cream can make all the difference in the world when you’re on a long flight.
To allow your skin to breathe, it’s also worth packing make-up remover and micellar water in your bag – but don’t forget the 100ml limit on liquids in your hand luggage.
Backpack
Most airlines allow you to take a small bag on board in addition to your hand luggage. This is perfect for long-haul flying as it means you can avoid rooting through your hand luggage for your essentials.
A backpack is ideal for packing your must-have items. It’s easy to access, which means less stress for you and more time to relax. Your favourite book or that perfect in-flight purchase is just a moment away.
Headphones
Noise-cancellation headphones are a dream come true on long-haul flights. They help block out the noise of the plane and your fellow passengers to allow you to relax and enjoy your favourite movies and TV shows in all their glory. They’re also really handy for when you want to drift off into a nice, natural sleep.
Documents
It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many travellers forget to pack their all-important documents on the day. Avoid the panic and leave time before your flight to ensure you’ve got all your essential forms and documents to hand.
This may be your passport, ID, medical information, reservation details or travel insurance.
For help deciding where to visit next, take a look at Travelbag’s ultimate destination guide. You can also retrace the footsteps of famous explorers in this interactive guide from Travelbag.
