Being on an airplane is a less than comfortable experience, especially when your flight is very long. Seats are often cramped and uncomfortable, there isn’t ever a good place to lean your head when you want to sleep, there are lots of noises that you have no control over, the entertainment and food could always be better, and you’re pretty much stuck in one spot for hours on end. It’s enough to make even the most relaxed among us go a little stir-crazy.
While it’s hard to make a very long flight cozy and enjoyable without shelling out thousands of dollars for a first-class seat, it’s certainly not impossible to improve the experience a bit. There are certain things you can pack in your carry-on or personal bag that will keep you as comfortable as possible for the entire flight... or at least most of it. While some might sound a little high-maintenance, you’ll probably thank yourself for bringing them later on. Here are a few things you should pack for every long flight.
An Eye Mask Slipsilk Pure Silk Sleep Mask | Nordstrom It doesn’t matter if you’re going on an overnight flight or a daytime flight: if you want any chance of getting some worthwhile sleep, you’d better have an eye mask. You can’t control the light on a plane, whether someone is opening their window shades or turning on an overhead light. But an sleeping mask allows you at least a little protection against that. A silk eye mask is the best for your skin, and the most comfortable, and this one won’t slip off.Graphic: Jessica Booth A Shawl Hatha Wrap | Lululemon Planes can be one of two temperatures: extremely hot or freezing cold. So, instead of dressing in leggings and a sweatshirt, wear layers that can be removed if it’s too hot, and pack a blanket of sorts in case the temperature is too low. A shawl is ideal because it’s easy to carry around and wear in the airport, and you’ll probably also use it during your trip. Just make sure it’s large enough to feel cozy. Graphic: Jessica Booth A Neck Pillow That Is Actually Comfortable BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow | Amazon I’m not sure how anyone gets through a long flight without a neck pillow. Plane seats are incredibly uncomfortable, and a lot of airlines don’t offer pillows – and even if they do, they can be pretty flimsy. It took me years to find a neck pillow I actually like, and now I swear by this one. It’s more flexible than your average neck pillow and it’s not too stiff or too soft. It’s easy to maneuver, and it supports your chin. Graphic: Jessica Booth Cozy Socks SELF Aloe Infused Cozy Socks | Bed Bath & Beyond I also don’t understand how people sit through a very long flight in their shoes. Slip yours off and put on a thick pair of cozy socks to stay comfortable and warm (if it’s cold). These are aloe-infused so that they’ll help give a little extra hydration to your skin. Graphic: Jessica Booth Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second
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Alternate Entertainment The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah | Amazon On one recent flight to Iceland, my TV screen wasn’t working. It was a nightmare. If you’ve never been in this situation, consider yourself lucky, and also, keep it in the back of your mind. The last thing you want is to be stuck with absolutely nothing to do during a very long flight. Always bring along a book, or a laptop or tablet stocked with movies or TV shows that have already been downloaded so that they can be watched offline. This book by Kristin Hannah has been really popular and is a good read. Graphic: Jessica Booth Face Mist Mario Badescu Travel Size Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater | Amazon Flying for long periods of time can leave your skin feeling very dry, and can leave you feeling very gross. That’s why a face mist is great: it’s refreshing and hydrating. This Mario Badescu face mist smells great (though not overpowering), it will help keep your skin moisturized, and it’s travel size for security purposes. Graphic: Jessica Booth Under Eye Masks Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks | Sephora If you’re on a long flight, chances are good that you’ll emerge from it feeling and looking exhausted. Pack some under eye masks to put on about an hour before you land. They’ll give your eye area a little lift, but honestly? They just feel nice. Graphic: Jessica Booth Snacks That Will Keep You Satisfied RXBar Coconut Chocolate | Amazon Plane food is decidedly not great, and the snacks offered are usually things like chips, cookies, or pretzels. That’s fine for a short flight, but for a long flight, you’ll want something that will keep you satisfied. Bring a few of your own, especially if you’re a picky eater. Something like a protein-packed RXBar is a great option, because it will keep you full – and Coconut Chocolate is absolutely the best flavor. Graphic: Jessica Booth Advertisement You can skip ad after 1 second
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Antibacterial Wipes Wet Ones Antibacterial Fresh Scent Hand Wipes | Target It should come as no surprise to hear that planes are, well, gross. They are filled with germs, and you might not ever be able to get rid of all of them, but at least you can try. Bring along a pack of antibacterial wipes to clean off your seat, arm rest, TV, and window area. Graphic: Jessica Booth Earbuds Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud Headphones | Amazon No offense, but I can’t be convinced that people who go on long flights without earbuds are sane individuals. Sure, some airlines will offer them, but some don’t - or they’re out of them. Always bring along a pair, and make sure they aren’t Bluetooth, or you won’t be able to plug them into the TV.Melatonin Natrol Melatonin Gummy | Amazon Sleeping or just relaxing in general can be tough when you’re on a plane, so I recommend bringing along some melatonin. It’s supposed to calm you down and works as a natural sleep aid. These Natrol melatonin gummies are my personal favorite because they taste good, and I feel like they actually work (even if it’s a placebo effect, I don’t care!). Graphic: Jessica Booth A Pen Staples Ballpoint Retractable Pens | Staples If you’re traveling to another country, you’ll probably have to fill out a form for security, and no, you will not be supplied with a pen or pencil to do so. Bring one for yourself instead of asking a stranger to borrow theirs (and expect to lend it around). Graphic: Jessica Booth