Long haul flights are a source of angst for many travelers. However, with the right long haul flight essentials, even a 15-hour plane ride can be pleasant – or, dare I say, fun.
We love long flights and actually prefer them over short stints in the air. This is because when we board the plane, we are armed with our Long-Haul Flight Essentials that make spending hours on a plane a breeze!
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Why Long Haul Flight Essentials are a Travel Necessity
Any plane journey over 6 hours is considered a long haul flight – and 6-plus hours is a long time to sit in any seat. While first class seats are, without a doubt, the most comfortable way to travel, the high price is a hindrance for most passengers.
Don’t fret! Travelers can experience comfort in economy seating by packing the essentials for a long haul flight.
We are sharing the details of our Long Flight Essentials List that covers everything from clothing to entertainment – and even a few little luxuries!
List of Travel Essentials for Long-Haul Flights
To be honest, it took me some time to hone my skills and create a master list of essentials for long haul flights.
On my first plane ride from the United States to Europe, I had made no effort to seek out long-haul flight tips. It was a miserable plane trip – and when we landed in Paris I was grumpy and jet-lagged.
Determined not to make that mistake again, I sought out the best long-haul flight tips and created my list. The more we flew, the better prepared I was.
Now, as a full-time traveler, I don’t even think about how to survive a long-haul flight. With my travel hacks for long flights, I only look forward to enjoying the ride.
How To Survive Long Haul Flights
Surviving a long-haul flight is not a difficult task if you have the right travel essentials. What I have learned is that long haul flight survival is not just limited to what you bring on long flights.
It is equally important to consider what to wear on a long-haul flight. It is these 2 things together that ultimately make up my list of Long-Haul Flight Essentials.
Long Flights Essentials: What to Wear
Deciding what clothes to wear on a long-haul flight is one of the key elements to enjoying the journey. So before we get to our list of Must Haves for Long Flights, let’s talk about clothing first.
As you prepare for your plane journey, above all, your long-haul flight outfit must be comfortable. That said, these can be stylish – but comfort comes first!
Because what you wear has such a big impact on your comfort, we have quite a few outfit tips for a long haul flight.
#1 Wear Layers
Wearing layers is one of the top tips on how to survive long flights in economy – or in any seat on the plane, to be truthful!
Planes can be hot…and planes can be cold, and then hot again. And you, as a passenger, have no control over the thermostat.
Therefore, one of the best travel hacks for long flights is to wear layered clothing so that you are able to stay comfortable regardless of the stifling heat or cold air con.
#2 Elastic Waistband or Loose Dress
It is common for most people to experience some swelling while flying – especially on long haul flights. So it’s best to wear loose-fitting clothing or pants that offer a little stretch.
I prefer dresses on airplanes because they are not binding. However, if you wear pants, I recommend that your long-haul flight pants have an elastic waistband.
#3 Dress and Leggings Combo
One of the best Long Flight Hacks for outfits for women is to wear a loose dress – and leggings under the dress.
The stretchy material of leggings makes it easy to move around the plane, stow luggage in the overhead compartment and get situated in your seat.
Furthermore, wearing leggings under a dress can help to keep you warm if the plane is frigidly cold. If it gets too hot, you can remove your leggings layer. Possibly without even getting up from your seat!
#4 Stylish Accessories for Long Flights
An easy way to create a stylish long-haul flight outfit without sacrificing comfort is to add a simple accessory.
Dress up your casual clothing with a colorful scarf or jewelry (but avoid rings that may feel too tight with swelling).
BONUS TIP: My Best Outfit for Long Haul Flight
Personally, I like to wear a loose-fitting dress as my long-haul travel outfit. To complete my outfit, I layer it with leggings under the dress, a thin hoodie over the dress and sandals or slip on shoes.
Pro Tip: Read more about footwear in our article breaking down the Best Travel Shoes!
What To Take on a Long Haul Flight
Now that you know what to wear, let’s chat about long flight carry on essentials. These are all of the accessories that you will want to pack in your hand luggage.
We already discussed the best outfits for long-haul flights, but there are a few more clothing items you should bring.
#5 Bring a Wrap
My wrap is one of the most versatile items I travel with – and it is one of my must-haves for long haul flights.
While airborne, I can use it as a pillow, blanket, scarf, head cover or seat cover. It is one of the favorite items on my Packing List!
#6 Extra Underwear
Packing clean underwear in a long-haul flight carry on is one of the hacks I picked up as a novice traveler.
If you are going to check luggage (and the majority of your clothing), then packing a pair of underwear in your carry on is an insurance policy. Especially if your checked luggage gets lost by the airline.
Pro Travel Tips: Use my Packing Hacks for tips on the best way to pack!
#7 Extra Outfit
For ultra long flights that are 12+ hour journeys, I like to pack a complete outfit change. Donning a clean shirt, pants and undergarments feels so much better at the end of a long flight!
I also advise freshening up – and I share my list of essential toiletries for long-haul flights a bit later in the article.
#8 Compression Socks
It makes sense to pack socks for long haul flights for when cabin temperatures are too cold. However, I believe wearing compression socks is a necessity.
As unattractive as the long-haul flight socks may be, they have substantial health benefits. This includes reducing swelling and preventing blood clots.
#9 Long Flight Slippers
I think slippers are one of the Ultra Long Haul Flights Must Haves. Cozy plane slippers that have a rubber sole and are machine washable are ideal.
This way, you can keep your feet warm while on the plane – and you can still get up and walk around during the flight. Plus, because of the rubber sole, you can wear them into the plane bathroom.
Healthy Essentials for Long Flights
Let me start off by saying that I am not a doctor, it is best to seek health advice for long haul flights from your medical provider.
Bearing that in mind, there are a few things that I do for the benefit of my personal health while traveling on airplanes.
Top Tip: Read more about How To Stay Healthy While Traveling.
#10 Antibacterial Sanitizer and Wipes
Traveling with antibacterial sanitizer and wipes just makes good sense – and it is one of our top Long Haul Flight Health Tips. In fact, hand sanitizer and wipes are plane essentials for long flights.
We have always used wet wipes to clean our seats. Not only do we wipe down the entire seat and head rest, but clean the arm rests, seat buckles, touch screen, seat back pocket and the tray table.
Pro Tip: Invest in a Long Flight Survival Kit that includes everything you need! An airplane germ-fighting kit is a great gift for travelers who will be taking long flights. For more travel gift tips, use our Top Unique Gifts for Travelers!
#11 Mini First Aid Kit for Long Haul Flights
A small med kit is also part of our long-haul carry on essentials. In our kit, we carry travel-size tums, anti-diarrheal tablets, pain relievers and a few Band-Aids.
A few other items that might make your Just In Case list of long flight necessities are tissues, nose saline and eye drops.
#12 Disposable Toothbrushes
Keeping my teeth and mouth clean during a flight is important to me! That said, taking a toothbrush and toothpaste into a germ-filled plane bathroom is not ideal.
Instead, I use a convenient disposable toothbrush – which is designed to be used without water, so I can brush and toss. If my only row mate is my husband, I can even brush my teeth right in my seat!
Because I like my mouth to feel fresh, I use several throughout the flight (after meals, before I fall asleep, when I wake up and before I disembark).
Additionally, flossers are good things to bring on a long flight so that you can even better clean in between your teeth!
Long Haul Flight Beauty Essentials
Having a beauty regime inflight is one of the best tips for long haul flights…one that your skin will thank you for!
My top beauty essentials for long haul flights are simple: lip balm and moisturizer. That said, there are many beauty essentials for a long flight and I highlight those, as well.
#13 Flight Tips for Skincare
The dry air on airplanes can wreak havoc on skin, which is why lip balm and moisturizer are necessities. I carry a small hand moisturizer that can be used on my face, too.
#14 Long Flight Beauty Essentials
A hydrating face mist – like this one by Mario Badescu – can help your skin feel fantastic. The facial spray is infused with aloe, herbs and rosewater to aid in rejuvenating your skin.
Another popular facial mist is the Evian Water Spritz. The micro-droplet mist hydrates your skin with pure Evian. As with all liquid products that you take on a plane, be sure to bring the TSA approved travel size!
Dry sheet face masks like the 111Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Mask or the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Face Mask cream are other top long-haul flight skin care products.
#15 Essentials for Freshening Up
Some of the best items for long haul flights are the ones that revive and refresh you. Cleansing wipes, underarm deodorant wipes and travel sized deodorant are freshening-up necessities after long redeye flights.
Wondering what to bring on a long haul flight for your hair? Try a Dry Shampoo that will absorb oils and grease for a fresh-washed look.
Bonus Beauty Tip for Long Flights: No Make Up
One of the top long-haul flight beauty tips that some travelers find difficult to get on board with is to fly without wearing makeup.
But, trust me, your skin will appreciate it! A made-up face will not likely last the duration of the long flight anyway.
How To Survive Long Haul Flights in Economy
Everyone knows that economy seats on a long flight are a bit uncomfortable (okay, maybe more than ‘a bit’).
However, with the right economy essentials for a long haul flight, the ride can be so much more pleasant.
As full-time travelers – with limited luggage space – these are not items that we personally use. However, I have to admit that when I notice my row mates using them, I am panged with jealousy.
#16 Seat Cushion Hacks for Long Flights in Economy
A memory foam seat cushion can make all the difference in a standard economy plane seat. This seat cushion is designed with travelers in mind – and is not only comfortable and supportive, but breathable and compact.
The Therm-a-Rest self-inflating seat cushion can also be used for long plane journeys – and it weights just 4 ounces.
#17 Foot Hammock for Long Flights
Riding in economy on long-haul flights can by a struggle. That said, there are a few travel hacks – like the tray table foot hammock – that can exponentially increase your chances of surviving a long-haul flight in economy.
An on-board foot hammock helps to elevate your feet for a more comfortable flight…even in cramped spaces. This foot sling is also designed to prevent swelling.
#18 Fun Things for Long Flights
Want a first-class experience in economy seating? Upgrade your flying experience with a fun in-flight cocktail kit! (These contain no alcohol and you must follow your airline’s on-board rules)
The mini portable kits allow you to create a tasty cocktail so that you can enjoy an exceptional drink (in a much less expensive seat).
Long Plane Ride Essentials for Sleeping
Sleeping on a plane can be difficult, but not if you are prepared with the best long-haul flight accessories!
For us, the best way to get sleep on an airplane is to eliminate light and noise. We do so by using sleep masks and ear plugs – but we have several sleepy time travel tips for long flights.
#19 Tips for Sleeping In-Flight: Wear an Eye Mask
For airplane sleeping masks, contoured masks that block out 100% of the light are ideal. The PrettyCare Sleep Mask comes in a set of two, is affordable and gets rave reviews from fellow travelers.
#20 Ear Plugs
We usually use cheap earplugs on flights – but light sleepers may benefit from noise canceling silicone sleeping ear plugs, like these.
Additionally, when my allergies cause congestion, I like to use Earplanes. Not only do they reduce cabin noise, but they are specially designed to relive air pressure and the resulting discomfort.
#21 Flight Travel Pillows
Most airlines offer pillows (and blankets) to all passengers – even those in economy – for longer flights, so you don’t necessarily need to bring your own.
That said, a good travel pillow can be the difference between peacefully sleeping on a plane and struggling to fall asleep.
Luckily, I can sleep anywhere! However, if you are looking for a long-haul flight pillow, there are a few the come highly rated by fellow travelers – like the trtl Pillow.
#22 Sleep Remedies
Many travelers sing the praises of taking a sleep remedy in order to get a little shut eye on a long haul flight.
A natural sleep remedy, like melatonin, or prescribed pills by your doctor might help you get the sleep you need on a plane.
Before deciding to take anything, check with your doctor first. And never try taking any remedy for the first time on an airplane.
#23 White Noise or Meditation Apps
Meditation and white noise apps are must haves for long plane rides if you are a light sleeper! Coupled with headphones (coming up in the next section), you can enjoy pure bliss on your flight.
We recommend finding the right app long before you take off – and even try it out a few times to ensure it will help lull you to sleep.
Long Flight Travel Essentials for Entertainment
When it comes to long haul travel essentials, on-board entertainment is the thing that passes the time. Kris is entertained if he has a window seat, but I need something more directly engaging.
Thankfully, most long-haul airplanes are fitted with In Flight Entertainment (IFE) – thousands of movies and television shows at the touch of the screen.
Utilizing the provided in-flight entertainment is an obvious choice when it comes to being entertained – but I never solely rely on it because it is not guaranteed.
Not all airlines offer seat-back entertainment – and a few low-cost carriers charge to use it. Sometimes the movie selection is not to my liking.
In one case, my screen was broken and – of course – it was on a totally full flight when there were no open seats I could switch to.
Therefore, it is essential to be prepared with things to do on long haul flights that don’t involve the provided entertainment.
#24 Noise Canceling Headphones
Earphones are travel essentials for long haul flights. In fact, I always bring two pairs…just in case one breaks or somehow gets lost.
Noise reducing headphones are an absolute dream on planes and definitely worth the upgrade if you don’t already have them.
If you use wireless headphones, remember to bring the charger and a back up wired pair, as you may need them to utilize the seat back entertainment options.
#25 Best Apps for Long-Haul Flights
We already covered using apps to help you sleep on flights, but there are a few others that we feel are long plane trip essentials.
Two fantastic apps that should be downloaded and set up prior to take off are Audible and Spotify. That said, perhaps the very best apps for long flights are for the airline you are flying.
When you download the free flight carrier app, you typically have access to all of the movies and other digital entertainment options.
Plus, you can get other pertinent flight information – like time until landing, route maps and meal info.
#26 Power Bank and Chargers
One of the absolute essentials for long haul flights is fully charged devices. You do not want to board without fully charged phones, tablets or laptops.
Even with a full charge, however, power cords are long haul plane essentials. Most seats have USB ports where you can charge your device.
Just in case, however, we recommend bringing a portable charger on board, too. (It’s not supposed to be in your checked luggage anyway).
#27 Non-Digital Hacks for Long Flights
Non-electronic entertainment is another one of our long-haul essentials. I usually have a book (an actual, paper book) that I can read. (Love with a Chance of Drowning and The Yellow Envelope are two excellent travel books!)
Puzzle books – like Word Search, Crosswords and Sudoku – can provide hours of entertainment. For the sake of space, we recommend buying an all-in-one activity book that includes a variety of puzzles.
The quiet time on a plane also provides an excellent opportunity to journal, sketch or draw. As I always carry a notebook and pen, sometimes I write or jot down notes about my trip (but these cool travel journals are good for trips, too).
If you have travel companions, playing cards are good for long-haul flight entertainment. Find more Everyday Items for Travel for your next trip!
Long Haul Flight Snacks and Water
Food is one of my long-haul flight must-haves! Regardless of whether the airline serves included meals, I bring my own snacks and water on the plane.
#28 Long Haul Flying Food Tips
While I am not a traveler that snubs my nose at plane food, there are some instances where the offered dish is not to my liking…or simply not filling enough.
To stave off any hunger pangs during the trip, I bring a few healthy snacks in my carryon. Almonds, apples and granola bars are my go-to things to bring on long flights.
#29 Best Hacks for Long Flights: Candies and Gum
Gum, mints and hard candies are something else we carry with us on flights. Chewing gum and sucking on hard candy can help to equalize the pressure in your ears on the descent.
#30 Water is a Must Have for Long Flights
Staying hydrated can help make plane travel a lot more comfortable (both during the flight and especially after).
Drinking water is available to passengers throughout the flight (although some budget airlines might charge for it) – but I still prefer to bring my own water bottle.
Having a closed container of water is much more preferable to the tiny cups of water many airlines provide. This collapsible water bottle is great for travelers!
Once through security, fill up your bottle before you board. Throughout the flight, you can ask the flight attendant for refills, too.
More Long Haul Flight Hacks
Now that you have your travel outfit selected, your list of things to bring and advice for what to do, we have a few more long-haul flight tips and tricks!
What Bag To Pack for Long Flight
Our tips for a long-haul flight include the best items that will make plane travel more comfortable and pleasant.
However, when determining what to pack for a long haul flight, it is just as important to consider your actual packing strategy. As in, what bag to stow at your feet and how to pack it.
The items that we listed as long flight essentials should be within reach – even when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.
Because they need to be easily accessible, it is best to pack these items in a good day bag that is stowed at your feet under the seat in front of you.
Carry On Tips for Long Haul Flights
With all of the cords and gadgets, carry on luggage can get messy…and things can get lost. Because space is limited, use a bag that can easily be organized with multiple compartments and pockets.
We recommend that you organize your belongings with a Grid It Organizer so you can easily find what you need in your bag during the flight.
Pro Traveler Tip: Want more luggage tips? Find out why love Packing Cubes and prefer traveling with a Backpack vs Suitcase!
Long Flight Tips for Exercise
Long haul flight exercises are a good way to fend off the unfortunate side effects of travel. One of the best exercises for long haul flights is to simply get up and walk around.
But you can also do easy in-seat exercises – like rolling your ankles, wrists, shoulders and neck – for better circulation.
How To Avoid Jet Lag and Arrive Rested
It is likely that your long haul flight will cross time zones – which often results in dreaded jet lag on arrival. However, there are a few ways to avoid it!
- Stay hydrated and avoid drinking alcohol.
- In the weeks leading up to your trip, adjust your sleep cycle to coincide with your destination.
- Herbal remedies, like No Jet Lag pills, can also help – but talk to your doctor first.
- Read our advice on How To Book the Best Flights!
Start packing and planning your next trip! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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