My Favorite Travel Essentials for a Long Flight

Travel Tips

Feb 11

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8 Essentials for a Long Flight | Long-haul flights are no joke, so whenever I’m traveling in the air for hours on end, I pack these products in my carry on. | How to feel cozy - even in coach - and get some sleep on an overseas or red-eye flight.

Long-haul flights are no joke, so I always pack these nine essentials in my travel tote when I know I'll be in the air for hours on end. Add in a lot of water and a tube of mascara, and the fuss and bother of modern travel is a bit more enjoyable. Because I'm usually trying to fall asleep, I often get ready for 'bed' at the beginning of the flight, then get as cozy as possible for the rest of the journey. Here's what I bring along:

Nine Essentials to Pack for a Long-Haul Flight

No. 1: Comfortable Headphones

I like my UrbanEars headphones much better than earbuds: they're durable, colorful, and comfortable enough to wear for hours, even while sleeping. I keep music, podcasts, and white noise on my phone for listening. My dream noise-cancelling headphones for travel? These.

No. 2: A Sleep Mask

Since I first bought a sleep mask four years ago, I've started using one every night. They're great for planes, trains, automobiles, and rooms that never seem quite dark enough - just block out the world around you and get some rest! This silk one is my absolute favorite, but I also have a few that I love from this Etsy shop.

No. 3: Spin Pins

Use these spiral pins to secure your hair up in a matter of seconds, with no kinks or dents to deal with when you take it down again. I use these every single day, traveling or not. If you have longer hair, or just want to put it half-up, bring along an invisibobble or a silk scrunchie.

No. 4: Micellar Water Wipes

You do not want to wash your face in the sink of an airplane bathroom, but you really want to wash your face before landing - so bring along a pack of these micellar wipes. I also use one at the beginning of the flight to wipe down my tray table, arm rests, and window shade - avoiding germs whenever possible! After you land, they'll come in handy while in the car, on a train, at the beach....

No. 5: An Oversized Scarf

Whenever I forget to bring an oversized scarf in my carry-on, I regret it. Use it as a blanket, folded up as a back support, a pillow, or drape it around your shoulders. For our summer abroad, I packed a lightweight version, but I usually opt for something a bit more cozy.

No. 6: A Real Book

I recently read the happiest book called Joyful, and yes, it's a physical book. For shorter trips I'll just bring an e-book, but nothing holds my attention like a literal page-turner. Also recommended: I Miss You When I Blink, Isadora, and the latest issue of Vogue.

No. 7: Compression Socks

On long flight or a road trip, I hate wearing shoes exactly as much as I hate being barefoot. Once I'm settled into my seat, it's cozy socks all the way. To help with circulation when you're sitting (hopefully sleeping!) in a plane seat for hours on end, pack compression socks.

No. 8: Hydrating Skin Care

You know all about my morning skincare routine and how I treat my dry skin in winter (hint: loads of hand cream). On a long flight in the dry, recycled air, I like to have these gold eye masks, this lovely facial spray, and an overnight mask.

No. 9 Cozy Pants

At the beginning of the flight, I always change into my favorite cozy pants. These plush joggers are great for sitting in a sort-of comfortable seat for six hours while you try to fall asleep. If you're feeling fancy, bring along these insanely cozy cashmere sweatpants.