Thinking about what you should bring and what to wear for all those hours during your long-haul flight can be overwhelming. There are so many possibilities and only so much you are able to bring with you.
I have been on a number of long-haul flights in the last few years and have always had a problem figuring out exactly what to bring. I took two within this last year (to and from England for study abroad) and feel that I have finally nailed down what you need to bring on a long-haul flight. I used everything I brought and stayed as comfortable as I could having been on a plane for so many hours.
Let’s start with your bag:
1. BOOK – It is always a good idea to bring a book (or two) on your long-haul flight. It doesn’t take up a ton of space and is a great way to spend your time (especially if you don’t want to pay for multiple movies).
2. NOTEBOOK and WRITING UTENSILS – I always try to bring a notebook with me and/or a book of puzzles and games. If you like to write or draw, a notebook and a few of your favorite pens is a great way to go.
3. GLASSES – This one is for those of you who wear glasses. I prefer to wear mine on a long-haul flight since my eyes don’t dry out as quickly as they do with contacts. If you end up sleeping, you can simply take off your glasses and don’t have to deal with post-sleep contacts.
4. MAKEUP – I don’t tend to wear a lot of makeup while flying. Since you’re there for so long, it is a great time to let your skin breathe. If you want, you can bring makeup wipes with you to clean your face before you land. I like to take some makeup with me on the flight so I can put a little on before I land. I always feel more put together with makeup on, and I often feel a little less grimy when coming off a long flight.
5. DEODORANT – This is a great thing to bring with you. It’s nice to be able to freshen up (at least a little) after the long flight. There isn’t much more to say about deodorant, just make sure that you bring one that meets airport security regulations.
6. CHAPSTICK – The air in the plane can be very dry. Chapstick is a great thing to bring with you. One of my favorites is Bert’s Bees. I love that it has some color to it, which gives my lips a slight tint. It also doesn’t feel tacky like other chapsticks.
7. GUM OR MINTS – I recommend bringing some mints or gum along with you. I often bring both. They help freshen your breath and can be a nice little treat during the flight.
8. SNACKS – It is always a great idea to bring some snacks with you. I usually bring granola bars, trail mix and an apple or two (apples can survive the travel relativity well and it’s nice to have something fresh). Airplane food is not always that tasty and snacks are always great to have while on a long flight.
9. SUNGLASSES – Depending on where you are traveling to, it can be a good idea to bring sunglasses along with you in your carryon. If you have them with you, it’s easy to just grab them and go when you land.
Now, what to wear…
1. COMFY PANTS – Comfy pants are the way to go on a long-haul flight. I recommend leggings or other pants that are super comfortable. Preferably they wouldn’t have any buttons or unforgiving fabric. You can always wear pajama pants if you want, but I prefer to feel a little more put together on the other end of the flight and while in the airports.
2. TANK TOP or T-SHIRT – It’s a good idea to layer when traveling. By wearing a tank top or t-shirt it’s easy to wear something over it or simply just the shirt if you’re warm.
3. SWEATER or LONGSLEEVE – Again it’s great to layer. A long sleeve or sweater can give you some warmth and is a great option to have with you while traveling. Make sure to choose a comfy one since you’ll be flying for so long.
4. SCARF – A scarf is another way to layer. It can give you a little extra warmth and can also work as a blanket during the flight. I am a huge fan of scarves in general, but I find that wearing one on a long-haul flight adds a little extra comfort.
5. JACKET – Bringing a jacket with you in your carry-on is a good idea. It would depend on where you are going as to what kind of jacket you would want to take with you. I wore a denim jacket on my recent flight and while I didn’t wear it during the flight, I was glad to have it when I landed. It is always good to be prepared for the weather of your destination, and a jacket is a great way to do that.
6. SHOES – It is a good idea to wear comfy and/or easy-to-remove shoes. I prefer to wear slip on shoes. They are easy to deal with in airport security and are nice to just slip off during the flight. However, wearing tennis shoes can save weight in your checked luggage and can provide support and comfort during your travels.
7. COMFY SOCKS – I am a huge fan of socks. I recommend bringing a comfy pair for the flight. I bring fuzzy ones along with me and when on the flight, slip off my shoes and just wear my socks (a little like slippers).
Finally, here are a few other tips:
- bring a water bottle with you to fill up after security and have for the long flight
- download podcasts, audio books, music etc. that you might want during the flight and layovers
- bring headphones with you in your carry-on
- make sure to charge your devices before you fly so you have a full battery for the flight
The main thing to consider when getting ready for a long-haul flight is comfort and ease. Wear comfy clothes and bring what you need. A long flight is a great time to take some time for yourself; you have nothing else to do!
I hope you have found this helpful, and enjoy your long-haul flight!
Not too many days before our long flight! Thanks for sharing!
Of course and safe travels!!!