Essential Items to Pack on a Long-Haul Flight
We’re lucky to live in a world where long-haul travel makes anywhere—even the most remote destinations—accessible to us. But that doesn’t mean spending hours on a plane and crossing multiple time zones is fun, especially if, like most people, you can’t afford (or justify) a business-class upgrade.
While long-haul travel can be a long slog, there are at least ways you can make your trip more bearable with a few strategic packing decisions. This guide shares the 5 essential items that you should pack to help you get through a long-haul flight.
Medications and Supplements
If you take regular medications or supplements, pack them in your carry-on. It’s a good idea to keep them in their original packaging, especially for prescription drugs, to avoid any issues at customs. Bring enough for the entire trip, and don’t forget any over-the-counter remedies you might need, like pain relievers or motion sickness tablets.
Headphones or Earplugs
Long flights can be loud. If it’s not your neighbor watching videos on their phone at full volume, it’s the cabin crew rattling a trolley down the aisle or somebody loudly opening a plastic wrapper while you try to sleep.
Having a pair of comfy headphones or earplugs is a must if you want to block out the noise and manage at least a couple of hours of sleep.
Neck Pillow
A neck pillow might seem unnecessary, but it can make a big difference in how well you sleep during a long flight. If you’ve ever tried to nap on a plane and woke up with a stiff neck, you should know this only too well.
Choose a pillow that supports your neck and keeps your head stable, so you can sleep in a more comfortable position without straining your muscles.
Hydration
Airplane cabins are dry, so it’s really easy to get dehydrated during long flights. A refillable water bottle is absolutely essential here, and don’t be afraid to ask the cabin crew to fill it for you whenever you need—it’ll last you much longer than the small bottles of water handed out with meals.
You might also want to bring along a moisturizing face spray, lip balm, and hand cream if you know your skin gets dehydrated on flights.
Snacks
Food on long-haul flights is limited to hit-and-miss ready meals and whatever’s on the snack trolly.
If you’re not a fan of plane food or you just want more options, bring a selection of healthy snacks with you to curb your hunger during a long flight. Granola bars, high-protein snacks, and dried fruit are all easy grab-and-go options that will keep you full between meals.
Essential Medications
If you’re taking prescription medications and traveling for more than a few hours, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to take your meds during the flight.
Make sure you’re well stocked with all the medications you need for your trip away, especially if your trip will last for weeks on end. Online pharmacies like www.hightownpharmacy.co.uk make it easy to get your medications ordered to your home in advance.
Takeaway
This list should get you started when you’re packing for a long-haul flight, but it doesn’t end there!
You’ll also want to bring a charger for your phone, plenty of entertainment, and anything else you might want to freshen up mid-flight. Happy travels!