Must Have Essentials for Long Haul Flights to Feel Like a Travel Expert

Written By: Carli

Carli

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Flying all day can be very confusing on your body.  These essentials for long haul flights will help you enjoy the flight and limit your jet lag. 

Be sure to check out Long Haul Flights Tips: How to Survive the Long Distance Journey

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Clothing essentials for long haul flights

What you wear on a long haul flight can make or break your flight.  As someone who flew 11 long haul flights in 2025, comfort is the most important factor.  You want to wear clothes that are somewhat loose and non-restrictive.  

Planning for warmth is also necessary.  Your departure or arrival destination are not important.  It might be 90 degrees when you land, but I promise you, the plane can get very cold on the way. Dress in layers so you can help regulate your body temperature properly.

You can read more on What to Wear on Long Haul Flights: How to Plan for Maximum Comfort

There are a few more clothing essentials for long haul flights you should have on your list. 

Eye masks

Unless you can sleep anywhere, anytime, in any brightness, a sleep mask (or eye mask) is critical for your long haul flight.  

Most major airlines (aside from budget airlines) will provide a small amenity kit at every seat.  These will often include a sleep mask however, they are usually pretty small and thin.  You should pack your own so you know it is something you are comfortable wearing for hours. 

Compression socks

Compression socks are necessary to prevent circulation issues while flying for hours on end.  These socks help keep the blood flow in your legs and feet moving while stationary, which will also help with jet lag once you land. 

Fuzzy socks 

I like to bring a pair of fuzzy socks to wear over my compression socks to keep warm once I take off my shoes.  This is a good way to keep your feet warm, while also curbing any foot smells from your neighbors. 

Entertainment essentials for a long haul flight

You will have plenty of time to kill on your long haul flight, and even more if you’re not able to sleep.  The in flight entertainment isn’t always all that entertaining or fits your mood.  You should always have back up options.

Kindle/book

My Kindle is one of my favorite travel accessories. A long flight is also a good time to get to the books on your “to read” list, or even scan through a guide book.  Reading is also a great way to get off screens, which may disrupt your ability to sleep.  E-readers like Kindles do not have the same blue light effects as phones and tablets.  

Ipad/tablet

I always download 20-30 hours of TV and movies to my iPad *just in case*.  This is a great time to be able to catch up on that one show you’ve been meaning to watch.  Or sometimes, you just don’t see anything that looks interesting in the provided entertainment options.

Charger and/or charging cords

You don’t want to land at your final destination and have a dead phone. Newer planes generally have universal chargers, but it will depend on the airline and routes.  Most long haul flights to/from the US will have plugs for North American chargers, whereas European airlines might only have European power ports.

Newer planes often have USB ports as well.  However if a plane has a USB port it will likely be the standard USB and not the new USB-C style.  Make sure you have a cord, or cords, that can accommodate your devices. 

A power bank or power charger is a good alternative to bring in case your plane does not include power ports. 

What to bring on a long flight for sleeping

Getting even a few hours of sleep on a long haul flight is critical to surviving your flight and fighting jet lag.  It can be especially difficult trying to sleep in economy class, but there are a few travel essentials to make the journey easier to manage. 

Sleep aids

If you use any sort of sleep aid at home, pack them in your carry on for the flight.  You do not need to use prescription drugs like Ambien or Xanax if a natural supplement like melatonin, or over the counter drug like Tylenol PM works for you.  But if you struggle with sleep, or have any sort of flight anxiety, talk to your doctor about a prescription option. 

Ear plugs / noise cancelling headphones

Like the sleep masks, disposable foam ear plugs are often included in the airline provided amenity kit.  Consider purchasing your own reusable ear plugs that you can use for future flights, hotels, concerts or other events with loud noises.  

You can level up your experience with noise cancelling headphones to block out the sounds of passengers and enjoy music or movies, 

If you prefer to use your own wireless earbuds or larger headphones rather than the airline issued headphones, you can get a bluetooth adaptor.  These are small so they won’t take up a lot of space in your bag.  They plug into the headphone jack then transmit the audio directly to your personal device.  

Neck pillow/travel pillow

The airline will provide a small travel pillow for the fight, but these are not going to do anything to keep your head and neck stationary, 

I find that using the airline provided pillow behind my low back helps limit back aches after hours in the same position.  Whereas a neck pillow does a better job of keeping your head and neck from flopping around and waking you up just as you start to nod off. 

I LOVE my Bcozzy neck pillow, so much so that I bought one for my mom as well.  What I like about this brand is that it is meant to be asymmetrical so that you can move it around and adjust into different positions.  It provides a lot of support to keep you in the same position, while still being soft and comfortable. 

The TRTL travel pillows are extremely popular among travelers.  I bought it and returned it because I have a smaller body size and frame (I’m 5’2”), and when I tried it at home it was large and awkward.  But, again this is very popular, so for a more average, or larger body frame, you may prefer this option. 

Travel blanket

If you’re someone that runs cold, the airline issued blanket may not be enough to keep you warm.  Pack a lightweight blanket that can provide an extra layer of warmth for the flight,  Some good options are using a large scarf or pashmina. These are best if you’re going to a cooler weather location so you can make use of it while you’re traveling. 

A Turkish beach towel is low cost lightweight towels that can be used for a flight or at the beach.

Foot hammock

One of the more unique things to take on a long flight is a foot hammock or sling. I’ve never tried a foot hammock of these because I’m short and can easily prop my feet up on my backpack under my seat for a similar effect. That said, many people swear by  and they can be a good option if you keep your underseat storage clear for your feet.   

How they work: Wrap them around the tray to stay in place and they create a little hammock for your feet to stay elevated so you’re feeling a little more horizontal.  They have an adjustable strap so you can position them as high or low as needed for comfort. 

Additional long haul flight essentials

There are a few more long haul flights essentials you should pack in your carryon or personal bag. 

Toiletry kit

Everyone, or at least one person per travel party, should pack a small toiletry kit with them for their flight. 

Travel toothpaste and toothbrush will be included by most major airlines in their amenity kit.  For budget airlines, I would definitely pack those. 

For anyone with contacts, make sure you have your glasses with you and a travel size bottle of saline, plus a contact case.  Eye drops are also helpful for all fliers as planes can dry out your eyes, especially if you have the air blasting at your seat.

Like with your eyes, your skin can get very dry on a long haul flight.  Consider packing some moisturizer in your bag.  Sheet masks are a great option as well because they provide intense hydration to your skin and take up minimal space.  Plus, once you’re done you’ll have extra space in your bag. 

Travel deodorant is a must for long plane ride essentials.  Between walking all over the airport and being stuck in place for 10-14 hours, there’s a good chance you might start to smell a little bit.  Having travel deodorant in your travel toiletry bag. 

Water bottle 

Last on your list of essentials for long haul flights is a reusable water bottle.  You should be packing one of these regardless of the length of your flight.  While you are at the airport, look for a water filling station either in the terminal, or a lounge, and fill up before every flight.  This ensures you stay hydrated on your flight and don’t need to wait for the flight attendants to come around for water.  

Don’t be afraid to drink water on your long haul flight!  There’s no way you’re taking the flight without using the lavatory 1-2 times.  Your row mates will expect you or someone next to you to get up.  Staying hydrated will also help with your jet lag once you land. 

Snacks

I always pack a few travel snacks in my bag. There’s a few reasons for this.  You may fall asleep before the food service and need something to eat when you wake up.  Or, you may not like the food being served.  It’s better to be over prepared than hangry at 30,000 feet.  

Long haul travel essentials FAQs

What are some essential items to bring on an international flight that may not be obvious?

Always pack travel deodorant.  Between walking miles around an airport and possibly carrying heavy bags there’s a chance for getting sweaty and smelly.  Help out your other passengers and bring travel deodorant. 

Additional travel tips and resources

• Long Haul Flights Tips: How to Survive the Long Distance Journey
• What to Wear on Long Haul Flights: How to Plan for Maximum Comfort
• 10 Practical Gifts for Travelers That They Will Actually Use
• How to Use Your Phone while Traveling Internationally
• Where to book your travel
• The Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners