10 Absolute Must-Haves for A long Flight
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Having lived in Alaska for a few years, I need to endure long flights in order to reconnect with friends and family who live out of state or in another country. Truth is, with the current situation of ever shrinking leg room and add-on fees for any upgrade, you have to become a “savvy” traveler. We’ve put together the 10 essential must-haves you need to survive and potentially enjoy a long flight.
10 Absolute Must-Haves for A long Flight
Headphones – An absolute must-have if you’re traveling at night. Don’t want to be disturbed by loud snores or the crying baby two rows behind you? You’ll need a noise-cancelling headphone.Wireless bluetooth headphones have come a long way. They now deliver longer battery life without compromising on sound quality. This noise-cancelling headphones lasts for up to six hours of continuous use.If a wireless headphone is a deal-breaker, make sure you opt for one that works wirelessly and plugged in. You’re going to need to listen to music or watch complimentary movies on the flight.
Insulated Water Bottle – With restrictions on how much liquid you can carry through security, it makes total sense to travel with a water bottle. These days, a regular size of bottled water costs almost as much as you would pay for a 24-pack at Walmart. Crazy!A simple trick is to travel with an empty water bottle. Once you get through security, fill it up at one of the water fountains available.Many airports have water bottle refillers sans the mouth contact synonymous with traditional water fountains. If you would rather avoid this option, wait till you get on the plane. You can request for an unlimited amount of water on most flights that serve complimentary beverages. Use these to fill up your water bottle.
This vacuum-insulated water bottle keeps cold water cold for up to 24 hours and hot liquid hot for almost 12 hours.
- Hand Sanitizer – It’s no secret, airports are the perfect harbor for germs. Airports see hundreds of thousand of travelers every single day. Janitorial staff do their very best to keep the airport clean.Stay healthy by keeping your hands clean of germs. We love this travel-sized hand sanitizer kit.
- Snacks – If you’re not traveling first class or business class where food is part of your travel package, plan to travel with a few of your favorite snacks. They are also significantly more expensive at the airport. A light and healthy snack will keep you nourished.Dry snacks and fruits store well. Be sensitive to those around you and avoid foods with a strong aroma. Trail Mix, crackers, dried fruits, and nuts are great options and are typically served on flights.
Streaming Device – Download a few of your favorite podcasts or movies to keep you entertained during your flight. Netflix now allows you to download movies that you can watch without wifi for 48 hours. No need to pay inflight-wifi anymore!Tablets have become more affordable with the option to purchase refurbished ones for a discount. I still use an iPad Air that I got in 2013.
Medications – Keep all medication on you. You don’t want them getting lost or finding out that you need them while traveling.
A Great Book – Life is a rollercoaster. Now’s the perfect time to disconnect from technology and immerse yourself in a good book. It’ll help you relax and clear your head.The thoughts it evokes may make you feel like you’re lying on the beaches of Bora Bora rather than heightening your senses to the discomfort you might be feeling from sitting on a confined and limited space.
- Toiletries – You need it when you need it! Fresh breath, neat hair and moisturized skin will make you ready to hit the ground running when you land. Even after a long flight, it pays to look good.
Fleece Jacket – Even in the heat of summer, you can feel very cold on a flight. Most domestic flights reserve blankets only for business and first class passengers. Fleece is lightweight and insulating.Tuck it in your bag or tie on your waist if you don’t need it (plus it doubles up a neck cushion) and throw it on when the air conditioner is on full blast. Love this affordable fleece jacket from Amazon.
Eye Mask – An utmost necessity if you plan on getting your beauty sleep during a daytime or nighttime flight. I personally believe that you need it the most on night time flights.The worst thing is sitting next to someone who decides that 2 AM is the best time to watch a movie, work on their computer or read a book. I’ve been there. It was not a fun experience.
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A water bottle and a snacks are for sure on my list. Both for myself and for the kids, I couldn’t make it without them!
I don’t mind flying but I think the most I could do for a fligght would be 5 hours. BUT, I would certainly take everything on your list including the eye mask which I had not thought of before!
This is a great list and most of these are items I always carry on a flight. Especially the hand sanitizer! I also like to read magazines as they make the flight go by much faster for me.
Snacks and hand sanitizer are travel must haves SHORT flight or LONG. I made the mistake of not having snacks once and we sat on the tarmac for over 2 hours without service.
I can’t travel on a long flight without a neck pillow and a blanket! Great list of all the other must haves!
Seems like I pack as much for the airplane as I do for my stay. Sure does make the flight that much more comfortable.
I never board a plane without my e-reader. I’m not one to sit still for very long so I must have something to do. I always have a jacket as well. The eye mask is a great idea for long flights. Great tips!