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The 10 Travel Accessories You’ll Be Glad You Packed for a Long Flight
Got a long flight coming up? If this will be your first experience, there are certain must-have travel accessories for comfort and convenience that you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed and can easily access before, during, and after your flight.
If it isn’t your first time, then you probably know how important it is to ensure that you have everything you need to be as comfortable and content as possible throughout your journey.
Regardless of your experience with this type of travel, you can never be too prepared (or comfortable!). Pull out your packing list and see if it includes these10 top travel accessories for long-haul flights you won’t want to leave home without.
1- Tote Bag or Backpack
Whether you’re a tote or a backpack kind of person, taking one or the other of these as your convenient carry-on bag helps to keep your essentials organized and easily accessible while you’re in flight. Just make sure the size you choose can easily squish down and be stored under a seat.
2- Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are ideal for staying organized, making it easier for you to grab what you need quickly instead of having to dig through your suitcase/bag. Packing cubes are often sold in a variety of sizes. Need to squeeze as much as you can into your suitcase? Compressive cubes can help you get the most out of limited luggage space.
3- Hand sanitizer and hand/face wipes
Airports and airplanes are full of germs, so your hand sanitizer should always be in easy reach. Equally, it’s easy to spill food or drink on a plane, even when you’re being careful. You’ll be glad to have wipes on hand to clean up any mess. Additionally, wipes can help rejuvenate you. I like having them with me to refresh my face after a long flight.
4- A wrap or oversized scarf
A wrap or an oversized scarf (think pashmina size) is one of the top must-have travel accessories for comfort and convenience. It can act as a comfortable shawl or blanket if you get chilly on the flight. It’s also a convenient way to stay warm or even change the look of an outfit during your travels. Choose a scarf or wrap made of a cozy and durable material like cashmere.
5- Sleep gear (eye mask, neck pillow, and ear plugs – oh my!)
An eye mask, neck pillow, and ear plugs are top travel accessories for long-haul flights. If you’re hoping to get any sleep at all, these three items (coupled with your oversized scarf) can make all the difference in the world. Even if you don’t plan to or can’t sleep on a plane, at the very least, consider a neck pillow for added comfort (plane seats can be torture!)
6- Headphones or earbuds
Invest in a decent pair of headphones or earbuds. No matter the flight length, these gadgets are important for your comfort, allowing you to privately listen to whatever you like without disturbing (or being disturbed by) your neighbors. Choose a device with noise-cancelling so you don’t need to jack the volume to drown out ambient noise.
7- An e-reader or tablet
No book lover should be without an e-reader. These digital devices conveniently store lots of books (saving weight and space) and are easier on the eyes than a small phone screen. Alternatively, bring a tablet that can provide multi-purpose entertainment from e-reading to game playing to movie watching.
8- Compression socks
Compression socks can help with leg circulation during long flights. They’re worth considering, even if you don’t typically have circulation problems, because they can help prevent the discomfort that comes from sitting too long, such as pins and needles, aches, and swelling. That said, compression socks are not a one-compression-fits all product. Be sure to choose the appropriate level of compression for you.
9- Reuseable water bottle
Airports are notorious for selling overpriced bottled water (so are tourist traps). Take a reuseable water bottle with you. Once you’re through airport security, fill your reuseable water bottle with free safe drinkable water (e.g., water fountain, tap water, etc.). To save space, consider getting a collapsable water bottle. Beyond saving you money, using a reuseable water bottle is a more sustainable way to travel.
10- Travel umbrella
Okay, sure, you won’t need your umbrella during your flight, but having a travel umbrella handy in your carry-on bag is still a good idea. Depending on where you land (or if there’s an unforeseen situation), you might need to disembark the plane outside the airport terminal. If it’s raining, you’ll be glad to have an umbrella with you.