Last Updated on May 8, 2024 by AMANDA CASTILLO
Long Haul Carry On Essentials... What to know, bring and how to prepare!
Call me crazy but making time for a Workout, Yoga, Pilates or just getting in a good stretch before a long flight makes a huge difference!! I personally make sure to cut out time for this before a trip and it’s always worth it. I feel like it really helps with fatigue and jet lag too. Don’t miss my blog on stretching in flight. Yes, it’s possible!
Let’s jump on into it…You did it! You made it on the plane and are heading towards making incredible memories to last a lifetime!!
In Flight
First it seems like a no brainer but I can’t stress it enough but STAY hydrated during the flight! Liquid IV makes a hydration multiplier Electrolyte Drink Mix in stick packs. They are so easy to travel with and deliver hydration to the bloodstream faster and more efficiently than water alone. You might be thinking the less to drink the less bathroom breaks you will take but staying hydrated is key to avoiding jet lag.
Reminder: You have the right to move around on the plane!!! Even if you are in the window seat! Don’t be shy! Try to make friends with your neighbor as soon as you can to make the next 10-15 hours less uncomfortable.
After take off and once I have gotten myself situated and comfortable, I like to start the flight by reading. The start of a flight is a great time to read because your brain is fresh and the dry air hasn’t made your eyeballs feel like cotton yet. When you can no longer read, go for a movie! Choose wisely with something that has a longer run time so you don’t feel like you’re blowing through movies. Feeling tired?! Put on an eye mask and listen to a podcast or music. Maybe even enjoy a little cat nap…Wake up and start again! Whatever you do, try NOT to look at the time remaining in flight!
The Arrival
Around an hour before landing I try to wrap up anything I’ve started and begin to freshen myself up. I like to wash my face, brush my teeth, put on a face mask or under eye patches, change my clothes and pack up my carry-on items oh so nicely again.
Having a carry-on packing cube is a great choice so you don’t feel like Mary Poppins trying to find that pen or reach that charger. It makes things easily accessible and stress free knowing where everything is and that you can easily organize it again in just a few steps.
Top Long-Haul Essentials List
Refillable Water Bottle
I highly recommend a refillable water bottle. Even though you can’t take it full through security you can fill it up before boarding and it will be your best friend. It’s also nice to have with you throughout your trip to save on buying water everywhere. This was so awesome to have with me in Rome where there are water refill stations everywhere.
Change of Clothes For Arrival!
When sitting in the same clothes for 10-15 hours you may start to feel a little stale. I like to arrive at my destination looking and feeling fresh so a change of clothes is always a must for me, down to changing my underwear and socks!
Foot/Leg Hammock
Having chronic back pain, foot hammocks have been a game changer for me. They are literally made to prevent soreness, fatigue, stiffness and totally get the job done. You won’t be sorry. They are light and easy to stow away and make a huge difference. I won’t fly without one now.
Toiletries
Packing toiletries in two separate suitcases isn’t ideal. However for a flight I personally can’t be without a toothbrush, floss, face wash, facial moisturizer, facial rescue spray, lip balm, hand lotion, contacts case, contacts solution, refresh eye drops, hair brush, extra hair ties and or bobby pins. Along with any medications, daily vitamins etc.
Of course we cant forget our charging cords! Talk about essentials! I love this accessory organizer for just those!
Sleep Eye/Face Mask
Eye Mask for sleeping & Under Eye Masks for refreshing! You’re probably thinking I’m so extra but hear me out… Arriving feeling refreshed is always a good way to start your trip. No one likes being tired and puffy in photos, am I right? A cat nap or just having a mere moment to rest your eyes is a good idea. I like using an eye mask to block out the light around me and put on my headphones to listen to something soothing or even a guided meditation. Making time for this kind of self care while in flight is more rewarding than we think.
Once you’re awake, time to freshen up with a couple under eye patches! I can not live with out these patches from Demora. I opt for these in flight and pack sheet masks for the Hotel.
Stay Fresh Ya’ll!
Socks or Slippers
Who doesn’t love being cozy while reading a book or watching a movie? Along with being cozy it’s nice to have something to slip into for a quick trip to the bathroom or to stretch without having to put your shoes all the way back on. I like plane slippers as an option because they are an easy, quick and light to pack item instead of getting my socks dirty and then putting my shoes back on. Plus they are super cute and compact!
However depending on the length of the flight I might opt for compression socks. With limited stretching, standing and walking these are great for circulation to prevent any swelling.
Blue or Black Pen
Sounds silly and like a no brainer but you would be surprised. It’s always a good idea to have a pen on you. Most long hauls are international flights and require customs and declaration forms to be filled out before landing. Other times it’s after you depart the plane and you don’t have your neighbor to ask to borrow one anymore. Being prepared is my M.O. Can you tell?
Entertainment
Laptop/Kindle/Reading Material/Crossword Puzzle/Electronic Chargers/Portable charging device ; Being in flight is an opportune time for me to knock out a few blog posts! I also love to catch up on reading and movies too. If I’m really starting to lose it I am all for a game of solitaire, a word search or a good crossword puzzle.
You’ll also want to make sure all your devices are fully charged before departure in addition to bringing any charging cords portable charging device just in case. Don’t just think you’ll sleep the entire time!
Neck/Sleep Pillow
Having the right neck pillow can make all the difference. I tend to alternate and use my neck pillow as low back support too while flying so having a good one is important. If I didn’t sound extra already I also bring my actual pillow with me when traveling. I sleep with a natural buckwheat filled pillow in a traditional Japanese size aka the perfect travel pillow. It makes being away from home and my own bed a little easier.
Melatonin &...
A heavy duty Melatonin or dare I say edible for a flight never disappoints either. For the much needed shut eye you know you want but don’t know how to get, I love using melatonin when I am having trouble winding down or if I start to become fidgety.
Edibles are fun and if used correctly can help with pain from sitting for long periods of time and tend to help to make me sleepy too. Hopefully you know your body and should you choose to try them it’s done safely and not recklessly. We want to make it to our destination after all!
Snacks on Snacks!
I like to hit Trader Joes…hard! Whatever you don’t eat in flight you have to munch on at the hotel. Winning!
Noise Canceling Headphones
I have Apple Airpods which have a noise cancelation feature and it work great! However if you prefer something more sturdy and heavy duty Bose are my gym headphones and will bring you the silence and serenity you’re looking for.
Lip Balm
Sun Bum with SPF 30 is a go to when traveling because of its high SPF! It keeps my lip hydrated and soft! Plus it smells soo good too.
Sanitizing Wipes
Writing this in 2022 post pandemic, this isn’t really such a wild item on the list anymore!
I would have called myself extra 5 years ago for having these on my list but being so aware of germs and gross surfaces etc.., now I cant not wipe everything down! These cutely packed travel wipes are perfect for on the go and I find to be better than your regular Purell Wipes.
Essential Oil Roll On
For the passengers that are not freshening up along the long haul flight I keep an essential oil roll on with me. My favorites are calming oil and eucalyptus oils.
Both aren’t overpowering scents however they can bring much relief to a stale situation. Don’t sleep on these!
2 Comments
Love love love this list! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! I hope it helps you on your next long haul flight!