What to pack to survive a Long Flight

The airline industry defines a long haul flight as one that is more than three hours long. Plane travel is great for travelling long distances but it is also uncomfortable, cold, tedious and loud. Strangers are forced to interact in close quarters. The best thing we can do to survive is to pack things to keep us more comfortable and entertained. This list is what to pack to survive a long flight.

What to Pack to Survive a Long Flight

1. Sweater – It doesn’t matter what season I always pack a sweater because I am usually freezing on the plane. If you are trying to take up the least amount of space I would recommend a thin knit. If you have room to spare a cashmere wrap or cardigan are a great way to stay warm.
2. Collapsible cup – The world is up in arms about plastic straws but there is all sorts of plastic garbage that is created on each flight. If we all brought our own cups just think how many little plastic cups we could divert from the landfill. Plus it will come in handy for the rest of your trip.
3. Water bottle – When I got through the security checks the first thing that I used to do was buy a giant bottle of water. Now I just go to fill up my reusable bottle as much as I want.
4. Scarf – This goes back to number 1 that it is cold on planes. But a scarf comes in handy to use as a pillow and a face mask too. It is great for filtering out bad smells and you know to wear as a scarf on your trip.
5. Purse Organizer – I like to organize my carry on with pouches. A pouch for passports, a pouch for travel documents and a pouch for all the wires and cords. I love my travel wallet but it also means that if someone steals your wallet everything is gone. However if one pouch goes missing you still have other important items. I have a pouch like this one an we tend to use it for e-readers and chargers.
6. Clear Travel Pouch set – If you are like me and forget what pouch has what this set would be ideal.
7. Zip tote – I have seen other bloggers talk about what bag they are taking on the plane and I am always surprised that they go with a tote that doesn’t close. I don’t want to lose anything or have to always be worried about my tote having to stay sitting straight up. I also want to be able to access my tote easily so I always put it under the seat in front. This zip tote is a stylish option but this one is another we use regularly for travel.
8. e-Reader – gone are the days you need to lug a dozen books around. With an e-reader you can take many more. I tend to read more on the plane than watch tv episodes or movies. I find that it is more calming and leads me to getting some shut eye.
9. Powerbank – I don’t know how many times a fully charged power bank has saved us from losing power. Not just on the plane but also out touring around. We usually charge up all the ones we have acquired over the years so that we are never without power.
10. Snacks – Food in the airport is so over priced. And on the plane you might not get a great meal. We pack snacks at a minimum. If we are flying a no frills flight we will make a pizza the night before and pack that so that we have meals too.
11. Clear Travel Case – I used to buy a pack of zip lock bags every time we traveled just so that I would have them to pack liquids. Now I use a clear travel case. If you aren’t into the higher end options like this try these. I can also vouch for these, we used them on our trip to Jamaica.
12. Face Cloth – I like to bring my own face cloth (in a color that isn’t white so they are clearly ours not the hotel’s). But they also come in handy on the plane to wash off the oily skin feeling. The microfibre cloths are excellent at taking off makeup. Stop using the face wipes and just pack a face cloth instead.
13. Sneakers – Sneakers are a practical option for all the walking you do at the airport but they are also ideal for the plane. Comfy shoes just make you more comfortable. I can vouch for these. But if you are looking for a more affordable pair these are fantastic too.
14. Melatonin – Sleeping on the plane is hard but it is easier to slip into sleep with the aid of a melatonin pill. It also helps when you are suffering from jet lag. I find it is easier to fall asleep but won’t necessarily keep you asleep. But every little bit helps.
15. Noise Cancelling Headphones – Crying babies and loud engines and chatty seat mates. Planes are public transit and there is loads you might want to dull or cancel out. It also makes it easier to sleep.

Read More: 5 things to NEVER wear on a plane

What to pack to survive a long flight seems like a long list but everything makes your plane trip smoother. Comfort and organization are my main focus when I pack my personal item.

Do you have any tips on what to pack for a long haul flight?