I’m no stranger to long-haul flights. You know them: those epic, day-long journeys through the clouds that get you from one side of the globe to the other. Long-haul flights are never the easiest to tolerate. Unless you’re being pampered in First Class. Long-haul flights are no picnic, but there are a few tricks to making the experience a bit more bearable.
Here are some of the tips and tricks, and travel essentials for flying to help survive long-haul flights.
Travel Pillow – The first and probably the most obvious. You are thinking right now DUH! Conventional u-shaped travel pillows may work for some people, but if you are like me, you want something to hug you all the way around. The infinity pillow, which applies the infinity scarf concept to your most needed travel essential.
Larq Self-Cleaning Water Bottle – The Larq Bottle looks like a typical water bottle, but there’s much more hidden inside that makes it a travel essential. It has a unique water-purification and self-cleaning system, so you can be sure you’re drinking clean water while avoiding the musty smell and taste that builds up over time in most other bottles.
Eye Mask – I get it, its exciting to open the travel kit, that is often provided on long haul flights. For me, they never quite live up to my expectations. I also am religious, about sleeping with an eye-mask, for me it was life-changing, whether traveling or at home. I own many eye-maks, so here are a few of my recommendations. The Bucky, Morihata, Flight 001.
Noise Cancelling Headphones – Planes, trains, and cities can be incredibly noisy, but turning your headphones on full-blast can really hurt your ears. Headphones with noise reduction or noise-cancelling features can be a lifesaver, especially on a long flight.
Portable Charger and all Charging Cords – There is nothing worse than losing power to your most coveted electronics while traveling. Only a few airlines provide USB slots for charging your devices in-flight, so if you want to watch a feature-length film on your flight without having to spend the first 30 minutes in Arrivals getting your battery back into double digits, make sure to pack a portable battery.
Disinfecting Wipes – I used these before Covid-19 was a thing, but now they are more important then ever. Catching some sort of a sickness on the flight is the fast track to ruining a would-have-been-restorative vacation.
Compression Socks – If you are a frequent traveler, then compression socks are a must-have for you. Not only will they help you be more comfortable when you’re traveling, but they can also prevent further health issues. To guarantee you’re as comfortable as possible on your next journey, look into purchasing a pair of these.
Immune Support Gummies – Planes are notorious for spreading bacteria, ie. suggestion #6. I’ll start taking the fruity gummies a day or two before my flight, and will continue the day of and onto the plane. My go-to choice is Zarbees.
Moisturizing Products – There is no limit to the amount of hydrating products you can benefit from on a plane. Lip Balm, facial moisturizers, eye drops, vitamin-c serum. I could make a whole post on this, and I just might!
Snacks – I avoid airplane food at all costs. It is highway robbery purchasing food in-flight or at the airport, and lets face it, it doesn’t even taste good. What’s in my bag? Rx Bars, Smart Pop, and Australian licorice are my favorites!!!
