You’ve spent weeks carefully planning your next trip and daydreaming about all the adventures that lie ahead. Only one thing stands between you and your destination: a grueling long-haul flight. Cramped seats, stuffy cabin air, and endless hours of sitting – it’s enough to woe even the most seasoned traveler. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make the journey more comfortable. Packing the right long flight essentials will help you relax and enjoy the ride, no matter how many hours you’re in the air. This handy guide covers everything you need to breeze through your next long flight, from durable luggage to cozy attire. 

Long-haul flight? Pack like a pro

Packing for a trip can feel stressful, especially if there's a long flight on the horizon. On the one hand, you need to pack the right necessities to stay comfortable on the flight and at your destination. On the other hand, overpacking can lead to even more stress. You might end up lugging your jam-packed suitcase up and down the infamously steep hills of Lisbon or through the crowded Paris subway.

To strike the right balance, consider the length of your trip and how many people you need to pack for. If you’ll be gone for a few weeks or traveling with family, you may prefer to check a lightweight yet roomy suitcase like The Large. Meanwhile, our compact Carry-On fits easily into the overhead compartment and can hold everything you need for short trips and solo adventures. 

Once you’ve chosen your luggage, it’s time to pack your carry-on or other luggage and get your essentials ready for the flight. These tips will help you navigate even the longest journey like a professional jet-setter. 

Stock-up with carry-on essentials

Most travelers bring a personal item such as a backpack, tote, or even your pet's carrier onto the plane. This small luggage is the perfect place to stash everything you’ll need for the journey. 

For example, the Featherlight Backpack has a special laptop, passport, and water bottle pockets so you can keep your must-haves within grabbing distance. Similarly, you could easily stash The Everywhere Tote or The Everywhere Zip Backpack under the seat in front of you. These bags have a practical interior storage system to organize and protect your long-haul flight essentials. 

Fill your personal item with small essentials you need within easy reach, such as: 

• Noise-canceling headphones. High-quality headphones will help block out the engine noise and the crying baby in aisle 12. Make sure you charge your headphones before the flight to enjoy uninterrupted music or films for as long as you're airborne. 
• Reusable water bottle. Nothing sucks all the moisture out of your body like dry cabin air. Pack an empty reusable water bottle to get through the TSA line and fill it at a water fountain before your flight.
• Blanket or sweater. Planes often get chilly, especially if your neighbor is blasting the AC. A lightweight blanket or sweater will help you stay cozy and warm without adding much weight to your carry-on. 
• Charging accessories.  It’s easy for your devices to run out of battery on a long flight, especially if you pass the time by binge-watching movies or endlessly scrolling on TikTok (we aren't judging). Consider packing a USB charger or power bank in a compact Tech Case so you can recharge.
• Snacks.  Healthy and delicious treats are non-negotiable travel essentials for long flights. Keep your energy up with protein-packed foods like beef jerky, dried fruits, nuts, and protein bars. You can also pack fresh fruits and sandwiches for a filling mid-flight meal. 
• Smartphone. Many airlines scan electronic boarding passes at the gate, so have your phone charged and ready to go. You can also use mobile apps like Spotify and Netflix to download music and movies ahead of time. That way, you won’t rely on spotty WIFI during the flight. 
• Laptop or tablet.  A long flight is the perfect opportunity to read an e-book or catch up on all the work emails you’ve been neglecting. Pack an electronic device and charger to stay connected for the full flight. 
• Travel pillow. Carry a travel pillow to make the stiff airplane seat more comfortable. If you’re lucky, you may catch a few hours of sleep and hit the ground, ready to explore.
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes. Let’s face it: Airplanes can be kind of gross. Pack wet wipes in your travel bag so you can quickly wipe down the seat and tray. You can also use hand sanitizer to clean your hands when the snack cart comes around. 
• Lip balm. The dry cabin air can wreak havoc on your lips during a long flight. Bring a moisturizing lip balm to prevent painful chapped or cracked lips. 
• Toothbrush kit. You may enjoy noshing on airplane cookies and sipping coffee during the flight, but these snacks can leave you with a horrible aftertaste. Tuck a toothbrush and a travel-sized toothpaste tube in your bag so you can brush your teeth in the restroom before landing.
• Outfit change. Breaking out a new outfit when you land is one of the easiest ways to refresh and feel clean after being cramped in an airline seat for hours. 
• Compression socks. Sitting on a plane for long hours can make your legs swell – not ideal when you want to hit the town as soon as you land. Avoid this issue and keep the blood flowing with cozy compression socks. 

Travel smart with long flight travel necessities 

Your long-flight travel essentials require more than just chargers and snacks. You'll also want to consider the things you'll need once you reach your destination. 

Sometimes, you can fit all your clothing, toiletries, and other essentials in your carry-on. The Softside Bigger Carry-On will give you the maximum amount of space while still fitting in most U.S. overhead bins. This bag has two hidden (and padded) front pockets to protect your laptop, makeup, and other fragile items. 

If you need more room, you can always check a bag. You may need to pay an extra fee for this, but having all the space you need for a longer trip is worth it. The Large Flex has plenty of storage room and an interior compression system to organize your items. Plus, its innovative flex feature expands to provide an extra 1.75” of space for any souvenirs you pick up along the way. 

No matter which option you choose, packing strategically is key to keeping your bags lightweight and organized. Choose versatile clothing to mix and match into different outfits to maximize your wardrobe options. For instance, you can pair a plain black T-shirt with a trendy skirt for a visit to the Louvre or leggings for a vigorous hike. And why not throw in that extra pair of shoes just in case... are you even traveling if you don't overpack a bit? 

Beyond mix-and-match, pack toiletries strategically. You may feel tempted to pack your favorite shampoo, face wash, and sunscreen, but these items can quickly fill your bag to the brim. Plus, TSA only allows liquids in containers of 3.4 oz. or less in your carry-on. Save space by packing travel-sized versions of essentials or buying them at your destination. 

You can also use The Insider Packing Cubes to create more room in your luggage. These mesh cubes gently compress items like shirts, socks, and ties. They’ll help you keep your carry-on or checked bag organized so you can easily find everything you need, even in the hectic airport. 

Get flight-ready before you hit the skies 

People often wonder what to pack for a long flight to stay comfortable and entertained. These tips will help you enjoy a smooth journey so you feel relaxed and ready to explore when the plane lands. 

How to fight boredom on a long flight 

If you like to stay busy, you’re probably wondering how to prepare for a 20-hour flight. Packing the right essentials will help you avoid going stir-crazy and make the trip bearable. 

When it comes to in-flight entertainment, you can’t go wrong with a book. Pack a lightweight paperback so you can get lost in a different world during the flight without worrying about an e-reader's battery dying mid-story. Airport bookstores sell the latest bestsellers, or you can bring an old favorite. 

Puzzle books are another great boredom buster. These slim books easily fit in the front pockets of The Overnight Bag or The Weekender. And make sure to pack a pen for those crossword puzzles. You can also download puzzle apps on your smartphone, but it’s often nice to give your eyes a break from screens during lengthy flights. 

If you have kids, pack a few coloring books and magnetic games. Encourage them to play creatively without bothering other passengers. For instance, you can challenge them to a drawing competition and invite them to tell stories about their pictures. These simple activities will help prevent restlessness and turn the long flight into a memorable bonding experience. 

Shop long haul flight accessories only at Away 

Long flights are often a necessary evil to get to some of the best travel destinations. Packing the right essentials will help make the journey more enjoyable and relaxing. Include plenty of entertainment options and snacks to stay energized. 

Need a new carry-on or checked bag for your next flight? Explore Away’s affordable and highly durable checked bags and carry-ons. Our bags have plenty of space to store everything you need to conquer long flights. 

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