10 Essentials Needed for Long Flights

Traveling on flights can be super uncomfortable, especially when the flights are long! Unless you are able to shell out the big bucks for first class every time you take a long trip (lucky you!), you'll more than likely be in economy or economy plus for the majority of your vacations. Not much room for movement, sometimes you'll be sandwiched between two people, and is it just me or do the seats not recline much at all?

No matter how uncomfortable a flight may be, we still fly because we want to go to cool destinations and honestly, a couple hours of discomfort is ALWAYS worth the fun I have on my vacations. So, I have comprised a list of 10 items I consider my essentials for traveling on long flights. So let's get into it!

10 Essentials for Long Flights

 1. Headphones

On a long flight or really ANY flight, you have to have a nice set of headphones! Not only can you listen to music, but a lot of planes have the TVs in the back of the seats and you can watch movies and TV shows. Now, some airlines will give you some headphones to borrow while on the flight, but I just love having my own.

2. Cozy/Compression Socks

 Not only are socks important for comfort and warmth because no one wants to spend a long flight with bulky shoes on, but compression socks are important for circulation.

 
3. Sleep Mask

 A sleep mask will change your life on a long flight! I love the ones with extra cushion or the ones with the cooling gel, but honestly the complete darkness just makes me sleep much better. If you want to drown out noise AND lights, get some ear plugs too!

 
4. Blanket

 Another essential piece for a good sleep and just being comfortable is a nice soft blanket. It's so funny because every time we travel, my husband always forgets a blanket (so he says) and he always ends up wanting to share mine with me. I think he might be doing it on purpose, what do you guys think? :)

 
5. Refreshing wipes

 There's nothing like being on a long flight, waking up from a nap, and then feeling dirty. That's where these wipes come in. You can freshen up your face, under your arms, and.. other places to help with that yuck feeling after being on a long flight. I don't know about y'all, but I just feel like planes are full of germs so not only so I travel with wipes to refresh my body, but also disinfecting wipes for my seat and surrounding areas.

 
6. Portable Charger

 This is KEY! Now, a lot of planes do have charge ports at your seats these days, but it's always good to be prepared anyway! I have been on a plane when the outlet was there, but it didn't work. Thank goodness for my portable charger! It's also good for layovers in the airport so you don't have to fight for one of the few outlets at your gate. My husband and I have an Anker portable charger and it works really well! We get about four full charges out of it before we have to recharge it.

 
7. Snacks

I'm a HUGE snacker by nature, so of course it is essential for me to have snacks on a long flight in order to be comfortable. Again, airlines give out some things, but nothing like having your favorites within reach. I have to have pretzels on a flight and gummy candy!

 
8. Mouthwash

Okay friends, after you have woke up from your good sleep with your blanket, eye mask, and neck pillow, you're going to need to refresh your breath. Sure, you can chew some gum, but if you have a chance to get up and rinse with mouthwash, that's even better! :)

 
9. A Book/Kindle/iPad

 When you need a break from the TV, it's always good to have a nice book on hand. I am currently reading 'Becoming Michelle Obama' and I love it so far. I don't really like reading books on my iPad, but I'd rather have a hard copy when I read a book. I guess I'm old school in that regard.

 
10. Neck Pillow

This really should have been first, but this was in no particular order. A neck pillow is the last essential to a good sleep. I have had severe neck pain after a flight from not having a pillow so I truly think it is important to have. There's so many different types, so do your research!

What is your number one essential you HAVE to take on long flights? I'd love to hear about it!

Thanks so much for reading! xo