It can be so awkward to try to reach under the seat mid flight, especially if I am in the middle seat, or have something on my tray table. And without fail, whatever small item I am trying to find in the moment will always end up being at the very bottom of my carry-on. Being the messy person that I am, I will have to take things out and begin straining to set them into a structurally unsound little pile on my lap. This pile inevitably falls apart, always slowly yet surely spilling into the personal space of those sitting next to me as if by some special cruising altitude gravity, as I try to beat the velocity of the increasing chaos by scrambling more vigorously to dig out whatever it is that I need, which of course of only hastens the inevitable collapse of my poorly placed personal belongings.
To avoid this and other such inconveniences while traveling, I have become a true believer in staying organized while on the go. For me this involves a Russian nesting doll style system of keeping bags within bags to cluster items together. To that end, I always pack a small zippered bag inside my carry-on that I can take out and put in the seat back pocket so I have easy access to it no matter what.
I wanted to the essentials I carry with me in that bag when I am on a long haul, especially overnight flight. For me I consider this to be anything longer than 6 or 7 hours.
This is listed in order of how critical the item is for my travel comfort:
1. Wireless and plugin headphones
It’s important for me to pack two sets of headphones: One set of wireless for entertainment on my phone, and one set of plugin for the in flight entertainment system. That way the tiniest fraction of climate guilt from being on a plane is offset by saying no to the cheap, uncomfortable headphones and their plastic packaging when they are offered by the flight attendants.
2. USB charger for my cell phone and headphones
I always keep a charger for my cell phone and headphones in my long haul bag so that I can binge whatever media I brought with me for however many hours I need to without worrying about my precious electronics dying on me mid flight.
3. Earplugs
I typically pack a few pairs of the disposable soft foam earplugs. I want to try to explore higher quality options, such as silicone and noise canceling earplugs. If you have a brand you like, please let me know in the comments below!
4. Sleeping mask
I’ve mentioned sleeping masks before, and I will say it again. I absolutely must have one while traveling, including when on a long haul flight. Sometimes I can catch a bit of sleep on flights, but it is always difficult if not impossible. I try to accessorize as much as I can to be as comfortable as possible to maximize my chances of getting some rest. I still have my MZOO sleeping mask, and have been loving it.
5. ZzzQuill or other sleeping aide
For any overnight flight longer than 8 hours, I will usually take a sleep aid. I try to wait until we actually take off, just to make sure there are no delays before drugging myself.
6. Water bottle
Another win for mother earth, I always make sure to pack a reusable water bottle. I think because the recycled air inside airplanes is so dry, I always get thirsty on long flights, and the tiny bottles of water handed out at random intervals are never enough.
7. Chapstick
This seems like a small thing, but for the same reason mentioned above, my lips are always dry and chapped on long flights. I don’t normally use chapstick but what starts a slight annoyance becomes unbearable by hour six.
8. Gum
Another seemingly small detail, but gum always helps my ears pop when on a plane.
9. Toiletries: Travel hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste, face wash or mist, moisturizer
Technically five items, but they all fall into the same category, and 10 items makes for a better title. I usually feel more dead than alive, or at least ready for a shower and a nap after an overnight or long haul flight. When traveling internationally, it’s usually at least two hours from when I get off the plane to when I get to wherever I am staying. For that reason, before the initial descent I always make a trip to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face, so that I can at least feel a little bit like a person and better fake a smile at an immigration officer after standing in hectic security lines for who knows how long.
10. Pen
This may seem like yet another detail that isn’t necessary, and it is becoming less and less common, but some countries still require you to fill out a paper declaration form or tourist visa when entering the country. Somehow, the airlines always have these forms in flight but never pens. I like to save myself the hassle of filling it out in immigration by taking care of it on the plane, plus I get to feel like a hero when I loan it out to my cabin mates in need.
Now you know what I absolutely must have with me when traveling on long haul flights. Don’t leave home without it! What would you add to this list?
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