If it's been a while since you traveled, you might be itching to satisfy a case of wanderlust. After you've perused flight prices, found the best hotel deal, and booked your trip, don't forget to check your long-flight essentials to make flying a breeze.
Being prepared for your trip usually helps calm some of those pre-flight butterflies. Of course, while we suggest packing a few travel staples in your carry-on, like a pair of headphones, a comfortable travel pillow, and a sleep mask, there are a few not-so-obvious flight essentials that you'll thank us for recommending.
From the best portable charger to a pill organizing water bottle, we’ve given our list of long flight essentials a 2022 makeover. After all, if there’s anything we’ve learned through the pandemic, it’s a) how to be efficient, and b) how to multitask. Keep scrolling for everything you’ll need on your upcoming excursion(s).
Hand sanitizer might be a no-brainer when it comes to long-flight essentials, but these packets of wipes from Wet Ones are the best to carry with you. You can wipe down your tray table and give your hands a second sanitizing wash after using the bathroom (water from the airplane sink is not safe to drink, FYI).
If you get super antsy on long flights because you can't find a comfortable spot for your legs, just bring your own footrest! This hammock-like device loops over your tray table, letting you rest your feet on an elevated surface. Ideal for those who have body aches or feet that swell while traveling, it folds up flat and is a small investment for major peace of mind.
If you're a side sleeper who has to spoon something in order to fall asleep (rendering it near-impossible to snooze during previous trips), consider the Travelrest pillow.
This inflatable, apostrophe-shaped travel pillow has a strap that's slung around your back (or even tethered to your seat back), and it nestles between your head and shoulder. This gives you full lateral support, along with the security of having a bit of cushion to hug or hook your arm around.
Even on super-long flights or red-eyes, it can be difficult to fall asleep — try to get some shut-eye by taking a melatonin gummy right before take-off.
It's a non-habit-forming supplement that helps soothe stressed-out nerves and helps you drift easier into sleep, even in an environment that's less than ideal. It'll also help you regulate to new time zones better, and won't make you feel groggy or disoriented when you disembark.
Whether you're catching a flight that doesn't have televisions on the back of the seat or you prefer to watch your personal streaming apps, this in-flight phone mount will help you avoid serious neck kinks. Stare ahead and enjoy your favorite programs without having to look down for hours on end. Trust us, this is a game changer.
Let's face it — getting comfortable on public transportation of any kind can be difficult, but when you can bring a plush pillow or blanket to help make it easier, you should! Not only is this 2-in-1 sleep buddy comfy, but it's cute and easily transportable, too. Just hook it to your backpack, slip it on your luggage's handle, or pack it in your carry-on.
There are few things worse than pulling knotted headphones out of your bag when your wireless headphones die or having to wrangle tangled charger cords when your gadgets are on 1%. Avoid this mess while traveling by neatly organizing your loose cables and cords in this carrying case.
Another good idea for when those dying gadgets? A portable charger like this mophie Powerstation, which can deliver up to two phone charges and get up to 50% battery in just 30 minutes. This is essential for any in-flight charging needs in case your seatback tray doesn't have a charging station.
It's always a good idea to have medicine with you, especially when you're traveling long distances. While this, of course, includes any prescriptions, it's also true of the as-needed pain relievers and other OTC or first-aid meds. Organize Tylenol, Tums, Benadryl, Zyrtec, melatonin gummies, and the like in this neat little pill container. Stow it away in your purse or carry-on so you're always prepared.
We're not advocating going shoeless during your flight, but for those who deal with thrombosis, restless leg syndrome, or feet and ankle swelling, a pair of compression socks can significantly help ease the physical discomfort. These provide strategic compression for the entire lower leg, as well as padding and arch support to keep healthy circulation in your legs.
In case you get peckish during your flight, keep a bag of mixed nuts with you to help stave off your hangriness upon arrival. This protein-packed mix from Planters includes almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and pecans, and it's unsalted, so as not to encourage you to continually snack and get dehydrated.
Not only are these over-the-ear wireless headphones super comfortable, they have adjustable sensory bass that can literally transport you to a live concert with the push of a button.
These noise-cancelling headphones are one of the best long-flight essentials for nervous travelers or for serious audiophiles — you can customize the sound using the Skullcandy app.
Sometimes a simple, low-tech solution is all you need to catch those elusive zzz’s while flying. While these are great for muffling nearby conversations and noises in the cabin, they’re also good to have on hand once you land because you never know how quiet and calm your sleeping arrangements will be when traveling.
Instead of listening to adrenaline-pumping tunes while flying at 40,000 feet, try lulling yourself into a more relaxed state of mind by downloading one of Spotify’s atmospheric or ambient music playlists. The “Peaceful Piano” playlist features gentle, meandering melodies that are great for calming those pre-flight jitters.
This eye mask makes a huge difference for restless, light-sensitive sleepers, on the ground or in the air. The contoured foam material rests comfortably on the face, the Velcro straps adjust to fit any sized head, and the “cups” over the eyes are rounded, so even if you open your eyes, the black lining makes it easier for you to go right back to sleep.
As far as in-flight entertainment goes, you pretty much only need to pack your Fire 7 Tablet. This model lets you enjoy an entire library of downloaded movies, books, games, and other apps on one sleek and sharp 7-inch display.
Meds are super important to keep on you while you travel, especially in the event that your luggage gets lost. We love this water bottle that features a daily pill box on it so you are never stuck trying to swallow pills on a dry mouth. You'll have to empty the water bottle before getting through security, but you can replenish once you’re settled in at your gate.
A phone sanitizer is one of the best gadgets to have lately. Keep it by your front door or in your kitchen and after a day of texting and swiping, close the lid on your device for 10 minutes to kill up to 99% of germs.
This one uses a USB Type-C cable to plug in so you can actually bring it on a plane to give your phone a refresh midflight. Plus, this one will sanitize and charge your phone at the same time using Qi wireless technology.
KF94 masks are tested rigorously by the South Korean government’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, making them exceptionally close to the N95 masks. We love these black disposable face masks for long flights because they are comfortable and feature four layers of protection, plus the protective nose and mouth covering ensures you won’t have a mask malfunction while snoozing on your flight.
This travel-friendly hand sanitizer sells out very quickly, and for good reason. Made with aloe vera, it is super hydrating so your hands will not get even drier than usual on an airplane, one bottle delivers over 500 sprays, and there is no harsh alcohol smell. The lavender scent is one of our favorite long-flight essentials.
Taylor MeadTaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and social media manager for beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands and publications.
Melanie YatesSenior Home Decor EditorMelanie is the senior home decor editor of Best Products, where she's been researching and testing out home and bedding products since 2015 — her work can also be found on House Beautiful and Women's Health.
Kasey CaminitiContributorA self-proclaimed music junkie, Kasey enjoys festivals and concerts on the weekends but lately snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Rufio.
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