13 Long-Haul Flight Travel Essentials | How to Survive in Comfort

Are you looking for the ultimate list of long-haul flight travel essentials? This guide will get you through the long hours and help you travel in comfort. Let’s get to it!

I’m sure you’re beyond excited for you’re trip, but that doesn’t mean that the flight to get there is exciting. Let’s be real, long-haul flights are no joke. Crossing oceans or flying across continents for 8+ hours in a metal tube can test your patience (and your neck). But the right gear makes it way more manageable.

After years of travel and plenty of red-eyes, I’ve nailed down the essentials that actually make a difference. Cozy layers, snacks that don’t suck, and backup entertainment have saved me more times than I can count. And don’t even get me started on in-flight headphones that give out mid-movie.

Quick tip before we dive in: I use this Amex travel card to rack up points on flights and travel purchases. It’s hands down my favorite card for travel rewards.

Join the Club

Subscribe to get our latest blog posts, gear & hotel recommendations, & more… before everybody else. 😎

Subscribe

We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Built with Kit

13 Long-Haul Flight Travel Essentials

I’ll be honest: I don’t sleep on planes. I’ve accepted that. So I do everything possible to get comfortable—because maybe, if I’m cozy enough, I’ll finally pass out for a bit.

And staying fresh during a long travel day? That comes down to small wins—brushing your teeth mid-flight, tossing on some under-eye masks, and keeping deodorant in your personal item. Trust me, it all adds up.

1. Compression Socks

Swollen ankles and leg cramps? Hard pass. A good pair of compression socks boosts circulation and helps prevent that weird puffy feeling after hours of sitting. I always wear them as soon as I board—your future legs will thank you.

I’ve had blood clots in the past, so compression socks are essential every time I travel. After four knee surgeries, they also help ease my knee pain and give me peace of mind.

2. Reusable Water Bottle

Plane cabins are notoriously dry, and flight attendants can only swing by so often. I bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up post-security. Hydration = survival.

3. Favorite Snacks (Packed in Reusable Ziplocs)

Airplane meals are unpredictable at best. As someone with Celiac, this makes it even more difficult to eat on planes, and typically, all of the snacks are cookies or crackers.

I pack my own snacks—usually protein-forward and not too crumbly. My go-tos:

• Krave jerky bars
• That’s It fruit bars
• Nut butter squeeze packs (I love eating Justin’s Almond Butter with a pre-cut apple)
• Dark chocolate squares for the mid-flight slump

Pack your snacks in these reusable food bags—no more rummaging through your carry-on like a raccoon.

4. Sleep Setup: Eye Mask, Earplugs & Travel Pillow

Getting decent sleep on a plane is an art form. I bring:

• A soft eye mask that actually blocks light
• Silicone earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds
• A solid travel pillow to help support your neck and allow you to actually relax.

5. Kindle (Or E-Reader of Choice)

Books are one of the best ways to pass the time without draining your phone battery. I always load up my Kindle Paperwhite before a trip—it’s lightweight, glare-free, and holds more books than I could ever finish on one flight.

Don’t forget to download a few titles in advance so you’re ready to go, even without Wi-Fi.

I use a simple, clear case for my Kindle Paperwhite—it’s sleek, no-fuss, and has saved my Kindle more than once when I’ve accidentally dropped it. I mean, no one plans to drop theirs… but that’s beside the point.

6. Noise-Canceling Headphones

I’m a Beats girlie all the way. The over-ear headphones cancel out cabin noise and people who snore loudly like magic. Seriously—worth the investment. Plus, the sound on these headphones is incredible.

7. Cleansing Wipes (For Face + Body)

Planes are grimy. I love Oars + Alps body wipes and gentle facial cleansing wipes for a quick mid-flight refresh. Feels like hitting the reset button.

8. Portable Charger

Between Spotify downloads, Kindle reading, and GPS when you land, your phone’s gonna need a boost. I always keep a portable battery bank in my personal item—something slim, powerful, and easy to recharge.

What I love about this portable charger is that it comes with four built-in cords, so there’s no need to pack extra charging cables for your devices.

9. AirFly Bluetooth Wireless Adapter

Let’s talk in-flight entertainment. You know how the airline headphones never fit right? Enter the AirFly adapter—plug it into the headphone jack, and voila, your Bluetooth earbuds work with the screen.

10. Travel Medication Organizer

Instead of juggling multiple pill bottles, I use a compact medication container with daily slots for my medication. Side note, when you’re traveling across time zones, don’t forget to adjust your medication schedule.

I take my meds at 7 AM and 7 PM PST, so when I visited Iceland (7 hours ahead), I switched my alarms to 2 PM and 2 AM local time. It helped keep my routine consistent and avoid any missed doses.

I also pack this pill organizer that comes with medication labels, which makes it easy to keep travel meds like Tylenol, aspirin, and Dramamine organized and all in one place.

11. My Little Leather Pouch of Randoms

I use a Portland Leather pouch to corral all the small things I actually use mid-flight:

• Hair ties
• Chapstick
• Mini Kleenex
• A pen (don’t be the person asking to borrow one during customs forms)
• Instant coffee packets
• Under-eye masks
• Travel-size hand lotion (planes = dry skin city)

12. Outfit MVPs: High-Waisted Joggers + Cozy Layers

My go-to long-haul flight outfit is all about layers and comfort. I usually wear high-waisted joggers, a moisture-wicking soft tee (REI also has some solid options), compression socks, and my trusty Hokas.

I run hot, so I like having the flexibility to layer up or strip down depending on how the cabin feels. I’ll usually throw on a soft flannel over the tee—it’s easy to tie around my waist or stash in my bag if I don’t need it.

A mini travel blanket is nice, but most of the time I just use my packable Marmot puffy jacket. It’s warm, light, and works perfectly as a makeshift blanket. I keep it right on top in my carry-on so I can grab it if I need it.

13. Travel Organization Gear That Actually Helps

A few items that make packing—and unpacking—so much smoother:

• A cosmetic case with a clear TSA-compliant section for liquids. I bring two separate cosmetic cases—one for makeup and one for liquids
• A well-loved Away suitcase with compression panels
• My Eddie Bauer fanny pack — big enough for a Kindle, passport, and boarding pass, but small enough to tuck into the seat-back pocket
• Patagonia 40 L Duffle — the perfect duffle carry-on for local and international travels

---

✈️ How to Survive in Comfort

💺 Pick the Right Seat

Window Seat Wins (Most of the Time). I always choose the window—it’s the only way I can fully relax on planes. Pro tip: The legroom is often a bit better than on the aisle side, and you can lean against the wall.

🎧 Entertainment: Download Everything in Advance

Having multiple offline entertainment options is one of the best ways to stay comfortable and sane during long-haul flights.

• Don’t rely on in-flight Wi-Fi. It’s often slow or doesn’t work. Download movies or shows from Netflix or Prime Video ahead of time to avoid boredom.

• Bring audio options. Save your favorite Spotify playlists, podcasts, or white noise tracks to help you relax or fall asleep.

• Pack a book—digital or audio. Download an eBook to your Kindle or an audiobook from Audible so you’re covered if you need a break from screens.

🌍 Layover Like a Pro

Whether domestic or international, use layovers to walk, stretch, or do a few mobility exercises.

Bonus Tip: For international layovers, you might need to clear immigration and recheck your bags—build in extra time just in case.

🧘‍♀️ Stick to a Mini Fitness Routine

Even a 5-minute airport yoga session, a resistance band stretch, or a few lunges by your gate can help keep your blood flowing and reduce stiffness.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring your own refillable water bottle. Flight cabin air is dry, and running around airports makes it easy to forget water. Fill up after security and sip often during your flight.

Bonus points for adding LMNT electrolytes (Mango Chili is my favorite flavor).

---

Long-Haul Flight Travel Essentials: Wrapped Up

Packing the right long haul flight travel essentials can seriously upgrade your entire experience. It’s not just about surviving the flight—it’s about arriving at your destination feeling (semi) human.

With a little prep and a well-packed carry-on, you might even enjoy the journey. 😜

Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels

---

---