Long-haul flights can feel daunting. Will I be able to sleep? Will I get bored? Do I really need compression socks? How strict are the luggage restrictions? How will I cope with the jet lag?
With so many things to think about already, this list should at least help to make the packing part easier.
Here are my 11 long-haul flight essentials that I never fly without, and a few things you probably don't need!
1. PHONE
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Not that most of us leave the house without our phones nowadays, but these are great companions for long-haul flights.
Exhausted the in-flight entertainment, want to listen to your travel playlist or want to spend some time editing your photos from your trip? Now is the perfect time!
Don't forget your headphones either, they're often much better than the ones provided by airlines.
Credit cards and boarding passes can also be easily stored on phones meaning you need nothing else but your phone and passport!
2. VALUABLES
Following the old cliche of better being safe than sorry, keep all your valuables in your hand luggage.
Cameras, laptops, jewellery, that delicate Chinese vase you just HAD to buy in the market - don't risk these being damaged or lost in your checked bags.
I also count most medicines in this list. Whilst my first aid kit stays in the hold, I keep most pills (paracetamol, imodium, malarone, prescription drugs) in my hand luggage.
Sometimes on long trips I can be travelling with quite a lot of pills so it's easier to keep them with me in case I need to explain that it's not anything dodgy or suspicious!
3. PASSPORT
Now this one's a given but it is THE essential item you MUST take on a long-haul flight!
Make sure several weeks before you leave that you have ample space and time left on your passport, and that you have the correct visas if needed.
At most airports, you will only need your passport 3 times: at check in, at passport/border control, and at the gate.
The rest of the time, including at security, keep it somewhere safe and easy to find in your bag.
4. CHARGERS
Both a portable charger and a USB charger are essential for long-haul flying.
The last thing you need is for your phone (with your boarding pass) to run out of battery because you were watching too much Netflix or editing all your photos.
A portable charger will mean you won't have to fight for one of the plug sockets on the floor at the gate, and will make sure your phone won't run out of juice.
A lot of long-haul airlines now have USB charge points at your seat too.
NB: Spare lithium-ion batteries and most portable chargers need to be kept in hand luggage and not checked luggage for safety reasons.
5. LAYERS
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Airplanes and airports can be COLD so make sure you bring some layers!
Some cosy clothes can also help you feel snug and comfy if you're trying to sleep.
I always pack warm fluffy socks, an oversized jumper/hoodie and a scarf to combat the aircon.
Bonus tip: Scarves that you can roll up under your chin make great alternatives to bulky travel pillows.
6. EYE MASK & WAX EAR PLUGS
If there's the slightest chance I want to sleep on a plane, I always pack an eye mask and some ear plugs.
I use wax ear plugs because they mould to the inside of your ear to block out the most sound. They also don't fall out very easily.
When crossing time zones or even just to block out your surroundings, a good-fitting, soft eyemask and some wax ear plugs go a long way!
7. WALLET/PURSE
Whilst most credit cards can be kept on your phone, it's always useful to have a backup.
It's also useful to have a little bit of cash incase you find yourself somewhere that doesn't accept cards.
Keep everything safe and together including your bank cards, ID, EHIC (if you're European), and some currency to catch a cab at your destination.
8. LIQUIDS
You need one clear, plastic bag to squeeze all of your essential liquids in.
Make sure that yours contains both lip balm and moisturiser to combat the inevitable dry-skin feeling from spending too many hours in the low-humidity cabin air.
Throw in some light cover-up and a quick lick of mascara for the girls (or guys if that's your thing) to arrive at your destination without looking like you've missed a night's sleep.
Roll-on deodorant, perfume/aftershave and anti-bacterial wipes will help you feel fresh when you arrive.
Between leaving your house and landing at your destination you will have been travelling for a long time, so it's nice to freshen up before landing.
9. REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
One of the best ways to feel fresh after a long-haul flight is to keep yourself hydrated, which can be hard with the dry cabin air and the absolutely tiny miniature drinks airlines tend to hand out.
Keep a re-usable water bottle with you that you can top up before boarding the plane and stay hydrated throughout your flight.
NB: This needs to be empty going through security!
10. A PEN
Quite a few countries will require you to fill out a landing card to get through immigration, but pens are always hard to find.
These will sometimes be handed out on the aircraft so you can fill it in in advance.
Don't be that annoying person asking the cabin crew for their pens and bring your own.
11. FOR OVERNIGHT FLIGHTS: MORNING ROUTINE
On overnight flights I always pack everything I need for my morning routine:
Toothbrush & toothpaste, hairbrush, anti-bacterial wipes to freshen up, and a clean top and underwear to change into before landing.
This helps you leave the airport at your destination looking ready to face the world, even if you don't quite feel it!
If you will be landing late at night, it's always a good idea to keep your bed-time routine items close to hand too. This saves you rummaging through your main bag once you arrive when all you want is your pyjamas and toothbrush!
SOME THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON'T NEED...
NECK PILLOW
Large and awkward in size, and taking up useful souvenir space in your backpack once you get there!
NOTEBOOK
Travel light and scrawl notes on your phone during your flight.
BOOKS (PLURAL)
Are you really going to read more than one book during an 8 hour flight? If so, consider travelling lighter with an e-reader instead.
FOOD
Almost all long-haul flights will feed you and many have great options for special diets, and even snacks between meals.
Unless your dietary requirements are particularly limited, it's unnecessary to travel with a lot of food.
HARD COPIES OF DOCUMENTS
Unless it specifically states "print this out", you do not need to print out copies of boarding passes, insurance policies, hotel booking confirmations, etc.
Save paper and keep these files on your phone instead.
TOO MANY SPARE CLOTHES
There is always that risk of losing your bag, but we are now 70% less likely to lose our bags compared to 10 years ago thanks to technological advances.
Also from 1st June 2018, the IATA will be enforcing a Baggage Tracking Resolution that will help to ensure even fewer lost bags!
So there really is no need to pack an entire week's worth of clothing "just in case".
Worst case scenario, you can always treat yourself to something new!
What things do you never travel long-haul without?
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