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12 Things You Need for Every Long Flight, According to Our Experts
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Long flights are great and terrible at the same time. The good? You’re most likely off to (or returning from) some incredible destination that may have even changed your global perspective. The bad? You’re subjected to the confines of a flight for a long, long time. I don’t know if anyone’s idea of fun is being trapped in a flying vestibule for more than a couple hours. And if it is your idea of fun, well, good luck.
But for those of you who have come here hoping to find ways to alleviate the airborne angst, we tapped some experts to help us round up the long-flight essentials. Andrew Macdonald, SVP of Mobility & Business Operations at Uber, is always on the go, and he gave us his list of necessities, which include everything from sleep masks to travel shoes. Delta Red Coat Whitney Opheim adds that “an easy way to feel refreshed and ready to go is to quickly brush your teeth during the flight.” Another tip she has: Remember to put “any other important items, like car keys and medications, in your carry-on versus your checked bag.” We also heard from a Delta pilot and a flight attendant to ensure we covered all the bases.
Ready to see what we and the experts can’t travel without? Behold, the twelve long-flight must-haves to take on your next journey. Get a move on.
Headphones are a must, and these are Macdonald's go-to. “Not novel, but you can’t beat their size and convenience. I also carry an extra set in case I misplace them on the road—can’t be too careful!”
Don’t forget to stay properly hydrated. Another expert favorite is LMNT, with its sugar-free electrolyte mix helping to provide optimal energy and nutrition levels.
A few weeks ago, my luggage was lost upon my arrival in Portugal. From now on, these will be in every single one of my checked bags. Don’t underestimate the power of the AirTag.
Something else Macdonald can’t fly without? “I’ve had this backpack for a decade, and it always comes with me when I travel. Travel is hard on your gear, especially the more refined styles. This bag is durable and has special pockets for key documents and all your electronics.”
One of the best ways to pass time during a long flight: sleeping. An eye mask is key, but for peak slumber, opt for a weighted eye mask. Delta flight attendant Andrea Davis says, “The weighted beads inside the eye mask can help you calm the mind and fall asleep quicker, especially when adjusting to different time zones while traveling.”
What you wear on the plane is just as important as what you bring in your carry-on. Macdonald says, “The key to saving baggage space is traveling in sneakers that also double as your workout shoes on the road. These are the best—good for both cross-training and long distance.”
“Earplugs can reduce so much noise around you. Flight attendants will do their best to reduce the noise, but it helps to have those on hand just in case,” says Davis. And if your AirPods die, these will come in handy as you drift off to sleep.
Though you may not wear these during the flight, they’ll definitely prove useful afterward. “Landing after a red-eye takes a little adjustment. Best to hide the tired eyes,” adds Macdonald.
Don’t board without food. Delta pilot Jared Hodge recommends packing “an easy and filling snack, such as a power bar.”
Blue Diamond Almonds Bold Wasabi and Soy Sauce Flavored Snack Nuts
If power bars aren’t really your thing, this pack of wasabi and soy almonds is my personal favorite. I don’t even like wasabi, but I love these. They’re a crowd-pleaser.
A good neck pillow is a must. This one doesn’t look cheesy, though. It has a sleek silhouette, made with premium memory foam, and a removable sleeve that makes it easy to wash.
Entertainment is critical. I’m a crossword aficionado, and this book can keep me occupied for hours.
This chic pouch will hold your toothbrush, face mist, cream, and just about anything else you need to bring to feel as refreshed as can be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for packing for a flight?
While this is airline specific, a general rule of thumb is that most carry-on bags must weigh less than thirty-five pounds and must not exceed ten inches deep, sixteen inches wide, and twenty-four inches high. Make sure that whatever you pack these essentials in will fit in the overhead bin and abide by the restrictions.
What is the 3-1-1 liquids rule?
You can carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in 3.4-ounce travel-size containers. All containers must be placed inside one clear quart-size plastic bag, and each passenger is allowed only one plastic bag.
Why Trust Esquire
We’re not going to tell you something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
Each pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. We even asked some experts to make sure we covered all the bases. If you’re looking for advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to start.
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