LONG HAUL FLIGHT ESSENTIALS - WHAT TO PACK FOR A FLIGHT

Packing all of the right items for a long-haul flight comes with practice. Luckily, this video will act as your secret cheat code for all of the items you need to bring!

I believe that the personal item you stow under the seat in front of you on the plane is your own important toolbox for surviving and thriving on your flight. Further, each tool you bring will help make sure you stay well-rested and feel fresh and ready to great the new country with the excitement it deserves!

Specifically in this video we will review all of the items to add to your personal bag to make sure you are as comfortable and happy as possible throughout the flight - whether your ride is 4 hours or 24 hours!

I hope this video is exceedingly helpful for your upcoming adventures!

Happy travels, everyone!
-Eliz
Means To Travel Founder
#MeansToTravel

Note: product links below may be affiliate links, where Means To Travel LLC might make a small commission if a purchase is made.

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Filmed & Edited by Eliz Armstrong Zacarias at Means To Travel LLC

// About Me:
Hi! I’m Eliz, short for Elizabeth, and I am a travel and lifestyle blogger sharing knowledge and inspiration that I’ve gained through travel. Follow along to experience more meaningful travel, and find the means to get there!

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored video. All opinions expressed are wholly my own.

//Music:

[WillNGo]

I try to wear shoes I can squeeze into and out of without having to tie and untie -- often you can't reach down there.Of course you figured this out after you've had to pad down to the filthy bathroom in your socks. I wear my thicker smart wool (merino) socks. block out light I bring a black t-shirt. I've paid over $40 for eye shades - they leaked as much light as the freebies. A black (or dark) T is always perfect -- for over twenty years. I bring a neck pillow. I know some scoff at them. An extra layer is a thin long sleever merino top. I pack multiple merino layers including underwear and socks. Nylon pants and shorts for very hot weather (shortly I'm heading to Vietnam from California).
As soon as I can switch to the time at the destination. The shift usually works well if I have to stay awake through my departure (home) time. Awake over 24 hours arrive home at 9:30 pm, I was up at 5 am to go to work the next day. Sometimes even this doesn't work. I like coffee at the destination morning time. Often the cabin crew will black out the cabin at the departure night which helps no one. I stay awake, headlamp, window shade cracked a little, some obsessive task to keep me awake. (I once wrote for about 6 hours to stay awake. No memory what I wrote.)
If you've ever needed compression socks always have a pair even if you haven't needed them in a while.
For the past three + years I've worn an N95 mask. You're in an enclosed tube with hundreds of other people. We've all heard absolutely bizarre things from people about disease transmission. I never want to show up at customs running a fever. (I was in Hong Kong at the beginning of Covid, left just as they were closing the border. I've never contracted it.)
I put all my pocket stuff in baggies, then when I get to security I just slide out the bags and put them in the bin with my cell phone.
If you need a dongle always bring two or three. You might not be able to find a replacement. I had only one in the UK, had to take my iPhone out of the case to plug in the headphones. Yep, it cracked the glass. Noise Cancelling headphones like AirPods take about half the stress out of flying by reducing the engine noise. Even if I"m not listening to anything I'll leave ear buds in to reduced the engine noise. Headlamp. Get a good one, it's worth it. I've got a Petzel Actik Core. USB rechargable. Cheap ones are dim and useless for reading.
I like Melatonin. About 45 minutes to 90 minutes after I take it I consistently feel sleepy. But it doesn't keep me asleep. I have a sound machine at home that is terrific. I'll listen to an audio book I've listened to before, this can help me stay asleep.
WetOnes are great. I always carry hand sanitizer. If I need a more stringent clean, I'll drip some alcohol hand sanitizer on a wetone.
Water bottle. Never ever have anything in the bottle before you go into security. (If you stop at Starbucks get a cup.) You'll forget some dregs in the bottom and they'll tell you leave the line or throw away your bottle. After security fill up your bottle. A drinking fountain will have better water than the plane. There is a huge difference between the water in the bathroom and what they'll serve you. Never drink the stuff in the bathroom. I won't even rinse my toothbrush with it.
Food on a flight is for fidgeting. It's best just not to bother eating but drink water and coffee. I fidget and I eat....
I never lock my luggage, I'll put tape over the opening side, or I just bought some bright colored straps so I can recognize it. In over 50 years I've never had anything go missing, even when they sent my luggage to the wrong city. If you tape your luggage and they open it, you'll see immediately that the tape is disturbed so you can immediately check if anything is missing. Happy landing.

[elizabethm]

Flight attendant here. Do NOT apply dry shampoo or nail polish on the plane. Dry shampoo will set off the fire alarm and nail polish is flammable, also smells horrible.

[MonicaHudson-rjkx]

Finally, someone mentioned garment shields! Brilliant!!

[alam]

I"ve seen many videos on packing and this one is by far the best one. Very well organized and helpful video. Thank you!

[jacqattacq]

Nail polish on the plane might not be good. The strong smell may cause alarm.

[licerazob]

As a short person (1, 57 cm), the "foot hammock" is a game changer! Really great video, now I'm preparing myself for two super long flights (7 hours and then 13 hours!) so this is very useful and helpful. Greetings from Bogota, Colombia :)

[JuliaShonka]

I note that you said polyester fabric is breathable. It actually is not, unless it is blended with breathable fibres like cotton. Because of its plastic fibers, polyester fabric's lack of permeability can make it feel hot and sticky in warm weather. So, if you insist on polyester, you should make sure to check the label for cotton also. Even when blended, it won't be as breathable as cotton alone, or merino wool.

[erinaustin]

Exactly the bag I use! The only suggestion I would make is to have your local cobbler add a shoulder strap.

[johnscott]

Neck pillows I travel on both airbus and Boeing the head rest has a bending type mechanism that you can shape about your head by hand locking your head into a resting position . If travelling to the Middle East check to see if your medication is legal in that country. Even if you have it in your system.

[catswhisper]

Thank you so much! I very much enjoyed your video as it is going to help me on my long flight to Nigeria from the US! I must say I have watched several travel videos recently, and I have enjoyed yours tremendously and it touched on some items that have not ever been discussed before. Thanks so much

[francinejaninesarmiento]

Thanks for the list! I like the things you mentioned be packed in my current favorite carry on which is bento bag from Nomad Lane. It is simply the best with a lot of features. It has trolley sleeve, a lot of compartments, and small enough to fit under the seat.

[denisef]

I have never been on a long haul flight but have seen quite a few videos about it and this is the first one I have seen that have such great tips for what to bring. The SPF tip in particular was something I have never heard of and it is a great idea! Thank you 🙏🏻

[AlaskanGirl]

Great information! One thought, if you put your SPF in a container other than what it comes in, make sure light can’t get through, that is how it degrades and needs to be reapplied to your skin.

[tigergooner]

Wow great information I'm going to the UK from Australia next year this is great

[primrosetx]

Thank you so much. This is the most practical and helpful packing list I have ever seen on YouTube. I have added several must-have items to my list based on your video. Great job organizing the list. It is very helpful 👍

[brian_b_tamayo]

I’m traveling to the Philippines in
October. Thanks for your ideas. In addition to the “Staying Healthy” section, I have to bring my CPAP machine for my medical needs while asleep onboard

[koriwatkins]

This was super helpful! I’m taking an 11 hour flight in a couple weeks; so I’ve been looking for some tips to surviving it relatively unscathed!

[grandmagrace]

Thank you for the info. Traveling a 13 hour flight in 2 weeks.

[marciaricksgers]

Some great tips, but the first remark about clothing made me giggle – polyester is not breathable. It’s true it won’t generally wrinkle, but rayon, silk, or cotton are breathable. In my opinion, merino wool is the best option. It regulates body temperature, does not hold body odors, comes in very light weights, and is extremely breathable.

[chloebeckner]

Going on a 7 hour flight to Dublin ireland this Sunday. So excited but nervous. Longest flight I’ve been on was 2 hours to arizona.