Must pack list for Long Haul flights

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My top tips for flying long-haul

Long-haul flights are not fun at the best of times. At worst they are down right awful. But what you pack can make the world of difference not just for the trip but to make the travel more bareable to.

What counts as a long-haul flight?

Whilst every airline has a different definition most define long haul as a direct flight lasting over 6 hours.

Packing List for long-haul flights

After the last time I flew and caught a virus (this was in 2018-prepandemic!) I revised my packing list for flights. I’m not normally a ‘germaphobe’ but on recommendation from various doctors, professionals and research (again pre pandemic!) here is my ultimate list for what to take with you when flying!

Carry on luggage

With all the airport madness that is happening at the moment a good carry on bag with at least some of your essentials is very important. If your airline lets you pack a small suitcase and a handbag then do it! Pack what you might need if you the worse were to happen and your checked luggage got lost (or ended up on a different flight…or not on the flight at all…)

Perhaps you might even find yourself able to complete the trip just with the Carry On allowance. This saves you precious time in the airport both sides of the flight.

but also you will need some items for the flight itself…

To pack for the flight

• An eye mask-for easy sleeping
• Your own earphones-for hygiene and comfort
• I-pod/tablet etc-if you want your own entertainment I recommend something electrical that can be cleaned rather than a book.
• Flight socks-a must have for long haul flights in constraining seats
• A pillow-because the seats are so uncomfortable. Some airlines do give pillows or provide them on request along with blankets (see note below).
• A wrap/scarf/pashmina/large jacket-to keep you warm and comfy and long haul flights can be cold
• A filter water bottle which can be filled up frequently
• Flight sweets-sucky sweets for ear pressure, chewy sweets for an energy boost
• Medication. Post flight a top tip is to take a Berocca for energy, a Dioralyte for rehydration, 2 paracetamol and 2 ibuprofen. But also pack any prescription medications close at hand.

I personally would avoid using flight blankets and pillows at all costs. Accept to sit on to make the seat more bearable! Most flight blankets are regularly cleaned but not all…

Now I that I know planes are barely ever cleaned these following hygiene products are very important. There is also very little air on a plane which is heavily recycled.

Seat pouch essentials for long-haul flights

• Alcohol gel (be aware of size for travel!)-keep your hands clean and sticky free
• Alcohol spray (be aware again of size).This is useful for spraying your surroundings including your seat, anywhere you might rest your head, the pocket in front of you and the tray. Make sure any flight mates do the same.
• A face mask. While there is conflicting evidence on how effective these actually are, if you are sleeping and breathing air with a bunch of people you don’t know I would recommend you wearing one!!
• face wipes (or similar)-for refreshing your face and body as well as wiping stuff down
• A toothbrush with paste (travel size). You feel much better when you land if you have clean teeth after a long flight.
• Gum (or mints)-again the above reason
• A lipbalm (or similar) that can be used as a body/face moisturiser to keep you looking and feeling hydrated

Pack these in a small see through bag sthat can be wiped out when needed and go through security separately. A bum bag or pouch which can fit both inside your handbag and inside the seat pocket in front of you is ideal. We use a clear bum bag with two compartments and pack everything we will need during the flight. This way we don’t have to get up and fiddle with any other bags.

Although it might seem a lot for just the journey to your holiday, avoiding sickness and feeling fresh when you land will improve the quality of your holiday no end! Plus most of these items will be useful during your trip anyway! Happy flying!

What are your top tips for flying? Share with us in the comments!