Grab your ultimate list of long flight essentials! Everything you need to pass the time by on those extended flights! 

I am not sure what you consider a long flight, but for me, anything over 5 hours starts giving me anxiety. Especially if you have strangers in your row and you are flopping around like a fish out of water trying to get comfortable! 

It wasn’t until I had taken multiple long flights that I finally perfected my must-have essentials, which I know is common probably for the unseasoned traveler. This obviously inspired me to write this post! 

By the way, if you are looking for flights and hotel packages, be sure to check Booking.com!

Long Flight Essentials That You Need Right Now!

Noise-canceling headphones – I personally LOVE my Airpods, as an Apple user I have just about all of their products. But here’s the thing, if you are on a long overnight flight, chances are you are going to want to sleep. 

This is one area where I feel like the AirPods lack because they have the chance of falling out. So if you are actually going to get some rest I highly recommend these, but in all other areas, I say go with the Airpods. Their battery life is great and the chargeable case is awesome. You can also customize the case with changeable skins.

Neck pillow – This was a total lifesaver and I actually have 2. One folds into this teeny tiny bag and is filled with a bean bag-like material. This one is budget-friendly too. I also have the memory foam one, this will require more room when it comes to carrying it. So if you are really running low on space you can opt for the inflatable one. Simply deflate during onboarding and offboarding, and it’s super small. 

Water bottle – While you do get drinks on the plane, during night flights the attendants don’t come around as often and try to make as little noise as possible. So I just recommend bringing your own beverage. Plus, there are refilling stations in the airport and that’s one less thing you have to pay for. 

Compression socks – If you have ever ridden in economy seating you know exactly why these would come in handy. The leg space is almost nonexistent, and when it comes to a long flight, you are sitting for an extended period of time. These are very tight socks that help with blood flow when sitting or standing for long periods of time. They take a little getting used to but are totally worth the purchase. 

Electronics – Being a traveler and always working I never leave without my devices. But even if you are traveling for leisure, sometimes the technology is less than par. The last flight I took, movies and wifi were promised and neither worked. But luckily I had downloaded some Netflix bingers that kept me entertained when I wasn’t working. 

If you are an avid reader but don’t want to carry around paperbacks, invest in a tablet or Kindle. You can store all of your books there, dim the screen, and Audible even offers super cheap books where they read to you!

Portable Charger – You can easily grab a backup battery pack to charge your devices on. They are relatively small and compact. My only recommendation is to check the amperage as far as what you need to charge. Phone chargers are much smaller, but tablets such as Ipads may need a bigger power source. 

Eye Mask – Okay guys, this may not be a long travel flight essential for you, but ladies it is a must for me. They are perfect for getting a comfortable feeling in an uncomfortable space. While they only cover your eyes, for me they also drown out distractions and are great when the lights go out on overnight flights. 

Comfortable/Slide on Shoes – It’s tough trying to get cozy but something about taking my shoes off makes me feel right at home. With that being said you don’t want to have to tie sneakers or lace-up boots every time you want to get up. I love wearing my Toms, not only are they slip-on, but they are super comfortable even when you are power walking through airports! 

Be sure to check out 13 of the BEST Travel Shoes You Can Buy Right Now! 

Toiletries – depending on how long you will be on the plane, you may like to have access to your toothbrush and skincare products. Packing a light toiletry bag to carry on is also great just in case your luggage gets lost! 

Other Must-Have Travel Essentials

Below are some items I just felt the need to include. When I was new to flying I had no idea where to start when it came to finding out regulations, what you can and cant board with, and really just needed an easier method of carrying all of my crap. 

Travel Wallet– This wallet is perfect for traveling! It has slots for your cards, money, passport, and tickets! They come in a ton of cute colors, so choose what you like! I never travel without mine! 

Backpack – Did you know that your backpack doesn’t count as your carry on item in most cases? Most airlines (check before you plan) allow you to bring a carry on (which has size restrictions, this goes in the storage above your head) and a bag of some sort that can fit under the seat in front of you! Take a look at my carry on bag that I never travel without! 

Snacks – Pack some protein snacks in your backpack. These will keep you fuller longer so you can push through that long flight! 

Needing other travel advice? Check out some of my other posts below! 

13 Of The BEST Travel Shoes – You Can Buy Right Now!

25+ Epic Things to do in Montana – The Ultimate Montana Bucket List!

Timbuk2 Aviator Review: The Best Carry-On Bag for One-Bag Travel

What to look for in an Airbnb before booking – from an Airbnb superuser!