Long Flight Carry-On Essentials

Hey everyone,

As I am sitting here on plane during the 27th hour of my journey to Australia, I think back to my first few experiences on long flights and how I had no idea what I was doing. My bag was always a mess and I pretty much always forgot something. 

As you can imagine, I currently have quite a bit of time on my hands so I figured I'd make a little list of the most important carry-on essentials for long journeys. Hopefully I can help make your future flights a little more comfortable! 

A Smaller Bag

If you are bringing a suitcase or a backpacking pack as your carry-on, I recommend also bringing another smaller bag to store everything you need on the plane. It is a pain in the butt having to get up, climb over everyone in your row and unpack your carry-on mid-flight. Trust me. Put your travel documents in a very specific pocket, it sucks having to scramble to find them. 

A Neck Pillow

I highly suggest bringing a neck pillow, especially for longer flights. It will help you stay comfortable and will help you sleep. There are few things worse than being stuck in the middle row of a red-eye trying to sleep sitting straight up

Head Phones

I know this may sound like a no brainer, but trust me, they're easy to forget. If you have a newer iPhone, make sure you bring a pair of headphones with the normal headphone jack- not just the one that plugs into the iPhone charging port. The in-flight entertainment requires normal headphones and not all planes offer them for free! I would download some movies and music on your phone in case you don't have access to in-flight entertainment.

A Pen

Many countries ask you to fill out a declaration form upon entry. Bring a black or blue pen on the plane so you can get it done before you land.

Ear Plugs + Eye Mask + Sleeping Aid 

If you're like me and have trouble sleeping around noise and light, I highly recommend bringing ear plugs and and eye mask along with a sleeping aid such as melatonin to help you rest. I use the most fantastic sleep spray! It is all natural and does an incredible job. It is L-theanine and melatonin based.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone that tells your body it's time to sleep.

What is L-theanine?

L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes relaxation. It helps you ease stress and unwind.

It's hard getting good sleep on a plane, might as well help yourself out a little to prevent exhaustion and jet lag. 

Face Wipes + Hydrating Essentials 

Flights get very dry, treat your skin right. I always bring face wipes on the plane along with a hydrating toner, moisturizer and lip chap! It'll make you a lot more comfortable mid-flight and upon arrival. 

Immune Booster

Planes contain a lot of people in one space. Tons of germs are flying around a small area and it is very easy to get sick. I always bring an Immune System Booster because who wants to get sick right when they land on vacation?

The Isamune With Zinc that I take is designed to quickly deliver immune-building ingredients such as zinc, colostrum, echinacea, reishi mushroom, bilberry, and blueberry. It is in a cute little spray bottle and tastes great!

A Jacket/ Blanket

If you're flying on cheaper airlines, you may not get a blanket for free. If you don't want to pay, bring a jacket to keep you warm. I often bring a large scarf that can double as a blanket.

Chargers

Planes usually have outlets in them. Bring a charger for your electronics in order to ensure they're charged up upon arrival! It sucks having a dead phone in a brand new place.

So there you go, my must-have carry-on essentials. I hope I've aided in helping you enjoy your long flight a little more. 

Safe travels!

xx Ellis