I just got back from a whirlwind trip around the world. 14 flights in 2 weeks! 3 back to back overnight flights of 10+ hours there and back. That’s alotta planes. Phew!
Some airlines are better than others at providing amenities, entertainment, food, etc., but I wouldn’t count on them. One time I flew on a 14 hour flight with a broken TV. Longest and most boring flight of my life! #shortendofthestick #firstworldproblems
I’ve learned my lesson and make sure I’m prepared to be as comfortable and entertained as possible. So, what’s in my bag? Here are my 12 carry-on essentials for long-haul flights:
1. Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ Expandable Travel Bag. OK, so I don’t own this bag, but I love/want it! A Longchamp bag that looks classy, folds down small, is roomy enough for all my stuff, has a cross-body strap and expands to fit all my duty-free purchases on the way home? Yes, please!
2. iPhone 6 + USB charger. Since I upgraded to the iPhone 6, I don’t feel like I really need to travel with a tablet or laptop anymore (saves weight and space in my bag!). It has all I need: my music, an alarm, travel apps, camera, games, movies, facetime, e-mail, etc. Make sure you have your charger with you. Most planes these days have USB ports to charge your phone at your seat. Woohoo!
3. Bose OE2 Headphones. I like these better than noise-cancelling and in-ear headphones for the following reasons: They are smaller & lighter, more affordable, block out noise pretty well, and have great sound quality.
4. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (1 oz). This is the best cream for dry hands and it smells so good, so good, so good! You can also use it as perfume– just dab a bit on your pulse points behind your ears and on your wrists. Voila! A French bath.
5. Smith’s Rosebud Salve (lip balm). The easiest place to find this is near the check-out line at Sephora. It’s so versatile! Not only can you use it to moisturize your lips, you can apply it on your brow line to tame unruly brows, rub some on your cuticles to soothe cracked skin, and even tame the frizzy fly-aways in your hair. YES.
6. Refresh Plus Artifical Tears (Single use containers). Drop a few of these in your make-up bag. I don’t know about you, but when I’m on planes, my eyes get sooo dry! A few drops in each eye help keep your eyes moisturized.
7. Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes (10 count). These are a must-have! When you’re ready to snooze on your flight, wipe one of these babies over your face to take off any make-up/grime. When you’re about to land, use another one and you’ll instantly feel refreshed!
8. Travel Wallet. I guess any travel wallet will do, but I sure do love this one from Modcloth! It’s just the right size. It has individual pockets for cash, passport, pen, boarding passes, receipts, and other travel documents. No more digging around in my purse for crumpled up papers and tickets!
9. Minky Couture Travel Blanket (36×50 in). I didn’t have room in my bag to take a blanket on my last trip and totally regretted it! My sister brought one of these along, and I was so jelly! I’m always freezing cold on planes! It was so soft and warm. I was surprised at how small it rolled up.
10. Bobble Filtered Water Bottle (18.5 oz). I’ve seen these at Target in a bunch of cute colors. It’s so important to stay hydrated when traveling! This filtered water bottle is great to have with you at all times, so you can fill it up anywhere (think: airport drinking fountain past security). Drink up!
11. Travel Eye Mask. Not just any eye mask! This one is great, because it has a contoured shape so that you can blink freely and so you don’t have to worry about your gorgeous eyelash extensions getting smashed (or maybe that’s just me). 😉
12. Cabeau Memory Foam Evolution Pillow. Best. Travel. Neck. Pillow. Ever. It comes with a carry case, ear plugs, a machine-washable cover, 360 deg. head and chin support, and my favorite feature–a flat cushion on the back so it doesn’t push your head forward. Genius!
There you have it! I’ve got this whole overnight flight thing down. These essentials will help you get through it, too. Check them out and let me know if you have any ?s. Do you have any tips on how to stay comfortable on a long flight? Did someone say Dramamine? Happy Flying!
Leave a Reply