When packing carry-on luggage for a long-haul flight, keep in mind two priorities: comfort and entertainment. 

All those hours seated, probably on a cramped seat, will do a number on you so you need to find ways to be a bit more comfortable, especially when it’s time to get some shut-eye. You’ll also get bored, so having things to fill your time is important. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials to pack for a long-haul flight. 

Comfort Essentials 

Booking a business class seat certainly helps with comfort. But whether you are in business or economy, there are some essentials you need to endure an hours-long flight. These include items that will help you sleep. 

• Loose or stretchy clothing that is moisture-wicking and breathable. Dress in layers so that you can easily adjust your clothing as the temperature in the plane changes. If it’s too warm to wear a sweater or coat when leaving home, at least pack one in your carry-on and a warm scarf as well. 
• Well fitting and breathable shoes. Avoid anything too tight or that’s uncomfortable to walk in. This will also make it easier to move about when you get restless. 
• A neck pillow to reduce neck and back strain when seated. It will also make it easier to sleep. 
• Talking of sleep, also pack an eye mask to block out light plus a pair of noise-canceling headphones to get some quiet. 
• Also pack a small travel blanket that you can wrap around yourself. Some flights can get quite cold. 

Health Essentials 

Flying can be a health risk. From all the germs on surfaces and in the air to health issues like blood clots, you need to take precautions to stay healthy particularly on a long flight. Here are the health essentials to pack. 

• Compression socks especially for people with a history of blood clots or swelling, the elderly and those who are overweight (obesity increases risk of DVT). Even if none of these apply to you, wearing compression socks on a long flight can help reduce swelling and pain from sitting for hours. 
• A face mask, not just to protect you from Covid but other bugs as well. A mask is also helpful if you are allergic to dust, mold spores and other airborne allergens. Because you’ll have the mask on for hours, you’ll need one that’s comfortable and won’t cause maskne (mask acne). We recommend the Hercleon Aplu flight face mask. 
• Hand sanitizer. You’ll come into contact with germs on your seat, in the toilet and just about every surface you touch. Sanitizing often will reduce the risk of getting back home sick. 
• A refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated. This is important for comfort and your health. Pack the bottle while it’s empty and fill it up after checking in.  
• Any medication or medical devices you are currently using. Note that for some devices like a CPAP machine, you’ll need to notify the airlines ahead of time.  
• If low humidity makes your nose dry and irritated, carry a saline spray. It’ll help combat the dry air in airplanes.  

Entertainment Essentials 

Don't rely on just your phone for entertainment. Be ready with multiple ways to pass the many hours. This not only ensures you have backup in case something happens to your phone (dead battery, it gets lost and other unimaginable horrors), it also gives you a variety of things to enjoy. 

Here are the essentials you need to have fun on long haul flights. 

• Your phone, obviously, plus a pair of headphones or earbuds. 
• For a more comfortable watching experience, consider packing a tablet instead. 
• Chargers and a power bank to charge your devices. Don’t rely on the airplane’s charging ports. Often they are not working or are too slow. A power bank is a must-have. 
• If you love reading, pack a book or your Kindle.   
• A journal. A long flight is the perfect time to pour out your thoughts on paper. 
• A board game you can play on your own or with a fellow passenger. 

Toiletries

If you are going on a long trip or vacation, you should have a set of toiletries in your checked bag. You’ll also need some basic toiletries in your carry-on that you’ll need for your flight. 

These include a moisturizer, lip balm, deodorant, baby wipes, sanitizer, dental kit and anything else you think you might need during the flight. 

What Else?

Some other carry-on suggestions we’ve seen from other frequent travelers include a change of clothes (in case your luggage gets misplaced), sleeping aids like melatonin or magnesium to help you sleep during the flight (can also help reduce jet lag), and pain killers. 

Of course, don’t forget to pack all your travel documents where you can easily reach them. 

And that’s it. Now, be careful not to overpack while trying to be as prepared as possible. Remember you are the one who’s going to be lugging your carry-on about and lifting it into the overhead storage. So keep your luggage as compact and lightweight as possible.