Traveling is traveling – its hauling, its’s packing, repacking and trying to not forget something. Vacations, travel excursions, and everything in between should be fun, relaxing, and not full of stress.
While my family and I travel quite often, I know a lot of people mostly travel locally or maybe 1-2 times a year. So going on a plane and knowing what to expect at an airport and the in-flight accommodations is a lot to take in.
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This post includes a comprehensive list of what to pack for a long flight and what to expect at the airport and all of the tips to help you prepare.
Below is a list of the top tips to help make your travel experience smoother and hopefully stress-free.
Do Your Research About Your Airline and Airport
Look into transportation to and from the airport ahead of time. Map out how long travel to the airport is during the time you will need to call your ride. Read reviews of other travel experiences and make sure it has all of the accommodations you require are planned ahead of time.
Book Directly Through The Airline and Download The Airline App
This one is VERY important. Booking through a third-party site can lead to canceled trips, increased fees, and lost information for upgrades, boarding assistance, etc. Booking directly through the airline insures they have the correct information and downloading the airline app will give you instant updates on your flight time, gate number, and any delays.
Get to The Airport Early
We’ve all heard this one before but with thousands of cancellations happening a week, it’s more important than ever. Arrive at the airport with enough time to check in your bags, find your gate and grab a bite to eat. Some airports have multiple terminals with trains that connect them and others have just one terminal, so please do your research ahead of time and don’t risk being late for your flight.
Along with canceled flights, check-in lines have been hours long, and lost or delayed luggage has been a huge issue this year. As an accomplished over-packer, I’m even cutting back and investing in good carry-on luggage to avoid any hiccups during the trip.
Once you are through security and have found your gate you can relax a bit and recharge. Take some time to grab a meal, and snacks and fill up your water bottle. Most terminals will have full-service restaurants in the larger airports but all should have a quick service option and a convenience store. Enjoy a light meal (nothing too crazy that could upset your stomach) and don’t forget to hydrate. Check with your credit card company if you have access to an airport lounge or sign up for Priority Pass to get access to lounges across the country at all of the major airports.
Be aware of how long your flight is. Do you have enough music and TV shows downloaded for the allotted time? Have you checked if food is served on the flight and if there is wi-fi available? Many airlines are now requiring you to add your credit card details to your flight ahead of time to purchase in-flight drinks and snacks. Pay attention to all of the incoming emails leading up to your trip so you don’t miss anything.
Organization is Key
Keep all of your clothes and valuables organized. Using packing cubes can help you separate different items and help you pack by outfit. Travel organizers are also perfect for your media cords, makeup bag and jewelry.
Apply for Pre-check and Global Entry
Along with applying for a Priority Pass, look into applying for TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry. These two things will help tremendously when you travel. Having Pre-Check will save you so much time upon arrival at the airport. The pre-check line is usually half the length of the regular security line and with pre-check, you don’t have to remove your shoes or remove your electronics from your bag. Our Global Entry passes were a big help when we traveled to visit family in London and India. Going through customs and security back can be a pain, but Global Entry helps to simplify the process and speed things up A LOT! If you’re traveling internationally, I highly recommend everyone in your group to apply.
Notify Your Bank If You Are Traveling Internationally
Don’t risk having your cards frozen or canceled while you travel, notify your bank ahead of time so they know it is you making the purchases in another county. Also, remember to pack adapters for the specific country you are traveling to and do a currency exchange ahead of time so you are not left without cash when you arrive at your destination.
What to Pack for a Flight
Hydration & Personal Care
- Hydration Supplements: We use DripDrops but any brand will work fine. Check sugar levels to make sure you are comfortable with it before purchasing. High sugar levels can cause more issues than good, especially on a flight.
- Lotion: Pack a small travel-size lotion for your face and body. Dehydration from flying can also dry out your kind. Stay moisturized at all times.
- Sheet Masks: This one is optional but fun. Along with lotion, I personally like to travel with a face sheet mask or under eye patches to keep my skin from getting too dry.
- Chapstick: This goes along with staying hydrated and moisturized. Pack a small chapstick to avoid dry and cracked lips while you travel.
- Eye Drops: Dry eyes can quickly cause irritation and headaches. Avoid this by including eye drops in your travel bag. They are also great to help feel refreshed after landing and waking up from a nap on the plane.
- Face Wash or Face Wipes: It’s easy to begin to feel stuffy on the plane. A quick face wash or wipe will help to cool you down and is perfect before applying the moisturizers you packed.
- Deodorant: It’s easy to get a bit overheated on the plane and once again, feel stuffy. To keep yourself feeling refreshed, pack a small deodorant with you in your case to use when you
- Water Bottle: Skip buying an overpriced bottle of water at the airport. Pack your own empty bottle instead and fill it up once you get through security. Collapsible water bottles are great for traveling and long flights. They are easy to store in your carry-on bag or purse once they are empty and you won’t have to worry about finding a trash can to toss out your single-use bottle.
- Tooth Brush & Tooth Paste: Another simple way to freshen up after your flight – clean teeth!
- Dry Shampoo: For those extra long flights, or even those late-night redeye’s, pack some dry shampoo to help cut the oily hair to get you ready for the next stop in your journey.
First aid
- Pain Reliever: Headaches,muscle aches and back aches can happen at any time during travel. Menstrual cramps seem to happen almost always during every trip, please avoid the pain by packing your go-to pain reliever.
- Stomach medicine: This is extra important for long flights. Please pack a Pepto Bismol, Immodium or something similar for your trip. Airplanes are small and cramped and the restrooms are usually full the entire flight. Avoid an emergency by sticking to foods that you know won’t upset your stomach and also be prepared with medicine in case it happens anyway. Anxiousness or nervousness can also upset your stomach and traveling can be taxing at times. Plan ahead.
- Band-aids: Always carry band-aids with you while you travel. They are good to have on hand for blisters if you’re wearing new shoes or just walking a ton on your trip.
- Clorox Wipes: Wipe your ENTIRE seat and tray on the plane. Airplanes are public transportation. Please treat the plane like you would a public bus. Wipe the seat, the tray, armrests, seatbelt and TV screen/buttons.
- Vitamins: Traveling, flying, long drives – it’s a tough business and can really take a toll on your body. I always find my energy drained after a long flight and that can mean a weakened immune system. ALSO! You’re on a plane an din an airport with tons of other people from all over, so be prepared with your go-to vitamins to keep you healthy and strong.
Sleep Essentials [How to Sleep On a Plane]
- Eye Mask: Sleeping mask to cover your eyes. These are great for long flights and have the option to sleep for most of the trip. Getting your rest on a flight is important and plays into how you will feel for the next few days of your trip.
- Pillow: A good travel pillow makes all the difference. Invest in a good neck pillow that can easily be packed into your bag or attached to you. Be sure to get one with a dust bag on it to keep it clean.
- Ear Plugs or Noise-canceling Headphones: Blocking out the noise can help tremendously on flights. Sleep is very important, especially on longer international flights. Invest in good headphones or pack some ear plugs to help you sleep during the trip.
- Hair Ties: Personally, having my hair everywhere during a flight is no fun. Pack a few scrunchies or hair ties to pull your hair back to keep you cool.
Proper Attire [What to Wear on a Long Flight to be Comfortable]
Comfortable and light clothes are a must for travel. Flying with workout pants and a zip hoodie is the best. The zip-up hoodie can easily be taken on and off during the flight and loose cotton pants keep you cool while you fly. Compression socks are also great to keep your feet from swelling. The altitude can really do a number on your body, so wearing the right items to stay comfortable is important. Slip-on shoes or sandals with socks (yes, I love sandals with socks) are another easy way to get comfortable on the flight.
If you checked your bag, pack another outfit in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed. An extra outfit is great to have on hand if you need a quick change at the airport too before heading to your destination.
- Zip Hoodie
- Socks/Compression socks
- Slip-on Shoes
- Comfortable Clothing
- Extra Outfit if Using a Checked Bag
Electronics/Entertainment
Having all of your proper electronics and entertainment is essential. Be sure your phone/laptop/iPad is fully charged before the flight. Pack a portable charger in your carry-on too. The headphone situation can be tricky. Airpods are a great choice because you don’t have the cord all over the place while you’re in a tiny seat BUT they can run out of battery. Airpods can also fall out and get lost under or between seats (it’s happened before), so pack headphones with a cord too. Another issue that can arise is your headphone jack that works with your phone is not the universal one that will work with the airline TV if your phone is dead or if you want to watch one of the movies offered to you in-flight.
- Phone charger and portable charger
- Headphones: Airpods, Apple headphones, headphones with a universal jack
- Phone/iPad: for movies, games, and reading
- Book: Pack your favorite book and rest your eyes from the screens
- Notebook and Pen: Journal a bit during your trip
- VPN (a virtual private network): to protect your information while you travel. VPNs are great, especially when you have to use public wifi – like on a plane or at a hotel.
Snacks to Pack When Flying
- Chewing Gum: Gum is great for the end of your flight when the plane is descending. It helps to keep your ears from popping. Gum is good to pack for smaller kids if they aren’t used to flying.
- Tea Packs: Airlines offer hot water for coffee or tea but carry a limited variety. If you enjoy having your favorite instant coffee or tea while you travel, I would recommend packing your own.
- Veggies/crackers and Cheese and Dip: Pack some veggies/crackers and dip in tiny reusable containers. There are so many great travel options now that will keep your food cold, warm, and separated. These are also great snacks if you are traveling with kids or if you have someone with food sensitivities.
- Instant Noodles: Instant noodles are a fan favorite and can be made with just hot water. Pack your favorite instant noodles and request hot water when the drink service starts.
- PB&J Sandwich: Peanutbutter and Jelly sandwiches are my favorite to travel with because they don’t need to be refrigerated. You can also pack something fun like Uncrustables and have them with you at the airport, in flight or while you are at your hotel.
- Trail mix: Trail Mix is my absolute favorite to travel with. There are so many great mixes, you can make your own or check out Sprouts or Trader Joe’s for a fun one! They can be stored in your bag for a while and can really help in a pinch if you don’t have time to stop for food during your travels.
- Popcorn: A light snack but so good. Popcorn is simple and is fun to pack for long trips.
- Instant oats: These are great for those longer, overnight flights and are also useful to have in your hotel room. Once again, instant oats require only hot water, so they are simple to enjoy just about anywhere.
- Collapsible Container: A collapsible snack container is great for traveling. It cuts down on waste, but you can also use it throughout your trip. It folds down and can fit right in your carry-on bag or even a purse.
- Stasher Bag: Stasher bags are great for traveling. They have a ton of different sizes for your snacks and can also be sued to keep your phone dry if you’re visiting a beachy location and the larger sizes are great to store your wet clothe too. Basically, these reusable bags can be used for a lot more than just packing snacks.
- Beeswax wrap: Reusable beeswax is a simple way to wrap leftover food from a restaurant or a home-packed sandwich. It cut’s down on waste and can be used throughout your trip, time and time again.
Essential Documents
- Boarding Pass
- Airline App
- Photo-ID
- Passport if Necessary
- Travel Insurance
Luggage
- Packing Cubes: As I mentioned before, a good set of packing cubes goes a long way. Organize your clothes, shoes, and toiletries without stress with these packing cubes and even pack one for your dirty clothes too.
- Weekender: Weekenders are perfect for short and long trips. Find one with a separate section for your shoes, to keep everything clean and organized.
- Carry-on Bag
- Diaper Bag: I don’t have children but I do travel with a diaper bag. Diaper bags are great for traveling because they open from the top and you can have then open on the plane and not worry about anything falling out from the sides. Diaper bags are also my favorite because they have SO MANY pockets. It’s organization to another level. Just get one!
- Electronics Organizer Bag: Keep your cords from getting tangled and keep your electronics from getting lost. Invest in a nice electronics organizer case.
- TSA Bag
What Not to Take On a Plane
The TSA provides a lengthy list of items you can’t take on a plane. Double-check your bags before you pack to avoid having to remove items at the airport. The obvious items to not travel with are firearms, flammable items, aerosols, sharp objects, and larger batteries. Once again, double-check the TSA guidelines before you pack your carry-on bag and your check-in bag.
Do They Serve Food on Long Flights?
Most airlines offer complimentary snacks and drinks like chips, pretzels, sodas, tea, and water. A majority of the airlines only offer meals or larger snack boxes for an additional price. As always, the more you pay – the more you get. If you book in First Class or Business Class, you are sure to receive more perks, including food and beverages and more space. Economy seats tend to offer more foot space, premium snacks, and alcoholic beverages for a separate price.
Flying long distances or traveling somewhere new can be overwhelming at times but I hope this post helped you to organize a bit and relax. Knowing what to pack for long flights and extended vacations takes time and some trial and error. After a few trips you will realize what you can’t live without and also what you never use. If you have some favorite items you travel with that I missed, let me know in the comments. I love trying out new products.
This post was all about what to pack for a long-haul flight to keep you organized and stress-free.
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