In just a few months I am planning one of my longest flights ever. I’ll be heading to Vietnam to meet some friends, but with layover, travel time will pretty close to 20+ hours. I’ve only done this once before on my trip to Australia via Hawaii where I had nice long layovers in Hawaii. I’ve been brainstorming with fellow travel bloggers and good travel friends about what I need to add to my long haul flight packing list!
1. Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant
I’ve always used Dove deodorant, but with the upcoming trip I’ve decided to test out their new long lasting product. Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant offers 48 hours of odor and wetness protection plus added skincare benefits of Dove 1⁄4 moisturizers and NutriumMoisture for softer, smoother underarms. I went a little over board and decided to try out three different scents. Make sure to apply this deodorant before boarding the flight, but the good news is if you want to bring it along or if you travel carry on only, it is only 2.6oz (74g) so it meets FAA regulations! Nothing worse than having your toiletries confiscated at security!
2. Snacks & Meals
People often assume that there will always be food on the planes. Never ever rely on the airline for this! Whether it is a short flight or a long haul flight. Budget airlines have really limited what they offer on board, so bring enough food to feed you for all of your meals on board. Just note that if you bring any fruits or meat you likely have to discard it before entering a new country. I also like to bring a little chocolate for the flights too. You can bring items without liquid and gel like food, but I often end up just paying a premium and purchasing at the airport.
3. Water Bottle
Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you. Once you go through security you can fill it up for free! The flight attendants can also refill it throughout your flight. I hate those silly open cups. What a disaster on a small flight, and if you hit turbulence, you better hope you have the next item on the list.
4. Change of Clothes
There are so many reasons to have a change of clothes. Spills are a perfect example. And just because YOU never spill doesn’t mean your seat mate isn’t a bit clumsy. I also tend to change clothes every twelve hours anyway, so you might want to swap outfits on a layover or if you start to feel grimy. There’s also the chance that your luggage doesn’t arrive with you, so having a spare set of clothing will be refreshing when you arrive at your destination. A lot of people flying from one climate to another like to change on board when the pilot announces last call for bathrooms. They can be comfortable for the duration of the flight, but walk of the flight looking like they were born ready.
5. Compression Socks
I’ll admit i have not tried these yet, but I have been advised by many people they are a must have for my upcoming journey. If you have any suggestions, drop them in the comments below!
6. Books & Movies
I love to read about my travel destinations before I arrive. I like a mix of historical and fiction, so I try to pick 2-3 books. I usually download them onto my iPad to save space, but for beach vacations I like to have hard copies around.
I rarely watch anything on in flight entertainment if the flights are under 4-6 hours. But for long haul flights, I like to find a few movies to download in advance. Movies in NYC are so expensive, so it’s a good chance to catch up on oscar nominated flicks. I actually still haven’t seen Bridesmaids though, so that is going on my must see list. It’s been out for years!
7. Headphones
If you’re going to be watching movies, you need good headphones. I’m debating upgrading to noise canceling headphones for this trip, but I usually just use earbuds. Airlines are typically charging $5 if you forget yours, so make sure to bring a pair of your own!
8. Neck Pillow
There are a few variations available these days. I recently bought a memory foam neck pillow with a removable cover so I can wash it easily between trips. I found my old one hit the ground a few too many times. It also has a snap so I can just clip it on my bag. If you don’t have the room, an inflatable neck pillow might be a better option for you!
9. Lip Balm & Lotions
Flights dehydrate us. That’s no lie. We’ve already discussed the water issue, but also make sure to have other hydrating tools. I always carry a few lip balms when I travel, and it is good to have face, hand, and body lotion available.
10. Wipes
Another popular travel item amongst my frequent flier friends are wipes. Personal hygiene and general cleansing wipes. We all know airplanes aren’t the cleanest places, so it doesn’t hurt to give everything a quick wipe before settling it. Personal hygiene wipes can also be refreshing mid journey or at the end of your long haul flight. I personally love the face wipes to make sure I’m still cleansing every 12 hours like I would on land!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Yes, I agree with your list. I know a lot of people don’t bring food and water but for me that is a must. You never know what the food will be like or when they will come by and bring you water. I also always bring my neck pillow, it makes a big difference in how well I sleep.
Great! I have a long-haul flight coming up which I’m not looking forward to, will definitely keep in mind your recommended items! The water-bottle is a MUST — have woken up from naps because I thought I’ll choke from feeling the dryness in the throat. Lastly, I’m looking to try compression socks for the long flight!
I so agree with all of this! I can get crazy hangry and considering how many things can go wrong when traveling, I need my snacks! Also, I adore Dove. Use it everyday (and one of the FEW solid deodorants I can buy in Amsterdam). Though, since it’s not a liquid, I’ve never had an issue taking it on my carry-on outside of my liquids bag. Great list though. These are all must-haves!
Great list! I would however add a blanket too, especially for the long haul fights, as often there won’t be enough blankets for everyone on the plane, and unless you travel with the business class you might risk a very long a cold journey. 🙂
Good tip. I actually got a blanket scarf for Christmas that could double as a blanket!! It does get cold up in the air!
I’ve been using Dove since I was a little girl. I like your packing list. Very efficient to make traveling more comfortable. I like to travel, but I HATE flying! So it’s always nice to find ways to make the flight less miserable.
Just quietly, but I’d much rather buy bottled water from an airport shop than drink from the on-board tank, which is doubtless lined with a biofilm that never gets cleaned.
Great packing list! I always get everything in your list with me, except compression socks, as I’ve never used a pair before, just like you. I’ve heard that that are great for long flights and I am thinking of trying them for my next flight to Mexico.
Do post a review of your experience if you happen to try them.
Neck pillows are ideal! They are the perfect thing because sleeping on an airplane is so awkward. I also often forget my headphones, which is a total fail!
Yes I must take a neck pillow next I go on a plane. I always take my tablet and a good book. xx
These are all a must!!! I ALWAYS take extra food with me and a couple of extra bottles of water as those long flights take it out of you. I take all of these things and also my sleep mask as well, to block out the light.
Such awesome suggestions, I absolutely love Dove x
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Awesome suggestions!! The Dove deodorant in Cucumber is actually my allllll time favorite deodorant – works so well and smells so good!
Neck pillows are something I always regret when flying. I don’t own one and my neck always gets sore when I fall asleep. I hope you have a safe flight and great time in Vietnam!
48 hours of protection is super long and much needed for a long flight. You can put that on right before you check-in your bags and not have to worry about applying again until after you have reached your destination. I also want to try compression socks on my next long flight. I had a long journey a couple years ago to Hong Kong and got stuck for 7 hours on my layover (in Taiwan) due to a Typhoon. When I finally reached my destination, I had major swelling in the ankles. I think if I had worn compression socks, this wouldn’t have happened ;(
I have never tried compression socks before either! Although I should… let me know if you end up trying it 😉 I also end up with a change of clothes by accident in my carry-on since my check-in luggage will be too full LOL!! I bring wipes with me EVERYWHERE cause you never know when you need to freshen up. PS DOVE is my fav deodorant. I’ve tried so many other ones and this has always been my GO TO.
Lotion is a must for me! I bring lotion like you! A reusable water bottle is so smart!! I will have to remember that! xo Loren
Same goes for me when I travel! My longest flight was when I went to the Philippines. It was so uncomfortable but Im glad I was able to make it work thanks to these items I also had on board.
I’ve started wearing those fancy running socks because of a foot injury and they really do make flying so much more comfortable. Highly recommend, especially for flights and long walks.
Having deodorant, a toothbrush, and clean underwear is a must on any flight. My greatest fear is having to check my carryon and then being stuck without my things! So I always have a little tote bag ready to pull out the necessities.
I’ve never flown with a neck pillow, but on some of those 12+ hour flights I’ve regretted not having one! Usually for long flights I’ll just stuff my sweater into the pillowcase of my sleep sack.
Cripes, I hope you have a backpack to fit all this in. I typically take lip balm (definite necessity and a nice inclusion in British Airways club – if only I had enough rewards to always fly club), eye mask and earplugs to cut out the noise and distractions. Other than that my iPad does everything. Never heard of this anti-perspiring but will give it a try
Great list! I haven’t tried compression socks yet either but I’m headed on a 17 hour flight from Auckland to Doha in a few months so I think it’ll be a great opportunity to test them out!
I hate flying, but obviously I have to do it. I pretty much hit the wall after 4 hours, so anything I can do to make the trip more bearable, I will try. Having deodorant that actually works for long hauls is a total blessing because otherwise I would feel even more gross. I’ll have to try the new Dove 48 hours product — I like them in general because it doesn’t irritate my skin like so many others. Two thumbs up on bringing along snacks and a reusable water bottle. I haven’t tried the compression socks yet, but I hear people swear by them. And I wouldn’t survive flights without headphones!
I did USA to Sydney several times and couldn’t have gotten by without these necessities. Compression socks is one I have yet to try!
Compression socks are a must. I used them on my long trip to Australia and I swear my feet did not swell because of this. Another item I like to add is a rose mist spray for my face. The rest of your items are all perfect the headphones are a necessity and so are some movies and book on a kindle or iPad. Great list and good luck on your upcoming trip.
Great tips! I actually use that Dove antiperspirant and it works well! I like the cucumber scent. I think it’s annoying that airlines are charging 5 dollars for earbuds now when I saw a guy on the NYC subway only charging 3 bucks!
Some great ideas! I always pack a book or two, you never know when the entertainment is not going to work (which I’ve had happen before long haul)
Great packing list! Ours always includes some surprises for the kiddos – maybe a small new toy, coloring book, or special snack – in order to keep them entertained. A blanket is always a good idea as well. Thanks for sharing your tips!