I’m not a super frequent flier, but when it comes to travel, I always make sure to do it in style. And no, I don’t mean flying first class—who has that kind of cash on hand? I’m talking about being fully prepared with all the essentials for long haul flights. I’ve got something for every kind of airport curveball, from the dreaded gate change to the marathon of a security line because there’s nothing worse than having to spend some of that trip money on something you left just sitting at home. (Especially seeing as airport prices are astronomical!)
No need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to your carry-on packing list. I’ve fine-tuned my own list of travel essentials to cover all the bases. Here are my 5 top things that make air travel life not just easier, but so much better.
5 Travel Essentials To Pack In Your Carry-On
1. Portable Charger
The number one tip for long flights anyone will give you is to step on the plane with your phone fully charged. And while we all do our best to get our phone as close to 100% as possible before the flight, things happen even when we have the best intentions. Maybe the other end of the charger wasn’t plugged in, some glitch zapped the battery, or we spent way longer on the Wordle than usual and have been left with a measly single digit of power for the long haul flight.
You may think it’s easy enough to locate an outlet and charge your phone while waiting to board your flight, and often this is true. But you’d hate to take the risk and end up wandering around the airport finding every outlet and USB already in use, and even a group of lurkers behind every charger waiting to pounce the minute the current user unplugs. So if you don’t have one already, invest in a portable charger. They barely take up any space, and the best case scenario is that you don’t have to use it at the airport anyway.
2. Small Bottle of Mouthwash
Maybe you’ve got a red eye flight or maybe your plane doesn’t leave till 3 in the afternoon, but regardless, one of my must-have plane essentials for long flights is mouthwash. Especially if you’re meeting someone fresh off your long-haul flight, you’ll be glad for a quick way to refresh in the bathroom beforehand. And even if you’re on a short flight or are taking a solo trip, a speedy swish in front of the mirror to brighten your smile and get rid of the airplane peanut breath doesn’t hurt.
Obviously when deciding what to pack in your carry-on you might prefer to keep your toothbrush and a travel toothpaste on hand instead, and that’s a great option as well. But if you’re pressed for space or prefer to keep things simple, you may enjoy the mouthwash option. I know I do.
3. Foldable Brush
Along the same lines when it comes to the after-flight refresh, I would recommend a small comb or foldable brush. Especially if you take a nap on the flight, intentionally or unintentionally. It's nice to have a more reliable option than your fingers to comb through the mess of hair that the airplane headrest kindly gifts you.
Again, even if you aren’t meeting anyone directly out of the gate, it can be a good boost of confidence to brush through your hair post-flight. It might help you feel a little more like a human after the strange experience of flying at astronomical speeds thousands of feet in the air. If you know what I mean.
3. Hand Sanitizer
Especially post pandemic, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you how disgusting and unsanitary public spaces can be. Just think about how many grimy hands have touched those elevator buttons, escalator railings, arm rests, and I don’t even dare mention those TSA bins. Even if you’re not particularly a germaphobe, having hand sanitizer on hand is a must when it comes to long flight essentials.
If you’re planning to have some of those free flight snacks, or spend a fortune on an everything bagel or half-empty bag of chips, keep that hand sanitizer within reach, and use it often. In fact, maybe make the goal to use it all up during your travel. You’ll be the most sanitary passenger on the airplane!
4. Snacks
Speaking of eating on airports, my most delicious travel tip for planes is to bring my favorite snacks. I don’t know why people think you aren’t allowed to bring outside food on flights. Probably because TSA agents tend to have quite the hissy fit over 5 ounces of water. But look it up if you don’t believe me, outside snacks are absolutely allowed on flights! And it will save you a fortune too. Granola bars are one of my favorites, but obviously bring whatever strikes your fancy and fills your belly.
5. Packable Airplane Blanket
I swear there are only two temperature options on the airplane, the ice age or the depths of hell. So while I used to bring a sweater to prevent the possible frostbite, I hated having to stuff it in my already full backpack, or tie it around my waist when suddenly I found myself in the Sahara desert. This is why I suggest bringing an airplane blanket instead.
Technically any blanket can be an airplane blanket, but not all blankets are created equal. Gravel knows that the best travel blankets are both cozy and compact, both warm and lightweight, and both versatile and simple. My favorite part of this airplane blanket is how small it gets in the stuff bag when you’re not using it. And if you don’t have room on the inside of your carryon, it easily clips on to the outside as well. By far my favorite packing tip, which is why I’ve left it for last. I promise after trying out this blanket your airplane experience will be forever changed.
Here’s To Not Just Surviving, but Thriving On Your Next Flight
Long haul flights can be a test of patience, but with the right airplane essentials, they don’t have to be a dreaded ordeal. By packing these items in your carry-on, you’ll be ready for almost anything—from unexpected delays to the arctic tundra of airplane cabins.
Each of these plane essentials for long flights has earned its spot on my list because they’ve saved me time, money, and a lot of frustration. So, the next time you’re preparing for a long-haul journey, give your packing routine a little upgrade—you’ll thank yourself at 30,000 feet. Travel safe, and may your flight be as comfortable as that cozy airplane blanket!
