Airplane Essentials: Long Flight Edition

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2017 and it has been updated with new airplane essentials that I currently use.

Hey there, lovelies! I’m back in Chile and it has been a little hard to get back to my old routine. After spending 20 days with my boyfriend in the US. I’m finding hard to adjust to texting again. If you are new here, you might be wondering what I mean. The thing is, I’m currently in a long distance relationship. While I live in Chile my boyfriend is in the US. So after spending three weeks together, going back to texting and FaceTiming is hard. So if you are in a long distance relationship, I have a few tips for you! Click here to read them.

With that being said, the fact that we live so far away from each other means that I get to travel a few times a year. Which is exciting and fun, but at the same time I wish the flights weren’t so long. Between layovers and flights, it takes more than 10 hours to get to my boyfriend house.*Sigh* I know.

*SOME OF THE LINKS IN THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS AND I WILL RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE AFTER CLICKING ON MY LINK*

[title align=”center” type=”line”]Airplane Essentials[/title]

We know long flights are tiring. Being seated in the same place for hours makes your butt protest (and legs, since you can barely stretch them), and after traveling for a few years, I have learned that there are some products that are necessary in every flight. These airplane essentials, will help you to have the best experience ever!

1. Computer Hardshell Case

For traveling I always prefer my computer in a case rather than in a sleeve since at airports they make you put it in a plastic tray to scan. I just want to avoid extra steps to fastening the process, that way I just have take it from my backpack instead of also taking it from the sleeve.

2. Pouch

Everywhere I go I have this in my backpack. Inside I have: tissues, a travel size toothbrush and toothpaste, painkillers (in case I have a headache), a small mirror, hair ties and booby pins, travel size perfume, cleansing wipes (these are my favorite!), hand cream, and pretty much any travel size item I will need eventually (like deodorant).

Poaches are an important travel essential. It helps you to organize everything! Like your charges, and any other small items you might have.

3. Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitizer

I love this since it’s always in hand whenever I need it. Very helpful when you don’t have anywhere to wash your hands or you are in a rush. Not only that, you can use it when there’s a fun smell in the air. Because let’s be honest, in a plane full of people, that can totally happen.

Also, let’s avoid my dad’s mistake. He had to buy a perfume because he couldn’t take the smell of the person that was seated right next to him. It’s better to be prepared.

4. Phone Charger And Portable Charger

The external battery it’s definitely an airplane essential. Especially if your long flight doesn’t have a layover (also typically, all the plugs at the airport are already taken for other people).

If you have several electronics, then make sure to get a big portable charger with at least two USB outlets. Let’s keep stressful problems to the minimum! My boyfriend uses this one and it’s great. While I prefer something cuter and fun. I’m not changing my BUQU Chubs Gold Pig anytime soon.

Also, if you can get a long charger cable, even better! This is the best when you try to charge it at the airport.

5. Lip Balm

I sadly can’t live without one. I have dry lips and the feeling of not having them soft is very annoying for me. This is an essential I can’t ever forget.

6. Pen

Depending on the country you are going, you might need to fill in a customs form (you have to do it here in Chile). If you are shy or don’t want to be an annoying passenger, make sure to have it in your travel bag.

7. Fuzzy Socks

Let’s be honest here. Are you really going to spend the whole flight with your shoes on? I don’t! So fuzzy socks are must! Long flights are annoying and you want to be as comfortable as you can. That includes no shoes!

8. Neck Pillow

If you aren’t blessed with a window seat, then this for sure an airplane essential. My flights are way better when I bring one with me. It actually helps me to have a better sleep! Sleeping on an airplane must be one of the most uncomfortable places to sleep, but sometimes you are just tired and you need to do it.

There are many options for this. You have the inflatable ones, not very comfortable but also super convenient if you don’t have much space or you just hate to carry a lot of things. Then you have the memory foam ones, which are my favorites since it prevents the head from falling  to any side. Another option you have are microbead neck pillow. Which are okay, but I definitely prefer the memory foam.

Also, make sure they have any sort of snap closure, that way the neck pillow can be attached to your carry on luggage or backpack.

8. Gum

Mainly for two reasons. Gum can help with the pressure changes that mess up with your ears. For me, that trick doesn’t really work but I like to have something to keep breath fresh.

By the way, I linked my favorite gum! Ice Breakers Ice Cubes are simply the best.

9. Passport

I mean. Duh. If we forget our passports or any other identification we aren’t going too far.

10. Headphones

Because without this there’s no music or movies.

11. Wallet

Honestly… if you forget this item then you are in a lot of trouble. I also add inside some band-aids because you never know when you can need one #traveltip.

12. Water Bottle

Depending on where you are going, you might not being able to fill up your water bottle, or sometimes you are in a country where you can’t drink water directly from the tap. So before fillip up your bottle, make sure to know that information.

13. Pullover

Why planes have to be so crazy cold? I just hate! Thanks god some airlines give you blankets in long flights,  but either way you will need something else to keep you warm. Warm and comfortable is the key. I’ve seen girls traveling with jean jackets and I just get cold with just looking at them.

14. Sleep Mask

I don’t usually bring one with me, but all the times I do this, is worth it. It feels like you disappear from the airplane and you can sleep without worrying about people looking at your sleepy face. Instead of covering all with a hoodie, this is a more comfy way to do it.

15. Sheet Mask

Even though this one is not exactly an airplane essential, I love the experience of doing it! My face is all dry and weird after long flights, so I make sure to bring one with me. It helps a lot and it makes me feel happier. I usually apply when there’s like two hours (or less) left to land.

16. Reading Material/Entertainment 

I normally read from my iPhone/iPad, so I keep all my entertainment in one place. If the airplane I’m in doesn’t have TV, I make sure to have some games, movies and books prepared. I’m definitely not a productive person during flights so I spend my time either trying to sleep or doing something fun.

17. Snacks

Because we might need a little extra for our flight. Snacks are always welcome!

[title align=”center” type=”line”]Best Travel Totes And Backpacks[/title]

In my experience, traveling with a backpack as a personal item is more convinient than using a tote. Especially for a long flight. We will need those extra pockets! Besides that, it will keep everything secure.

Once, my phone slipped from my tote at the part where you scan your bags, and I realized that when I was outside the airport. After that horrible experience I always make sure to travel with a bag that has zippers. I don’t need that headache again.

Besides, most likely that bag will end up under the seat, and while you try to fit it under the seat, it might end up laying down which means things can slip when there’s turbulence.

1. Vera Bradley Backpack

This is the same model I have and I’m in love. It has space for everything and the quality is amazing. That’s so important when you pick a travel backpack. It fits all my electronics, chargers, DSLR camera, water bottle, etc. I love it because it has zippers for everything so you won’t lose your passport or boarding passes.

I bought mine two years ago, and still like new! Well kinda, since it’s a little dirty. Definitely a backpack I 100% recommend.

2. Kipling Backpack

I love this brand. Between my sister and I, we have like ten products from Kipling. The quality is amazing and I love the design. My sister uses this backpack for school and she loves it. It spacious and has space for your laptop. So definitely another good option.

 

 

 

3. Kipling Handbag

Like I said, totes are good if they have zippers. So if I need to travel and I’m not in the mood from bringing my backpack, then this is definitely my go-to next choice. The most important thing for me: that fits my laptop. This tote has many zippers and you can easily organize your item in there. Not as spacious as a backpack, but it fits the essentials.

Mine has almost five years and besides being a little dirty, nothing bad has happen to it. Great quality! Also, since my handbag is so old, I couldn’t find the same one so I linked a very similar one.

What do you think about these airplane essentials? Do you agree with me? Do you have any travel tips or hacks that I should add? Let me know in the comments! Also, click here if you want more travel tips.

Sincerely, Melissa

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