21 Long Flight / Trip Must Haves:
I have broken the list down. It should make a little more manageable. All of these items may not be “must-haves” for you, but after just 1 international fight, they definitely were for me. Some of the list I adhere to whether it’s a long flight or not. Just flying now days makes many of the things on the list necessary to me. (Some of the exact items I own are shown for purchase, just click on item to buy now. (I may make a little, but it will not affect the price you pay.)
Long Flight/Trip Must Haves & to Do’s:
- Wear dark, comfy clothes – maybe with a print (a spare shirt in the carry-on is always good).
- If you can have a personal bag: aka backpack and 1 carry-on I always pack one full set of clothes, swimsuit if practical for the trip. (You never know if it will be your luggage… it goes West & you went East…)
- I pack ALL of my shoes & belts in carry-on because of weight limits. We weigh it all before we leave. If you have bathroom scales weigh yourself, then pick up your bag and weigh. Subtract the difference for the weight of each piece. If you are in doubt of the size/weight of luggage check the specific airline you will be flying with on their website. It does vary. Be prepared to pay if it’s over, because they don’t play, especially if you are going overseas. Check your measurements of the suitcase, too! Never hurts to have luggage straps either. I have seen zippers bust and contents scattered.
- Wisp (disposable toothbrushes) one of the 21 long flight must haves for dental care! These are great if you don’t want your toiletries out in the public restrooms. A toothbrush & paste are great in your carry on. Chewing gum is a must have for high altitudes and dry mouth.
- Eye mask – A definite on the list of 21 long flight must haves for sleep.
- Ear Plugs – Another on the list of 21 long flight must haves for sleep.
Out of the 21 long flight/trip items these are good to have:
Out of the 21 long flight/trip items these are good to have:- Wipes/Face wipes – travel size pack & tissues (you will want these on you ALL the time in case of no toilet paper in restrooms).
- Anti bacterial wipes, and hand sanitizer are a MUST, too. These will hook to your strap on a back back or belt loop. Individual pack wipes are perfect for your pocket and should never be left on a trip to a toilet! Make sure each family member will have their own in these items.
- Travel deodorant: Women – Men – More natural choice
- Noise Cancelling Economy Headphones – Premium Headphones
- Earbuds (I needed and used both headphones & earbuds) – wireless were great!
- Appropriate charging cords (possible extension cord) & (need to have a converter for hotels).
- Portable charger
- A pair of socks if your wearing sandals
- Travel pillow
Out of the 21 long flight/trip items, these are nice to have:
- Oversize Beach towel (this is great to have for a blanket, beach/pool use later, spills, cover your lap when you eat to protect your clothes)
- Have plenty downloaded to an electronic device of choice (music/movies/series)
- If using phone or tablet make sure you have a way for it to stand up. Personally, I have a case on the table that will fold to prop it. I carry a small flexible tripod which holds my phone and is great for on the go travel shots.
- Ziplock for the cheap & easy save! (a Ziplock that will hold & shut in the headrest in front of you. You can also shut your snack tray with the top folded down in it will work too. Regular size Ziplock for phones, Gallon size for ipads!) These will serve you well for SO many other things on your journey, too! I take a gallon size and put 3-5 of each size bags down in it for the trip. (Leftover trail mix, organizing cords (snack size bags are perfect for these), damp items, liquids in your travel bags, dirty shoes, trash bag at your seat on the plane, etc.)
- I have found a backpack instead of a purse works better till I get where I’m going.
- I LOVE to carry a really hearty trail mix, that way if the flight was delayed or a long one I can always have a snack that doesn’t usually get destroyed when packed. Just make sure it’s unopened. Some airports are pickier that others.
- It is helpful to carry an empty water bottle, travel collapsible bottle, or I carry a quality cup with a lid. It works for coffee or cold while I’m on my trip. (Lay face towelette/wipes in a paper towel, wisps, etc.) Roll it and store in the cup.
- I carry ball cap, a bandanna (a must for so many uses), and/or hat for sun protection & bad hair situations.
Hope some of my tips help you on your journey!
If you will be traveling internationally I suggest that you look at this list of 36 International Travel Tips to be well prepared.