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Long-haul flights are part of the deal when you love to travel. Over the years I've learned that a few small items in your seat bag make the difference between arriving wrecked and arriving ready to explore.
Some of my favourite trips started with a long flight. Getting to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Tenerife or Slovenia takes time, and the first day of a trip is too valuable to spend recovering. If you can sleep a little, stay hydrated and keep your legs moving, the first day feels like part of the holiday instead of a write-off.
Here's what I'd put in a long-haul comfort kit, who each item is for and how to use it.
Quick Picks
Short on time? Here are my top picks at a glance.
Best for sleeping: MZOO Luxury Sleep Mask
Best for arriving fresh: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (10 Pack)
Best for circulation: CHARMKING Compression Socks
Best for staying hydrated: Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle
What Goes in a Good Flight Comfort Kit
Something to help you sleep, like a neck pillow and a sleep mask.
Something to keep you hydrated, like a refillable bottle and electrolytes.
Something for circulation, like compression socks.
Something to block noise, like noise cancelling headphones or earplugs.
1. Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow
A good neck pillow stops the head-drop that wakes you up every ten minutes. Memory foam holds its shape and supports your neck far better than inflatable ones.
Best for: Economy and premium economy, where you sleep sitting up.
Good to know: Clip it to the outside of your bag so it doesn't take up space inside.
2. MZOO Luxury Sleep Mask
Cabin lights, window shades and screens all make sleep harder. A contoured sleep mask blocks light completely without pressing on your eyes.
Best for: Light sleepers and overnight flights.
Good to know: Use it in the hotel too if the curtains let light in.
3. CHARMKING Compression Socks
Sitting still for hours can make legs swell. Compression socks are a simple, cheap way to help circulation, and many frequent flyers wear them on every long flight.
Best for: Flights over four hours.
Good to know: Put them on before you board, not halfway through the flight. If you have any circulation problems, check with your doctor first.
4. Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle
Bring it empty through security, fill it airside and you'll always have water within reach. Staying hydrated is the easiest way to reduce jet lag.
Best for: Anyone who wants water within reach without asking the crew.
Good to know: It must be empty when you go through security.
5. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (10 Pack)
Cabin air is very dry. A stick of electrolytes in your bottle halfway through the flight helps you arrive feeling more human.
Best for: Long flights and hot destinations.
Good to know: They contain sugar, so look for a zero-sugar option if you prefer.
At a Glance
Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow: Economy and premium economy, where you sleep sitting up.
MZOO Luxury Sleep Mask: Light sleepers and overnight flights.
CHARMKING Compression Socks: Flights over four hours.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle: Anyone who wants water within reach without asking the crew.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (10 Pack): Long flights and hot destinations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sleep better on a long flight?
Pick a window seat, use a neck pillow and a sleep mask, avoid too much caffeine and alcohol, and try to sleep at night time for your destination.
Are compression socks worth it?
Many frequent flyers wear them on every long flight to help with leg swelling. Ask your doctor if you have any circulation problems.
Can I bring an empty water bottle through security?
Yes. Bring it empty and fill it at a water fountain or café airside.
How can I reduce jet lag?
Drink plenty of water, get daylight when you arrive, and try to stay awake until a normal local bedtime.
Final Thoughts
Add your noise cancelling headphones and you have everything you need. For my favourite pair, see my top 5 travel gadgets.
What's your best tip for surviving a long flight? Share it with me on Instagram. Safe flying!
