10 airplane travel essentials for long flights

Why airplane travel accessories make all the difference

Travel comfortably, even in economy

Yes, bringing these airplane travel accessories will change the quality of your flight! Most seats in economy are quite uncomfortable. They feel cramped because passengers have to sit in the upright position for long hours. But with these travel accessories, those travelling in economy can also travel comfortably.

Save space and stay organised

The best flying accessories also allow passengers in cramped seats to save enough space to organise their belongings, preventing them from getting scattered!

Top 10 travel essentials not to forget before flying

1. Memory foam travel pillow

Memory foam pillows are specialised pillows made with polyurethane foam. Its elastic and viscous properties allow the pillow to mould and match the body shape. This provides extra support for the neck and the back when you fly, helping you to sleep comfortably on a plane. 

2. Blackout sleep mask

Wearing a sleep mask that blocks out light will encourage the release of melatonin, which signals the brain to enter the sleep cycle. It may seem small, but wearing a blackout sleep mask makes a significant difference in terms of your sleep quality.

3. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones

Reducing any ambient noise in the plane, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones allow you to stay in the deeper stages of sleep for a longer period.

4. Organiser for cables and batteries

Economy seats do provide a back seat pocket for your items, but most of the time they are already crammed with magazines and a safety instructions guidebook from the airline. To make sure small items like cables and batteries are not lost, it’s best to use a cables and batteries organiser.

5. Collapsible or filtered water bottle

Having a collapsible water bottle allows you to save so much space, as you can flatten the bottle when it’s empty. Using a filtered water bottle is also useful, as it purifies the water and allows you to drink clean, uncontaminated water. 

6. Compact, high-power power bank

It might be the case that your battery might run out before you notice! By having a compact, high-power power bank ready, there’s no need to worry about the battery running out by the time you arrive in a foreign country.

7. RFID travel wallet for documents

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) travel wallet protects the contents inside the wallet from RFID readers that may read crucial information, such as your passport number or boarding pass. This prevents information from being transmitted and used in identity theft.

8. TSA-approved transparent toiletry bag

Having a single, resealable, and transparent bag eliminates any confusion during the inspection process at the airport security. This would ultimately save lots of your time, as the security checkpoint and immigration lines are the two most time-consuming parts of the airport experience.

9. Compression socks

Sitting down for hours in a cramped seat may lead to an increased risk of blood clot formation and poor blood circulation. Wearing compression socks can prevent this! By applying gentle pressure, it increases the blood flow and reduces swelling in your legs.

10. Foldable bag for souvenirs or overflow items

Similar to a collapsible water bottle, foldable bags are travel essentials for those who want to save space in their luggage. With a foldable bag, you can start your trip light and use the extra room to bring a bag full of souvenirs!

How to choose travel essentials based on your needs

We understand that bringing all these 10 items at once may be a bit overwhelming. Which is why it’s important to decide which specific travel items to bring from the list above! We can help you make this decision easier — check out the sections below!

Solo, couple, or family Travel

Are you travelling alone?

If you can not fall asleep easily with ambient noise in the background, a sleep mask and noise-cancelling headphones are travel essentials for you. Also, you might use your phone more than those who have company. Thus, a high-capacity power bank will also be useful to save your battery!

Are you travelling with a partner?

Similar to when travelling solo, it’s important to discuss with your partner beforehand if you have a problem falling asleep with ambient noises or how much space you each have in your luggage and bring travel items according to your needs, such as night masks and foldable bags.

Are you travelling with your family?

If the family includes a kid or more, noise-cancelling headphones to protect their ears, a cable organiser for multiple cables, sleep masks to help them fall asleep faster, and a filtered water bottle that provides purified water for your child are important travel essentials. 

Business, leisure, or backpacking trips

Are you travelling for business?

When you are travelling for business, it’s important to keep your body in its best condition. Sleepiness or swollen legs with poor blood circulation can get in the way. A night mask, earplugs, a memory foam travel pillow, and compression socks are the long haul flight essentials for you.

Are you travelling for leisure?

When you are travelling for leisure, you may spend time taking many pictures and videos with your phone and purchasing souvenirs. Therefore, it’s essential for you to bring foldable bags and a high-power powerbank.

Are you going on a backpacking trip?

A backpacking trip requires a lot of walking, which means it’s important to prevent your legs from swelling. Wearing compression socks can help by increasing blood circulation in your legs. Also, bringing a filtered water bottle is essential because clean drinking water may not always be available while backpacking.

Conclusion: travel light, travel smart

Just remember, before you pack your bag, check what you’re allowed to bring on board to avoid surprises. Choose your travel essentials depending on your personal preference, who you are travelling with, and your travel purpose. This way, you will be able to carry only what you really need and still save space in your luggage. Remember, travel light, travel smart!

What happens if my flight gets delayed or cancelled?

Was your flight delayed by at least 3 hours or cancelled within 14 days before the departure? Don’t worry! According to the EU261 regulations, you may be able to claim your flight compensation of up to £520 at Flight Delayed UK! You can check out the specific airline page you are flying with to see if your flight is disrupted. Check if you are eligible for compensation using our free claim calculator and make a claim!