11 Essential Travel Accessories for Long Haul Flights
As insatiable world wanderers, we love few things more than touching down in a far-flung corner of the globe—even if far-flung corners require long haul flights.
Fortunately, there are plenty of products available that can help make long flights… well, fly by. Below we’ve rounded up 11 of the best travel accessories for long flights that will make your trip a little more comfortable.
The Best Travel Accessories
for Long Haul Flights
1. iPad
The ultimate distraction devices, iPads are arguably the most obvious long haul flight accessories. Whether you want to watch a movie, play a game or do just about anything else, they’re a perfect, lightweight way to stay connected and kill time while travelling.
Bonus! Portable Keyboard
Those who can’t live without the keyboard are in luck. There are plenty of options for detachable, lightweight keyboards that can be easily combined with the iPad to offer most of the functionality of your laptop, but with much less weight.
2. An e-Reader
While it’s definitely possible to read books on your iPad, some find the backlight from the screens a bit of a strain. E-readers are a great alternative because they use “electronic ink” rather than a backlit screen, while still providing access to thousands of different titles. Just keep in mind that, for many models, you’ll need to use the cabin light or another external light source to see the screen.
Kindle Paperwhite E-reader on Amazon >>
3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Whether you want to watch a movie on your iPad, listen to some music or slip into slumber, noise-cancelling headphones make it easy to drown out all the background sounds.
Both the Sony WH1000XM2 and Bose Quiet Comfort 35 series are Bluetooth compatible and can connect to your devices without requiring any extra cords.
Bose Quiet Comfort 35 on Amazon >>
4. Portable Device Charger
If you’re worried that your iPad, e-reader, headphones (or any of other devices) need a little extra juice, this portable charger is the perfect solution and can power up anything that uses a USB cord.
RAVPower 22000mAh Power Banks on Amazon >>
5. Anti-Aging Sleeping Mask
If you decide to use your noise-cancelling headphones to try and sleep your way through your flight, try throwing on a sleeping mask to go into full blackout mode. With copper ion weaved into the ultra soft fabric, Sleep Fountain’s mask reduces puffy eyes and rejuvenates the skin while keeping light out.
Sleep Fountain Anti Aging Sleep Mask on Amazon >>
6. Travel Socks
Planes can be notoriously cold, which makes a good, warm pair of socks a must.
Wanderlust Air Travel Compression Socks are designed to not just keep your feet warm, but also keep your legs from swelling while you’re in the air.
Wanderlust Air Travel Compression Socks on Amazon >>
7. Cashmere Wrap
And speaking of notoriously cold planes, there’s no reason to resort to the uncomfortable and static-prone blankets they provide you on planes.
Instead opt for a 100% cashmere wrap that you can wear on and off the plane.
Citizen Cashmere Scarf Wrap on Amazon >>
8. Montblanc Pix Collection Ballpoint Pen
We may live in a digital age, but travel still requires paperwork – and the further you go, the more paperwork you’re likely to have.
The Montblanc Pix Collection ballpoint is simple, stylish and perfect for filling out forms for customs and immigration.
Montblanc Pix Collection on Amazon >>
9. Travel Skincare Kit
The stale air of an airplane cabin can do a number on your skin.
Enter Kiehl’s six-piece travel skincare kit, which has everything you need to restore your skin before touching down.
Kiehl’s Six Piece Travel Set on Amazon >>
10. Waterless Toothbrush
While the skincare set can freshen up your face, by the end of a long flight you’ll likely want to freshen up your breath as well. These portable toothbrushes are designed to be used without water, making them perfect for the plane (or any countries where you can’t trust what comes out of the tap).
Colgate Optic White Wisp Mini Toothbrush on Amazon >>
11. Antibacterial wipes
Before you brush your teeth and wash your face, it’s probably a good idea to make sure your hands are germ-free.
Pick up a pack of individually wrapped hand and body wipes and keep them with you throughout your journey.
Savvy Travelers Hand & Body Wipes on Amazon >>
BONUS! Mini Bar Kit
Not exactly an “essential,” we know—but definitely pretty helpful in the right circumstances.
If you’re worried the plane won’t stock your favourite spirits, you can pour them into the (carry-on appropriate) bottles and flasks in this set, and whip up a little something to help get you through the flight.