10 Travel Essentials for a Long or Overnight Flight

I’ll preface this list of must-have travel essentials for overnight flights by saying when it comes to longer plane rides, especially red-eyes, I definitely become a much, much more pragmatic version of myself. Feeling refreshed and ready to go the moment I hit the ground easily trumps looking perfect on a plane full of strangers, and I will absolutely choose comfort over aesthetics.  An uncomfortable 8+ hour flight with no sleep, dehydration can derail a smooth start to a trip, but also can cause you to lose a full day because you need recovery time.  Also, I am not exactly on that business class level yet so any way to feel comfortable in economy for hours on end is totally worth it to me. 

Not on the list, but something I always wear for long flights are soft, loose layers on top, leggings or other comfortable pants, and I will not wear makeup, just freshly cleaned skin and moisturizer. I’m not a complete dream to look but it will make it more likely I arrive fresh at the destination. 

Also not on the list are snacks or food, I usually bring a protein bar in case I get low blood sugar, but I typically try to fast while I am traveling to a dramatically different time zone. It’s supposedly an old military trick, and it honestly really works. You just eat at a normal meal time at your destination and it automatically resets your circadian rhythm. Or something like that.

Now for the list:

1. iPad Pro (with Netflix and/or Pen): I LOVE my iPad for travel because it’s not bulky, easy to store and access, and if you are proactive, you can save some Netflix series before the flight. Time flies when you binge watch The Office reruns. Also, if you have the Apple Pen it’s really relaxing to use an adult coloring app like Colorfy 
2. Eye Mask: when it’s time for sleep this eye mask is perfect! It’s contoured around the eyes so it doesn’t press down on your eyeballs, which is especially nice for gals with eyelash extensions like me.
3. Large Scarf: this is my favorite travel hack. I’ve tried SO many different types of travel pillows, including the traditional half moon neck pillow, but they always end up taking up way too much space and end up never getting used. I wear a scarf with my airport outfit so it takes no room out of my carry-on, I use it as a blanket or pillow depending on what I need. I just bunch it up and it contours perfectly to my neck and head. It must be large and soft. This one is SO soft, and such a good price for cashmere.
4. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones: These headphones were a travel game-changer for me. In combination with the eye mask, a nice lavender essential oil roller, and the headphones it’s easy to block out all of the annoying noises, smells, sights on a plane making it so much easier to relax and sleep. I also love that these are bluetooth so you don’t have to deal with bothersome wires while you’re try to get comfortable and tangled messes in your bag.
5. Hydroflask: I used to get terrible headaches on planes and I could never figure out why until my dad told me just to drink more water, and it did the trick! The lack of humidity in the air cabin while you fly is a quick way to get super dehydrated. Drinking lots of water ensures that doesn’t happen. Obviously a Hydroflask is reusable but it also keeps the water super cold. Plus, buying a water at the airport is incredibly overpriced, and the TEEEENY TINNYY glasses of water the airline give you won’t cut it. I have the 40oz with the straw, and I just make sure I drink the whole thing on the flight.
6. Compression Socks: definitely necessary to avoid blood clots on long flights, but on top of that I always get super swollen on flights, mostly my lower extremities. It’s probably from sitting for so long, but if I don’t wear compression socks I will have cankles for a few days. It’s really cute. Especially when your on a beach vacation. I just put these babies on once I am seated. An added benefit: they also keep your feet warm if you are always cold like me. Note: I am actually rocking the toeless compression socks now – they are so much more comfortable. But still not cute 😉
7. Backpack: I am absolutely obsessed with this backpack and I truly think it was the best travel investment ever. this backpack is the best because it’s SUPER light weight, but it also has a little compartment for everything. I like to keep all of my most valuable items (laptop, iPad, jewelry) in my personal carry-on that you stow underneath the seat for obvious reasons, but I have to stay as organized as possible otherwise I will leave something behind or I will get super frustrated trying to dig out what I want in cramped quarters. It’s also super sleek and matches with everything.
8. Sheet Face Mask: this mask has been my favorite for flights for a long time. Again, flights will dry you out, including your skin, so a face mask an hour or two before you land is one of my favorite things to do. Sheet masks don’t count as liquid in carry-ons and they are super easy to store. You also don’t need to wash it off when you take it off, just rub in the excess liquid. This one also is pretty transparent so you won’t look too much like the Texas Chainsaw Murderer.
9. Backup Charger: this is one of my top 10 purchases of all time. It’s saved me more times than I can count. I have tried other backup chargers but this one always charges the fastest and holds the most charges for me. The outlets on planes give almost no power so I’d much rather bring this guy. It can charge an iPhone fully 7x and I swear it charges 2x faster than a normal outlet. Also it can charge 2 devices as one time. I use it outside of travel needs daily.
10. Comfortable Sandals: FitFlops may not be the most glam shoes on the planet, but they are definitely the most comfortable I have ever owned. They last forever, and I could walk 10 miles in them without getting blisters. They are great for flights too because you will be doing a lot of walking on travel days no matter what, and I don’t know about you, but I cannot sleep with shoes on. Easy to slip on and off on the plane. If you want to be really stylish, where them with your compression socks.

These are my tried and true long flight essentials! What are you excited to try? Do you have anything you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments! Also be sure to check out my other packing lists and city travel guides!

 

xx Kylie