Carry-on Packing List for a Long-Haul Flight

Low humidity and high altitudes can cause dehydration in aircraft cabins. I feel that acutely on longer flights. A reusable bottle will help you save money and plastic on these journeys.

Some long-haul flights I’ve taken have had lotion and face mist in the cabin bathrooms, but I wouldn’t count on it. And since lip balm is so small, I typically bring two or three in case I lose one.

Dry air on planes could cause migraines so it’s important to bring medicine, in case your headache is unbearable. That is, if you take meds for stuff like that.

Some of my trips have been so far away that I had to take three long flights over a 24-hour period. I don’t normally go 24 hours without brushing my teeth, and if you don’t either, I’d suggest bringing a toothbrush.

Gum also helps combat ear-popping during changes in air pressure.

You may get sweaty or spill something, so it’s best to be prepared with a fresh fit.

Flights force us to sit closer together than we normally would, so don’t be the person with an odor in the crowded space.

Thankfully, my step-grandma gifted me this neck pillow for Christmas. And it isn’t your average neck pillow. It wraps around your neck 1.5 times. This makes it much easier to find a comfortable sleeping position in a tiny plane seat.

This is especially helpful for daytime air travel. But even on red-eye flights, sleep masks help block out the lights coming from passenger seat-back screens.

I suggest downloading movies and shows onto your phone or tablet.

I typically download books across genres, from travel guides and memoirs to spooky novels and comics.

Most long-haul flights I’ve been on have had outlets at each seat, but I always bring a battery just in case.

In my experience, long-haul drives can be just as grueling as flights. So check out these tips for packing for a road trip to make your journey run smoothly.