Long-haul flights really do represent the best and worst aspects of travel. On the one hand, they usually mean that you are travelling to a far-off land for the holiday of a lifetime; on the other, they do mean that you are stuck in a narrow metal tube for hours on end. Luckily, by packing a few essentials, you can get through the flight with a minimal amount of discomfort and even look stylish doing so.
Read on for your list of travel essentials.
Phone Case
Long flights can be tedious. Although sleep is an option, you may not be able to sleep throughout the flight. Your phone can be your saviour. Besides a power bank, consider bringing a stylish shockproof phone case. You never know what can happen during the flight. For example, turbulence can make you drop your phone. You would not want to spend the rest of the flight thinking about your damaged phone, right?
The Travel Outfit
A long-haul flight will take hours, and you need to find an outfit that is both comfortable and stylish. First and foremost, ditch the jeans; they are not going to be comfortable during the flight, they are too constricting. Next, when deciding what to wear, focus on the fabrics; things with more stretch or even looser fitting fabrics would be better. Think athleisure, leggings, t-shirts, jumpers or even sweatshirts can be stylish with the right accessories.
Lounge Pass
The first step to having a good flight starts with having a good airport experience in general. Most airports in Britain have a lounge, and it is worth paying a little extra to use them. They have showers which are great for when you need to freshen up during a layover or even before catching your flight. They have food and drink offerings for travellers, most of which is free. You can charge your phone and chill in relative privacy when the terminal gets too busy.
A Neck Pillow
In all honesty, a neck pillow is not the most stylish accessory, but they are great for keeping comfortable during the flight. They come in a huge variety of colours and materials so you could get something that is a little more discreet. They have memory foam, microbeads or inflatables; you might have to do a little trial and error before you find the one that you find the most comfortable.
A Blanket Scarf
The temperature within a plane can fluctuate, but more often than not, it is on the cooler side. On a longer flight, it can be hard to fall and stay asleep if it is too cold. Bringing a scarf that doubles as a blanket can add a stylish touch to your outfit but is also practical. You can use it as a blanket on the flight and as an accessory whilst travelling. Depending on where you are travelling, it could come in handy beyond the flight if the weather is colder.
A Vape Pen
If you are a smoker or already a vaper, you need to think about getting a vape pen for your travels. They are much easier to deal with than cigarettes and other larger, more clunky vapes, and often as long as you are outside, you do not have to find the designated smoking area. They are also far more stylish to carry around. Depending on the vape that you have, you should also be able to find the things you need quite easily while travelling, or you could even bring it with you. In terms of the vaping laws, while travelling, they might change depending on where you are. If you want to stay informed, then you can check out this guide on the various regulations you can expect in different countries.
An Eye Mask
There is not too much to do on a flight, and they are tiring, so sleeping is actually a great way to pass the time. Whether you are a light sleeper or not, using an eye mask can help you sleep better and avoid distractions and disturbances from other passengers and flight staff.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Once you have taken care of the light, next, it is onto sounds. Planes can be noisy and disruptive; from screaming children to conversational noise, there is nothing worse when you’re trying to sleep. Noise-cancelling headphones are just the ticket. However, they do serve another purpose if you want to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks or watch a film. It is also definitely recommended that you download something to watch or listen to during your flight as you probably won’t sleep for the whole flight, and you’ll need something to occupy the rest of your time. Depending on the type of headphones you buy, they can also be a stylish accessory too.
A Power Bank
As mentioned above, you are going to need some form of entertainment to get you through the flight, and it is likely that your chosen form of entertainment will be reliant on technology. Unfortunately, not all airlines offer outlets on the plane, and if they do, they are not always that great to begin with. So be sure to pack a power bank to keep your electronics alive and you entertained.
Toiletries
When travelling on a long-haul flight, it is incredibly important to have your toiletry bag handy. You should keep your toothbrush and toothpaste handy; if you sleep a lot on your flight, then your breath might suffer. Moisturiser is another must, it can have a rejuvenating effect after a flight, and it can help you to make sure that you are looking your best. You might also want to pack some lip balm or hand cream in your toiletry bag too. Freshening up during or after a flight can help you to not only look better but to feel better too.
Compression Socks
Again, these are not always the most stylish, although there are many options out there, so you can choose some that match your outfit. They will also be mostly hidden by your outfit anyway. Long-haul flights often mean that you are sedent for quite some time. Using compression socks promotes circulation and reduces your risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.
In Conclusion
While it is definitely possible to travel in style, as mentioned above, you should prioritise your comfort. A good flight experience is the gateway to having a good holiday. If the flight goes well, you are much more likely to be relaxed and ready to enjoy the rest of the holiday, so bear that in mind when preparing for your travels.
