The Ultimate Long-Haul Flight Survival Kit
- Ross Jones
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
By Rae, Travel Editor at Allies of Travel.
If you’ve ever arrived at your destination dehydrated, crumpled, and questioning every life decision that led you onto a 10-hour flight in economy, this one’s for you.
Long-haul flights are a necessary evil if you want to get anywhere worth going. But when you don't realise just how thin the thread that's holding your life together is, the last thing you need is a slow descent into cabin chaos before it snaps. With the right kit, you can actually emerge the other side of customs with your sanity in tact and looking… dare I say it… fresh.
Here’s what I actually pack in my carry-on when I’m flying more than five hours. Some of it’s boujee, some of it’s boring-but-essential, but all of it earns its place in my cabin bag.
The Non-Negotiables for a Long-Haul Flight
Let’s start with the basics. These are the items I never board without, whether I’m headed to LA, Mykonos or literally just doing a connecting leg.
Breathable Sleep Mask
Not your average polyester giveaway from the airline. A good sleep mask blocks out the horror of cabin lighting and feels like a hug for your eyeballs. I go for something soft, oversized, and preferably in a neutral tone so I can pretend I’m the kind of person who has matching luggage.
Beats Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Do you really need them? Only if you value your sanity. There’s always someone on the plane who snores like a tractor (usually my husband), or a teenager who thinks their iPad speakers are better than headphones and wants everyone to tune-in to the latest bop at 2am. My Beats Studio Pro drown out everything, the crying baby, the repetitive in-flight announcements, even your own poor life choices.
Lip Balm
The cabin air will do things to your lips you didn’t know were possible. Dry, cracked, flaky? Not on my watch. Don't land feeling like you've got a mouth full of sand.
Hydration Heroes
You need more water than you think. Trust me. I bring:
An insulated water bottle I can fill post-security
A hydration sachet with electrolytes (ideally berry flavoured so I feel like I’m drinking a spa water, not panic juice)
A hydrating face mask or serum. Don't be shy, own the moment and be that person who wears a sheet face mask on the plane, your skin will thank you when you land.
Also, skip the fourth G&T and go for sparkling water with lemon. You're can thank me later.
The Game-Changers
The things that seem optional… until you forget them once and learn the hard way.
Compression Socks
I know. I know. They’re not sexy. But these are a must if you’re flying over five hours, especially overnight. They reduce swelling so you’re not trying to force sausage feet into your sandals on arrival.
Loop Earplugs
I used to be a headphones-only girl. Then I sat in front of a toddler who had just discovered their voice and had zero fear about using it. Loop earplugs are comfy, discreet, and block enough noise to keep your blood pressure in check.
Essential Oils
A roll-on oil with lavender or eucalyptus goes a long way when someone near you cracks open a tuna sandwich (whyyyyyy??). It’s also great for calming nerves or helping you doze off.
My Flight Hacks (aka things you’ll forget and regret)
Always bring a pen. Filling out customs forms with an eyebrow pencil is a low point.
Face mist = life. Hydrating and a mood booster. I spray mine with reckless abandon around hour six.
Bring your own snacks. You don’t want to be at the mercy of the “chicken or pasta” roulette.
Wet wipes. For your face, hands, tray table, and spiritual cleansing.
Change of underwear + a spare top. In case of spills. Or just if you want to feel human after 12 hours sitting upright next to a stranger with no concept of personal space.
Travel toothbrush + mini toothpaste. You’re not too tired to brush your teeth. I believe in you.
And finally… the Travel Outfit.
It needs to be soft, stretchy, and something you won’t hate yourself in at 4am. Think comfort: wide-leg joggers, breathable tee, oversized hoodie, trainers (please, no bare feet mid-flight), minimal jewellery. You want to feel one step above “I’ve given up” but several steps below “I’m trying too hard”.
The Survival Summary
You’re not a rookie traveller anymore. You’re prepared. You’re polished. You smell faintly of eucalyptus and look suspiciously well-rested.
And when the toddler in seat 36B starts singing Baby Shark for the seventh time? You won’t even flinch.
You’ve got this.
Rae x
Comments