Whether it’s been a while since you hopped on a flight or you’re just feeling a little wary after reading airport horror stories, travelling in “the new normal” can feel stressful. But at the end of the day, there’s only so much you can control; what to take on a plane being one of them.
There are certain items that are essential to throw in your hand luggage, especially if you’re flying long haul. Some will keep you healthy, some will make you more comfortable and some will simply give you a more enjoyable journey. Either way, when it comes down to it, they’re the things you really can’t do without.
So, from a handy set of mini toiletries to the all-important eye mask, here’s my tried-and-tested packing list for everything you need to prepare for your next flight.
1. Hand Sanitiser/Hand Wipes
While coronavirus may not be as big of an issue as it once was, it’s still a good idea to take a portable bottle of hand sanitiser or wipes along for the ride. This Bath & Body Works citrusy hand spray is perfect for eliminating any lurking bugs and giving your hand a quick refresh en route.
Oh, and did I mention that it smells lush?
2. Face Mask
While the vast majority of airlines no longer require that you wear a mask, Jet2 and British Airways are among those that continue to recommend carrying a face covering.
You might think being in close proximity with dozens of strangers with limited fresh air is manageable. That said, if someone starts coughing you’ll definitely feel much better with a face mask to divide you.
This Amazon pack of 20 disposable masks* costs just a little over £3 so you can simply throw away any you use on your travels without denting the holiday budget.
3. Travel Wallet
A good travel wallet is ideal for organising all your important documents, such as your passport, boarding card and foreign currency. It helps to keep everything in one place so that the documents are easier to grab out of your bag when you’re asked to present them to airport officials.
After all, nobody wants to be that person who holds up the queue because they’re scrambling around for their boarding card!
I recommend investing in a medium-sized travel wallet with multiple compartments so that it has plenty of space but also fits conveniently in your plane bag. It may also be worth investing in a travel wallet made from RFID blocking material — like this one* — to prevent thieves from hijacking your contactless cards with wireless-skimming devices. (Yes, that’s a thing now!)
4. Flight Socks
Flight safety 101: invest in compression socks.
Even though the risk of developing blood clots on a flight is low, it increases the longer you travel for. Flight compression socks encourage good circulation, while reducing the risk of swelling and clotting during long-haul journeys.
Flight socks may not be the most glamorous of accessories, but these LEOSTEP socks* will lower your chances of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They’re pretty cute-looking too.
5. Eye Mask
When planning what to take on a plane for nighttime or longer flights, an eye mask should be at the top of your list.
Let’s face it, between the cramped seating arrangements and distracting aircraft noises, it can be pretty difficult to sleep on flights. Sure, an eye mask may not guarantee you a solid night’s rest. However, it will certainly improve your quality of sleep by blocking out light from pesky plane windows and the aisles.
Basically, for regular travellers, it’s an absolute must-have. Opt for a silk sleep mask with adjustable straps like this one* to help you nod off in style.
6. Travel Pillow
Usually, you will be provided with a pillow and blanket for long-haul flights by the airline. Even so, unfortunately, these pillows are often not the best. Being uncomfortable can easily stop you from getting a good night’s sleep, wherever you are.
Therefore, take a good travel pillow with you, such as this Kierain Memory Foam Neck Pillow*. You can thank me later.
7. Electronics
Obviously your phone is a given, but you’re also going to need an effective way to pass the time, whether it’s by gaming, watching shows or movies, or listening to music.
Every long-haul plane should have an in-flight entertainment system featuring all of the above. On the off chance that they don’t, bring your own as they can be handy for coping with long waits in the airport or unexpected delays too.
Did you know you can pre-download TV shows and movies from Netflix and Disney Plus to your phone or tablet? Do it when you have WiFi before your flight and then you can watch them even if there isn’t WiFi on the plane.
Most importantly, don’t forget your chargers — you can plug them straight into the seat’s plug points or if not, most airports have charge points available anyway. Win-win.
8. Headphones
Headphones have multiple uses on long-haul flights. Either plug them into your phone or music device to help make your plane journey go even faster, or plug them into your flight’s entertainment system if you don’t want to use the ones provided by your airline.
You can even use noise-cancelling models to drown out any unwanted noise when you’re trying to relax or chill.
Apple users can’t go wrong with a pair of AirPods, while any over-ear headphone fan should check out Bose’s SoundLink Wireless Headphones*.
9. Mini Toiletries
No list of what to take on a plane would be complete without mini toiletries. I’m not suggesting you take a full bottle of shampoo on board with you (duh) but some essentials to help you freshen up certainly wouldn’t go amiss.
This is especially the case during night flights when you wake up after a deep sleep only for your travel partner to tell you that you were snoozing with your mouth wide open (we’ve all been there!).
Why not take a little kit like this Amazon one*, which contains a mini toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wipes, moisturiser and more. Just add a lip balm to keep your lips from going dry and you’re good to go!
Remember to keep your liquids under 100ml as per travel rules and put them in a clear plastic bag for security.
10. Important Medication
From your contraception to allergy pills or headache tablets if you’re prone to getting migraines, put any important medication into your hand luggage.
By having your medication on your person throughout your flight, you can take it as and when you need to. (It’s better to be safe than sorry!)
11. Tissues
Aside from always being just a little too loud, plane air-con can also contribute to sore eyes and sniffles. Not ideal. Luckily, there’s an easy fix. Slip some tissues into your bag and banish any unfortunate drips.
As an extra added plus, bringing your own tissues is useful for when the flight attendants forget to stock up the toilets with loo rolls in the middle of the flight when everyone is sleeping. (It happens.)
12. Reading Material
Forgot your charger (I did warn you!) or just tired of looking at screens? Reading material is a useful way to pass the time, especially if you get engrossed in a good book.
In case you’re in need of some inspiration, Emily Henry’s latest offering, Book Lovers*, is a fun and frothy rom-com. As the title suggests, it follows two bibliophiles who discover that they may have more in common than they originally thought.
Looking for something a little more serious? Where the Crawdads Sing* by Delia Owens is a murder mystery slash coming-of-age tale that packs plenty of tension from start to finish. Plus, with the film adaptation due out later this year, what better time to read the original?
13. A Pen
Yes, it sounds simple, but the number of people that don’t carry a pen and then get stuck when they’re required to fill out immigration forms will surprise you.
Bonus points for making life or work to-do lists and journalling so you have a super productive flight as opposed to a passive one. Or just use it to doodle on a napkin. You do you.
14. Snacks
Plane food is notoriously average and there can be big gaps in between meals, therefore, it’s handy to take snacks to stop your tummy from rumbling.
Think you might feel peckish on a short-haul flight? Stock up on snacks before boarding if you want to avoid ending up with a very expensive and slightly underwhelming pot of Pringles. (Stomach growl.)
15. Bottle of Water
With low humidity levels, the cabin’s circulation system can be very dehydrating on your body so it’s important to stay hydrated to prevent your throat, nose and skin from feeling dry. The little plastic cups of water they give you just won’t cut it!
I’d recommend buying a big bottle at the airport beforehand and bringing it onto the plane with you. Or if you’ve got some spare space in your bag, take a refillable bottle like this Sunwill one* and use the airport’s water fountains. Sorted.
16. Comfy Sweatshirt or Hoodie
When planning what to take on a plane, picking out a comfy travel outfit is a must. Anything that allows you to lounge around a plane without feeling trussed up or restricted will do the job. However, leggings, a loose-fitting oversized t-shirt and chunky trainers are a winning combo.
You’ll need something insulating to combat the air-con, so don’t forget an oversized sweatshirt or hoodie made from a soft fabric — like 100% cotton with a fleece interior — for any chilly moments. The key to airport outfits is layering so you can quickly remove or add on items of clothing as and when you need to.
17. Anything Valuable
When I say valuable, I’m talking about your £500 watch or anything sentimental like your favourite childhood cuddly toy you just can’t sleep without. (No judgments here.)
Basically, don’t pack anything you’d be devastated to lose in your checked luggage where its fate is totally out of your control. Instead, take any valuables on the plane with you so you can keep an eye on them.
18. A Sturdy Backpack
Lastly, you need a strong bag for all these flight essentials.
Although many opt for a handbag, taking a backpack on your travels frees up your hands and distributes the weight of your belongings evenly, making the load feel lighter to carry. If your backpack is roomy and practical? Even better! The sports brands do some excellent, durable versions, as do the high street.
For a touch of glam (and plenty of compartments), I love this M&S Leather Backpack*. This sturdy Gymshark Backpack* is also a great option — and it comes in some staple shades.
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What to Take on a Plane: Final Thoughts
Sadly, with lost luggage and long queues at the baggage reclaim belt affecting airports across the UK, there’s no guarantee that your checked bag will arrive unscathed and on time.
So whether you’re flying for half a day or a full day, it’s so important to pack these in-flight essentials. The more you travel long-haul, the more you’ll realise how much easier your life is with these trusty items to hand so even if the worst happens, you know you’ll have what you need to get by in the meantime. Phew!
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