Are you traveling from the US to Japan or are you going on a vacation in Australia while being from Austria? Then, you have to prepare for your flight in advance. Here are the main items to take on board to make those hours bearable.
Phone Charger or Power Bank
There’s often no internet on planes (especially in economy class), or if there is, it’s expensive. So, it becomes almost impossible to play online casino games or binge watch a TikTok feed to kill time. That’s why most passengers don’t bother with it and prefer reading or scrolling through their photo albums on their phones. In any case, your device might run out of battery during the flight, and not every airline will offer you a charger, unless you’re flying business class. So, it’s a good idea to pack a cable or power bank.
Entertainment
Some people enjoy keeping travel journals or sketching, so a notebook and pen can come in handy. On a plane, no one will interrupt you, and you’ll have the peace and quiet to draw or jot down whatever comes to mind. If you’re not traveling alone, you can use the paper to play games with your companion, like doodle games, where each person adds a line to create a totally unexpected creature. Paper-based games are lifesavers when there’s no internet and your devices are dead.
Can you solve a Rubik’s Cube? If not, download an instructional guide with diagrams to your phone, and you’ll easily spend an hour learning. If you already know how, challenge yourself by solving it faster or even blindfolded.
Personal Care Items
The air on planes is dry, which can leave your skin feeling tight. Bring a moisturizer for your hands and face, and a lip balm to prevent discomfort. Eye drops are also useful for dealing with dryness.
Some airlines offer basic hygiene kits with a toothbrush and mini toothpaste, but it’s better to have your own. That goes for cream, balm, and any other cosmetic essentials too.
Clothing and Footwear
Tight shoes make flying uncomfortable. Bring soft slippers and socks so you can walk around the cabin easily. But during takeoff and landing, wear your regular shoes — it’s a safety measure. In case of emergency evacuation, there won’t be time to change footwear.
To avoid strain on your blood vessels, consider wearing compression socks or stockings: they help prevent swelling and cramps. Consult your doctor beforehand to find the best option for you.
Wearing a tracksuit is much more comfortable than jeans or tight pants. The only question is whether you have enough room in your carry-on for a change of clothes.
Medicine Kit
Don’t forget any medications you take regularly. Flights can throw off your routine, especially with time zone changes, so set an alarm or reminder to take your meds on time.
Also, pack antihistamines (in case of an unexpected allergic reaction), painkillers, band-aids, alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer, and in some cases, a mild sleeping aid. But don’t take any medication without consulting your doctor.
Food and Water
Airlines usually serve food or at least a snack or pastry. But sometimes you board the plane hungry, and a granola bar won’t cut it. Also, not everyone likes airplane meals.
Convenient options include apples, bananas, sandwiches, and snack bars, basically anything that doesn’t crumble, stick to your hands, or have a strong smell that might bother other passengers. Pre-packed ready-to-eat meals can also work well. Nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate are great too.
Hard candies help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing. You won’t fill up on them, but they’ll make pressure changes more bearable.
The dry air in planes (often under 20% humidity) makes you feel thirsty. Drinks are usually offered a few times during the flight, and you can always ask the flight attendant for more water. But it’s more convenient to have your own bottle. Just remember: you can only bring liquids in containers up to 100 ml through security, so buy your water after the checkpoint.
Sleep Accessories
Even on overnight flights, there’s usually some ambient light. If you’re not used to sleeping with light, bring a sleep mask. Some models have a silicone insert you can chill beforehand to reduce puffiness. Choose a soft, non-restrictive mask for comfort.
You can usually request a blanket, but airplane blankets are often thin and small. Plus, using your own is more hygienic. Choose one that’s warm but compact enough to fit in your carry-on.
Pillows
A good travel pillow can relieve pressure on your back and help you truly relax. You place it near your tailbone, and it makes sleeping much more comfortable.
A neck pillow helps keep your head supported while you sleep. Many airplane headrests have fold-out “wings” to help with this, but they’re no match for a proper pillow. It’ll also prevent shoulder stiffness, which is a big deal, especially if you’ll be carrying a backpack after landing.
An inflatable footrest pillow is great for shorter travelers. It’s more comfortable, warmer, and takes up almost no space in your bag when deflated.