5 Must-Have Long Flight Essentials

Preparing for a long flight? Packing the necessities (phone charger and passport!) comes first, but there are many unknown long flight essentials you can add to make your travel experience more comfortable.

Here, we’ll reveal five of the best travel accessories for long flights that you should always have handy in your carry-on bag to ease your discomforts, protect your health, and keep yourself content. Travel comfort items and carry on essentials for long flights can make all the difference between a short flight feeling long and a long flight feeling short!

Long Flight Travel Essentials 2020

Travel Pillow

If the thought of a regular pillow means less room in your carry-on, consider an inflatable pillow when traveling. These pillows flatten and do not take up needed space in your bag, but you can quickly inflate them to offer neck support while you rest comfortably. U-shaped, inflatable travel pillows can help you sleep in an upright position while protecting your neck from discomfort -- a must-have for long flights!

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Since you cannot choose your seat-mates on long flights, you may be at risk of sitting next to someone who wants to talk throughout the flight, an unhappy child who is crying, or someone who watches a loud movie with poor headphones. In these situations and more, you want the ability to block out unnecessary sounds so you can work, rest or enjoy your own music or movie. Noise-canceling headphones are the perfect travel accessory to escape into your own world. They can even be worn around your neck or slipped into a carry-on pocket, so no worries about the space.

Power Bank

If you rely on technology, bringing a power bank with you on a long flight is a necessity. A power bank gives you the opportunity to charge your devices when needed, but check with the Transportation Security Administration prior to packing your bags. The TSA allows power banks in carry-on bags, but not in checked bags. Also, be sure to charge your power bank at home so you have enough power to last you through the long flight.

Snacks

Although many long flights offer in-flight meals and snacks, an often overlooked long flight tip is bringing your own. Packing healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, crackers, or dried fruits will help to curb your appetite and keep your mood stable. Be mindful of other passengers who may have food allergies and also check with TSA's guidelines for bringing food and liquids onto the plane.

Compression Socks

The risk of blood clots that begin in your legs increases as the duration of your flight increases.  If you are planning a flight that is more than four hours in duration, then you may be at an increased risk for a blood clot, according to the World Health Organization. You can walk around the cabin and perform toe flexing and pointing exercises while in your seats, but one of the best ways to protect yourself is to get the best compression socks for long flights.

Compression socks are available in a variety of patterns so you can match your travel outfits. The best compression socks for flying have a mild compression level between 8 and 15 mmHg. This level of compression increases circulation and improves leg strength so your travel is comfortable and safe. Some people experience foot and ankle swelling due to a change in pressure, and graduated compression can help manage that. In addition, many of the best compression socks for flying are designed to have an anti-odor capability. You will arrive at your destination feeling rejuvenated, protected from blood clots, and odor-free.

Long Flight Essentials List

As a reminder, domestic and international travel essentials for your next long flight include:

• A convenient travel pillow
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Power bank
• Healthy snacks
• Best compression socks for flying

Best Compression Socks for Travel

Travel in Dr. Motion's comfy compression socks! Dr. Motion offers the best compression socks for travel to keep you calm, cool and compressed on your next flight.  Be sure to add our compression socks to your long flight travel essentials list for 2020 and beyond!

Disclaimer: This article provides information solely for educational purposes, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other materials contained herein. This article is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.