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How to Survive Long-Haul Flights: My Airplane Bag Essentials

Booked your dream vacation but dreading the packing process? If you're preparing for a long-haul flight, especially in economy class (where I’ve spent plenty of hours), don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.


Hi! I'm Lauren. With over 20 long-haul economy flights under my belt, I’ve perfected a packing system that makes surviving even the longest flights manageable and stress-free.


My secret weapon? The “airplane bag.”




What is an Airplane Bag?

An airplane bag is a small bag or packing cube that holds all your in-flight essentials. It keeps everything you need within easy reach, saving you from endlessly digging through your carry-on bag. Plus, it ensures a smoother flight experience for you and your seatmate!


I’ve refined my airplane bag packing list over the years, and now I’m sharing it with you. All you have to do is follow the list and get ready for a more comfortable flight!


Airplane Bag Essentials:

Here’s everything I pack in my airplane bag for a long-haul flight:


Hygiene Essentials:

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste (travel sized)

  • Glasses, contact lenses & solution

  • Medications (ibuprofen, melatonin, tums, anything else you need)

    • I love this compact pill organizer from Amazon

  • Hand sanitizer & sanitizer wipes

  • Facewash & facewipes

  • Face moisturizer


Comfort Items:

  • Eye mask

    • Mine is similar to this

  • Neck Pillow:

    • This is similar to mine. I like it because it has a cover (so it doesn't get dirty from the airport/floors) and this one looks like it comes with an eye cover too!

  • Chapstick (Trust me, dry cabin air is no joke! My go-to is [link])


Tech Gear

  • Chargers for your phone, watch or other devices

  • Headphones

    • I actually PREFER headphones with a cord for long flights because airpods can get lost very easily

  • Converter

    • Usually planes have a USB port, but I NEVER want to be in the situation where my phone is dead on a long flight

    • Mine is similar to this one. Its nice because it has outlets and USB ports to charge lots of things at once

  • Power Bank: just incase your seat charger is not working


Other must haves:

  • Gum

  • Snacks (protein bars, nuts or chips are easy options)


Pro Tip: Use a small packing cube to store all these items. It keeps things organized and prevents your airplane bag from turning into a black hole mid-flight. I have use the small sided packing cube of these these for years and they have lasted numerous trips.



Final Thoughts

Packing smart for a long-haul flight doesn’t have to be daunting. With your airplane bag ready to go, you’ll breeze through your flight feeling organized and prepared. Now, go ahead and enjoy your trip—you’ve got this!


Want 1:1 travel advice?

Feeling overwhelmed with packing or unsure what else to bring? Let me help you take the stress out of travel planning! Book a 1:1 Personal Travel Consult with me today, and I’ll guide you through everything from packing tips to itinerary planning.


**This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.


 
 
 

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