For empty nesters, bucket list travel is a top priority. The world is your oyster and you are ready to explore it! Yet, traveling long distances by air can be both exciting and exhausting. Whether you’re taking a dream trip, a work trip, or visiting family across the globe, being well-prepared makes all the difference to your in-flight experience. Don’t take a long-haul flight without these travel essentials. This guide will ensure you have everything at your fingertips for a comfortable and enjoyable flight!
1. Comfort is Key: Clothing and Accessories
Layered Clothing
Comfort is key and the #1 priority on a long haul flight. There is nothing worse than tight clothing, itchy sweaters, nonbreathable clothing, and not enough clothing when flying! Temperatures inside airplane cabins can be unpredictable. So layering in comfortable fabrics is essential. This allows you to easily adjust to any changes in cabin pressure and stay comfortable.
Modern Empty Nester Tip: Bring an extra set of clothing in your carry on, in case of spills during turbulence or lost luggage!
For long haul travel outfits, think soft, stretchy, breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials. You’re going to be sleeping at some point, so you want to be comfortable. A light sweater, cardigan, or pullover is also a must. Fortunately, there are several companies that make smart looking, travel chic clothing. We know empty nesters want to arrive at the hotel looking good — we got you!
With travel ramping up post-Covid, athleisure has taken center stage. Consider trendy comfort travel clothing lines from Lululemon, Athleta, Cozy Earth and Vuori. Stretchy, breathable fabrics make them ideal for long haul travel in classic colors that you can mix and match. Lululemon ABC pants and Vuori Polos are travel favorites for men. They also have stretch blazers that move with your body and make travel easy, chic and comfortable.
Other stylish stretch options for women include the Frame Jetset Pants or the new Spanx travel Air Essentials line for added comfort. Amazon also has comfy travel sets that are reasonably priced and allow you to travel in layers. New travel clothing company, Unbound Merino, boasts the best travel t-shirt and clothing line that is odor resistant and can last days without washing!
Compression Socks
Sitting for extended periods can affect your circulation. Compression socks help prevent swelling and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Bombas compression socks are highly rated and stylish.
Travel Pillows and Blanket
A good neck pillow supports your head during sleep, while a nice travel blanket keeps you warm. Many airlines provide these, but having your own travel set ensures comfort and hygiene. Pack a large shawl or wrap that can also double up as a blanket. The multi-purpose Zero Grid Infinity Scarf opens up as a blanket and later folds into a scarf with secret compartments to hide travel documents/money.
2. Smart Packing Solutions
Finding clever ways to fit more in your carry-on and avoiding luggage fees is always a challenge. These smart packing solutions allow you to fit more in your carry on (or outside of it!) without any extra fees so you have everything at your fingertips.
This clever TUBE travel bag transforms into a neck pillow when stuffed with extra clothing. It’s unique design is a great travel hack to avoid paying extra luggage fees. It provides additional storage when traveling with a carry-on. It holds up to 3 days of travel clothing and essentials. Or store it in your suitcase and use it later if you purchased too many gifts! Stuff your clothes inside and sleep away!
A Shark Tank success, the Biaggi Ultimate Compression Zip Cube is designed to fit several outfits, shoes, laundry and more in one packing cube. It’s unique compression and expandable design offers versatility and space saving solutions for your carry on or larger luggage. Need more room? Get the Biaggi Double Deck Zipcube!
3. Health and Hygiene Essentials
Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Airplanes can be a hotbed for germs. And you will be on the plane for hours. Use sanitizing wipes to clean your tray table, armrests, window and other surfaces. Keep hand sanitizer handy for times when washing your hands isn’t an option. Touchland’s hand sanitizers come in a variety of scents in beautiful packaging for travel. From calming lavender mist to fresh rainwater, you will feel fresh and clean in flight and upon arrival.
Handy dandy lens cleaning wipes are TSA compliant, individually wrapped for easy travel and clean your glasses in a flash for a crystal clear view.
Moisturizing Products, Toiletry Kit & Medications/Vitamins
Cabin air is notoriously dry. Pack a small, travel-friendly moisturizer kit for your skin and lip balm or gloss to prevent chapped lips. Many popular brands sell travel size moisturizers that pass the 3.4 oz. size restrictions for carry-on travel. Leakproof Cadence travel containers have a modern magnetic design in TSA-friendly sizing. Charmed Chaos has sleek, refillable silicone bottles in a variety of colors that are marked for easy identification.
Avoid bringing your oversized toiletry bag on the plane (pack it in your checked bag). Instead, stick to the essentials needed in flight. Include a toothbrush, travel toothpaste, and deodorant to freshen up before landing. Calpak offers stylish, smaller hanging toiletry bags in cool colors that hook onto airline bathroom doors. Clear toiletry bags assist with fast and easy TSA security checks. The standing Stasher bag also works well (and can be used for snacks too!).
Always pack any personal medications in your carry-on bag. This ensures you have the medication you need if your luggage is lost. Bring a small case that can organize all your medications and vitamins. A small first aid kit is also essential with basics like pain relievers, anti-nausea, band-aids, and any other necessities.
If you wear contacts, don’t forget lens solution and a case. However, for long flights, it’s best to wear your prescription glasses for comfort. Airplane cabins create dry eye conditions, making it hard to wear contacts for a long period of time. Bring lubricating eye drops to refresh dry eyes in flight (not while wearing your contacts!)
4. Entertainment and Electronics
Headphones and Phone Mount
Block out the noise of the engine and fellow passengers with a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. They’re perfect for enjoying in-flight movies, music, podcasts or simply creating a peaceful environment. The new Airfly device allows you to sync your wireless AirPods with the inflight entertainment TV. A handy phone mount attaches your phone to the tray table for hands-free entertainment.
E-Reader Tablet and Audiobooks
Load up your computer, e-reader or tablet with books, magazines, movies, and TV shows. It’s a space-saving way to carry a library of entertainment options. You can also download audiobooks in advance onto your phone with Amazon’s Audible. Listen away to their large selection of bestselling books and popular podcasts.
Portable Games
For long-haul flights, games help pass the time away. Bring along a set of cards, NYT mini-crosswords, or brain games for some brain fuel.
Portable Charger, Power Cords and Organizer
To ensure all your devices stay powered throughout the flight, you need all the necessary chargers and accessories. Don’t forget to bring your phone charger inside the plane!
Modern Empty Nester Tip: A long phone charging cord is helpful to charge your phone at your seat and watch entertainment simultaneously. It’s also helpful on gate layovers where electrical plugs can be farther away.
A portable charger is a must, ensuring you are powered up in the event of a delay on long flights. This is especially helpful when stuck on the runway. A cable/device organizer avoids digging around your bag so power cords and chargers are at your fingertips.
Apple AirTags
Apple AirTags allow you to follow your luggage. Feel secure and know where to find your luggage upon arrival.
5. Food and Hydration
Healthy Snacks
Airline food can be hit or miss. Pack some healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, cut veggies and/or a sandwich to keep hunger at bay. Protein packed snacks and bars from Ideal Protein are extremely satisfying and keep you full longer with lower carbs. Wholesome bars, such as Bobos from Boulder, CO, are made with good ingredients. Kind bars are also healthy choices as well. I always have some kind of nuts and bar selection in my backpack at all times while traveling. Nothing worse than a long delay on a flight and your starving!
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial during a long flight. Bring extra water on the plane. Reusable water bottles can be filled once you have passed security or purchase a bottle of water at the gate.
6. Sleep Aids and Comfort Items
Eye Mask and Earplugs
An eye mask and earplugs can help you block out light and noise, making it easier to sleep during a long flight. The Blissy Silk Sleep Mask and Loop Quiet Ear Plugs are very popular picks.
Must-Have Long Haul Flight Essentials
Being well-prepared with the right essentials can transform your long-haul flight from a daunting journey to a pleasant experience. By prioritizing comfort, health, entertainment, and nourishment, you’ll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever adventures await. For more travel products, see our Best Travel Gifts for Everyone on your List! Happy travels!
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