Long haul flight essentials that will help you conquer international air travel

For months and months you have been looking forward to your intercontinental trip. Perhaps you have saved up your holidays specifically for this trip, perhaps you worked overtime to make some extra cash to spend on poolside cocktails. And now it is finally here. Or rather, it is eight hours in a cramped aeroplane seat away. Unfortunately, if you are travelling by plane, your holiday probably won’t start off all that relaxing, especially if you are taking a long haul flight. While there is no way you will ever get off a long haul flight feeling as if you have just come from a spa, there are ways to make long journeys more bearable and maybe even pleasant. These travel essentials will make you feel like a jetsetter.

Water bottle

One of the main reasons you end up feeling groggy after a flight is because the plane’s air conditioning can dehydrate you. To battle this dehydration it is good to drink a lot of water while onboard the plane. You might find that the occasional cups of water from the crew aren’t enough. A simple solution is to bring a water bottle. Whether it’s a reusable bottle or just a large Evian from the airport, you can ask the cabin crew to fill it for you.

Hand sanitiser

Airplanes aren’t necessarily the cleanest of places in the world and you don’t want to start your holiday off with a cold. Be sure to pack a bottle of hand sanitiser and be sure to use it before touching your food or applying creams to your face.

For a more thorough approach to cabin hygiene, check out Naomi Campbell’s excellent routine

Sleeping essentials

A good night’s sleep is probably the biggest challenge aboard a plane but there are some accessories that can help you rest a little easier. A sleeping mask and earplugs, for instance, can’t be missing from your carry on luggage. You never know whether the person next to you will want the reading light on at all times or if you’ll be sitting near a crying child. It’s also worth investing in a good sleeping pillow. Take some time to try and find one that is suitable for you, whether it’s a fluffy neck wrap or a Trtl Pillow.

Hairbrush and hair ties

Unless you want to go through border control with serious travel pillow hair, you will want to pack a little travel hairbrush and some hair ties. In all seriousness, you will be more comfortable on board knowing you have the option to tie up your hair in a bun or get rid of knots.

Thick, comfortable socks

You’ll be a lot more comfortable on board if you don’t have to wear your shoes for hours on end. A thick pair of socks means your feet won’t get constrained and you have more freedom to stretch them from time to time to improve blood flow.

Beauty products

As mentioned before, while aboard the plane you run the risk of becoming dehydrated. To keep your skin happy, pack lip balm and moisturising hand and face cream. To freshen yourself up from time to time you can pack baby wipes and ensure they are alcohol free to prevent further dehydration. Simple facial wipes come in a handy travel pack. Don’t forget to pack a travel size toothbrush and toothpaste, your mouth (and fellow passengers) will thank you.

A sarong or shawl

We cannot stress this enough, the air conditioning on board is not your friend. No matter how warm your destination is, odds are it will be a little chilly on board. A shawl or a sarong can be worn as a scarf or even function as a blanket.

Snacks

The last thing you want is to end up hungry and a thousand miles up in the air. Sure, you’ll get your aeroplane food but if 90s stand up comedy has taught us anything, it’s that the taste and quality can’t be trusted. Pack some cereal bars to stave off the hunger and perhaps some nuts and chocolate to snack on. If you have sensitive ears you should also be sure to bring a pack of gum, the chewing will help pop your ears and relieve pressure.

Sally Wijers