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Are you visiting Europe this year? Or maybe you have a long flight to Asia, Hawaii, the Southern Hemisphere coming up? If you are like me and want to be as comfortable as possible while spending 6+ hours in a tiny seat with little options for movement, this guide is for you!

Living in Germany, I have flown transatlantic more than a handful of times. I often get asked from relatives what they should bring for the flight, so I though I would just create a permanent list. Because I will undoubtedly forget something if I quickly try to just rattle off a list to them by memory! Now I can just send this! This is my ultimate list of carry-on items to make those long haul flights a bit more comfortable!

1. Wear comfortable clothing!
   If you think jeans are comfortable, then more power to you! I cannot wear jeans when I have to sit in a seat for 8 hours! I personally like to wear fashionable joggers, but a comfortable dress or skirt would also work. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. And make sure they are comfortable! You may be walking extended distances through airports, you definitely will be standing in long lines, and hopefully you won’t need to run to catch a connection, but it has happened. Sneakers, slip on boots, casual flats…these are what I normally choose.
2. Dress in Layers.
   I am always cold on airplanes so I always like to wear a sweater or jacket. But even if the airplane is warm, a sweater can double as a cushion for your head or back. It also saves some room if you are tight on space in your suitcase!
3. A great roomy personal bag.
   This can be different for everyone based on how you like to travel. Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item. I like to take a roomy tote bag with lots of pockets. Jeremy wears a sling bag. The important part is that whatever you choose for your personal bag should be big enough to hold all of your in-flight essentials without needing to get into your carry-on. I hate having to get into the overhead bin during a flight, and I want a bag that allows me to keep those things with me in my seat! I like a bag with a lot of pockets because I cannot stand digging in a bottomless pit for whatever I need. I personally use a Feed Project Canvas Market tote that I got through a subscription box, and I also got the same bag for my mom. It’s only available on 2nd hand sites like Poshmark or Ebay because it was a special offer for the subscription box, but I found some great alternatives on Etsy here and here! I only use this for the flight and pack my purse (I empty it first) in my suitcase.
4. Noise-Cancelling headphones
   Now we are starting to fill the bag! Noise-cancelling headphones are a must! There will be crying babies, loud talkers, and just lots of noise in general. Jeremy and I have some Bose headphones, but these Srhythm headphones are a great affordable option! Most headphones still come with an audio jack even though they are Bluetooth. Make sure to also bring that audio cable so you can plug in to the in-seat entertainment and listen to movies.
5. Sleep Mask.
   Along with blocking out the noise, you will also want something to block out the light! Any sleep mask will work. Just make sure it’s comfortable for you. An adjustable band would be ideal.
6. Neck Pillow.
   I tend to collect neck pillows because this is the item I tend to forget! They come in various filling options – beads, memory foam, inflatable. My only suggestion would be to get one that snaps or closes on the ends so you can attach it to hang from your bag, rather than having to cary it. This Microbead and this memory foam are some good options.
7. External Charger Power Bank.
   More and more planes are equipping with in-seat USB ports to charge your devices. But there are still some that don’t have that option, so you will want to be sure to bring your own external power bank. And also all of your charge cords for your phone, headphones, Ipads and anything else.
8. Passport Wallet.
   This is totally optional, but I truly hate fumbling around in a bag to find all the things I need to check-in, go through security, etc. I like to have a passport holder that can also hold my COVID card, boarding pass and whatever else. They make ones that can hold your ID and credit card, and have Rdif blocking. This Premium Leather Passport Holder is a good option, but get what works for your needs. If you are a parent and in care of multiple passports, this family travel organizer is a good option.
9. Compression Socks.
   Another totally optional addition. These socks help support circulation while sitting or standing for extended lengths of time. If your feet tend to ache or swell when you sit a long time, or you have risk of blood clots, you may want to consider these. I prefer a sheer option that I put on when I get on the plane, and remove just before landing. I like this sheer style, but there are more athletic options as well.
10. Fluffy Socks.
    I like to do a whole foot change when I get on a long haul flight. I put on sheer compression socks and some fluffy cozy socks. I like to be comfortable! And I already told you I tend to get cold! I stuff a pair of fuzzy socks in my bag and wear them on the flight.
11. Slippers.
    I also stuff some lightweight slippers or slides into my bag to wear on the flight. I like to let my feet breathe, so take off my shoes. But I also don’t want to walk to the restroom in socks! So I pack some pillow slides in my back, but slippers will work.
12. Water Bottle.
    I always bring my favorite reusable water bottle. Make sure it is empty when you go through security, and you can fill it up at a water fountain on the other side. Or purchase a bottle of water to fill it. Whichever you prefer. Just be aware – if your bottle has a straw, the air pressure change while you are in the air will create a fountain effect when you open it! So be careful. I leave my bottle slightly loose to let it pressurize and prevent soaking my seat! Hydroflask is a great option, but I am loving my Owala Free Sip with the built-in straw right now!
13. Snacks.
    I always pack snacks. Sometimes I sleep through meals and they don’t always wake you up. Pack 2 or 3 snacks in your bag so you have options. I also would recommend packing some gum.
14. Medicines.
    If you require any medicine daily, be sure to pack them in your bag. Also include vitamins, motion sickness meds.
15. Little Bag of Necessities.
    I carry a “little bag of tricks” in my purse and just transfer it to my personal bag when I fly. Things that go in there are Tylenol, dental floss, chapstick, Tums, a travel size cardboard nail file, Menstrual essentials if you need them, ponytail holders, bobby pins, and a small lotion. Things I add for a long-haul flight are Colgate Wisps or Crest Scope mini disposable toothbrush and Olay Daily Facial cleansing cloths. They activate with water and are so refreshing after a long flight! I also pack my facial moisturizer with SPF to use after a wash. I just get a travel toiletry kit like this Morfone kit and fill a small tub of my regular moisturizer. I like to have separate bags for things, so if I pack makeup on the flight, it would be in a bag on its own. And all of my liquids are in a clear quart size ziplock bag on their own so its easy to just pull out at Security.
16. Sunglasses.
    I almost forgot this one because it is such a “given” for me. I take my sunglasses every where.
17. Wallet.
    This is also and item that is a given for me but I just feel should be mentioned just as a memory jogger. You probably won’t need anything more than a Credit/Debit card, but it is best to have some cash just in case, for vending machines, or the rear instance the card reader is not working at an airport store.
18. Hand Fan.
    One of my friends turned me on to this and I though it was genius! Especially if you are traveling a Budget airline that does not have the greatest Air, or if you tend to run hot. Pack a hand fan.
19. Entertainment.
    This is up to personal preference. I like to bring a book. Maybe I’ll bring my kindle. Some people play games on their phone or use an iPad. I would recommend bringing something non-electronic in the event of a catastrophe and all of your batteries die. Crossword puzzles, magazines, Sudoku are all great options. Make sure you pack a pen too!
    
    This seems like a lot when I list it out like this, but really its very little in a bag. I usually have plenty of space to steal the airline travel blanket and stuff it in my bag! (or pack your own travel blanket!) Also, these are just my recommendations for a perfectly comfortable flight. Jeremy only does about half of this list. Let me know if you found this helpful! And if you can think of something I might have overlooked!