Seasoned flyers - what are crucial items to pack for a long flight?

[LilBatFaceGal]

I have two long flights coming up - back to back, first one to Doha and then on to the Seychelles

As I've barely gone further than Portugal before I'm very nervous. Don't fly well anyway but I thought I'd feel better if I felt more organised

So what are your absolute must haves for the plane?

Thanks in advance

So far I have ...

One of those Drowsy silk sleep masks
Loop ear plugs
My kindle - do I need my iPad?!
Paracetamol

Oh and a neck sleep cushion but do I need a better one? I saw one that you basically put your face into. Looked a bit weird tbh

Lots of snacks.
A toothbrush and toothpaste to hand.

Downloaded entertainment. Headphones, eye mask, ear plugs, mints, portable charger.

A boarding pass for business class.

With neck cushions, you can get ones that loop around your head rest, without going round the back and covering the TV behind, they keep your head in place rather than your neck bouncing around on a pillow.

Something warm. Aircon on planes can be brutal. Also extra layers can be used to make you comfier eg rolled up and wedged against hard plastic arm.

I like something to put my feet on (usually a soft carry on bag) as I’m a shortarse.

Powerbank if you’re relying on one device.

Fruit and veg - I do grapes and cucumber and they always go down really well as the plane air is so dry.

Lipbalm for the same reason. Consider eye drops if you get dry eyes.

Contact lens case if you wear them

Here we go, these sort are good

Oh yes try to check if your plane has built in chargers - if so bring a cable (they are generally USB sockets)

I bought a yaks wool scarf to use rather than the synthetic blanket for a flight to Mauritius. If you’re wearing sandals I would also pack socks since it’s difficult to predict if it’s going to be hot or cold. I’d have a little pack with a wet wipe, moisturiser and lip balm and a bottle of water.

I've done long haul (20hrs +) for many years!

I get on the plane, take my shoes off, put on warm socks, then those hotel type, thin slip on slippers. The bathrooms on planes are always covered in dubious looking drops of 'liquid' so I wouldn't be walking around in socks, or barefeet like some people! 😱After the flight, I put the thin slippers into a zip up bag and wash them. You'll lots left on the plane, but I prefer to re-use them if possible.

You used to get those slippers/eye masks given to you on the plane, but since covid, I've noticed you are lucky to get a blanket!

-eye mask and ear plugs
-lip gloss and small tube of moisturier. My lips and skin get dry in the air con
-Dental floss! I drove myself insane once when I couldn't find mine.
-Pashmina type scarf. Its wide enough to put over my shoulders, but thin enough to be worn as a scarf or rolled up to make a neck pillow

That looks decent @Simonjt still look into that. I want to be able to sleep in as comfortable position as is possible on a plane

I only need two things. Diazepam and a neck pillow 😂

@JC03745 now - I was considering compression socks? When I've flown before- short haul - I've had swollen ankles for a few days after landing. I don't know how to avoid this? I'm not overweight and I do try and move my legs a bit but who knows?

Some great tips though thank you

Moisturiser, lip balm, eye drops, earplugs, jumper or better still, hoodie with a big enough hood to go over your head, socks, water, ibuprofen, paracetamol, charger, phone, kindle.

Foot hammock is an absolute game changer

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adjustable-Portable-Airplane-Relaxing-Swelling/dp/B07K33PVC9/ref=asc_df_B07K33PVC9/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4499431146252660849&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006668&hvtargid=pla-2281435178298&psc=1&mcid=82db143d483b3fa6bb455786f48b8423&hvocijid=4499431146252660849-B07K33PVC9-&hvexpln=74&gad_source=1

@OhshutupSimonyounobhead yeah yeah. I hear you on the diazepam. I am a nervous flyer and can barely breathe when taking off.

Trouble is, doctor won't prescribe it me for a flight so that sucks. I've tried repeatedly to tell her I'm not an addict but that seemed to make it worse

My advice is to try out your neck cushion in advance , there’s many different styles.

Wear several layers of loose clothing ( NOT a jumpsuit or jeans or tight shoes)

If you are at higher risk of a DVT you should wear compression socks . Risks are things like on the pill, recent surgery , pregnant, obese, smoker etc . More info here

www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/deep-vein-thrombosis

I download rainforest sounds. I have amazing headphones. Plug myself in, put on my Croc slippers and soft socks. Put on my face mask and neck pillow, and snooze off.

Most long distance flights give you socks, masks, toothbrush and toothpaste. Also everyone gets a blanket and small pillow.

@ColonelRhubarbBikini I added that to my Amazon basket as soon as I glanced at the link! Thanks!

I think we are flying with British airways

@S0CKPUPPET I'm not at a high risk , don't smoke, no surgeries , not obese but I always end up with a bad back and swollen ankles when flying

I didn't fly for 10 years then met my now DH so thought I had better try. Still find it nerve wracking but have done Sri-Lanka a few times now also via Doha (amazing airport). The neck pillow for me was a winner on such a long flight and good headphones. Have fun!

@OhshutupSimonyounobhead good to hear that Doha airport is nice. We are there for about 4 hours I think but at midnight so doubt I'll be too interested in exploring - but you never know

Noise cancelling headphones especially if you are flying through the night.

How on earth do you get a GP to prescribed you diazepam for flying? I have generalised anxiety disorder and just about manage without medication but struggle with long flights.