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

But make sure to drape the blanket accordingly. If the staff see them, they may stop you.

Powerbank and warm socks
Moisturiser
Mini pack of wet wipes so you can freshen up

I take a travel inflatable lumbar pillow and compression socks (in addition to much already mentioned here).
I download lots of tv shows and film on my ipad mini.

Have good noise cancelling headphones and a powerbank as the plane chargers often dont work.

I take a few snacks of fruit bars and granola type things.

I wear trousers that wont puddle down and touch the floor when I go to the loo.
I print my itinerary and boarding pass so i dont use battery on my phone showing the digital one.

I have a handbag that is cross body, can zip closed the main compartment and has a small exterior pocket that fits my passport and boarding pass (so im not rummaging for it each time and its easy to keep everything secure for putting the bag in the tray for security checks.

Powerbank, cosy socks and a big scarf (really big, more like a light blanket).
If you wear lenses, take them out as soon as you board so take a new pair.
Your own earphones (preferably with a jack to plug in if you want to watch movies).
Lip balm. I also take tiny tiny pots of "smells" (such as these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plastic-Cosmetic-Container-Containers-Make-Up/dp/B0C4GF1NPW/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3H2RMTJAMMSDW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AE1O3Ydxa2jlr_OfrpuSGliozzKQ4-yQImTxR0ZdfSXFbhTdt-P4_6uESCqqughlujaAyfnlEdPcSrbRw_Xadm3sUaLtVY3OIVXGglrH0_zFc9NBJ5Q1okcYktBp8tco3qxB3iFw210MUsAn8Bm62ag0J0N0dgvUfTh3SOEneSctlihzKY3hlPYpzvW4z7y3uv__PX3llLryLAhOlJta3q5gChjQqrLpP5VnYbBnWQoSvRYk1Nx-QD3VCpPtE45_cOeW796fxoolS6K8Ug52mysQdVvCwMMuc70OFE_55zo.HixtcJ2cSpWaaFNIc0xK1ccXs8Bop1vSBEXwlo6Ytqc&dib_tag=se&keywords=tiny%2Bpots%2Bwith%2Blids&qid=1727379594&sprefix=tiny%2Bpo%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-6&th=1) with lavender, citrus and geranium for sleeping, wakening and pick me up/happiness.
Wet wipes to just clean up where you are - the arm rests, the table etc - usually filthy. In that vein, a plastic bag to put in the pocket in front of you to keep stuff clean.
Water, water and more water (take your own largest water bottle and fill up after security and before your flight, and ask for it to be filled up on the flight).

Anti viral wipes to clean your hands, tray and handrests.
Moisturiser, handcream and lip balm
Facial mist pump spray
Eye drops
Bottle of water
Bag of dried fruit and nuts
Back brace or lumber pillow if you have a weak back
Neck pillow
Ipad with downloaded movies/shows
Charger with cable
Toothbrush & toothpaste

@Pebbles16 aromatherapy oils is a great shout as is the water bottle and the wipes

@logicisall fruit and nuts very good.

Def toothpaste and toothbrush if nothing elsec

@MrsTerryPratchett good to know. They don't like them then?

@Stagsflying toothbrush and paste going in! I'll take a special travel set just for the journey there and back

Not on one flight I was on. Every other flight I drape...

boarding pass for business class

On an airline that provides flat beds. Absolute game changer. Then I only need my phone loaded up with audio books, SleepPhones and a charging cable and I'm all set.

Absolutely avoid alcohol and drink as much water as you can bear to swallow.

Enjoy.

My long haul essentials are:

• lots of water
• moisturiser
• new book
• noise cancelling earphones
• travel pillow
• very comfy clothes
• toothbrush & toothpaste

And I always eat a big proper meal (eg at the airport) before boarding so I'm not relying on airplane food and can just sleep through the meals.

Glasses case if you wear them all time like I do so need to put them somewhere they won’t break when I go to sleep.

If you will need any medicine during the flight a little pot with it in. Work out when to take them. If it’s important to separate doses (mine include anti epilepsy) work out what time to take them in advance rather than while groggy after waking up on the plane.

Boots Compression socks
Either origins avocado skin mask or curel moisturizing spray

My plane bag always contains:
Phone & charger
Purse and currency
Travel docs & passport
Plenty of snacks as plans food sucks
Anti bac gel and anti bac wipes as planes are germ tests.
A face mask in case there's a spluttering person nearby
A book
A puzzle book
A magazine
Tooth brush & paste
Face wipes &mini moisturiser
Spare knickers & socks in case my suitcase doesn't arrive
Eye drops for dry eyes

I've had swollen ankles for a few days after landing
I've had swollen feet on previous long haul flights- one time, I couldn't fit my feet back in my shoes, so had to hobble about with just the front of my feet in them! Strangely though, my last long haul- no swelling at all! You can buy compression stockings from pharmacies- but ensure you measure them correctly.

If you are fearful of flying, most airports and airlines run fear of flying courses. A friend did it and felt much more relaxed on her next flight.
https://www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com/?easyjetstaff=true
https://flyingwithconfidence.com/
https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/help/passenger-guides/fear-of-flying/

Frequent long haul flier here. #1 for me is water, never enough given. #2 is neck pillow and #3 is noise cancelling headphones and a downloaded playlist. After that, have something to watch downloaded, face wipes, toothpaste and toothbrush, dress comfortably with a nice big scarf to wrap up in if you're cold. But ALWAYS, water! Surprised it's not been mentioned more than once here

I always get a stuffy nose on planes so have a small pot of Vicks in my bag, as well as lip balm, moisturiser, wet wipes (that I've had in the freezer so nice and cold), a roll on aromatherapy wrist thingy, deodorant, boiled sweets, chewing gum, chewy sweets, cut up apples, cut up cucumber, carrots, baby tomatoes, chunks of cheese (sometimes), crisps/popcorn.

Then.. phone charger, audio books, clean undies, couple of pens, notebook, peppermint / green tea bags, windeze (?) Tablets.

Doha airport is very big which isn't a bad thing as it'll give you a chance to stretch your legs. You'll have to go through security as you transfer which is a pain and they have been know to take water away.

Realistically on a 4 hour transfer, you'll only have about 2.5 hours to kill.

Oh, one last thing.... it may be a bus job from where the plane parks to the terminal so you get a free tour of Doha airport (10-20 mins) 🤣

Doha airport is very big which isn't a bad thing as it'll give you a chance to stretch your legs. You'll have to go through security as you transfer which is a pain and they have been know to take water away.
Realistically on a 4 hour transfer, you'll only have about 2.5 hours to kill.

You don't always go through security when you transfer.
I flew through Doha last week. Outbound I just walked from the plane to the gate for my next flight. Inbound I had to go through security 🤷🏼‍♀️
I fly through Doha 3/4 times a year and there seems to be no consistency as to whether you go through security or not!

Head to the Orchard while at Doha Airport.. it's amazing! Lots of restaurants too if you need food

I use this Neom Calming Pen for take off & landing. It works for me & my daughter:

https://neomwellbeing.com/products/calming-pen-sample?gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD3EOWtqUQ2hohjK6lum0jhZzwrVK&gclid=Cj0KCQjwr9m3BhDHARIsANut04Zh0XFZouk9lB0iiUdBhjNZpegPweyzd9PHHg-tvSb1F5T1zHlYz5oaAt37EALww_wcB

1. Cuffed bottom trousers
2. hotel slippers and socks (bin the slippers before landing)
3. Large lightweight scarf (cashmere if you can)
4. Sanitizer wipes
5. Moulded eye mask so not pressing on your eyelids

I have others but these are my top ones...enjoy your trip.

Neck pillow
Comfortable clothes
Big warm wrap
comfortable headphones
Downloaded entertainment
Tissues
Hand sanitiser
Lip balm

Seasoned traveller of 13-hour flights.

In approximate order of importance, in my carry-on bag* (which is small enough to go under the seat in front of me so I never have to get up to retrieve items):
Noise cancelling earphones
Eye mask
USB cable to charge phone, these days there's always a socket at seat
Pressure socks
Lip balm + moisturiser
Kindle/puzzle book+pen
TURTL neck pillow (some airlines have very good adjustable neck supports so on those I don't bother bringing it)

Never been on a long-haul airline that didn't provide blanket and pillow.
I never bring food or extra water. If I'm thirsty I ask a flight attendant - even better, I take a little stroll to the galley and ask there.
I wear thin packable layers of comfy clothes, shoes that are easy to slip on.

*My carry-on also contains my toiletries, make-up, medication and a change of clothes (in case of lost baggage).

I'd bring own food/ drinks as well, especially water if it's a long flight. You never know of delays so can be be stuck on a runway, after hours at the airport etc this seems so frequent after pandemic. Never drink tea/coffee in the plane. For long flights I also bring some medication (including diarrhea) but I like to be prepared for anything!