Long haul - what to take on flight?

[Pixilicious1]

I’m travelling long haul (14hrs) early next year with my teen DD and have no idea what we should take with us on the flight. Previously only flown max 4 hrs.
all suggestions welcome for both entertainment and comfort.
thanks!!

I travel to Oz regularly (17hrs one flight).
aside from suitcase going in hold. I take a small wheelie bag and within that a mini bag I can take out to put with my seat. in my mini bag I take glasses cleaner, hand wipes, couple of pain killers plus couple of antihistamines, glasses pouch (for when you sleep), pen (incase of visa form), hard boiled lollies for ascent and descent, phone charger, small water (bought after security) and spare knickers.

in my small wheelie, neck pillow (essential), a jumper (aircon gets cold) and temperature thermometer incase someone gets sick on flight.

Lip balm
Hand cream
Eye mask
Travel pillow
Noise cancelling headphones / ear plugs
Warm clothes and a scarf
Book / kindle
Melatonin / sleeping tablets
Snacks
Wet wipes

Wear a mask. Seriously, you will avoid getting sick.

I always take my kindle. Leads to charge phone. Noise cancelling earphones. Water and a few snacks. But I always find you get fed well long haul. I sometimes take my iPad to play games.

as others say. Use a canvas bag to decant in so your bigger bag can stay in the locker.

If you can get hold of melatonin or other sleep aid, take that and time your sleep for night time in your destination. As soon as you get on plane, change your watch to destination time and be awake asleep accordingly. (This doesn’t always go to plan which is why sleep aid helps).

Plus eye masks, audio books, toothbrush, change of underwear and socks (makes you feel fresher even without shower).

I wear a bum bag with essentials in so don’t have to keep rummaging through bags.

In fact I have bumbag with small essentials, eg (melatonin, phone, passport, eye mask, purse)
Plus a small thin A4 size bag with larger essentials for flight (eg iPad, toothbrush) that tucks into seat pocket in front, then larger bag in overhead with things I don’t need for flight, but would see me for a couple of days in case suitcase gets lots.

Blimey so dramatic 😂. I have never had an issue, obviously am super conscious of putting weight on it..but horrendous, ok .

Flip flops ... for going to the loo (instead of taking shoes on and off).

Eye mask

Toothbrush and toothpaste.

Spare top and knickers.

Wet wipes/moisturiser/lipstick.

Hair brush.

You could just take a fold up stool to put your legs on. This is what my SIL does.

Never thought of this.
This is genius.
I'm going to do this.

You can buy cheap inflatable cubes for this. You aren’t always allowed to use them though.

Thanks!
I really need something like this.
I fly long haul a few times a year

I didn’t take anything in particular. I tried to sleep as much as possible, and I drank plenty of water when awake. I pushed the boat out though and flew business class, so there were pillows and blankets etc. If you are in economy then take a shawl and a small pillow. A little pot of face cream and some wipes to freshen up, toothbrush and toothpaste. Something to read is nice, plus comfortable bed type socks with no elastic at the top, or flight socks.

Thanks all!!

FWIW despite the adverts a lot of the gadgets that hook on seats or block the footwell to provide leg support are either banned by airlines or there are restrictions on which seats they can be used in (because they either present a risk or cause inconvenience to other passengers).

Not sure how a stool would be regarded but there's definitely a possibility that the crew might say no if they are so minded.....as long as people are ready for that possibility it might be worth a try...

I had a 14 hour flight recently and pre-downloaded from Netflix to my tablet a TV series I’d been meaning to watch for a while and binge watched it. It was a huge help! Usually I find myself flicking through the in-flight movies, picking something and not getting into it so turning it off after 15 mins, trying to nap, repeat, etc. You might be flying with an airline with better TV/films and/or WiFi though! Or have a better attention span…

I’m also prone to lower back ache on flights and have now got an inflatable lumbar support pillow, which helps my comfort a lot.

Business class is so different though. I have flown for work and lounge access with hot food, priority luggage and boarding and lie flat seats are a completely different experience. There were even a noise cancelling headphones!

Hmm not about you.. about the poor passenger sat on the seat you’re using the back of..

Flight socks
Mini toiletries - face wipes can also be used for armpits! I take the toothbrushes and mini toothpaste from hotel rooms to have on long flights.
Spare knickers/t shirt/cossie depending on where you are travelling to. We were without our cases for 24 hours on a recent trip to Asia. Spent the first evening looking for a shop to buy essentials.
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Head phones

Always carry medication/sunglasses/jewellery in hand luggage too.

I just got back from a long haul flight.
I had a mini back pack which was within size allowance, with loads of compartments, but it was still big. Next time I’m going to take a bag within the bag so I can stow the bigger bag in the overhead bins but whip out the essentials in a smaller bag to have with me.

My essentials are:
Water bottle
kindle / phone + Charging cables
Headphones
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Paracetamol
Tissues
Mints/ sweets

I don’t normally use a neck pillow as I usually can’t sleep but this time I wish I had one.

A warm jumper, or e.g. pashmina. Planes are often on the chilly side. Warm socks, if you’re prone to cold feet.

Definitely chargers, not water because that’s supplied, moisturiser, wet wipes, something to read and a neck pillow. Happy travels 💕

Economy or BC? Do you mind sharing which airline because their offerings vary significantly. 14 hours is a long stretch - you’ll probably want to try and sleep for some of that so plan with that in mind.
My usual onboard list assuming no amenities kit:
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Hair brush & headband
Neck pillow
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Facial Cleanser
Moisturiser (LRP cicaplast as good for both face & body)
Change of underwear
Comfy socks
Silk Wrap scarf (for warmth and useful coverup if transiting e.g. Middle East)
Painkillers
Reusable water bottle (refill from the onboard supply as those daft cups are tiny and easily knocked over)
Pen
Chargers
A book (just in case you luck out and end up with the non-functional IFE system)
Device with shows/music downloaded and headphones. (See above)

From bitter experience I know to pack some snacks - protein bars/crisps/pre cut fruit as some airlines are horribly stingy.

I usually travel in a long dress with leggings and a long vest and hoody to change into on the plane. Slip on/off shoes so I can stretch my feet. I get up a couple of times during the flight and find a space to do some decent stretches/a bit of yoga.

I also keep an Emergency change of clothes in hand luggage including eg a bikini, a lightweight roll up dress or a set of warm base layers and my waterproof depending on where I’m travelling to (in case of lost or delayed luggage). As a PP has said - even just having one additional basic outfit or pair of underwear makes huge difference to the first 24hours. See also printout copies of all your important documents including your insurance with contact numbers.

If you do have a stop in transit, airports like Dubai and Changi have free to use showers. There might be a few mins queuing but 100% it’s worth it - quick shower, change of underwear and brushed teeth make the rest of the journey feel so much nicer.

It sounds like a lot of stuff but it all fits in a regular sized hand luggage backpack alongside my other essential
hand luggage stuff (specialist tech/computer/sports equipment etc).

Happy travels!

Only one thing to add to above lists, which is a massage ball or tennis ball to help relieve aching or stiff muscles, if you suffer such issues sitting for long periods

Before the days of technology we used to have a few drinks and a sleeping pill! Before DC of course...

Now, anti bac gel, sleep masks, headphones, downloaded films lol 😆

Firstly, put everything into a separate canvas bag that you can take to the airport in your hand luggage, but then in the airplane take it out of your main luggage. You'll want everything within reach.

Put in -

1. Sleeping mask (much easier to sleep if person in the next seat is reading)
2. Toothbrush and paste
3. Bottle of water (there will be service with free water, but they often only give it in cups)
4. Tissues (in case something spills)
5. Headphones (they have on flight entertainment, but sometimes it's easier to drift off listening an audio book/ bit of music)
6. A book (the plain may have entertainment, but you need to wait at the airport and travel there etc)
7. Snacks (don't need copious amounts, depending on who you fly with you may get quite good catering with lots of food, snacks and drinks. Never take peanuts, just in case someone is very allergic)
8. Charging cable
9. Travel pillow. Lots of companies give little pillows on the plane, but I like to have one just in case.
10. Gum
11. Flying earplugs
12. (Edited to add - painkillers. You may also want to take Simeticone or similar to prevent, ehm, flatulence)

Also, wear something really comfortable! Flying long haul is not the time to think what looks good. Put on joggers, top, comfy cardigan, etc. Wear layers so you can dress up or down depending on whether it gets hot or cooler. The airline will supply a thin blanket for some extra warmth, so you don't need anything too crazy.

Have a great holiday :)