For Long-Haul Flights, These Essentials Can Make All the Difference
The woes of air travel have reached new heights – or rather, new depths. Shrinking seats, dwindling amenities, and a general lack of respect from fellow travelers are just some of the many reasons to dread that red-eye flight. But there's hope yet: by packing a few carefully curated essentials in your bag, you can elevate even the most grueling long-haul journey.
While business class is still the gold standard for an upgradeable flying experience, we get it – it's not always feasible for everyone. However, with a little foresight and preparation, those of us stuck in coach can actually enjoy ourselves (or at least minimize our discomfort). So, what are the must-haves that'll make you forget you're trapped on a metal tube 30,000 feet up?
First things first: seating strategy is key. Choose your aisle or window wisely, but be realistic – it's not like you can guarantee a prime spot just because you tried. That said, there are some items that'll make you feel like royalty no matter where you sit.
For starters, there are the snacks: bring your own (BYO) goodies to avoid relying on subpar airline options. Reading material and movie downloads are also lifesavers – get lost in a good book or binge-watch your favorite show to pass the time. And then there's sleep: with a contoured sleep mask and hydrating floral essence, you can actually snooze without waking up to the sound of snoring (or the incessant beeping of overhead lights).
Comfortable headphones are another must-have – invest in good ones that'll block out engine noise and let you zone out. A cashmere wrap? Yes, it's worth it – there's nothing quite like being wrapped in soft, soothing luxury to make long-haul flight-tolerability a thing.
Of course, these essentials can be stowed in your trusty bag (Calpak's Luka Duffel is our top pick). With the right gear, even the longest flights become more bearable. So go ahead – splurge on that upgrade you deserve, or opt for some clever packing hacks to make your next long-haul flight one less dreaded experience.
The woes of air travel have reached new heights – or rather, new depths. Shrinking seats, dwindling amenities, and a general lack of respect from fellow travelers are just some of the many reasons to dread that red-eye flight. But there's hope yet: by packing a few carefully curated essentials in your bag, you can elevate even the most grueling long-haul journey.
While business class is still the gold standard for an upgradeable flying experience, we get it – it's not always feasible for everyone. However, with a little foresight and preparation, those of us stuck in coach can actually enjoy ourselves (or at least minimize our discomfort). So, what are the must-haves that'll make you forget you're trapped on a metal tube 30,000 feet up?
First things first: seating strategy is key. Choose your aisle or window wisely, but be realistic – it's not like you can guarantee a prime spot just because you tried. That said, there are some items that'll make you feel like royalty no matter where you sit.
For starters, there are the snacks: bring your own (BYO) goodies to avoid relying on subpar airline options. Reading material and movie downloads are also lifesavers – get lost in a good book or binge-watch your favorite show to pass the time. And then there's sleep: with a contoured sleep mask and hydrating floral essence, you can actually snooze without waking up to the sound of snoring (or the incessant beeping of overhead lights).
Comfortable headphones are another must-have – invest in good ones that'll block out engine noise and let you zone out. A cashmere wrap? Yes, it's worth it – there's nothing quite like being wrapped in soft, soothing luxury to make long-haul flight-tolerability a thing.
Of course, these essentials can be stowed in your trusty bag (Calpak's Luka Duffel is our top pick). With the right gear, even the longest flights become more bearable. So go ahead – splurge on that upgrade you deserve, or opt for some clever packing hacks to make your next long-haul flight one less dreaded experience.
You know what's crazy? We spend so much time preparing for everything else in life, but when it comes to something as huge as a 30-hour flight, we just kinda wing it 
. Newsflash: those little extras (snacks, headphones, sleep mask) can make ALL the difference between tolerating and actually enjoying your journey 
. It's like, have you ever noticed how many times people say 'you only get what you pay for'? Well, in this case, I'd say that's super true! 
Invest in some good gear, take care of yourself, and maybe – just maybe – that 12-hour flight won't feel so bad 
. The thing is, it's not about splurging or being fancy, it's about being prepared and taking care of your own needs 
. So next time you're stuck on a long-haul flight, don't just sit there – pack those snacks, put on your comfiest PJs, and get cozy! 
I mean, who doesn't love a good excuse to justify splurging on some fancy snacks and comfy headphones? Like, let's be real, if I'm gonna pay $500 for a ticket, I expect my in-flight experience to at least match that price tag 
. And honestly, have you ever tried to sleep with those tiny airline pillows? It's like trying to snuggle up on a pile of feathers from a bird's nest – not exactly the most comfortable thing 
... I know, I'm one of those people who freaks out about flights, but honestly, it's the little things that make all the difference 
. Like, can we please just have decent snacks on planes? It's not like they're expecting us to survive on peanuts and dreams alone 
. And don't even get me started on sleeping on a plane – I swear, a good night's sleep is like a myth to me when it comes to flights 
) can make the journey slightly more bearable, then sign me up! 
️... people always thought I was crazy but having my own snacks and earplugs were total game-changers for me 
), but investing in some comfy headphones is a no-brainer – and trust me, it's better than trying to get any sleep with the sounds of the plane 
. Also, packing your own snacks is a lifesaver... nothing beats a good ol' bag of popcorn or a handful of nuts to munch on during those long flights 
. And let's not forget about a good book or some soothing music – it's amazing how that can take your mind off the fact that you're 30,000 feet up 
Long-haul flights can be a total nightmare! I mean, have you ever tried to sleep with the sound of snoring from the person next to you? Or worse, being stuck in a seat that's literally smaller than a postage stamp?! But here's the thing: you don't have to sell your soul to the airline gods. 
also, i swear by my earplugs - noise cancelling headphones r a game changer 
.
it literally changed the game for me on that 15hr flight to london 
i was so nervous about sleeping but with it and some earplugs, i got like 5 hours of decent rest