How To Pack Your Carry-On For A Long Flight

Ugh. Those dreaded overnight flights can be so incredibly unbearable and downright uncomfortable. But if you want to travel overseas, you don’t have many options. I’m a diva sleeper so it’s especially hard for me to get comfortable, much less sleep, sitting upright on a plane. I have some tips for packing for an overnight flight that will help you make the most of it. As a travel writer, I’ve taken many overnight flights and experienced plenty of mishaps throughout the years — some of which could have even been prevented if I had planned or packed accordingly.

I’ve untapped some secrets for getting business class seats for cheap. Naturally, this is my first tip since lay flat seats are the ultimate splurge for comfort. Whether you go business or economy, there are some travel essentials for long flights.

Long flight travel essentials

1. Wear comfortable clothes but skip the sweats please. Okay, let’s talk about proper travel attire and long flight travel essentials. Yes, you can still look like a sophisticated traveler while traveling in comfy clothes so skip the ratty clothes you won’t even wear to the grocery store. There are so many great companies making respectable travel outfits these days. MerSea is one of my favorites, but I do love the athletic pants at Athleta and LuluLemon. I generally wear stretchy cargo pants (those side pockets come in handy), a t-shirt, and lightweight jacket.
2. Take slippers to wear on the plane. I certainly don’t need to tell you not to walk barefoot or in socks to the restroom. Gross! I never travel anywhere without a pair of slippers – in fact, I have an entire collection of hotel slippers and they’re lightweight enough to pack in my carry-on.
3. Pack a small cosmetics bag to maintain your skincare routine. It’s really important that you maintain your evening skincare routine even when you’re flying, and trust me, you’ll sleep better when you remove your makeup and moisturize your face. I take advantage of the free samples of cleansers and moisturizers offered when ordering my cosmetics and save those for my carry-on. You can also buy small packs of disposable face wipes.
4. Block out the loudmouths with noise cancelling headphones. There always seems to be that one group of friends, whether it’s a Bachelorette party or students traveling abroad, who want to stay up all night with complete disregard for other passengers who want to get some shut-eye. I prefer the over-the-ear headphones as opposed to earbuds, especially since you’ll be moving around. My preferred brand at the moment is Bose.
5. Take a small blanked or oversized scarf. The best way to get some sleep on the plane is to practice the same sleep hygiene you do at home. And for most people, that means having covers that make you feel like you’re in bed. Hot flashes aside, I’ve always tended to get chilly on planes —  especially on overnight flights. Mer-Sea & Co. recently won me over with their fabulous travel wrap, one of my must-have accessories for long-haul flights. Unlike those icky airline-issued blankets, it’s cozy and stylish (and clean), and one of the best travel essentials for women.  It’s also a great all-around wrap that I can keep in my tote for chilly restaurants or breezy days.
6. Take your own water bottle. Don’t count on flight attendants to bring you water throughout the night, and you don’t want to disturb sleeping seatmates to get up. I’m a big fan of the collapsable water bottles that don’t take up too much space.
7. The most important essentials – earplugs and a sleep mask. Whenever someone asks me, “What’s the one thing you’d take to a deserted island?” The answer for me is always earplugs. I’m a light sleeper, so earplugs (under my noise-cancelling headphones) and a great sleep mask are a must.  (Hotels can be very noisy and bright, especially if I’m a few time zones behind and suffering from jet lag so that sleep mask does double duty.) 
8. Take a hammock. What? A hammock? On a plane? You bet! One of the reasons most people can’t get comfortable on a plane is the seating position, upright, with your legs at a 90 degree angle. There are several foot slings on the market that take the pressure off your butt and back so you can relax.