Congratulations, you finally booked that flight across the world!

You’ve renewed your passport and you’re ready to accumulate some more stamps. 

Experiencing a new culture, trying amazing cuisines, viewing breathtaking nature sites, and embarking on a journey of self-awareness, travel is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. 

While travel is rewarding the process can be daunting. After all, it can take HOURS to reach your destination. 

According to Forbes, Newark to Singapore currently ranks as the longest flight segment in the world.  

Can you imagine traveling for 18 hours and 30 minutes? 

If you’ve never been on a long-haul flight, you may have questions regarding preparation. 

What do you need to survive such a long flight? 

Keep reading because we’ve got you covered with 15 must-have items to take with you on a long haul flight.

1. Neck Pillow

If you’re flying economy, items that bring extra comfort will be vital to surviving a long haul flight. Flying can cause stress on your neck and beck, and a neck pillow will mitigate some of that pain. 

If you’re a solo traveler, you won’t have anyone to lean on. Since falling over on the stranger sitting next to you could be awkward, invest in the neck pillow. 

2. Entertainment

Boarding a flight to find that there is no WiFi or seat-back entertainment is painful. Spare yourself the agony by bringing your own entertainment.

Bring a tablet or have entertainment options on your phone, such as movies or games. Netflix has an offline option so that you won’t need WiFi to access your video content. 

A flight across the ocean with nothing to keep yourself occupied will be no fun. 

3. Backup Entertainment

A long flight is a great time to get some work done if you have WiFi access. 

You can check emails, work on your novel, write that song after you’ve found the right beats for sale, or even finish proposals. 

In the event, your offline options aren’t working and there’s no WiFi, have a book. 

Yes, a hard copy of a book. They still exist. 

4. Portable Charger

Many airlines have updated their fleets to include power outlets, but many planes are still lacking. Bringing a portable charger will ensure that you have access to power during your flight. 

You can check SeatGuru in advance for your flight’s amenities, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry as last minute changes can occur and some outlets may be faulty.  

It’s also great to have this portable charger while traveling in your destination. 

5. Headphones

Headphones are necessary for entertainment, and also great for avoiding a chatty neighbor. 

Most airlines will provide headphones for you to enjoy entertainment with, but they’re usually poor quality. 

Bring your own headphones so that you have your preferred sound quality and comfort level. 

6. Wipes

From the bathroom to the overhead bin to the tray table, planes are full of germs! 

In 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency conducted a study on airplane water quality, and the data showed that tap water on 12% of commercial airplanes in the U.S. tested positive for coliform at least once.

Wipes are always your safest bet when traveling a long distance.

Use sanitary wipes to clean off everything before you touch it, and use them to clean your hands off after you touch anything.

This is the best way to prevent any illnesses. 

7. Toiletries Kit

For long flights, you may begin to feel dirty, or your skin may begin to feel dry. Having a small toiletries kit with your TSA approved items will come in handy.

You’ll be able to brush your teeth or apply chap-stick and lotion.

Maybe you’ll need eye drops or hand sanitizer. 

Feeling fresh will make your flight more enjoyable. 

8. Sleep-Aid

Your body may have some difficulty adjusting to the time zone changes, so a natural sleep aid, like Melatonin, may be beneficial. 

Alternatives to Melatonin are essential oils or soothing music. 

Planes can be uncomfortable, so consider these items when packing for your trip. 

9. Medication

Don’t forget any normal medications, especially if you have a medical condition. 

Continue taking your vitamins as scheduled and prepare for any incidents like headaches or nausea. 

Dehydration can leave you with a headache, cabin pressure can trigger sinus problems, the lack of proper cleaning can set off dust allergies and strange food might give you stomach issues. 

Have a few pills handy – just in case. 

10. Reusable Water Bottle

Dehydration is the number one culprit on long flights for diminishing your health—it dries out your skin, makes you more susceptible to jet-lag and weakens your immune system. 

Having a water bottle prevents you from constantly calling a flight attendant, and it also reduces plastic waste.

Not only does a water bottle help the environment, but it also saves you money. You won’t need to purchase water in the airport, as most airports have “hydration stations” scattered throughout the terminal. 

A collapsible one will save you some room in your bag in addition to quenching your thirst. It’s a worthy investment. 

11. Sleep Kit

Difficulty sleeping can be another great cause of jet lag, so sleep is important.

As mentioned before, your body may have a hard time adjusting to the changes, and you may find it difficult to sleep. 

Not only this, but there are babies crying, your neighbor is reading, and there are people moving around the cabin. 

An eye mask and earplugs may drown out those noises making it easier to fall asleep. 

12. Blanket

Cabins are cold to prevent germs from being spread, so a blanket is necessary for comfort. 

Many airlines do offer blankets, but again, germs. It’s better to use your own.

13. Pen

Maybe you’ll need to jot down the cute flight attendant’s number. Maybe you’ll meet Dwayne Johnson waiting on the bathroom in first class, but probably not.

A pen is a long haul flight essential for a different, less interesting reason.

Chances are, if you’re flying long haul, you’re going to a country that’s not home and you’re going to have to fill in immigration and customs forms ready for landing. These are usually handed out in-flight and if you have them completed before you get off the plane, it’s usually quicker to get through the immigration queue.

Advice: if you lend your pen to a stranger on your flight, keep a beady eye on them. The chance of getting a pen back on a flight is less than 10%.

14. Snacks

This is one of the most important items on this list!

If you were traveling the Newark to Singapore segment, you would be in-flight for 18 hours. While most airlines will serve several meals and snacks, they may not be foods you enjoy or at the times that you need. 

It’s always best to have several snack options as a backup or just for extra munchies. 

Be sure that they are nonperishable items like fruit, nuts, chips. 

Some foods have also been known to reduce jet lag.

Hunger is one sure way to have a miserable flight.  

15. Backpack

Lastly, you will need a backpack to keep all of your important items within reach.

If you have carry-on luggage, it will become annoying, for you and other passengers, for you to open the overhead bin and dig through your suitcase to find your earplugs.

Maybe you checked your luggage, and you won’t have access to it during your flight.

Either way, keeping the essential items accessible will make your flight much more enjoyable. 

Enjoy Your Flight

These 15 items will be your flight survival kit, now the only left to do is enjoy your trip!

These items should reduce your jetlag so you can begin exploring a new country.

Remember to pack smart and keep your essentials in a separate ‘personal item’ bag, like a backpack.

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