I just got back from a trip to Europe, and I packed a few essentials that made a big difference during my flight.
Despite flying dozens of times each year, I absolutely hate being on a plane. The tiny, uncomfortable seats, inedible economy meals, and long layovers make the experience far from relaxing.
So when I flew to Barcelona last month to board a cruise on Allure of the Seas, I knew I wanted to make my flight more enjoyable. I browsed Amazon for useful items that could enhance my flight while still taking up minimal space in my carry-on and personal item.
Although there’s a limit on how enjoyable an economy flight can really be, these 13 travel essentials were a lifesaver on the long-haul journey.
Passport Organizer Case
It’s easy to lose track of your belongings on chaotic travel days, but my passport organizer keeps everything in one place.
While traveling, it’s important to keep your passport protected. Water damage and ripped pages can deem your passport invalid, and you don’t want to risk being denied entry on a flight or cruise.
I love my passport organizer case from Amazon. Aside from fitting up to four passports, it features slots for credit cards, three zipped pockets, a pen holder, detachable keychain, wrist strap, and RFID protection.
The case makes it easy to stay organized on even the longest of travel days, and I never go on a trip without it.
LINK: RFID Family Passport Wallet Holder Waterproof, Travel Document Organizer Credit Card Clutch Bag for Men Women
PRICE: $9.99
Kindle Paperwhite
A good book is one of the easiest ways to stay entertained on a long-haul flight, so I made sure to pack my Kindle Paperwhite on my flight to Barcelona.
The Kindle takes up far less room in my bag compared to a regular book, and it can also hold thousands of books at one time.
Just remember to download books before your flight takes off, as you’ll need a wifi connection to do so.
LINK: All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Our fastest Kindle ever, with new 7" glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Black
PRICE: $159.99
Travel Dental Kit
The day before my flight to Europe was hectic, to say the least. In between working, packing, and getting my dog’s belongings ready for his sitter, I had little time to prepare.
Therefore, I was happy I purchased this travel-sized dental kit before my trip. Inside the kit was everything I needed for my 1-week trip, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash.
I always brush my teeth before and after long-haul flights, so I loved having this kit handy. I didn’t need to remember to pack each item individually, either, which was a major plus.
LINK: Practicon Adult Dental Care Kit, Travel Size Bundle w/Toothbrush with Cover, Crest Toothpaste, Floss, Tongue Cleaner and Scope Mouthwash, TSA Compliant Oral Care Kit
PRICE: $8.99
Sleep Aid
I always pack a small bottle of sleep aid for long flights, especially when flying to Europe.
Most flights from North America to Europe depart in the evening and arrive the following morning. My flight to Barcelona, for instance, left Dallas at 6PM and arrived the following day at 10AM.
To avoid feeling miserable on my first day, I took a sleep aid pill shortly after boarding the plane. The softgel pills contain diphenhydramine, which helped me get some rest before landing.
As someone who struggles to sleep on planes, I find sleep aid to be the best solution. They're also helpful when trying to adjust to the local time zone.
LINK: HealthA2Z Sleep Aid, Diphenhydramine Softgels, 50mg, Supports Deeper, Restful Sleeping, Non Habit-Forming (100 Counts)
PRICE: $5.95
Travel Neck Pillow
I’ve always avoided travel neck pillows when flying. Despite their promise of comfort, lugging around a bulky pillow for an entire trip seemed cumbersome.
Yet once I found a compact neck pillow on Amazon, I decided to give it a try. The memory foam pillow packs into a portable travel bag, shrinking the size in half for easy storage.
I was impressed with the pillow’s comfort, and the neck support proved useful when trying to sleep. However, the item still took up considerable space in my luggage. I would love to bring it with me on future trips, but only if I had room to spare.
LINK: napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling, Upgraded Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane 100% Pure Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Flight Headrest Sleep, Portable Plane Accessories, Light Grey
PRICE: $13.86
Portable Charger
Packing a portable charger for long flights is a no-brainer.
Even though most long-haul planes offer charging ports at each seat, there’s no guarantee they’ll work. On more than one occasion I’ve had a defunct USB port at my seat. Without a portable charger, I would have been out of luck.
It’s extremely important to keep your phone charged on long travel days. You’ll use it for nearly everything upon landing, whether ordering an Uber or navigating public transportation.
LINK: INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc
PRICE: $15.99
Kleenex On-The-Go
When flying to Japan last year, I suddenly got a bloody noise mid-flight. I was stuck in the window seat with no tissues within reach. Needless to say, it was a disaster!
After that experience, I’ll never fly without Kleenex again.
I love these travel-sized packs of Kleenex. Each pack comes with ten tissues, and they fit perfectly into the side pockets of my backpack. You never know when you’ll need an emergency tissue, so it’s a good idea to be prepared.
LINK: Kleenex On-The-Go Facial Tissues, 8 On-The-Go Packs, 10 Tissues per Box, 3-Ply (80 Total Tissues)
PRICE: $2.48
Noise Cancelling Headphones
If there’s just one item you pack for a long-haul flight, it should be a pair of noise cancelling headphones.
Noise levels on airplanes can range from 85 to 105 decibels, which is far from comfortable for most passengers. It’s hard to relax with the constant background noise, but my noise cancelling headphones make it easier.
I wore my headphones for the entire duration of my flight to Barcelona. My $60 pair is an economical option, but I might invest in a higher-end option for my next flight for even better noise-blocking power.
If you’re planning to watch in-flight movies, don’t forget to pack an Aux cable or bluetooth connector, too.
LINK: ZIHNIC Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, 40H Playtime Wireless Bluetooth Headset with Deep Bass Hi-Fi Stereo Sound,Comfortable Earpads for Travel/Home/Office
PRICE: $56.99
Packing Cube With A Change Of Clothes
I always pack an extra pair of clothes for long flights. For my flight to Europe, I kept a spare outfit organized in my Thule packing cube, which I then placed in my personal item.
Having a change of clothes is essential on long-haul journeys; I like the security of an extra outfit. Whether I accidentally spill red wine on my shirt or the plane is warmer than expected, it’s nice having a change of clothes in case I need it.
If you’re traveling with checked luggage, this is even more important. Should your luggage get unexpectedly lost or delayed, it’s crucial to have an extra pair of clothes available in the meantime.
LINK: Thule Compression Packing Cubes
PRICE: $48.49
Collapsible Water Bottle
Reusable water bottles are an eco-friendly item to pack for any vacation, but they take up valuable luggage space.
As an alternative, I tried out this collapsible bottle to save space in my personal item.
I was initially hesitant the bottle would spill, but the leak-proof locking cap worked flawlessly. Once emptied, the bottle rolled up nicely to fit in my backpack.
Sometimes I forgo packing my larger reusable water bottle when luggage space is tight, so this collapsible option is a great alternative.
LINK: Collapsible Water Bottles with Straw 20oz, Leak Proof, BPA-Free, Foldable Silicone Travel Sports Water Bottle for Traveling, Hiking, Outdoors
PRICE: $17.99
Liquid IV
Speaking of my reusable water bottle, I was glad I packed Liquid IV for my flight.
Liquid IV is an electrolyte drink mix that promises enhanced hydration. With electrolytes, vitamins, and nutrients, the drink mix claims to hydrate more efficiently than regular water.
Regardless of the validity of such claims, I found the citrus flavor of Liquid IV refreshing. If anything, I was more likely to drink the flavored beverage as opposed to plain water.
The drink mix kept me hydrated, leaving me more alert and refreshed once I stepped off the plane.
LINK: Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier - Lemon Lime | Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix | 1 Pack (16 Servings)
PRICE: $21.11
Chapstick
One tiny item that makes a huge difference on long-haul flights is a tube of chapstick. The air on a plane can be extremely dry, so it’s important to keep your lips moisturized.
Chapstick not only takes up negligible space in your bag, but most brands are affordable on any budget. I always purchase a pack of three for just $4, which come in fun flavors like cherry, s’mores, and strawberry.
LINK: ChapStick Moisturizer Original Lip Balm Tubes, SPF 15 and Skin Protectant - 0.15 Oz, 3 Count (Pack of 1)
PRICE: $3.88
Compression Socks
The last item I packed for my long-haul flight to Europe was a pair of compression socks.
Compression socks improve circulation when flying, as they keep blood from pooling in your legs, ankles, and feet. This helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
The socks were absolutely hideous—they traveled all the way to my knee. Luckily, they were concealed under my leggings for the flight.
Wearing compression socks was an easy switch from my typical ankle socks, and they didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.
Given the health benefits, I’ll probably wear compression socks on my next long-haul flight, too.
LINK: CHARMKING Compression Socks for Women & Men Circulation (3 Pairs) 15-20 mmHg is Best Support for Athletic Running Cycling
PRICE: $13.99
