2026 Long Haul Flight Essentials

I’m about to start packing for my first long-haul flights in nearly seven years, and I’m not going to lie - I’m very excited. And when I say long haul, I mean LONG - one of the longest flights in the world, to one of my all-time favourite cities (eeek!). I’ve definitely written a version of this post many years ago, but this is an updated 2026 edition, refreshed with everything I actually pack now after years of travel experience.

This trip is also my first kid-free travels in over five years, which feels very surreal. So while I usually pack with children in mind, this list is purely focused on adult long-haul travel - no kids this time. (We’re not quite ready for long-haul flights with the kids just yet… but I can’t wait for the day we are!).

Here’s my go-to list of long-haul flight essentials - all the little things that make hours in the sky easier and more enjoyable.

The Non-Negotiables

Let’s start with the obvious, but essential:

Passport

Phone
Phone charger
Pen - always a form to fill out!
Credit card (separate from your wallet) - backup = peace of mind.

Comfort Essentials

Long-haul comfort is all about the little things that can really help:

Comfy plane clothes and warm socks - Wear cosy layers you can easily adjust, or bring a spare set to change into on the plane.

Compression socks - Now that I’m a little older, these are a non-negotiable for long-haul flights. They help with circulation and reduce swelling when you’re sitting for hours on end.

Neck wrap pillow - Far better than the standard airline pillow, these actually help keep your head upright instead of nodding all over the place when you’re trying to sleep. You can also find memory foam options for extra comfort, which make a big difference on long-haul flights.

Cosy scarf - Perfect for another layer of warmth when the cabin gets cold.

Tech & Entertainment

A few small tech items help beat boredom and make those long hours fly by.

Noise-cancelling headphones (comfortable ones you can wear for hours). I’m bringing both Apple over-ear headphones and AirPods so I can switch things up when one starts to feel uncomfortable during the flight.

Bluetooth headphone adapter - This plugs into the plane’s in-flight entertainment system and lets you use your own headphones instead of the airline’s ones.

Laptop or iPad with movies pre-downloaded - It’s always nice to have a favourite show or movie to look forward to, just in case the airline’s selection isn’t quite your cup of tea.

Offline Spotify/Apple music playlists or podcasts

Book or Kindle if you like reading

Power bank - To help keep your devices charged

Anything else you might like to do to pass the time eg. bring a notebook and pen if you like writing/drawing etc.

Skincare & Freshen-Up Kit

Cabin air is incredibly dehydrating, and it’s always nice to feel as fresh as possible. I always pack a small toiletry pouch with these mini, travel-sized essentials:

Makeup wipes
Moisturiser
Lip balm (chap stick)
Hand cream
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Hair tie

I also keep a small makeup bag with just the essentials and a small comb/brush so I can feel/look human again when I land.

Health & Wellness

Packing these items can make a big difference:

Reusable drink bottle (fill after security) - Don’t rely on flight attendants topping up tiny plastic cups or handing out small water bottles - they don’t last long, and staying hydrated on long-haul flights is key.

Hand sanitiser

Tissues

Anti-bacterial wipes - Make your space clean!

Berocca or Electrolyte sachets - Great for hydration during the flight

Panadol/aspirin

Magnesium or Melatonin pills (if it works for you) to help with sleep

Any Medication you might need

Spare change of basic clothes - A fresh pair of underwear, socks, leggings, and a t-shirt can make a world of difference after a long flight or to change into during a layover.

Face mask - While no longer essential on planes like it once was (during you know when!), it can still be a good idea to pack one to help avoid getting sick (which always seems to happen after long flights). You’re breathing in recycled air for 12+ hours, after all. Even if you only pop it on when you’re trying to sleep, it can help.

Climate Swap Essentials

One extra thing worth thinking about is what you’ll need to wear when you land, particularly if you’re flying into a completely different climate.

For example, I’m travelling from hot summer weather straight into biting winter cold, and I’ll be navigating public transport (air train and subway) as soon as I arrive. That means I’ll be packing gloves, a beanie, and a foldable puffer jacket in my carry-on so I can layer up immediately after landing.

On the flip side, if you’re flying from winter into a tropical destination, it can be just as helpful to pack shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals in your carry-on so you can change before heading to your hotel. It makes that first journey far more comfortable.

Extras

A few optional extra worth thinking about:

Eye mask - Helpful for sleep if they work for you. Some airlines provide them on long-haul flights, but they’re not always the most comfortable, so bringing your own can be worth it.

Ear plugs - Another helpful item - I put mine in and then put my noise-cancelling headphones on over the top, works a treat.

Favourite snacks - Perhaps protein bars, nuts, or raisins. Plane food can sometimes be hit or miss, and having something you actually enjoy is always a good idea. Just remember to throw any leftovers away before entering a new country.

Apple AirTag - This is a new one I’m trying for my checked suitcase, but definitely worth considering for extra peace of mind while travelling.

Printed copies of key documents - Passport, visas, travel insurance, hotel bookings, and any other essentials, just in case your phone dies or doesn’t work when you need it most.

Final Thoughts

A long-haul flight doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or exhausting - it just takes a bit of preparation. Packing these essentials means you can arrive feeling more rested, less stressed, and ready to actually enjoy your destination.

If you’re heading off on a big international trip soon, bookmark this list - your future, jet-lagged self will be very grateful.

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