Before we talk about the essentials for long flights when you fly economy, it’s important for you to make sure that you get the best available seat for you as per your budget. This can really help smoothen the entire journey in the best possible way.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get started with the essentials that you should make sure you have before you board any flight.
Table of Contents
An eye mask and earplugs combo
For any journey, it is always useful to carry a soft eye mask and a good quality earplugs to help you fall asleep on a plane. Especially in economy class, there are higher chances for you to encounter a crying baby or snoring co-passengers which is exactly why these essentials should be the first items that you add to your carry on bag.
Some of you might think that you don’t need to invest in these items since nearly all airlines do provide you with earplugs and eye masks but let us tell you that a maximum of them don’t work as well as you would want them to, making you face difficulty in falling asleep. Hence, it would be better for you to carry your own eye mask and earplugs combo to block any noise and lights to help you snooze off to Wonderland.
Hydrating face masks
Long haul flights can really mess up the pH levels of your skin making your face look dehydrated and just tired. While drinking water will help to do the trick to keep your hydrated from the inside, using face masks will also work wonders to give you a glowing skin on the outside.
Plus, it will be better for you to pamper your skin with some TLC that it’s been deprived of due to your deadlines and a rather busy schedule. Beauty companies have also started making sheet masks that are travel-friendly and can be applied to the face on the go. They are also not messy and super effective to make you go drab to fab.
A portable battery charger
Whether you’re flying economy or business, it’s always better to carry a portable battery charger with you. In this technology-centric world, most of us resort to using electronic devices to help pass our time. In addition to being a source of entertainment, it is also important to help us during emergencies.
It’s not necessary for airports to have USB charging ports which is why you should invest in a portable battery charger of your own. These charges are compact and lightweight which makes them the perfect travel accompaniment. Try to opt for a portable battery charger that has the facility to charge multiple devices at once. Not only will this help you save a lot of time, but you won’t need to carry other chargers making it very functional.
Neck pillow
Economy flights don’t have the luxury of large leg space and comfortable seating arrangements. This leaves you with very restricted space to spend the next couple of hours.
Investing in a neck pillow can be a good source of comfort to help you throughout the flight. These pillows have been specially designed for smart traveling making them lightweight and portable yet effective enough to provide your neck and head with support. This can help you in the long run as you won’t have to deal with the strain that falling asleep in an uncomfortable position is sure to cause.
There are also several neck pillow designs available in the market such as wrap-around shawls that come with hand supports, and, of course, the traditional U-shaped neck pillows. The other advantage of neck pillows or any other travel pillow is that they can last for a very long time as a result of which you can view them as a one-time investment.
A pair of thick, warm socks
If you have a tendency to get cold during flights, it’ll always be wiser for you to carry a pair of warm, thick socks. Pair it up with a hoodie and a travel-friendly down comforter to help you keep warm and cozy throughout the journey.
The blankets that you get during the flight from the airlines may not be as comfortable and high-quality as you might be used to in your home. So, why take a chance and not carry your favorite woolens instead?
If you are traveling to a place that is experiencing winter, you can also wear your thick jacket on the flight to save some packing space.
Books, magazines, and snacks
It is not necessary for you to enjoy the movie selection that is offered by the airline, or you might just be in a mood to catch up with some reading. Keeping this in mind, you should ensure that you have a plan B entertainment options like books, comics, or magazines with you.
As for snacks again, carry your favorite food items such as cookies, chocolates and so on to satisfy your sudden hunger pangs during the flight. This tip can become especially useful if you are traveling with children because you really cannot guess what those young humans can suddenly demand!
Anti-bacterial wipes
Anti-bacterial wipes is an understated travel essential. This particular item can be helpful for your comfort after you land. Not that we are targeting economic flights particularly, but generally, traveling in flights or even other modes of transport makes you more susceptible to catching germs that may lead to allergies and infections such as a common cold.
Due to this, it will do you good if you sanitize your surrounding areas, especially your seat and food tray to keep yourself healthy and germ-free. Make a point to carry at least 5 to 8 wipes so that if anyone else asks you for one, you can offer them the same. And no, no one will judge you if you do this as it’s you trying to keep yourself healthy.
Resources — Whimsy Soul, Lifehack
