Tired of getting on a plane only to realize you forgot something crucial to having a good flight experience? Me too. That’s why I’m here to list out my airplane essentials for you. Flying is already a stressful experience, even for frequent flyers. So, let me help take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Entertainment
Headphones–my most essential item would be a pair of headphones. I recommend having both a wireless, noise cancelling pair, I personally use the Apple Airpod Max, and a classic wired pair for two reasons. First, not every plane has outlets for you to recharge your wireless headphones, so I always suggest having a wired pair to use should your wireless headphones die. Second, most newer + bigger airplanes have on flight entertainment screens, however, they are not bluetooth compatible. Having a pair of wired headphones will allow you to utilize the entertainment screens to watch movies, shows, and play games! I know these types of headphones are, dare I say, ancient, and most people don’t own them–lucky for you, most airlines give out complimentary headphones. Usually they’ll hand them out when boarding or right before takeoff, if not, then just kindly ask your friendly flight attendant!
Nintendo Switch/iPad–if I know I’ll be on a long flight, I usually be sure to bring my Nintendo Switch. This portable gaming system is perfect for kids + adults alike and has a variety of games to choose from. Sometimes watching movies gets tiring, and sleeping on planes can be hard, so having multiple forms of entertainment for yourself or young ones is crucial. Another great option is an iPad (can you tell I’m a big fan of Apple products?). You can download a bunch of games, shows, or movies prior to your flight to ensure you’ll have something to make the time go by faster.
Book–not that into games + movies? Bring a book! I’m a huge bookworm, unfortunately for me I get bad motion sickness so reading on planes isn’t my thing (I do love reading while on my layovers, though). If you’re one of the lucky people who aren’t affected by the planes movement, a good book would be a great option for entertainment. There’s nothing quite like getting sucked into a fictional (or non-fictional, if that’s your preference) world to escape the reality of being stuck on a big, metal tube flying through the sky.
Comfort
Neck Pillow–when I was younger, I never realized how important it was to have a neck pillow and now, I can’t travel without one! It doesn’t matter if my flight is 45 minutes or 4 hours, I will be wearing my neck pillow. You can buy one from any major retailer (target, amazon, walmart) or even at the airport. There’s nothing we love more than a supported neck while sitting in a seat for an extended period of time!
Blanket–airplanes + airports are freezing, and if you’re anything like me, then you’re naturally always cold to begin with. Having a small, travel blanket does wonders for your comfort level and they’re easy to pack in a carry on!
Sweatshirt–speaking of staying warm, I absolutely love getting cozy in a sweatshirt while traveling. There’s no better way to keep your upper body warm than putting on your favorite sweatshirt, flannel, or hoodie. This also allows you to use the blanket to keep your legs warm instead of trying to get it to cover your entire body. It’s a win-win situation when you have both a blanket and sweatshirt.
Eye Mask–having a good, comfortable eye mask is a game changer while on an airplane. If you’re the type of person who likes to sleep in complete darkness then investing in a quality mask is crucial. We’ve all been on that flight where we’re trying to rest our eyes and our neighbor has the window shade completely open. I personally recommend the Manta Sleep Mask Pro. Now, I know what you’re thinking, $80 for an eye mask?! In this economy? Yes, yes, I understand the price is steep for an eye mask, however, it is the most amazing eye mask I’ve ever used. This mask provides complete darkness, comfortable cups that are breathable + have no pressure, AND they have little eye cups you can freeze to put on your eyes when those pesky allergies start flaring up. Obviously, any other eye mask will suffice, but I can say from first hand experience that the Manta Sleep Mask Pro has provided me with some of the best sleep of my life–both on and off airplanes.
Sustenance
Snacks–one thing to know about me is I love to eat, so I can’t board any flight without some snacks in my carry on. I try to eat as ~healthy~ as possible, but let’s be honest, vacations are about having fun + allowing yourself some freedom. And I believe that starts as soon as you get to the airport. If I don’t have time to eat a meal before my flight, I try to opt for snacks that will hold me over until my next meal such as cheese + crackers, nuts, protein bars, and fruit. I also enjoy the complimentary snacks provided on the airplane (I could eat my weight in the Biscoff cookies they have on Delta flights).
Water–staying hydrated while flying (and in general) is so, so important. I always fly with a reusable water bottle (be sure to empty it before security) that way I can ensure that I’m drinking plenty of water while remaining eco friendly. We’re big Earth lovers over here, so why waste a bunch of plastic bottles (and money) buying + rebuying water when you can refill your preferred water bottle for free?
I hope this list of my airplane essentials helps you prepare for your next flight! Do you have anything airplane essentials that aren’t listed? Drop them in the comments below, I just may have to add it to my next packing list. Happy flying!
til the next trip,
bre
