Everything You Need for a Successful International Flight
Flying can be a stressful situation, no doubt about it. Getting to the airport on time (meaning two hours early), dropping off your car, waiting in lines, then rushing through security… by the time you get on the plane you are spent! It helps to have a packing checklist available to ensure you have a great experience on the plane, especially if it is a long haul flight.
We’ve compiled a list of everything you may need to ensure a smooth flight no matter the length -these tips can work for shorter flights, but are especially essential for long haul, overnight, and international trips! This list is also available in a free printable PDF to our subscribers.
Important & Essential Documents for Air Travel
The number one important item when traveling by plane is your passport and photo ID. This is crucial when embarking on an international flight and is one of the things we triple check that we’ve packed before leaving the house. Forgetting your ID or passport at home can cause you to miss your flight and can really put a damper on the start to your vacation.
Something that is often overlooked is keeping a copy of your itinerary, rental car information, and hotel contact handy. In the worst case scenario where your checked baggage is lost, you will at least have the contact information for where you will be staying and how you are getting there. Here is a complete list of essential documents you will need when taking a long flight!
- Passport
- Photo ID/ Driver’s License
- Plane Tickets
- Copy of your Travel Itinerary
- Car Rental Information
- Hotel Contact Information
What to Wear and Clothing to Bring on a Long Flight
I’ve noticed people fall into two different buckets when traveling by plane. One group is well put-together and ready to hit the ground running when they land- clothes aren’t wrinkled, hair is styled, and they walk off the plane looking fresh as a daisy.
That is not me. No matter how hard I try, I look like I haven’t slept in days after even the shortest of plane trips. So I figure, dress for comfort and freshen up when you get to your destination! I like to wear comfy leggings or joggers, slip-on shoes, and I always bring a soft sweater or flannel in case the plane is frigid. Other things that are comforting on long flights are a cozy pair of socks to change into when you find your seat, and a small packable blanket.
Technology Essentials for a Long Haul Flight
I’ve made many packing mistakes when traveling by plane on long flights before, thankfully none that were too terrible. But I have forgotten some key essentials and I’ve been forced to sit through a long flight in silence, which is not a fun way to start your vacation. Technology & entertainment essentials for a long haul flight are:
- Book, phone, tablet, or computer for entertainment
- Chargers for all of the above
- Portable charging power bank in case your plane doesn’t have USB plugs (when we went to Scotland, only one flight offered these plugs to keep our technology charged)
- Headphones- If you bring wireless headphones, know that you will need an adapter like this in order to watch the free TV and movies provided by the plane. Also, we recommend noise-canceling headphones so they can double as a sound buffer when you are trying to sleep.
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Essential Toiletries for the Plane
These items are some of the most overlooked things to pack in your carry-on or personal luggage when planning for a long flight, but will make you feel 100% better if you bring them. There’s nothing like landing in a new country and trying to be ready to kick-start the day with morning breath and bed hair!
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste, small mouthwash
- Travel hairbrush
- Makeup/ face/ body wipes to clean your skin before and after the flight
- Travel deodorant- keeps you fresh on the plane
- Face and body moisturizer- the air circulating in an airplane is very drying and you need to keep your skin hydrated
- Sunscreen for when you arrive if it is daytime
- Lotion-based hand sanitizer and surface wipes– this is a necessity when traveling now
- Chapstick to keep your lips conditioned
- Gum for takeoff and landing
- Nasal spray and travel tissues- the dry air can cause nosebleeds so it is a good idea to keep everything moist!
I love the PlaneAire line of travel products. Everything is the right size to go right through airport security, the products smell great, and they’ve thought of everything you need: surface wipes, hand sanitizer, and air mist for purifying your space.
Necessities for Sleep on a Long Flight
Most of the international flights from the U.S. take place overnight. This makes sleeping well on the plane crucial to keep up your energy (and to stay healthy) in order to make the most out of your trip. But sleeping on an airplane can be tough! We’ve figured out some tips and tricks to help you catch some zzzzz’s on your next long flight.
- Pack an eye mask and ear plugs. The plane will never be dark enough or quiet enough for light sleepers (it’s me, hi. I’m the light sleeper). And relying on noise-cancelling headphones can start to hurt your ears after several hours. Ear plugs don’t take up much space at all and can be a lifesaver on a long flight.
- If your seat doesn’t have an adjustable foot rest (2 out of 3 of our recent long flights did not) this foot sling can be a game changer. Being able to stretch out your legs just the slightest bit helps tremendously when trying to sleep on a plane.
Another necessity for good sleep on a long flight is a high quality sleeping pillow that supports your neck. If you’ve ever fallen asleep in a random position and then have not been able to move your neck properly for a while, this is for you.
Neck pillows can take up a lot of space, but this one actually packs pretty small it its own bag and can be hooked to your personal item or backpack for ease of carrying.
Don’t forget your medications in your carry-on bag! If your luggage does get misplaced, at least you will have your important medications on hand. This can be prescription medications, allergy, motion sickness, and/or sleep aids. Be sure they are clearly labeled and accessible so you can take them on time and as needed.
Another important item to pack is any devices you use during the night- retainers and case, glasses, contacts and case, etc. These need to be in your personal bag and not in checked luggage.
Remember to Be Flexible!
I’m not talking about doing yoga on the plane, although stretching and walking a bit every few hours is recommended! I mean, right now airplane travel is tough. There is a shortage of every member of staff, from pilots to flight attendants to airport security personnel. This can create long lines, delayed flights, and angry passengers. Try to remain calm and be aware that every member of your flight team is trying to get you to your destination as much as they can.
When we flew to Scotland this summer, our overnight flight was delayed over 3 hours. We boarded just before midnight and arrived around noon the next day completely exhausted. After a quick refresh in our B&B we decided to just roll with it and make the most of our day in Edinburgh!
Snacks and Last-Minute Tips
Most airlines offer snacks and full meals during long flights. If you have any kind of food allergy (I’m gluten-free), be sure to bring your own things to snack on just in case. I specified having gluten-free meals on my flights and for breakfast I was given a rice cake and fruit. My GF granola bars saved the day!
The last tip: Don’t overpack your carry-on or personal items! These need to be brought on and off the airplane, around the airport, into and out of bathrooms… you get the picture. If you don’t use something on a regular basis, don’t pack it in your carryon luggage. Stow anything else in your checked baggage so you can be as hands-free as possible when lounging around the airport.
We hope this list helps take some of the anxiety away from planning for a long flight. After 10 flights this year so far, we feel like we have the airplane packing part mastered. And although we still hate waking up at 3AM for an early morning flight, at least we know we will have everything we need! Now it’s time to relax and enjoy that hard-earned vacation.
Have a Great Flight!
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