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Travel + Leisure

As a travel writer based in Los Angeles, I often find myself on long-haul flights.

SPANX® AirEssentials Half Zip, Wild Lip Balm, Away the Carry On, Loop Ear plugs, and Sonos Ace Headphones on a grey grid background

Credit:Travel + Leisure

It takes over 10 hours to get to Europe across the Atlantic or to Asia across the Pacific.

That’s just the reality of geography.

Well, it’s mainly about preparation.

Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip

Credit: Spanx

Finally, a well-organizedcarry-on suitcaseand personal bag keep essentials secure and within reach.

Layers are essential for adapting to fluctuating cabin temperatures; add or remove them as needed.

The material is so lightweight yet warm and breathable, and it feels high end.

Person wears a Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Warm and super comfortable, it’s ideal to wear on flights and days in transit.

These shoes strike a balance between a heavy, supportive sole and a lightweight, breathable upper.

The arch support with built-in grooves takes some getting used to, but provides lasting comfort.

A Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip lying on a white blanket

Lightweight and breathable, they feel almost like socks, with a soft interior that requires no break-in period.

The slip-on silhouette has a snug but not tight fit, so they stay secure and comfortable.

They come with elastic laces but also include traditional laces for a bit of customization.

Person wears a Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip

These offer a snug yet comfy fit, hugging the feet and legs without being too tight.

They stay in place throughout the flight even after many hours.

We used it as both a cozy blanket and a stylish scarf.

A Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip lying on a white blanket

And it holds up great, even with frequent use.

The price point makes it a splurge but we say it’s a worthy one.

Thankfully, you’re able to block them out with some thoughtful prep.

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We liked how small it compressed compared to other options in the space, making packing more practical.

Best Ear Plugs

Loop Dream Earplugs

These premium-priced earplugs are far from disposable.

Made from plush microfiber, it is incredibly soft, lightweight, and durable.

Man wears a prAna Fleece Hoodie

Credit: Travel + Leisure

The design includes armholes for added mobility and comfort.

It also fits into a compact drawstring bag for even greater portability.

Airplane cabins are extremely dry, which can leave lips and skin feeling parched.

Side view of a man wearing a prAna Fleece Hoodie

Lip balm, under-eye masks, and facial spray all help maintain moisture.

A dental kit is a major difference maker for feeling human again after an overnight flight.

In a crowded marketplace, this pick stands out for its sustainable and durable packaging, great for travel.

Side view of a man wearing a prAna Fleece Hoodie and a backpack

They’re perfect for popping a couple of pairs into a personal item.

Best Dental Kit

Spark Dental Co. ## Best Hand Sanitizer

Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer

How different can a sanitizer really be?

This luxurious version shows what a standout in a crowded, utilitarian space can look like.

Man wears a prAna Fleece Hoodie

The price is steep, but the product really is a cut above.

(It creates an overall dewy, glowy look all on its own.)

An eReader provides endless entertainment without the bulk or weight of actual books.

Side view of a man wearing a prAna Fleece Hoodie

Noise-canceling headphones block out cabin noise, making it easier to relax, watch movies, or sleep.

This portable charger stands out with its smart, travel-friendly design and essential features.

Unlike standard chargers, it includes a digital battery display, so you always know when to recharge.

Side view of a man wearing a prAna Fleece Hoodie and a backpack

The foldable plug allows for direct wall charging, eliminating the need for extra cables.

It’s a simple design that gets the job done, and isn’t a hassle to pack.

You also get seamless switching between two devices, and pairing with a laptop takes less than 30 seconds.

OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers

Credit: Amazon

The headphones provide audible feedback for every action.

The ability to doodle and write is super helpful for taking notes.

This one features a clip for easy attachment to a bag, and collapses to save space once empty.

A person wearing OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers on grass

Credit: Travel + Leisure

The bottle has accompanied T+L associate editorAnna Poppon multiple trips across the U.S. and even to Europe.

This extra-long charging cord is perfect for these unexpected travel, as well as everyday use.

We love that it makes it easy to reach distant outlets in planes and hotel rooms.

A closeup of the OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers on a wood floor

Bringing the right luggage on board is fundamental for a smooth, seamless long-haul flight.

A rolling carry-on keeps essentials within reach while fitting airline size restrictions.

Though not expandable, the lids mesh pocket and buckled divider optimize storage and organization.

A person wearing OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers on grass

The 360-degree wheels glide smoothly across various surfaces, and the sturdy handle adjusts to two heights without sticking.

Most important, its durability can’t be beat.

It withstood multiple drop tests and even a baseball bat hit without damage.

A closeup of the OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers on a wood floor

It packs flat for easy storage and holds up well in the rain.

This simple yet durable backpack is great if you prioritize portability and sustainability over high-capacity storage and extra features.

Spacious yet unstructured, it fits essentials like a laptop, snacks, and a light sweater.

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Weather-resistant and durable, it holds up well over time, making it a worthwhile investment.

The adjustable straps allow for comfortable wear as a sling or belt bag.

Dont bring more than whats necessary.

Someone poses outside wearing On Cloud 5s

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Keep toiletries minimal, streamlined, and shed any unnecessary extras.

Overpacking can clutter your space, making it harder to relax and easily find what you really need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Staying entertained on a long flight is all about variety.

On Running Cloud 5s with the shoe inserts still in

Download movies, TV shows, or podcasts beforehand since Wi-Fi may be unreliable or unavailable.

Bring an eReader or a physical book for uninterrupted reading, or download the audio version.

Offline games or puzzles on your phone can help pass the time.

Someone poses outside wearing On Cloud 5s

Whenever possible, attempt to get up and stretch periodically for both circulation and diversion.

Dress in comfortable layers and bring a travel blanket for warmth.

She regularly flies long-hauls flights of 10 hours or more between her home base in Los Angeles and Europe.

On Running Cloud 5s with the shoe inserts still in

Other recent destinations include Fiji, Tokyo, and Seoul (each around 12 hours).

She coupled her experience with testing results from T+L editors to compile this thorough packing list for long-haul flights.

Comrad Knee-high Compression Socks

Credit: Amazon

A person’s legs and feet wearing Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks

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A person’s feet wearing Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks

A person’s legs and feet wearing Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks

Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks on a white blanket

A person’s legs and feet wearing Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks

A person’s feet wearing Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks

A person’s legs and feet wearing Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks

Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks on a white blanket

White+Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap

Credit: White+Warren

Person wearing a White+Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap around their neck over a winter coat

Credit: Travel & Leisure

Person wrapped in the White+Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap on an airplane

Person wearing a White+Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap around their neck over a winter coat

Person wrapped in the White+Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap on an airplane

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Credit: Amazon

A person holding the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow on their neck

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A person wearing the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow on a plane

A person resting on a plane while wearing the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow

A person grabbing the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow from their bag

A person unrolling the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow

A person removing the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow from a travel pack

A person holding the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow on their neck

A person wearing the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow on a plane

A person resting on a plane while wearing the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow

A person grabbing the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow from their bag

A person unrolling the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow

A person removing the Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow from a travel pack

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Loop Dream Earplugs In Case on Airplane Seat Tray

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Loop Dream Earplugs Case In Persons Hand

Loop Dream Earplugs In Case on Airplane Seat Tray

Loop Dream Earplugs Case In Persons Hand

Manta Sleep Mask PRO

Credit: Manta Sleep

A person wearing the Manta Sleep Mask on a plane

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A person wearing the Manta Sleep Mask on an airplane

A hand holding purple ear plugs from the Manta Sleep Mask

A person removing the Manta Sleep Mask from a travel pouch

A person adjusting the velcro strap on the Manta Sleep Mask

A person putting on the Manta Sleep Mask in an airplane seat

A person touching the eye pads of the Manta Sleep Mask

The Manta Sleep Mask laid out on an airplane seat

A person wearing the Manta Sleep Mask on a plane

A person wearing the Manta Sleep Mask on an airplane

A hand holding purple ear plugs from the Manta Sleep Mask

A person removing the Manta Sleep Mask from a travel pouch

A person adjusting the velcro strap on the Manta Sleep Mask

A person putting on the Manta Sleep Mask in an airplane seat

A person touching the eye pads of the Manta Sleep Mask

The Manta Sleep Mask laid out on an airplane seat

Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket

Credit: Amazon

Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket carrying pouch displayed on a gray surface

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket carrying pouch displayed unzipped on a gray surface

Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket displayed in its packaging on a gray surface

Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket carrying pouch displayed on a gray surface

Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket carrying pouch displayed unzipped on a gray surface

Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket displayed in its packaging on a gray surface

Wild Lip Balm

Credit: Wild

A person applying the Wild Lip Balm

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person holding the Wild Lip Balm

A hand holding the Wild Lip Balm

A person applying the Wild Lip Balm

A person holding the Wild Lip Balm

A hand holding the Wild Lip Balm

Knesko Diamond Radiance Collagen Eye Mask

Credit: Knesko

A person sitting in an airplane wearing the Knesko Diamond Radiance Collagen Eye Mask

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person holding the Knesko Diamond Radiance Collagen Eye Mask

A person holding the Knesko Diamond Radiance Collagen Eye Mask

A person sitting in an airplane wearing the Knesko Diamond Radiance Collagen Eye Mask

A person holding the Knesko Diamond Radiance Collagen Eye Mask

A person holding the Knesko Diamond Radiance Collagen Eye Mask

Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm

Credit: SkinStore

A person applying Aēsop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm to the back of their hand

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A person rubbing the Aēsop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm into their hands

A person unscrewing the lid to the Aēsop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm

A person applying Aēsop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm to the back of their hand

A person rubbing the Aēsop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm into their hands

A person unscrewing the lid to the Aēsop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm

Spark Dental Co. Dental Travel Kit

Credit: Amazon

A person removing the lid from the Spark Dental Co. Toothbrush

Credit: Travel + Leisure

The Spark Dental Co. Toothbrush on a bathroom counter

The Spark Dental Co. Toothbrush on a bathroom counter

A person removing the lid from the Spark Dental Co. Toothbrush

The Spark Dental Co. Toothbrush on a bathroom counter

The Spark Dental Co. Toothbrush on a bathroom counter

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer

Credit: Sephora

A person applying the Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person applying the Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer

Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer on a white surface

A person applying the Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer

A person applying the Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer

Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer on a white surface

Evian Facial Spray

Credit: Amazon

A person applying the Evian Facial Spray

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person removing the lid of the Evian Facial Spray

Evian Facial Spray on an airplane seat tray

A person applying the Evian Facial Spray

A person removing the lid of the Evian Facial Spray

Evian Facial Spray on an airplane seat tray

Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank

Credit: Amazon

The Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank plugged into a wall outlet

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A hand holding the Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank

A close up of the Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank

A close up of the ports on the Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank

The Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank plugged into a wall outlet

A hand holding the Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank

A close up of the Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank

A close up of the ports on the Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank

Beskar Airplane Foot Rest

Credit: Amazon

A person using the Beskar Airplane Foot Rest on an airplane

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person holding the Beskar Airplane Foot Rest in the carry bag

A person holding the Beskar Airplane Foot Rest

A person unclasping the buckle on the Beskar Airplane Foot Rest

A hand on the Beskar Airplane Foot Rest

A person using the Beskar Airplane Foot Rest on an airplane

A person holding the Beskar Airplane Foot Rest in the carry bag

A person holding the Beskar Airplane Foot Rest

A person unclasping the buckle on the Beskar Airplane Foot Rest

A hand on the Beskar Airplane Foot Rest

Amazon Sonos Ace Headphones

Credit: Amazon

A person using a laptop on a plane while wearing the Sonos Ace Headphones

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person dancing in a bedroom setting while wearing the Sonos Ace Headphones

A person wearing the Sonos Ace Headphones while using the app

A close-up of a finger pressing a button on the Sonos Ace Headphones while a person wears them

A person using a laptop on a plane while wearing the Sonos Ace Headphones

A person dancing in a bedroom setting while wearing the Sonos Ace Headphones

A person wearing the Sonos Ace Headphones while using the app

A close-up of a finger pressing a button on the Sonos Ace Headphones while a person wears them

Kobo Libra Colour

Credit: Rakuten Kobo

Kobo Libra Colour on a white surface

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Kobo Libra Colour face down on a white surface

A hand pulling the Kobo Libra Colour out of a handbag

A hand pulling the Kobo Libra Colour out of a handbag

Kobo Libra Colour on a white surface

Kobo Libra Colour face down on a white surface

A hand pulling the Kobo Libra Colour out of a handbag

A hand pulling the Kobo Libra Colour out of a handbag

Vadoworld Collapsible Water Bottle

Credit: Amazon

A person holding the Vadoworld Collapsible Water Bottle

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Vadoworld Collapsible Water Bottle in a backpack pocket

A person holding the Vadoworld Collapsible Water Bottle

Vadoworld Collapsible Water Bottle in a backpack pocket

Tumaber 3-Pack Apple 10-foot Lightning to USB Cords

Credit: Amazon

A person holding a phone that is plugged in with the Tumaber 3-Pack Apple 10-foot Lightning to USB Cords

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Tumaber 3-Pack Apple 10-foot Lightning to USB Cords plugged into an airplane seat

Tumaber 3-Pack Apple 10-foot Lightning to USB Cords on a wood surface

A person holding a phone that is plugged in with the Tumaber 3-Pack Apple 10-foot Lightning to USB Cords

Tumaber 3-Pack Apple 10-foot Lightning to USB Cords plugged into an airplane seat

Tumaber 3-Pack Apple 10-foot Lightning to USB Cords on a wood surface

Away The Carry-on

Credit: Away

Person stowing the Away The Carry-On in the overhead compartment on an airplane

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Person standing near Away The Carry-On bag alongside airplane seat

Hand holding handle of Away The Carry-On in plane aisle

Hand attaching luggage tag to Away The Carry-On

Person stowing the Away The Carry-On in the overhead compartment on an airplane

Person standing near Away The Carry-On bag alongside airplane seat

Hand holding handle of Away The Carry-On in plane aisle

Hand attaching luggage tag to Away The Carry-On

July Carry All Weekender

Credit: July

A person carrying the July Carry All Weekender by its shoulder strap

Credit: Travel + Leisure

The July Carry All Weekender placed on a suitcase handle

A person packing a suitcase

A person placing a passport and phone into the side pocket of the July Carry All Weekender

A person packing shoes into the July Carry All Weekender

A person carrying the July Carry All Weekender by its shoulder strap

The July Carry All Weekender placed on a suitcase handle

A person packing a suitcase

A person placing a passport and phone into the side pocket of the July Carry All Weekender

A person packing shoes into the July Carry All Weekender

Bellroy Lite Daypack

Credit: Nordstrom

A person places the Bellroy Lite Daypack under the seat in front of them

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person places the Bellroy Lite Daypack into an overhead compartment

A person wears the Bellroy Lite Daypack

A person places headphones into the Bellroy Lite Daypack

A person places travel items into the Bellroy Lite Daypack

A person weighs the Bellroy Lite Daypack

A person places the Bellroy Lite Daypack under the seat in front of them

A person places the Bellroy Lite Daypack into an overhead compartment

A person wears the Bellroy Lite Daypack

A person places headphones into the Bellroy Lite Daypack

A person places travel items into the Bellroy Lite Daypack

A person weighs the Bellroy Lite Daypack

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe

Credit: Nordstrom

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

Credit: Travel + Leisure

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

Credit: Dagne Dover

Person wearing the Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack outdoors

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Hand removing a passport from the Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack being worn cross body

Person wearing the Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack outdoors

Hand removing a passport from the Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack being worn cross body