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Having an inflight comfort kit makes all the difference when traveling by plane. Whether it’s a long haul flight or a short one, this essential comfort kit is exactly what you need. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you won’t need the items in this list if your flight is short. Honestly, with air travel these days, you never really know how long you’ll be stuck on a plane!
Before you jump on your next flight, be sure to pack along these short and long haul flight essentials to make your flight all the more comfortable!
Electronics to Bring On Your Flight
Headphones | check current price
Are they even called headphones anymore? Airpods, earphones, headphones — whatever you want to call them, bring them! Download your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook just in case your flight doesn’t have movies before takeoff!
Also, this may sound rude, however, it’s got to be said, pop your headphones in when you aren’t in the mood for talking with your neighbor. It’s nice meeting new people on flights, but sometimes, popping your headphones in, even if not listening to music is necessary for some inflight comfort.
I can vividly remember a flight I didn’t have the headphones that I needed for this purpose. As I was crying from saying goodbye to my family again, paired with flying with the worst head cold I’ve ever had, the lady sitting next to me just wanted to talk to me. I would have given anything to put headphones in to just escape to my own bubble. — Take it from me, never fly without your headphones!
Reading Material | check prices here
Whether it’s a magazine, a new novel you pick up just for your flight, or a Kindle, with all the books you can dream of at your fingertips, bring something to read. From boarding the plane to take off, you’ll have plenty of time in your seat before getting in the air with all approved electronics allowed. And, don’t forget all the time in the airport after checking in. A good book is a much better way to spend your time than scrolling on your phone!
Power Bank | current prices here
Nothing is worse than your phone or kindle dying mid-flight. With phones being so much more than just a well, a phone, these days, it’s important to land with your phone fully charged. This battery pack (power bank) is the one we use and love. It has two ports, and can charge a phone up to eight times! We also use it to charge our camera batteries too!
Essential Inflight Comfort Kit Items
Earplugs | grab some here
While my ears are too small, and I find extreme discomfort in using earplugs, Jay loves them and swears by them. In fact, he never travels without them! From blocking out sound for some shut-eye on a long flight, to just blocking out the noise of others talking and babies crying, earplugs are an absolute necessity for inflight comfort!
Eyemask | current price here
No inflight comfort kit would be complete without an eyemask. Eyemasks are the hallmark of any inflight comfort kit given by airlines, and Jay and I both actually still have eyemasks from one flight years ago that we still use to this day. They don’t have to be fancy, but boy, are they useful. Nothing is better than just making your own complete darkness in the middle of a plane for you to sleep the flight away!
Check out these eye masks. They’re perfect for letting the flight attendant know what you want. And these ones here have great for blocking out noise. In fact, they have headphones built-in. What better way to wake up feeling refreshed than sleeping with an eye mask with relaxing music while you sleep.
Light Sweater / Scarf | current price here
Instead of bringing a blanket on a flight, that has no double use elsewhere, pack a scarf or light sweater for your flight. We always recommend packing at least one extra layer for a flight. Not a big bulky one, but a nice, light layer that you’ll wear during your travels. Shorter flights and budget airlines don’t offer blankets, so it’s your responsibility to pack something to keep you warm in your inflight comfort kit!
Keeping You Clean On The Plane
Hand Sanitizer | grab some here
Nowadays, packing hand sanitizer for a flight seems like a no brainer. But, COVID19 aside, hand sanitizer is always a good thing to bring on a plane. Giving your hand a quick clean upon returning to your seat and before touching anything that goes in your mouth helps stop the spread of even simple cold germs.
Nobody wants to get to their destinations with a cold! Prevent it by sanitizing your hands.
Wipes | check prices here
Bringing wet wipes are great for wiping down the tray table, armrests, and even the seat belt buckle too. With planes having passengers disembark and then embark again in such a short amount of time, you know those seats don’t get a wipe down. Wet wipes are also great to have in case you spill something or eat something messy, AND, also a life saver to freshen up the underarms after a long flight!
Pro-tip.. use the alcohol from below and dab a bit on the wipe to make it sanitize as you clean surfaces on the plane!
When in Doubt, 99% Alcohol | current price here
While we certainly didn’t carry around 99% alcohol pre-COVID days, when we traveled at the very beginning of COVID, before the world shut down, we packed a 3 oz. container of 91% alcohol. When we got on the plane, we put the alcohol on a wet paper towel and wiped down everything we came in contact with at our seats.
The added peace of mind from wiping down everything with alcohol eased my anxiety of flying home in a pandemic. And even now, with heightened awareness of just how easy germs spread, it’s nice to just wipe down your space so you don’t get sick on vacation!
Food And Drink For Your Flight
Snacks | grab some here
Back when we were younger, when you traveled by plane snacks and drinks flowed freely. There was never a question on if you were going to get a snack or even a meal on most flights. However, that’s no longer the case. Always pack snacks for your flight.
We recommend packing chocolate with nuts, fruity candies, and your favorite salty snack too. You never know what you’ll randomly start craving when the person sitting next to you spends way too much on mediocre airplane food!
Water Bottle w/Handle | current prices here
Check current prices on the water bottle we recommend here.
Who knows if it’s the altitude or the air circulation, but flying dehydrates people. Bringing your own water helps keep you hydrated. Pack a reusable water bottle (with a handle, see tip below) and fill it up once you pass through security. Most airports will have drinking fountains. If not, find a bar in the airport, and kindly ask the bartender to fill your water for you!
Carabiner | current prices here
This is literally the best travel hack we have. Packing a carabiner or two is the number one thing we recommend to travelers. On your flight, use the carabiner to hook your water bottle to the seatback in front of you. This way, your water bottle doesn’t roll all over the ground, and you can easily access it whenever you’re thirsty!
*The items in this list have helped make our short and long haul flights more comfortable all across the globe. We’ve been traveling for over five years and comfortable travel is the best way to ensure you land ready to explore whatever destination you choose. We’d love to know where you’re traveling to.. let us know what you’re packing for your next trip below!
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