So we covered packing our main suitcase in Packing 101. This entry answers the musical question: what should I pack for the long plane trip over? I generally check my suitcase and carry on a backpack (currently a North Face Surge); in case my checked bag gets rerouted along the way, I always pack a change of clothes as well as my meds in my carry-on. But whether you check a bag or not, it’s a good idea to keep a change of clothing in your smaller bag. [Links are affiliate links.]
I dress for my first day in my destination (unless the weather’s radically different), so I’m ready to go when I get there. But I also take a change of clothes specifically for comfort on the flight (see below). I’ve read over and over that compression socks are helpful in preventing circulation/clotting problems on the long flight, and I always wear them on a long flight. Not super comfortable, but probably worth it. [These, I put on before I leave for the airport, as they’re not really a ‘quick change’ item.]
Always pack electronics in your cabin bag—both for use on the plane (tablet) and for protecting them from damage or theft. Keep their chargers with you, too. I found this two-in-one charger for my iPad and phone; it’ll work on my headphones, too, albeit with a different cable. I stash all my chargers, cables [these are bright-colored = less likely left behind] in one of these—and the lime green is easy to find in your bag.
Speaking of headphones, noise canceling headphones can be a life-saver on a long travel day—and especially on a long flight with noisy kids (or adults). The Bose QC 35 are pricy but, to me, worth the investment. There are lots of options here from JBL, Beats, Sony, and Sennheiser. Choose for what sounds good to you, as well as durability. [You can try many of these at BestBuy or Target; another option is to order a couple of pair from Amazon to try, making sure you can return without a fee the pair you don’t keep.] Make sure they come with a cord (and a two-pronged plug—either can be purchased separately) so you can listen to the in-flight movies’ audio on them. My Bose QC’s sound great, block out much plane/passenger noise, sound great, and hold a charge all day (and longer).
Some sort of tablet is a must for me—I keep books, travel guides, music, and movies on it to keep me entertained and un-fussy for hours/days. I love the iPad mini—is light enough to read easily on in bed but big enough to watch a movie on. Latest version’s here.
[For the record, I travel with a camera now (Canon M50, which I’m learning to use and love). Sometimes I take a laptop, sometimes not. If I need to write, I take it.]
Travel slippers/plane clothes I always take some track pants, a long-sleeve t-shirt (I love these from Icebreaker, and my travel slippers (these, as mentioned in the previous post) to change into. [The slippers are both super-comfortable and offer protection from the filthy airplane and lavatory floors.] As soon as I get to my seat, I grab the bundle of these things and head to the lav to change. Before we land (or after, if there’s a line for the restroom), I change back, and then I’m wearing fresh-ish clothes to start the day.
Food, drink Perhaps my least favorite thing about long flights is the food. Rather than suffer gastro-intestinal distress over the Atlantic, I try to find food at the airport for the flight. It’s telling that, when I tell the flight attendants serving dinner that I brought my own food, they often respond ‘smart idea.’ They know it’s bad. If you must eat the plane food, this is for you.
An exception to this is food in business and first, which is usually significantly better than what they serve in the back of the bus. Unless you’re at the front of the plane sipping champagne and scoffing at the peasants, grab something non-mayonnaise-y and non-pungent while you’re still on the ground for the flight.
Always drink more than you think you need to, as it’s easy to get dehydrated on a long flight. Staying hydrated is one way to combat jetlag. Pack an empty and refill it, or spend the $4 for a water at the airport—it’s better than the alternative.
Note: make sure to purchase drinks/anything liquid after you’ve gone through security. Flying home from Europe, security may be right at the gate (it is in Frankfurt, our normal gateway), so plan accordingly.
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