What to Pack in Your Carry-On for Long-Haul Flights

Let’s stop pretending long-haul flights aren’t fun. They’re a test of patience, posture, and your ability to sit in the same seat for what feels like three days straight. Unless you’re in first class with lie-flat seats and champagne (and if so, congrats — this post isn’t for you), you’re probably just trying to survive without losing circulation in your legs or your mind. Here’s what you actually need to pack in your carry-on — from one tired traveler to another. No fluff. No luxury travel influencer nonsense. Just the real stuff that’ll keep you alive and semi-comfortable at 38,000 feet.

1. The Obvious (That You’ll Somehow Almost Forget)

Let’s start with the stuff that should be glued to your body during long-haul flights — because if you forget it, your trip is already ruined:

Passport or ID
Boarding pass (digital AND printed — trust issues)
Wallet (credit cards, a little cash — yes, cash still matters sometimes)
Any meds you actually need (don't assume you’ll find them later)
Headphones (trust me, if you forget these... you’re raw-dogging the flight noise)

2. Headphones That Block Out Everyone Around You

Speaking of headphones: get the good ones. Noise-canceling if you can. Because the long-haul flights soundtrack always includes at least one of the following:

A baby losing its mind
Someone is snoring like they swallowed a leaf blower
The guy behind you is watching an action movie with no headphones

Block. It. Out.

3. Snacks — Because Airplane Food Is a Trap

Are the long-haul flights going to feed you? Maybe. Will it be good? Don’t count on it. Bring your own snacks. Real ones. Stuff that doesn’t smell, won’t spill, and will actually keep you full:

Protein bars
Crackers
Trail mix
Chocolate, because you're flying for 12 hours and deserve joy

Skip anything messy, loud, or stinky. We’re all in this metal tube together.

4. Your Sleep “Strategy” (Yes, That’s a Thing)

Sleeping on planes is an Olympic sport. Here’s your gear:

A decent neck pillow (not one of those sad inflatable ones)
An eye mask that doesn’t feel like sandpaper
Melatonin, Dramamine, Benadryl — whatever knocks you out legally
Hoodie or scarf = built-in blanket

No one really sleeps well on long-haul flights, but anything helps.

5. Your Hygiene Save-Your-Dignity Kit

After 10+ hours on a plane, you’re not fresh. You’re gross. Accept it and pack accordingly:

Toothbrush & toothpaste
Face wipes
Lip balm (because the cabin air will dry you out like beef jerky)
Deodorant (please)
Moisturizer if you’re feeling fancy
Hand sanitizer (because ew)

You don’t need a spa day mid-flight — just don’t smell like jet fuel and regret.

6. Water Bottle (Because the Tiny Plastic Cups Aren’t Cutting It)

Flight attendants will offer you water... once every 5 hours. Bring a refillable bottle, fill it up after security, and sip constantly. Your skin, head, and energy levels will thank you.

7. Chargers, Cords, and a Power Bank (A Fully Charged One)

The long-haul flights might have outlets. They might work. But you don’t want to gamble on that. Pack:

Your phone charger
A fully charged power bank
Anything else you’ll need to keep your stuff alive (tablet, headphones, etc.)

Nothing like your phone dying when it’s holding your boarding pass, playlist, and will to live.

8. Entertainment That Doesn’t Rely on Wi-Fi

Don’t trust in-flight entertainment. It might be broken. It might only have 2003 rom-coms. So download:

Netflix shows
Podcasts
An audiobook
A trashy thriller you’ll finish halfway over the ocean
A game that doesn’t need internet

Give yourself options. Because boredom at 2 a.m. over the Atlantic is brutal.

9. Extra Clothes (a.k.a. Just in Case Everything Goes Wrong)

Things spill. Luggage gets lost. Sweating happens. Throw in:

A clean shirt
Extra underwear
Fresh socks

You’ll feel like a new person after a quick change in the airport bathroom.

10. Compression Socks — Trust Me

They’re not cute. But neither are ankles that swell up like a balloon. Compression socks help your circulation and make a huge difference on long-haul flights. Your legs will still work when you land. That’s worth it.

Final Thoughts: Pack Like It’s You vs. The Plane

Forget the Pinterest lists. This isn’t about “travel vibes.” It’s about surviving long-haul flights like a functioning adult. You don’t need 30 things. But you do need the right things — the ones that keep you clean, hydrated, comfortable, entertained, and maybe — maybe — asleep for part of it. So pack smart. Don’t overthink it. And may your seat recline, your neighbor be quiet, and your headphones never die. Check out our website for more details. Also Read: What not to bring when traveling internationally?