If you’re heading abroad this year, this trip may well have been a long time coming. As we all gain more of a grip on the global pandemic, it might well be a while since you’ve packed a carry-on bag. If you want to get ready for that flight, this guide should help ensure you get your trip off to the best possible start!
Here are 12 flight essentials to make sure you put in your cabin bag.
If you fancy grabbing some shut eye, then one of the plane essentials you must pack is a silk eye mask. It will block out unwanted light - while warning that chatty type in the next seat that you do not want to be disturbed!
Why silk? Pure silk is breathable, comfortable, super soft and kind to your skin. It almost feels like you’re not wearing an eye mask at all. Yet you are - meaning you’re far more likely to enter the land of nod while crossing the ocean.
A cheap, disposable pair of ear plugs can also vastly improve your chances of getting some rest. As well as blocking out the sound of a toddler throwing a tantrum.
Soft, foam earplugs are very inexpensive to buy. As well as adding them to your inventory of short or long flight essentials, they could come in handy if your hotel is noisy or the people next door have all-night parties on the balcony!
Don’t forget that you’ll need a travel adaptor when using any electrical items aboard. This may alter the voltage, as well as having pins that fit into the type of socket found at your destination.
If you want to use a hairdryer or laptop, or to charge your phone while you’re away, then you’re going to need to add a travel adapter or two to your list of air travel essentials.
Another layer of clothing can be so important. If you’re heading somewhere chilly or will arrive during darkness, then you may need this when you disembark.
Adding an extra layer to that list of plane travel essentials may also help ensure you stay warm and comfortable during the flight.
The perfect extra layer to take on holiday is a cashmere wrap. It can be packed away in your case and hardly takes up any space. Also you can wear it at nights when you go out to keep the chill off your shoulders.
No they’re not that attractive, we admit. Unless you’re into that sort of thing. But compression stockings really could save your life if they stop you developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
If the blood circulation in your legs isn’t as good as it once was - or you have not had surgery too long ago - then you really should pack or wear a pair of compression stockings. They’re flying essentials for many people, so you won’t be alone!
Bags do go astray - it happens all the time. You may get them back within a day or two, but what do you do in the meantime?
Add an overnight kit to your list of aeroplane necessities, that’s what. That way you’ll have back-up if your bags go walkabout. Items to include are a toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste, face wipes, moisturiser, other travel toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, and perhaps a razor. Make sure you pack a permitted type of razor, though - check which are OK here.
If you can’t live without an item for a day or two, then pack it. Spare underwear, a clean top and a hairbrush rarely go amiss, for instance.
While you’ll have to take it onto the plane empty, a refillable water bottle can easily be topped up by the flight crew once you’re on board. Then you won’t have to bother them again by asking for endless cups of water.
Including this on your inventory of things to bring on a long flight is kinder to the planet than opting for single-use plastic, too.
Don’t set foot on the aircraft without taking the right documents. You’ll need your passport, any tickets or other paperwork and details of your travel insurance. These are absolute musts when it comes to international travel essentials.
Never rely on technology - what if your phone was lost or stolen? Paper copies of vital information could be a godsend. And how will you claim for lost baggage if you can’t find out who your insurer is?
Buy an e-reader and you can read whatever you like, whenever you like. Nor more running out of books, or hoping that stack of paperbacks arrives in time for your holiday. Definitely one for that long haul flight essentials list.
The latest Amazon Kindles have paperwhite technology, and can be read even in bright sunlight. They also mean you can read without disturbing anyone else with the sound of your pages turning!
Earplugs aren’t the only item you might want to put into your ears during the flight. Add your own headphones to your inventory of international travel necessities and you can benefit from a superior quality of sound.
A portable power bank can be a very handy thing to have at any time. As aeroplane travel essentials go, it’s definitely up there. If you are delayed at arrivals, at least you’ll be able to charge up your phone.
This could also come in handy later in your trip, if you run into any problems with power adaptors or sockets.
Here’s a quick-fire reminder of all the items you might like to include in your flight essentials kit.
