10 Things You Need on a Long Haul Flight – To Make Sure It’s As Fun As Your Destination
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There are so many people who see the long flight as the arduous journey to the magic, something to suffer through and they don't plan anything and just spend 9 hours moaning and being miserable with the drinks service being their highlight BUT you're on holiday, in that moment, and holidays arn't miserable and neither should your flight.
I hold my hands up that yes — long haul flights aren’t always glamorous. Between the awkward neck angles, dry air, and crying babies three rows back, it can feel like a mini endurance test before the fun begins.
But here’s the good news: with a little prep and the right travel gear, your flight can actually be... dare I say it... enjoyable?
Whether you're flying to Florida (like I do every year to visit my sons in Orlando!) or heading off on your next bucket list adventure, here are 10 things I always pack for a long haul flight — A survivors kit if you will, to arrive fresh, rested, and ready to hit the ground running.
1. ✨ Airplane Tray Table Cover
Our Airplane Tray Table Cover is a travel game-changer — it adds a clean, soft surface for eating, playing games, or reading. It has pockets, so no more putting your snacks and water bottle into the seat pocket in front of you that might have someones used tissue in it. All your items for your trip will be in your table covers pockets in front of you, whether your tray table is up or down. Making you feel like your economy seat real estate just got a bit more spacious.
How I use it;- As soon as I sit in my seat on boarding, I get out my anti-bac wipes and clean the tv, remote, seat belt and tray table and use hand sanitiser to 'wash my hands'.
When the seat belt light goes off after take off, I lift up my personal bag and I get out my tray table cover and fit it to the table. I then fill the pockets with - snacks, water bottle, phone and noise cancelling headphones. I find the movie I had pre - planned on watching (I check the in flight entertainment on airlines website prior to getting to the airport and plan my watch list). I now have a comfy and satisfying set up.
Bonus: it folds down teeny tiny in your personal bag.
2. 🎧 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Noise Cancelling Headphones are non-negotiable. Whether it's engine hum or a neighbour rustling a crisp packet every 5 seconds, noise-cancelling headphones bring peace and calm. They drown out the people around you, while immersing you in your movie, podcast, playlist or audio book.
Pro tip: Don't forget to bring the headset lead to plug into the in-flight system or if you want to use them wireless you'll need a nifty bluetooth audio transmitter for planes.
3. 💤 Ear Plugs & Eye Mask
It’s hard to get rest when the lights are bright and someone’s toddler is performing a full musical behind you.
Pack soft ear plugs and a blackout eye mask — trust me, future-you will thank me.
4. 🔋 Power Bank
In-flight USB ports are famously unreliable.
I never travel without my power bank, fully charged and tucked in my Personal Bag so I can top up my phone, Kindle or headphones without hunting for a socket.
5. 📱 Phone Stand
Your hands don’t need to cramp up holding your phone the whole flight.
A compact phone stand lets you turn your tray into a mini cinema screen — perfect for bingeing theme park vlogs or watching downloaded Disney+.
6. 🦶 Foot Hammock with Pillow
This one feels extra — until you try it.
A foot hammock lets you elevate your legs and ease pressure, especially helpful on flights longer than 5 hours.
Add a little inflatable pillow and you’ve got yourself a mini recliner in economy.
7. 🧦 Compression Socks
Swollen ankles on arrival? Not cute.
Compression socks help boost circulation, reduce leg fatigue, and they’re honestly a must for long travel days. Choose a pair that’s soft but snug — like a hug for your calves.
8. 🧴 Hydration Heroes
Cabin air is dry enough to mummify you.
Bring a refillable water bottle, a hydrating lip balm, and a mini face mist or moisturiser in your Toiletry Travel Bag. Stay hydrated = land looking fresh.
Pro tip: Put an electrolyte tablet in your water for optimum hydration, I always feel well rested when I have one, even if I didn't manage a kip on the plane.
9. 🛏️ Neck Pillow
There’s a reason neck pillows are airport bestsellers — but not all are created equal.
Go for a memory foam version or one that snaps closed for better neck support. I keep mine clipped to the outside of my Travel Backpack so I never forget it.
10. 🎲 A Tiny Entertainment Kit
Load up your phone or tablet with movies, podcasts, audio books and games.
But also — if the Wi-Fi fails or you’re trying to switch off screens, a deck of cards, crossword book, or even a travel journal is a great back-up.
Pop it all in your Travel Essentials Pouch and you’re good to go.
Final Boarding Call: Comfort First, Chaos Never
With just a little planning and the right gear, long haul flights can actually be… kind of magical.
And when you're heading to a place as fun as a Disney theme park? It's worth arriving well-rested and ready to jump into the magic (without a crick in your neck or flat phone battery).
Have a question about planning for Orlando? Send me a message. I might just have a tip you didn’t know you needed. 💫
Need a personal shopper for Disney or Universal Merch? Or really need that snack you dream about that you can only get from the USA? We do merch & grocery runs every month and on our vacay on request? ask us for details.
🛍️ Shop the essentials I swear by below.
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