Long Haul Flight Packing List
Carry-on essentials, entertainment, jet lag tips, and surviving flights with kids
Long haul flights are a necessary evil for reaching dream destinations. Eight, twelve, or even sixteen hours in economy class requires preparation. The right carry-on packing can make the difference between arriving exhausted and irritable or stepping off the plane feeling almost human. This guide covers everything you need in your hand luggage, plus strategies for sleeping, beating jet lag, and keeping children sane at 35,000 feet.
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Build My Packing ListThe Long Haul Carry-On Strategy
Your carry-on bag is your survival kit for the next 8-16 hours. Everything you need should be accessible without standing up. Most airlines allow one cabin bag plus one personal item - use both wisely.
Warning
Pack a complete outfit change in your carry-on. If checked bags are delayed (common on long haul routes), you can shower and change while waiting for your luggage to arrive.
Essential Documents
- Passport (check validity - many countries need 6 months remaining)
- Visa or ETA if required
- Boarding pass (printed backup plus digital)
- Travel insurance documents
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Return flight details
- Copies of important documents (email to yourself)
- Vaccination certificates if required
- Emergency contact information
- Credit cards and small amount of local currency
Comfort Essentials
Comfort items seem excessive until you are 6 hours into a 14-hour flight. These make the journey bearable.
- Neck pillow (memory foam or inflatable)
- Eye mask (blocks light for sleeping)
- Earplugs (plane noise is exhausting)
- Noise-cancelling headphones (game changer)
- Compression socks (reduce swelling and DVT risk)
- Warm layer (cardigan, hoodie, or fleece - planes get cold)
- Blanket or large scarf (airline blankets are thin)
- Slip-on shoes or slippers (feet swell during flight)
Family Tip
Compression socks genuinely help on long flights. They reduce ankle swelling and lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Put them on before boarding.
Entertainment
Do not rely solely on seatback screens. Downloads fail, selections disappoint, and screens break. Bring backup entertainment.
- Phone or tablet with downloaded content (films, series, podcasts)
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- E-reader loaded with books
- Physical book or magazine (no battery needed)
- Offline games on phone
- Notebook and pen
- Puzzle book (crosswords, sudoku)
- Work or project if you want to be productive
Warning
Download entertainment BEFORE leaving home. Airport wifi is unreliable, and you do not want to burn mobile data downloading a 2GB film.
Toiletries & Freshening Up
Arriving fresh is possible with a small toiletry kit. The cabin air dries out skin, so hydration is key.
- Toothbrush and mini toothpaste
- Face wipes or cleansing wipes
- Moisturiser (travel size)
- Lip balm (aircraft air is incredibly dry)
- Deodorant
- Hand cream
- Facial mist spray
- Hand sanitiser
- Tissues
- Medications in original packaging
- Contact lens case and solution (or wear glasses)
Snacks & Hydration
Airline food comes on their schedule, not yours. Bring snacks to fill gaps and satisfy cravings.
- Empty water bottle (fill after security)
- Healthy snacks (nuts, dried fruit, protein bars)
- Treats (chocolate, sweets for when you need them)
- Chewing gum (helps ears during pressure changes)
- Mints
- Avoid salty snacks (increase dehydration)
Tip
Drink water constantly - aim for a glass every hour. Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate you further. Your future self will thank you.
Electronics
- Phone and charger cable
- Tablet/laptop and charger
- Power bank (must be in hand luggage)
- Headphone splitter (for sharing with travel companion)
- Universal travel adaptor
- Multi-port USB charger (charge everything from one socket)
Beating Jet Lag
Jet lag is inevitable but manageable. Your packing choices and in-flight behaviour affect how quickly you adjust.
- Set watch to destination time immediately
- Sleep when it is night at your destination
- Stay awake when it is daytime at destination
- Hydrate constantly (dehydration worsens jet lag)
- Avoid alcohol (disrupts sleep quality)
- Consider melatonin supplements (consult doctor first)
- Move around the cabin regularly
- Get sunlight exposure immediately on arrival
Family Tip
For eastbound flights, try to sleep on the plane. For westbound, try to stay awake. Your body adjusts faster to longer days than shorter ones.
Long Haul with Kids
Flying long haul with children is a marathon, not a sprint. Preparation and low expectations are your friends.
- Tablet loaded with their favourite shows and games
- Child-safe headphones (volume limited)
- New small toys (novelty keeps them engaged)
- Sticker books and colouring books
- Snacks - endless snacks (familiar favourites)
- Change of clothes (easily accessible for spills)
- Comfort item - teddy, blanket, dummy
- Nappies and wipes if needed (more than you think)
- Baby food or formula for cabin pressure
- Sippy cup or bottle for take-off and landing (helps ears)
- Paracetamol/Calpol for ear pain
Family Tip
Feed babies or give toddlers a sippy cup during take-off and landing. Swallowing helps equalise ear pressure and prevents pain and crying.
Kids Entertainment Rotation Strategy
Ration entertainment like precious supplies. Introduce new activities in phases throughout the flight.
- Hour 1-2: Explore seatback screen, settle in
- Hour 3-4: First meal, colouring, stickers
- Hour 5-6: New toy introduction
- Hour 7-8: Tablet time with favourite shows
- Hour 9-10: Second meal, more colouring
- Hour 11+: Final toy, downloaded films, survival mode
Sleeping on Planes
- Window seat for wall to lean on
- Neck pillow positioned correctly (supports chin)
- Eye mask and earplugs
- Layers to control temperature
- Avoid screens before attempting sleep
- Skip caffeine before sleep time
- Consider melatonin (check regulations)
What NOT to Pack in Carry-On
- Liquids over 100ml (confiscated at security)
- Sharp objects (nail scissors questionable - check airline)
- Valuables you cannot afford to lose
- Anything you would be embarrassed to show security
- Large bottles of anything (decant what you need)
- Too many outfit options (one change is plenty)
Money-Saving Tip
Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane. Saves luggage space and you will appreciate the warmth. Layers are key.
Preparing for Arrival
30 minutes before landing, prepare to arrive feeling human:
- Brush teeth and freshen up
- Apply moisturiser
- Change clothes if you packed a spare outfit
- Organise passport and landing card
- Review destination customs requirements
- Have accommodation address ready for taxi or immigration
- Turn on roaming or prepare local SIM
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