Master the art of long-haul comfort in coach with these essential tips for a smoother, more enjoyable journey.
Traveling to distant destinations can be exhilarating, but the journey itself—especially on long-haul international flights—often feels like a test of endurance. The cramped space, dry air, and endless hours in a seat that seems designed for discomfort can make even the most thrilling trip feel like a chore. Fortunately, we’ve curated a list of editor-approved essentials to transform your flying experience from a grueling ordeal into a more comfortable and enjoyable one.
From the basics like noise-canceling headphones and a cozy travel pillow to lesser-known luxuries such as an ergonomic airplane footrest and a collapsible water bottle, our guide covers it all. We also delve into beauty and wellness products that combat the drying effects of airplane air, like Tower 28 Beauty SOS Facial Spray and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream. Plus, find the perfect storage solutions with top-rated packing cubes and toiletry bags to keep your travel essentials organized and accessible. Buckle up and prepare for a smoother journey with our ultimate guide to long-flight comfort.
1. Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow
If you’re a side sleeper who has to spoon something to fall asleep (rendering it near-impossible to snooze during previous trips), consider the Travelrest pillow.
This inflatable, apostrophe-shaped travel pillow has a strap slung around your back (or even tethered to your seat back), and it nestles between your head and shoulder. This gives you full lateral support, along with the security of having a bit of cushion to hug or hook your arm around.
2. iMangoo Charger Carrying Case
Nothing is worse than pulling knotted headphones out of your bag when your wireless headphones die or wrangling tangled charger cords when your gadgets are on 1%. Avoid this mess while traveling by neatly organizing your loose cables and cords in this carrying case.
3. Beats Studio3 Noise-Canceling Headphones
Saunders and our readers love these over-the-ear wireless headphones because they’re comfortable to wear throughout long flights. The Bluetooth-capable headphones boast Apple’s W1 chip for a longer battery (up to 22 hours of listening time) and come with a built-in microphone to call your loved ones before and after takeoff.
Most importantly, they’re noise-canceling so audiophiles can enjoy their in-flight entertainment instead of hearing crying babies and loud engines.
4. Perilogics In-Flight Phone Mount
Whether you're catching a flight that doesn't have televisions on the back of the seat or you prefer to watch your streaming apps, such as HBO and Apple TV+ , this in-flight phone mount will help you avoid serious neck kinks. Stare ahead and enjoy your favorite programs without looking down for hours on end. Trust us, this is a game changer.
5. Viva Recharge Insulated Tea and Coffee Mug
You might have read that ordering coffee or tea on a plane might not be the best idea. But this travel mug can keep your coffee from the airport warm — or you can get water from the flight attendants and use the mug to make your own iced tea. It also works as a French press, in case your destination doesn’t have a coffee maker.
6. Aluan Handheld Mini Fan
Sometimes the little airplane vent just isn’t enough — especially if you’re stuck in that middle seat. Grab this slim portable fan, which you can recharge with a USB-C device to keep your space at your preferred temperature.
7. Paperclip JoJo Diaper Bag Backpack
Traveling with infants and toddlers isn’t easy — they’ve got so many essentials, and tasks like diaper changes become nearly impossible mid-flight. But this diaper bag is roomy enough to hold bottles, diapers, and more. Plus, the front unzips and folds out to become an instant changing pad that you can use anywhere.
8. Loop Quiet Earplugs
You can buy traditional disposable earplugs, but if you’re looking for something more sustainable, try these reusable Loop earplugs. The quiet design will block out the world around you, even screaming babies. But if you just want everything to be a little muted, so you can still hear when the flight attendant comes by with snacks, you might prefer the Experience model . Both versions come in fun colors, or even clear if you want to be a bit more discreet.
9. Tower 28 Beauty SOS Save.Our.Skin Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Speaking of dehydration, Saunders says you need this face spray on and off the plane because it helps lock in moisture when paired with a face cream.
The dermatologist-tested spray contains only three ingredients to help minimize visible skin irritation and redness. It also boasts an antibacterial pH-balanced formula that rebalances tired, stressed-out skin on the plane.
10. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
Long flights are exhausting, and the last thing anyone wants is for the undereye area to look dark and puffy. Enter this cheap dark circle eye cream that relies on a peptide complex to fade the look of wrinkles and fine lines. It also contains energizing caffeine, which minimizes the blood vessels that cause undereye darkness and puffiness.
11. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses
Love taking scenic pictures from your window seat? Same! Do yourself a favor and protect your eyes with these polarized sunglasses that reduce glare when taking in (and snapping flicks of) the bodies of water below you.
You'll love their classic design — polished black acetate frame with dark green lenses — that looks great with whatever outfit you sport on your travel days.
12. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable
Since you need a carry-on bag to store these long-flight essentials, opt for this editor-approved model from Samonsite. Saunders says swapping her old carry-on from college for this option has been a game-changer.
“Not only is it lightweight and can accommodate a week’s worth of clothes in one compact suitcase, but the double spinner wheels provide 360-degree rotation, which makes commuting from one terminal to another a breeze. Plus, it’s available in 15 gorgeous colors, like Lilac (photographed here), Mint Green, and Tangerine,” she says.
13. Samsung Electronics Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer
Given a study found our phones are 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat, a phone sanitizer is one of the best gadgets to have lately.
This one uses a USB Type-C cable to plug in so you can actually bring it on a plane to give your phone a refresh mid-flight. Plus, this one will sanitize and charge your phone at the same time using Qi wireless technology. Close the lid on your device for 10 minutes to kill up to 99% of germs.
14. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
We love the now-iconic Laneige lip mask, but the jar isn’t the most travel-friendly option. Luckily, the lip mask’s intensive moisturizing power is packed into this pocket-sized tube for easy, on-the-go application on the plane. Shea and murumuru butters provide powerful hydration and lock in moisture throughout a long flight.
15. Bagail Packing Cubes (Set of 8)
We love the now-iconic Laneige lip mask, but the jar isn’t the most travel-friendly option. Luckily, the lip mask’s intensive moisturizing power is packed into this pocket-sized tube for easy, on-the-go application on the plane. Shea and murumuru butters provide powerful hydration and lock in moisture throughout a long flight.
