✅ Essentials Checklist
- Neck pillow — the difference between sleeping and not sleeping
- Noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs
- Eye mask
- Compression socks (reduce DVT risk on flights over 4 hours)
- Reusable water bottle (fill after security — staying hydrated is critical)
- Lip balm (cabin air is extremely dry)
- Moisturiser — face and hands
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (for freshening up before landing)
- Any prescription medication in original packaging with letter from GP
- Phone charger and power bank
- Entertainment downloaded offline (films, podcasts, e-books — don't rely on in-flight Wi-Fi)
👕 Clothing Checklist
- Loose, comfortable clothing — avoid jeans for anything over 6 hours
- Compression socks
- Layers — planes are cold at altitude, warm on the ground
- Slip-on shoes (easy removal at security and comfort during flight)
- Light cardigan or hoodie
⭐ Nice to Have
- Noise-cancelling headphones (not just ear plugs — a genuine upgrade)
- Melatonin for long eastward flights to help reset sleep
- Saline nasal spray (cabin air dries nasal passages significantly)
- Portable charger (many long haul seats have USB but quality varies)
- Small snacks (airport food is expensive and flight food is often poor in economy)
- Anti-bacterial wipes for tray table and armrests
- Pen (landing cards still required in many countries)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sleep on a long haul flight?
Choose a window seat for the wall to lean against. Bring a good neck pillow, eye mask and ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones. Avoid alcohol (dehydrates and reduces sleep quality despite feeling relaxing). Set your watch to destination time immediately and eat and sleep by it. Melatonin taken at your destination's bedtime helps significantly on eastward flights.
What are the liquid rules for hand luggage on flights?
In the UK and most countries, liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of 100ml or less, placed in a single transparent resealable bag of maximum 1 litre capacity. From October 2024, many UK airports have upgraded scanners allowing larger liquid volumes — check your specific departure airport. Medications, baby food and breast milk are exempt with documentation.
Should I wear compression socks on a long haul flight?
Yes — particularly for flights over 4 hours. Sitting still with bent knees reduces circulation in the legs, increasing DVT (deep vein thrombosis) risk. Compression socks counteract this. Combine with getting up to walk every 1–2 hours and doing seated leg exercises. If you have a history of blood clots, speak to your GP before flying.