Our Favorite Long Flight Lifesavers
Long-haul flights can be a test of endurance, but with the right tools and gadgets, you can turn your lengthy journey into a comfortable and enjoyable experience. After countless red-eye flights over the years, we’ve nailed down our go-to necessities that we reach for and use on every trip with a long flight. Here are our essential items that we know will improve your long-haul in-flight experience!
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Nintendo Switch - OLED Model
Boredom’s often a constant companion on long-haul flights which can be easily remedied with a Nintendo Switch! We have and love the OLED model with the high def screen, removable controllers, and adjustable stand which allows us to prop up the Switch for tabletop mode on the seat back tray table so we can play each other on Mario Kart to add a little adrenaline and competition to a monotonous flight. Andrew’s a big fan of playing Legends of Zelda, and Kait could play Disney Dreamlight Valley for hours! The Nintendo Switch is also great for passing the time on train rides throughout Italy or Germany while traveling from one city to the next.
Airplane Footrest
Traveling can be hard on your legs and lower back, especially during long flights. We’ve used this airplane footrest is a compact yet effective solution for much-needed lower body support for years. The foot hammock gives us extra leg room to stretch out without our feet being constantly on the ground, which improves circulation and reduces the lower back strain.
Our favorite use, though? When we score an empty middle seat beside us and we’re able to lie down on our sides, the foot hammock saves the day by giving our feet somewhere supported to rest instead of dangling or squished awkwardly or uncomfortably. “Installing” it for the flight couldn’t be simpler - remove it from the pouch, open the seat back tray table, drop the strap into it, close the tray table back, and voila! The foot hammock is ready to go.
Honey Elderberry Cough Drops
Airplane air is SO dry and full of you-don’t-know-what kind of germs. These soothing cough drops from Beekeeper's Naturals, infused with honey, elderberry, and vitamin D, offer a natural way to bolster your immunity while providing relief from the dry air, tickled throats, or annoying coughs. They're a perfect travel companion, and we bring them on every flight.
AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter
In-flight entertainment systems often require wired headphones, but with the Twelve South AirFly Pro wireless transmitters, we are able to use our AirPods instead of the crappy complimentary headphones the airlines offer. This handy device connects our wireless headphones to wired headphone jacks, allowing us to enjoy movies, music, and more in peace without compromising on audio quality or fussing with annoying wires.
Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck
Even with the sleep support supplements, it can be tough getting comfortable enough to catch some zzz’s! We love this Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow that can make things easier with its unique twistable design.
No matter where you’re seated on the plane, you can twist it any sort of way to make your flight and seat more comfortable. After the flight, it easily snaps onto our bag so we don’t have to carry it. The cover also comes off for easy washing after the trip!
Compression Socks
We want to avoid swollen feet and varicose veins as much as we can! Long-haul flights mean extended periods of sitting can easily lead to swollen feet and legs.
We always wear these compression socks for a simple yet effective solution. Designed to enhance circulation and reduce welling, these socks make a world of difference for us.
Traveling once without them, we could absolutely tell the difference in our poor, swollen ankles!
When cabin lights or sunlight from the window keep us awake, this sleep eye mask definitely helps. This eye mask effectively blocks out unwanted light, ensuring a better chance of a deeper rest.
Its soft material and adjustable strap add to the comfort. We also love that these have hidden ear plugs in the band of them which block out plenty of noise to get some good sleep!
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Though we have literally every iteration of Apple’s many variations of headphones, these are the only ones we reach for on airplanes.
These wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation which block out the constant whooshing noises of the plane, crying babies, or chatty seat mates. And when you need to chat with the flight attendants during in-flight service, you can squeeze the earbud to turn off the noise cancelation without interrupting your show.
These pair easily with the AirFly bluetooth transmitter!