Our Favorite Long Flight Lifesavers
Long-haul flights can be a test of endurance, but with the right tools and gadgets, you can turn a lengthy journey into a comfortable, enjoyable experience. After countless red-eye flights over the years, we’ve nailed down the go-to essentials we reach for on every long flight. Here are the essentials 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, but a Nintendo Switch can easily remedy it! We have and love the OLED model with the high-def screen, removable controllers, and adjustable stand, which lets us prop up the Switch for tabletop mode on the seat-back tray table so we can play Mario Kart together and add a little adrenaline and competition to a monotonous flight. Andrew’s a big fan of playing The Legend 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 for years; it's a compact yet effective solution for much-needed lower body support. The foot hammock gives us extra legroom to stretch out without our feet constantly on the ground, which improves circulation and reduces lower back strain.
Our favorite use, though? When we score an empty middle seat beside us and can lie down on our sides, the foot hammock saves the day by giving our feet a supported place to rest instead of dangling, or getting 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 support your immunity while relieving 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 can use our AirPods instead of the crappy complimentary headphones the airlines offer. This handy device connects our wireless headphones to wired headphone jacks, letting us enjoy movies, music, and more in peace without compromising audio quality or fussing with annoying wires.
Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck
Even with sleep support supplements, it can be tough to get comfortable enough to catch some zzz’s! We love this Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow, which makes things easier with its unique twistable design.
No matter where you’re seated on the plane, you can twist it any way you like 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 whenever possible! Long-haul flights mean long periods of sitting, which 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 swelling, 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, giving you a better chance of deeper rest.
Its soft material and adjustable strap add to the comfort. We also love that these have hidden earplugs in the band, 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 headphones, these are the only ones we reach for on airplanes.
These wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation, which blocks out the constant whooshing noises of the plane, crying babies, or chatty seatmates. And when you need to chat with the flight attendants during in-flight service, you can squeeze the earbud to turn off the noise cancellation without interrupting your show.
These pair easily with the AirFly Bluetooth transmitter!