I'm a Frequent Flier, and These 15 Things Helped Me Survive an 18-hour, Nonstop Flight in Economy — From $6

Even the most frequent fliers, like myself, will tell you that flying is hard on the body. Between the altitude change, long periods of sitting in confined seats, and recycled plane air, a long-haul flight can leave your body feeling depleted of energy, sore, and dehydrated. Plus, flying for long periods of time also takes its toll on the mind. Even though I've been a travel writer for nearly 10 years (I fly so often that I have all of my major airport codes memorized), I still get anxiety — particularly when I know that I'll be stuck on a plane long enough to watch "The Godfather" trilogy. 

Fortunately, these types of flights have become more manageable thanks to my trusty long-haul flight packing list. Recently, I flew on Qantas' new 16-hour nonstop flight from New York City to Auckland, and despite having business class tastes, I was on a coach budget. But, because I was intentional about what I packed in my carry-on, I was pretty comfortable from takeoff to touchdown. Armed with my arsenal of travel essentials, and my foolproof routine for using them, I almost looked forward to my return flight — the key word there is almost. So, whether your next long-haul flight is to New Zealand or Newfoundland, consider investing in these 15 travel writer-vetted items for a more comfortable experience in economy.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow

Amazon

I upgraded my flimsy, unsupportive travel pillow to this dual-density memory foam game-changer years ago. Now, it has more than 4,800 five-star ratings and is so popular that 2,000 of them were sold last month, according to Amazon. I love that it comes with seat straps, so I can attach it to any headrest and don't have to worry about it sliding to one side. The removable, washable cover is also handy, and there's even a pocket where I can stash my earplugs (which I'll go into more detail about later). And like all of the best travel pillows, the Cabeau Evolution S3 comes with a carrying case and compresses down to be about half its size for easy packing. 

Vouching for its comfort, one shopper wrote, "I just traveled to Israel and England this past month using this pillow and it allowed me to sleep an average of six hours on the four long-haul flights, which is the best I've ever been able to do in all my years of flying." 

Anker USB-C Portable Charger 

Amazon

Not having a full charge on my devices stresses me out, and I hate relying on in-seat power stations on flights as, half of the time, they don't work (or the cabin crew won't let you have your stuff plugged in during takeoff and landing). That's why I always travel with Anker's best-selling power bank with nearly 5,500 five-star ratings. While the bank itself takes hours to fully charge, it can boost my iPhone 14 to 50 percent in about 45 minutes. And I only need to charge the power bank once every five days despite using it every day to charge my phone, smartwatch, GoPro 12, and Apple AirPods. It's also compatible with Samsung devices and includes a USB-C port in addition to the USB-A port. A carrying case and cables are included. 

"It worked great," according to a reviewer, who relied on it for a 14-hour flight. Another traveler chimed in to add that it's "perfect when you are on planes or in airports for 20 hours." 

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Facial Cleansing Towelette Singles

Amazon

If you can't shower on a plane, washing your face is the next best thing. Of course, the water from the taps in the lavatory doesn't have a great reputation. For that reason, I travel with these tiny, pre-moistened cleansing towelette singles from Neutrogena. Despite being so gentle on the skin (i.e. no harsh astringents here), they remove makeup and even my mineral sunscreen, which can be hard to get off even with a full skincare routine and proper bathroom counter space). But don't just take it from me. They have nearly 60,000 five-star ratings and more than 90,000 units were bought in the last month, making them no. 1 on Amazon's list of makeup cleansing wipes best-sellers. 

Is it cheaper to buy wipes in bulk? Yes. But as you can see from the following review, sometimes, singles are the best way to go: "They don't dry out when they are individually wrapped and you can take as many as you need for the trip." 

Crest Scope Mini Brushes-Disposable Toothbrushes With Toothpaste and Pick

Amazon

It's amazing how having a clean mouth can make you feel like a new person. But it can be hard to brush your teeth while you're traveling. What's great about these disposable toothbrushes is the fact that you don't even need water, or toothpaste. The bristles feature liquid-like "beads" of Crest Scope. And despite being so compact, these toothbrushes also have built-in picks on the ends, which means that I'm not panicking if I run out of floss mid-flight. 

Amazon notes that more than 4,000 of them were sold in the last month, and many of the 3,100-plus five-star ratings come from grateful travelers who spend a lot of time in the air. As a matter of fact, one shopper called them their "go-tos on long flights." 

Flex Flap Cell Phone Holder and Flexible Tablet Stand

Amazon

While most long-haul flights have seatback screens, sometimes they don't work or have the most recent season of "Yellowstone." That's why I like to download my favorite movies and shows on my phone. I'm starting to see more travelers do the same, and on my last flight, I noticed one with this handy phone holder/tablet stand. Designed by a flight attendant, the Flex Flap is a lightweight and compact way to prop up, display, and view your smartphone. When you need to mount your device, simply fold or hang the flap and adjust it until you get your desired height and angle. More than 4,000 of them were bought last month, and it has nearly 4,000 five-star ratings. 

According to one traveler, "It can hold your phone or tablet horizontally or vertically… The stand is also very sturdy, so you don't have to worry about your device falling over."

Loop Quiet Ear Plugs for Noise Reduction 

Amazon

Most airlines give you disposable earplugs for overnight flights. The catch? They're not the best quality (i.e. don't expect them to drown out the wails of the crying baby two rows behind you). Instead, invest in these noise-reduction silicone earplugs. They come in six colors and include a carrying case, as well as customizable tips so you can fit them to your ears. Before balking at the $30 price tag, just know this: they're reusable, and with more than 50,000 five-star ratings, they're ranked no 1. on Amazon's list of earplug best-sellers. 

One traveler, who wrote that they've always struggled to find earplugs that "strike the right balance between comfort and effectiveness," called them a "game-changer." 

SB Sox Compression Socks

Amazon

Last year, when I flew 40 hours to the Maldives, I arrived in paradise with ankles and shins so swollen that I spent the first day scrolling on WebMD when I should have been snorkeling. Fortunately, it all could have been avoided had I worn compression socks. This particular pair not only increases your blood circulation, which prevents swelling and pain, but it also has cushioned heel and toe support to "provide unmatched comfort," per the brand. 

Taking to the review section, a frequent flier raved that these socks came recommended by their nurse friend: "Thankfully, this [pair] worked so perfectly on my recent trip to Australia and New Zealand. For my long-haul flights, my feet did not swell at all. I will never buy any other brand from now on." 

Grace & Stella Under-eye Masks

Amazon

These under-eye masks are described as "an energy drink for your eyes" by the brand. Meanwhile, one satisfied shopper, who wears them while "jet-setting around the globe," called them "magic in a packet" as they get their tired under-eyes "refreshed and rejuvenated like I've had eight hours of sleep in just 20 minutes." After reading that testimony, I wasted no time adding a pack to my carry-on for this long-haul flight. 

They're easy to slip on right before you land and really wake up your under-eyes with their brightening, de-puffing, and hydrating blend of moisturizing hyaluronic acid, fine line-smoothing glycerin, and wrinkle-reducing sea moss, and strengthening amino acids. 

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Receiver 

Amazon

I don't understand how we can send people to the moon, but airlines are still having us use headphones with cords. Hopefully, they hop aboard the wireless train soon, but until then, I'll be using this Bluetooth transmitter to connect my AirPods to the in-seat entertainment console. I love not having to worry about getting tangled up in a cord or having it come unplugged when my seatmate gets up to use the loo. Not an Apple aficionado? No worries. This transmitter, which can last 20 hours between charges, works with most wireless headphones and earbuds. 

"The Bluetooth connectivity to my AirPods didn't skip a beat," one traveler was happy to report, noting that they tested it on back-to-back long flights and determined that this product is "worth every penny." 

Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock 

Amazon

Admittedly, when airplane foot hammocks first came out, I thought that they were dorky. But these days? I'm a believer. Elevating my feet on a long flight not only makes me feel more comfortable, but it also helps minimize swelling. What's great about this particular foot hammock is its versatility. It offers three different positions, and thanks to its extra-long adjustable strap, it even works for the tallest of NBA players, according to the brand (granted, they should probably be flying business class). 

"I use this every time I go on long flights (like 20-hour long flights) and trust me, this makes economy so much more comfortable," gushed a reviewer, who appreciated that it's simple to set up and comes with a travel case.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Amazon

Because airplane cabins circulate air pulled from the outside, where there's very little moisture at cruising altitudes, it's very important to stay hydrated. Otherwise, you can suffer from undesired symptoms like headaches, dry skin, scratchy throat, etc. Instead of waiting for the flight attendants to come around once every few hours with their drink cart, I pack a water bottle. I'm loyal to my Yeti Rambler ($40), but if that's too pricey, consider this BPA-free top-seller from Owala with more than 33,000 five-star ratings. It's also made with stainless steel and features double-wall insulation, so it keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. 

"I can always count on this bottle to keep my water refreshingly chilled," one well-hydrated shopper said in their Amazon review. "I also appreciate the thoughtful design features of this bottle, such as the leak-proof lid and convenient carry handle." 

Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream

Amazon

Speaking of dry skin, to keep my hands from cracking on long-haul flights (where I use a ton of hand sanitizer), I lather on this best-selling, dermatologist-recommended cream. Its fast-acting formula alleviates dryness quickly, and unlike other hand creams, it's non-greasy, so I don't have to worry about accidentally getting it on my clothes. What's more, its 3-ounce tube makes it TSA-approved for my carry-on. Though it's an M.V.P. for long-haul flights, the Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream is great to have handy on every point of my trip; from the hotel to the beach, and beyond. 

"It lasts a long time, it doesn't smell, and it keeps my hands soft," summed up one traveler, who declared it their "favorite lotion." 

Amazon Kindle

Amazon

In-flight magazines may be things of the past (I was a huge fan of Skymall, although I always browsed, never bought), but these days, e-readers are where it's at when it comes to reading on long-haul flights. This 5.6-ounce Amazon Kindle is great for travel because it's ultralightweight. And despite being incredibly compact (it's just slightly larger than my iPhone 14), with its 16 gigabytes of storage, it can hold thousands of books. Plus, it can go up to six weeks in between charges. The high resolution screen is crisp and clear, and the adjustable front light and dark mode means that you won't have to turn on your overhead seat light and wake up your neighbor. 

"It's small enough to take anywhere," a shopper said. "It's fantastic for long flights and days lounging about." 

Benefiber On The Go Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Powder Set 

Amazon

I have Crohn's disease, so I have a very iffy digestive system. That said, even if your gut is healthy, long-haul flights — and traveling in general — can do a serious number on it. For that reason, I recommend stocking up on these single-serving prebiotic supplements, which were recommended to me by my gastroenterologist. Unlike most plane fare and junk food that I let myself indulge in while flying, these small packets (which I mix with any non-alcoholic beverage) are packed with fiber. Not only does this fiber increase your chances of having healthy bowel movements (and eliminating uncomfortable mid-flight bloating), it also encourages the growth of good gut bacteria. 

"These are very convenient to maintain a fiber regiment while traveling," wrote one Amazon shopper, who has already reordered them several times. 

Lky Digital Sleep Mask for Side Sleepers 3-pack 

Amazon

According to the Sleep Foundation, "Light is the most important external factor affecting sleep." Scientists agree that we get more sleep, and better quality sleep, in dark environments. While most airlines give you eye masks on long-haul flights, they leave a lot to be desired with their low-quality designs. Fortunately, this mask — which has more than 44,000 five-star ratings — blocks 100 percent of light and promises total darkness. Plus, it has an adjustable headband, so you don't need to worry about it sliding to one side (a feature that side sleepers will appreciate). And thanks to the 3D-contoured fit, it doesn't rest flat against your eyes and won't ruin your mascara. 

"These are great; they're light-blocking, lightweight, and super soft," according to a traveler, who found that, unlike most masks that put pressure on the face, this one doesn't leave their eyes feeling heavy and puffy when they wake up. 

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