Here are the 6 things I always bring with me when flying on an airplane:
1. Earplugs
I slip these into my ears and though it doesn’t block out the noise completely (you still need to hear things) it does create a more placid existence while in the hurly burly world of an airport terminal.
2. My own tea
I like a good strong cup of tea in the morning and I don’t trust my ability to form complete sentences to just any tea they give out.
3. Hydrating spray
A must for any flight over three hours. A light mist of rose water spray does wonders in rehydrating your dry, tired airplane face. And that does wonders for your bad airplane mood as well.
4. Eye mask
I always catch up on sleep on planes. An eye mask makes that possible. Don’t get one too tight or you’ll wake up with those embarrassing lines across your nose and under your eyes.
5. Melatonin
I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my “Tony.” Melatonin is really for long-haul flights only, but what I love about it is that it occurs naturally in your body so you’re not taking a drug per se and it doesn’t completely knock you out like a sleeping pill. It just relaxes you, like you had a nice hot bath.
6. Fuzzy socks
As soon as I get on the plane my shoes and socks come off (discretely as I really hate to subject my seat mate to my tired feet) and then on goes the fuzzy wuzzies! your feet really do swell on a flight and it’s good to give them some breathing room. Note: when using restroom never walk in with just your socks because that bathroom floor is pretty gross. Some men have a tough time with their aim if you know what I mean.
What are your favorite things to take on a plane when you travel?
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My folding footrest.
Where can you get the footrest?
Folding foot rest is from Magellan’s travel catalog. My wife has had the same one for over 20 years and carries it everywhere – movies, airplanes, car passenger, church, etc.
Ear plugs are a must. For me, also reading material and my iPod. I have to be able to distract myself even on short flights or it just takes FOREVER!
I carry a toothbrush when flying … Flights to Europe/Asia are so long…. Brushing is so refreshing.
I’ve also carried magazine articles that I didn’t have time to read at home… just tear them out, take them along and toss them when finished!
Congrats Samantha on your website!
After going through security, I buy a bottle of water at a convenience stand before I get on the plane. And I always ask for water for beverage service. Airplane air is so dry, I get headaches if I don’t have enough water.
Love the website, Sam! It’s fun but oh, so helpful to travelers. Great job, as always…
My own little travel blanket. Crossword puzzles. Bottle of water (bought after security, of course.)
Where can one get hydrating spray?
I buy those small travel sprayers at Target, or where ever, put a few of drops of Rosewater, Lavender or Rosemary essence, and it’s great.
My top six things on a flight: iPhone for music, Sudoku puzzles to do, Vicks Inhaler for them stuffy noses on flights, novels to read, face powder (cause after long hours of nothing my face tends to get oily again,, gross) and minty chewing gum.
I always travel with a Palmer’s Cocoa Butter stick. I can use it as a moisturizer as my skin dries out and can also use it as a lip balm, and because it’s not a liquid I never have to worry about loosing it at security.
eye mask is a must for me,,, and of course not to forget my chewing gum!
I always have a good book to read during a flight. And kleenexes in my purse. I find blowing my nose works better to clear out my ears during landing than chewing a piece of gum.
I carry a pashmina, sarong or large muslin scarf (depending on type of travel and season.) It gets used on the plane as a light blanket or wrap, a draped head scarf upon arrival and as a cover when visiting mosques, churches and other delicate situations. Note: I pack everything in my carry on by category in “zip lock” type bags. At a glance I can find my wallet and credit cards, or iPod and charger, or snacks: the bonus is the plastic bags have many uses during my travels.
Love the hydrating spray idea…it will be with me next time.
I’m going to use some of Jane’s tips from her comment above, too. Thanks!
I bring my Brita water bottle. It has a filter inside, which means I can empty it out, take it with me through security, refill it from a water fountain, and have filtered water with me during the entire trip without buying bottles. I also bring Advil, chapstick, and a travel blanket and pillow. The blankets and pillows on the planes are not the cleanest things out there.
1. Soft & cozy ruana/cape to use as cover on plane and when travelling as a light outerwear.
2. circle word book
3. ipad (downloaded with tons of magazines, books, games, movies, and mostly music)
4. small tin of vaseline-use it on my cuticles, lips, dry skin and fits in my ziplock
5.first aid kit ziplock w/bandaids, advil, sinus med, anti-diarrhea med, antacid, and blister block stick, moleskin (i ALWAYS get blisters on the backs of my heels, so I like to be prepared)
6. my BOSE noise cancelling headphones & extra batteries. they are the best to block out surrounding noise, babies crying, annoying chatterbox seat mates.
You can pry my Xanax from my cold, dead hands. Admittedly, it’s terrible for short hops when I am still barely lucid and my husband has to carry me off the plane BUT it’s a lifesaver (for fellow passengers as well, trust me) on longer cross-country flights or international flights.
I love sticking some cozy, warm socks in my purse to wear on the flight too! It makes you instantly feel more at home on an airplane.
I also can’t fly without my ipod touch, loaded with music and games, a good book, and some chewing gum for irritated ears. (:
That face spray you mentioned sounds amazing. Where can you get that stuff?!
I travel a lot and would not be comfortable without…
1) Cashmere wrap…comfy for chilly flights…rolls up small
2) soft warm socks
3) iPad downloaded full of magazines…music…movies
4) lotion and chap stick
5) my own healthy snacks
6) and most importantly my neck pillow…
Where do you find a folding footrest? There are a few air carriers in Europe who have fold down foot rests and it really makes a squishy coach seat more comfortable~!
I’ve only flown once (MI to NYC) and the number one thing I needed was my Marshmallow Peep beanie bunny… he is soft and I held him when I was nervous. I also needed my iPod for music, a good book, and lots and lots of chewing gum. With this first flight under my belt, I am sure I will think of other things to bring with me on longer flights
Honestly, we are so very happy for you,..On all our vacations we wonder where Samantha is. Seems like my husband and I have been to the same places it’s our joke.. For names for your daughter. Sydney or Siobhan your son Sean or Michael congrats again
Your goofy, approachable style make you such a beloved travel host and I’m so happy to have found your website. Extremely happy for you and your husband.
I travel to Australia at least twice a year (just returned this week) and take all the things you list, in addition to:
1. No Jet Lag instead of Melatonin, a homeopathic tablet that regulates circadian rhythms. It really does help overcome jet lag. I lilke the idea of Melatonin to be able to sleep.
2. I am occasionally upgraded to Business for free, but I don’t take that for granted and always pack pjs or comfy pants and top, so that I can change before landing and arrive in fresh looking clothes.
3. Deodorant, along with facial products and makeup in its own pouch.
4. A “memory foam” neck pillow. I think it conforms to and supports your neck much better than inflated or husk filled ones.
5. Just an emphasis on eye mask and ear plugs – they can make all the difference when people around you have their reading lights on or you are near the bathroom and have other passengers coming and going around you.
I always drink plenty of water and get up frequently to stretch and avoid any chance of DVT. Love the suggestions above from others too!
my sockie-sockies after the take off my feet get super cold and is NOT pleasant at all so I have to keep them warm, ear bugs to listen any kind of music, magazines and a window seat so I can sleep
Great tips, thanks for sharing! My favorite new thing to do is put my fuzzy wuzzies on when I take my shoes off at security. I put them over my regular socks or bare feet. Just wish I would have thought of this years (and many shoeless gross airport floors) ago!
I take these “must haves” ( especially for a long trip):
1) iPad/ iPhone ….loaded with reading material, games, names and addresses ( phone book if needed for post cards sending, emergencies etching), and note pad ( app) . I make notes on things I want to see and do, phone numbers needed for tours or contact info, copy of reservation confirmation info etc. there).
2) squeeze tune of Blistek. Great for dried out lips and nasal passages, and the smell is refreshing and soothing to me, also a lip gloss.
3) Total Pillow. A round, bendable pillow great as a neck pillow, to sit on, as an arm rest, or for support of lower back ; and, when folded, on lap, makes perfect height and support for iPad.
4). Journal – I like to document by summary, each day’s happenings. Great to refer back to when doing albums later. ( this could be done on note pad app).
5). Once past security- a large bottle of water, two if I have room.
6) Nuts, protein or granola bar, cheese sticks, grapes…my “go to ” nutritional , easy travel foods.
7). Pashmina- works as a light blanket, on plane, wrap while visiting sites, or to cover one’s head at Cathedrals .
8) ALL meds. Never want to chance them not making it to my destination .
9) Simple change of clothes- usually meaning, a top, and underwear.
10) Camera