Next week we’ll be taking another flight back to the United States from Hong Kong. As this is our fifth flight back and forth in the past two years, I like to think I’ve become somewhat of an expert on long distance flights. I’m talking 15-17 hour flights. It’s a whole new ball game. Prior to moving to Hong Kong the longest flight I had ever taken was to Spain, which is about seven hours from Philadelphia. More than doubling that would be my first experience coming to Hong Kong. I was completely overwhelmed with the idea of staying in the air for 16 hours straight. That’s two entire work days, back to back. AH!

From that first trip, to the one coming up next week, I’ve learned a few tricks of the trade along the way. Whether you’re flying straight through, or managing a few layovers, here are my tried and tested items (and tips) that will ensure you have a more pleasant long-distance flight – and will also help you feel more rested when you get to your destination.

Sleeping Mask

Falling asleep on a plane can sometimes be difficult, so having a few items to aide in your quest for slumber is necessary. And I cannot stress the importance of being able to sleep on these long flights, especially knowing that you’ll likely soon struggle through jet lag once you land.

I used to think sleeping masks were silly and didn’t work, but alas, that could not be further from the truth. I first used a sleeping mask on my second flight from the U.S. and it made a huge difference. Try to find one that blocks out light and applies slight pressure to your eyelids – I know some will say that is less hygienic, but it works for me. Obviously you don’t want to hurt yourself, but I’ve found that a snug fit helps to keep me from opening my eyes, which helps me relax.

Here are a few good ones to try for all budget types: Sleep Masks

Don’t believe the hype with these crazy expensive ones that claim to make you look younger by de-puffing your under eyes. That might be the case if you’re just using it to sleep normally every night in your bed, but remember you’re on a plane for 16 hours, you aren’t going to get off looking beautiful and refreshed, I don’t care what they say.

Sleeping pillow

This one is obvious. I use a normal gray travel pillow that I purchased at an airport a few years ago. But, I think it might be time to invest in a more heavy duty option.

Here are a few good ones for long-distance travel: Sleeping pillows

Chapstick

This one sounds weird, but it’s my number one recommendation. After a few flights, I could not figure out why/how my lips were getting so chapped during and after flights. Hello, long periods of high elevation! You guys, it’s dry up there at 30,000 feet, especially for 16 hours. Don’t forget to pack some sort of lip balm in your carry on, I usually find myself applying and reapplying throughout the flight.

Water

I know we all love a good pre-flight cocktail *raises hand* but remember that it’s incredibly easy to get dehydrated on a plane! I know this tip seems silly, but the dry (and often) chilly plane temperatures can dehydrate you quickly, leaving you feeling sick and even more lethargic when you reach your destination. If you’re awake, drink the water, and don’t hesitate to keep asking for more. One trick I do is pack my medium-sized Swell in my carry on (empty). Once we’re close to landing, I’ll fill it up with water on the plane, that way I don’t have to worry about stopping for a drink once we land.

Comfortable clothing & shoes

Ladies, this one is for you, mostly. Please, please, please do not try to dress cute for your long-distance flight, you WILL regret it. And you look silly. I don’t care if those are your “coziest jeans” ever, denim is the enemy when you're sitting for 16 hours. Easy, breathable layers are best. No matter the climate, I always pack a cardigan or some sort of jacket to keep me warm, it also serves as another blanket/pillow. Also, your feet (and fingers) swell when you’re that high up for so long, so go with a slip-on shoe and take those bad boys off, mid-flight! I know it seems gross, but everyone does it. Literally walk around in your socks (I clearly have no shame). Your feet will thank you when you land.

If you want option B, pack a pair of pajamas or more comfortable clothes to change into mid-flight. I’ve seen this on every single long-distance flight. A lot of business travelers do it, and then change back into their business clothes closer to landing so they can hit the ground running. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll sleep. And sleep is key. Lastly, if you're a contact wearer, like myself, DO NOT wear them on the plane, and instead go with glasses. It's too long and too dry to keep them in.

Also, leave your jewelry at home or pack it in your luggage. The only acceptable travel accessory/jewelry are crystals. Don’t judge me.

Fuzzy Socks

This and the Chapstick are probably my most important items. Like I mentioned above, a lot of people take their shoes off during these long flights. Having a nice, thick pair of socks to sleep in make me so happy (is that weird?). I always have a pair packed in my carry on, and will typically wear a slip-on sandal or tennis shoe to the airport and through security, but once the plane has leveled off, it’s time to break out my obnoxious cozy socks.

Noise-canceling headphones

I know, a bit of an investment piece, but it does make a WORLD of difference if you travel long-distance often. I know I keep going back to sleep, but having all external sound blocked will allow you to sleep better, and stay asleep. Sometimes I wear mine with nothing playing, just to keep things quiet.

Here are some other noise-cancelling headphones for travel: Headphones

Snacks

If you’re traveling for up to (or more than) 16 hours, the airline will serve breakfast and dinner, plus a few snacks in between. A lot of airlines plan their meals around the destination that you’re traveling to in order to help get you on that time zone. So, you might find that you get breakfast when your normal dinner time would be, and vice versa. Coupling that with the weird sleeping schedule, or the fact that you might not want curry and noodles first thing in the morning (hello Asia travel), you may want to pack a few snacks.

Eating meals on planes has always been such a weird experience for me. On most of my trips I’ve ended up sleeping through dinner all together. Some airlines will ask you in advance if you’d like to be woken up for meals and usually my response is DO NOT wake me up. Because when you’re a nervous traveler like myself, there’s nothing more terrifying than being shaken from your medically-assisted slumber only to be asked if you want the veggie or meat option.

But anyway, having snacks allows you to eat on your own time, so grab a bar or two just for good measure.

Toiletries

A few items I like to have on me for long distance flights that are easy and can be thrown in a small cosmetics bag:

Purell, or small hand sanitizer: Ya’ll airports and planes are gross and full of germs. You need this.

Speaking of germs, I always like to take an Airborne before I fly to give my immune system a little boost. My sinuses are always so swollen on these long flights too. So, I like to think the Airborne helps to reduce the swelling (although I am not a doctor, so don’t take my word for it).

Toothbrush & toothpaste: Anything to help you feel more refreshed when you land will go a long way.

Small perfume and deodorant: Again, be refreshed. Don’t be stank.

For the ladies: hair ties and bobby pins. There’s really no easy way to make your hair look cute once you’ve landed (especially after sleeping on it for hours), so throwing your hair up in an easy bun prior to landing is my go-to solution. Depending on what I’m doing once I land, I usually fly with a baseball cap so I don’t have to worry about my hair at all.

Small moisturizer or lotion: Just before you land, splash your face with cold water and apply a small amount of moisturizer to your face. It’ll help to wake you up and look more like a human. Plus, the moisturizer will help ward off any dryness from being on the plane.

Chapstick or lip balm: Mentioning this again because it’s super important

What are some of your favorite long flight must-haves?

The top 10 things you need for a cross-continent flight