Long haul flights can feel like a marathon—cramped seats, restless legs, and the never-ending countdown to landing. But with the right travel gadgets, those grueling hours can actually turn into something much more bearable, or dare we say, enjoyable.
Being prepared with the right tools can make all the difference, helping you stay comfortable, entertained, and sane until you reach your destination.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the best travel gadgets to pack for your next long flight, so you can sit back, relax, and let the hours fly by.
Pre-Flight Preparation
Here are some must-have travel gadgets and accessories that can make your flight much more enjoyable.
Portable Charger
A portable charger is a must-have for any traveler, especially on long haul flights. It ensures your devices stay powered, so you can keep watching movies, listening to music, or staying connected without worrying about a dead battery.
Airport and in-flight charging stations aren’t always reliable, so having your own charger gives you peace of mind.
The UGREEN 145w power bank for laptops is a solid choice—it’s compact, durable, and powerful enough to charge your devices multiple times during your trip.
As a bonus, you can also use this unit at home to power your cafe laptop sessions.
Reusable Water Bottle
Bringing a reusable water bottle is good for the planet and for staying hydrated during your flight.
It saves you money and cuts down on plastic waste since you won’t need to buy bottled water at the airport. Fill it up before boarding, and you’ll stay hydrated for the entire flight.
The Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is particularly handy because it rolls up into a small size when empty, making it super easy to pack.
Comfortable Clothing and Layers
Comfortable clothing is key for long haul flights. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothes and layer up so you can adjust to the cabin temperature, which can fluctuate throughout the flight.
Brands like Lululemon offer breathable, comfortable fabrics, while Uniqlo is great for versatile layering pieces that are both lightweight and warm. Dressing in layers lets you easily adapt to changing temperatures and stay comfortable from takeoff to landing.
Download Streaming Shows
Don’t rely solely on in-flight entertainment. Before you board, pre-download your favorite movies, TV shows, and books.
This way, you have a personalized stash of content to keep you entertained, even if the plane’s options are lacking or unavailable. It’s a great way to make the time fly by.
Luggage Scale
Nothing spells stress like having to dump your luggage in front of a hundred fellow passengers before check-in.
The Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale is a reliable and easy-to-use tool for weighing luggage before heading to the airport, helping you avoid unexpected fees and the hassle of repacking at the check-in counter.
Laptop
Laptops have become a staple for business travelers. They are one of the best travel accessories for those who need to stay productive while on the move.
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Don't forget to set up an eSIM card before you travel to avoid incurring huge roaming costs when using your devices overseas!
Top Gadgets for Health and Comfort
Long-haul flights can be rough, but these must-have items can help you relax and get some rest while you’re in the air.
Neck Pillow
A neck pillow is a must for supporting your head and neck during those long hours. Memory foam neck pillows are super comfy because they mold to your neck, providing just the right support.
If you’re tight on space, an inflatable travel pillow is a great alternative—they deflate easily and pack away small.
For a mix of comfort and convenience, you might want to try something like the Trtl neck pillow, which combines support with the packability of an inflatable option.
Sleep Mask
A good sleep mask can make all the difference when you’re trying to get some shut-eye on a plane. They block out light, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Look for a mask made from breathable materials like cotton or silk—these won’t overheat your face, keeping you comfortable as you rest. A well-fitting sleep mask can also help reduce headaches by keeping out harsh cabin lighting.
Check out the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask, which is made of soft, breathable material that effectively blocks out light on a long-haul flight.
Noise-Canceling Headphones and Earplugs
Airplanes are noisy—let noise-canceling headphones or earplugs help create a peaceful bubble around you.
The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones are some of the top-rated for their ability to block out engine noise and chatter, making your flight much more relaxing. Many travelers swear by these headphones for reducing stress and improving their flight experience.
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless headphones are a top recommendation for budget-conscious travelers. Priced under $100, these headphones offer impressive active noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and a long battery life of over 40 hours. They also come with a customizable sound profile through the Soundcore app.
If headphones aren’t your thing, a good pair of earplugs can also do the trick!
Travel Blanket
A cozy travel blanket can make you feel right at home, even at 30,000 feet. Compact and warm travel blankets like Away’s The Travel Blanket are designed to keep you at the perfect temperature—not too hot, not too cold. They’re also easy to pack, so you can bring one along without adding much bulk to your carry-on luggage.
Another excellent option is the EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow, which combines a plush blanket with a convenient pillowcase. Its compact design lets it easily attach to your luggage, ensuring you stay comfortable and warm throughout your travels.
For those seeking a high-performance option, the Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket offers incredible warmth with its proprietary insulation, all while packing down to the size of a water bottle.
Slippers or Clean Socks
Keeping your feet comfortable is key on a long flight, and slippers or a good pair of clean, warm socks can make a huge difference. Wool socks, in particular, are great for warmth and breathability and offer better support than regular socks.
The Neverquit Merino Wool Socks offer durability and ability to keep feet warm and dry, making them a travel favorite for many.
For added convenience, especially when you need to walk to the bathroom, consider bringing along some shoe or sock covers to keep everything hygienic.
The Sfee Disposable Shoe Covers are an excellent choice, providing a non-slip, water-resistant option that is easy to pack and use, ensuring that your feet stay clean and comfortable throughout the flight.
Compact Travel Organizers
Staying organized while traveling can make a world of difference in reducing stress and ensuring a smooth trip. Compact travel organizers are a fantastic solution for keeping your luggage neat and easy to manage.
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set is a top-tier choice for those who prioritize quality and speed. This set includes three ultra-lightweight cubes crafted from durable, water-repellent silnylon ripstop fabric.
The cubes feature a compression zipper, allowing you to increase your packing space by squeezing out excess air. The translucent fabric makes it easy to see what’s inside without having to unpack everything.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Shacke Pak Packing Cubes are an excellent choice.
This set includes four cubes of different sizes, ideal for organizing clothes, accessories, and other essentials. Made from durable nylon fabric, these cubes are built to last. The mesh panels offer breathability and visibility, so you can easily identify the contents of each cube without unpacking.
Compression Socks
Long-haul flights can be tough on your legs, but compression socks can make a big difference. They help improve circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by applying gentle pressure to your legs, keeping blood flowing smoothly.
The Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks are a top pick for their durability and comfort. Made from breathable fabric, they provide the support you need to keep your legs feeling fresh and energized throughout the flight.
Travel-sized Sanitizers and Wipes
For many, keeping hands and surroundings clean is a priority in the confined space of an airplane. Travel-sized sanitizers and wipes are easy to pack and use.
The Germ-X Hand Sanitizer is a quick-drying option that kills 99.99% of germs, while Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes are perfect for cleaning your tray table, armrests, and other surfaces you might touch during your flight.
Lip Balm and Hand Lotion
The dry cabin air can quickly sap moisture from your skin, so make sure to keep lip balm and hand lotion on hand.
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm is a go-to for long-lasting hydration with natural ingredients.
For your hands, L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream provides deep nourishment, helping to keep your skin soft and hydrated throughout the flight.
Best Gadgets for Entertainment
Long-haul flights can feel a lot shorter when you’re equipped with the right entertainment gadgets. Whether you’re a reader, gamer, or movie enthusiast, here are some top tools to keep you entertained and relaxed during your long-haul flight.
E-Readers and Tablets
If you love reading or watching content on the go, an e-reader or tablet is a must-have.
The Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for book lovers. It features a large 6.8-inch screen and an impressive battery life. It’s also waterproof and has adjustable warmth settings, so you can read comfortably in any lighting condition.
If you’re looking for something more versatile, the Apple iPad Air is a great choice. It offers a bigger screen and supports a wide range of apps, making it ideal for both reading and streaming your favorite movies or TV shows.
Portable Gaming Devices
For gamers, a portable gaming device like the Nintendo Switch Lite is a fantastic way to pass the time. It’s compact and lightweight, so it’s easy to slip into your hand luggage.
The Switch Lite gives you access to a huge library of Nintendo games, from popular titles like Animal Crossing to indie gems. You can expect to get around 5 hours of play before needing to recharge again.
In-Flight Entertainment Adapters
In-flight entertainment systems usually require wired headphones, which can be a hassle if you prefer using wireless earbuds or headphones.
Introducing.. the Twelve South AirFly Pro.
This Bluetooth transmitter lets you connect your wireless headphones to the airplane’s entertainment system, giving you a seamless audio experience. With up to 25 hours of battery life and easy pairing, you can enjoy movies and music without dealing with annoying wires — talk about a travel hack!
Tip: You don't actually have to buy the headphones from the airline that have two prong plugs. Your 3.5mm headphone jack will fit in and work.
The Keys to a Comfortable Flight
Imagine stepping onto your flight, feeling totally ready with all the right gadgets in your bag. As you settle into your seat, you know you’ve got everything you need to make this long-haul flight not just bearable but actually enjoyable.
So, before your next long-haul flight, make sure your favorite in-flight companions are packed and ready. Your trip is just beginning—take on the challenge with excitement and a well-prepared carry-on.
