Long international flights

[mom2brina]

We will be taking a long flight soon & I want to make it as comfortable as possible without spending a fortune on things we may not use again. There are a few things I think I need but would like your input & experience on what is worth spending a few more bucks on and what isn't. Any specific recommendations and best place to buy would be great!

Travel Pillow
Blanket
Eye Mask
Ear plugs


With the blanket and pillow I am concerned with the bulk they will take up in my carry on, but know that they are necessary!

 

[RachaelA]

They sell blow up neck pillows. I always bring a real pillow though.

Most airlines provide blankets to be used. Check your airline and then that's one less thing you need to bring.

Is it an overnight flight? If so, I had no problem sleeping without an eye mask and earplugs. If you want to sleep during a daytime flight I'd make sure you have both.

Target sells travel packs that include a blanket, blow up neck pillow, and eye mask. I think they are like $15.

 

[rockin_rep]

You'll likely get some good replies here, but you might also check the forums at fodors.com, especially their airline forum.

Fodors is all things travel, like the dis is all things disney(well, and much more ) But you won't believe how many specifics you'll learn just by reading (also like here) and people are very helpful in answering specific questions, too. Again, just like here but with soo many more travel related subjects, just about anything you can think of.

HTH

 

[clarabelle]

I had a longish flight a couple of months ago. The most important thing to me was my I-POD!! Loaded up with TV shows, recorded books , music ect....

If you are flying coach -there won't be room for much of a pillow. We were crammed in there like sardines.

 

[beachbunny]

I buy my stuff at travelsmith or ebags. For me, travelling to WDW is a 10 hour flight with one layover. I also fly international at least once or twice a year on vacation. Combined with business travel, I usually reach gold or platinum elite level every year. Here's what I bring:
My own blanket - you don't know if they've washed the blanket between flights - and I've seen people blow their nose into them - the only way you know if if it's in a sealed plastic bag.
Blow-up lumbar support. The chairs are made for tall people and I'm petite so the curve falls in the wrong place.
My own folding footrest if I'm flying coach. Again, I'm petite and this is the best money I've ever spent.
Ipod. It's better than earphones which really don't work.
Snacks. Even if your airline still provides more than a bag of nuts, the quality of food is not great even in international first class. So I usually bring a bag or M&M's and a box of Pringle's.
I don't bring my own eye mask any more because they'll turn off the lights for red eyes and you won't be able to get any sleep during a day flight (too many people talking way too loud). Again, ear plugs aren't that helpful on planes - it doesn't cover engine noise well.

 

[MagiKitty]

I am actually packing for a long international flight that I'll be taking on Thursday. I pack a travel pillow, a real stuffed one. It gets burdensome when carrying it, but I find its worth it.

Snacks. Too often on overnight flights, I find myself snacky and need a little something.

MP3 player is absolutely essential. Not so much for the flight, on my planes there are always plenty of movies to watch. Its more for layovers and waiting to board planes.

I pack little fold up slippers that I change into once I get into my seat, the kind with the little rubber bottoms. I have to take my shoes off, they tend to swell on long flights. Those slippers are comfy.

I don't bring my own blanket, but I do wear a long sweater that I can take off and drape over me if I need it.

I also pack little wipes. There's nothing like a little refreshment to make you feel human again! I also wipe down the tray.

 

[PHXscuba]

DH hated the blow-up neck pillows until I found one that had a soft cover. He likes that better.

I wear earplugs to sleep (light sleeper) and I swear by the little foam ones in the pharmacy area of Wal-mart. The women's ones are bright pink and called "Sleep Pretty in Pink." They make a men's version in blue that are slightly larger. A PP is right -- earplugs doen't drown out the loud-frequency hum of engines, but I like them to soften the intermittent noise around me.

I don't use a blanket, but a comfy sweater/sweatshirt is a must for me for keeping warm on a plane. I always freeze.

PHXscuba

 

[Cherbear013]

I would definitely bring a comb, toothbrush and maybe some face wipes. I was on a 15 hour flight and felt absolutely gross at the end. I had to get off and do a sight-seeing tour right away so those items made me feel so much better!

 

[beachbunny]

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that the OCD part of me brings: antibacterial wipes to wipe down the handrest, tray table, and remote control, and antibactertial hand sanitizer (in the handy 3 oz. size) just because washing your hands in the little washroom never gets them clean.

One last thing: For day flights on which I don't anticipate sleeping much, I always bring a book.

Everything I listed fits in a backpack that I put tuck under the seat in front of me for easy access. One of my pet peeves is people who access the overhead bins several times during the flight - things really do shift during takeoff and I've had stuff fall on me.

 

[clarabelle]

Lip Balm!
Lips are always dry on the plane

 

[DawnM]

I would not mess with a pillow or a blanket. I have flown overseas a lot and typically just bring a jacket and get a pillow and blanket on the flight.

I am a minimalist for travel, esp. international travel. If I take my laptop I might download some shows or take a DVD or two.

Dawn

 

[bmr12]

I'd recommend a set of earplugs and an eyemask if you want to get any sleep in the back of the plane. A small travel pillow or blanket might be useful as well, but take up a lot more room. For overnight flights, decide if you want/need something to help you sleep (ambien, alcohol, benadryl, etc.). Daytime flights need entertainment (audio, video, magazines, books, etc.). Flyertalk dot com is the reference standard (like disboards for Disney) for flying. Have a good trip!

 

[librarygal]

We use memory foam seat cushions on long flights and it makes a big difference. They do take up alot of room in a carryon. Another essential is noise canceling headphones. You don't have to spend $300 on Bose. We got ours on Amazon for about $25. If you are next to a crying baby these are a godsend.

 

[crisi]

I found the pillow to be a waste of space. The airline provided their stupid little pillow and a blanket - and although their pillow wasn't much, it was more comfortable for me than a travel pillow. I didn't use a mask or ear plugs. I did bring and use my iPod.

I'd ask around, this is the sort of stuff that is often sitting at the bottom of your bestfriend's closet or in your mother in laws basement. Then I'd try out the pillow in a chair and see if it worked for you.

 

[DawnM]

I agree! Although on our last international flight we weren't allowed to have any actual toothpaste with us! ARGH!

Dawn

I would definitely bring a comb, toothbrush and maybe some face wipes. I was on a 15 hour flight and felt absolutely gross at the end. I had to get off and do a sight-seeing tour right away so those items made me feel so much better!

 

[janey99]

What - no one has suggested half an Ambien and a glass of wine?

You don't need anything else!

Jane

 

[horseshowmom]

It probably varies by airline, but I know that Delta provides the pillow/blanket/eye mask all in a sack (complimentary).

The most important thing I can tell you is to make sure you have an aisle seat (if it's not too late to select it). Even if you have to pay extra for it, it's worth it.

 

[DawnM]

Well, since my last several flights have been with little ones there is just no way I can do this.

Try a 17 hour flight with a 3 year old. Now that was fun. DH wasn't with me either!

Dawn

What - no one has suggested half an Ambien and a glass of wine?

You don't need anything else!

Jane

 

[mlaw]

Last x-mas, I flew with my husband and two children to New Zealand. I bought us each a Cabin Cuddler blanket. It comes with its own bag with a handle so you can just slip it over the handle of your carry-on if you have the rolling kind (we each did). The blankets are very soft and have a pocket for your feet (my feet get cold if I take my shoes off). These were a great investment and everyone was glad we brought our own rather than using the airline blankets.

 

[ecatzippy]

I would bring Earplanes from the drugstore to help with the pressure changes. I bring a travel blanket or a big sweater because I'm very allergic to the detergent in the blankets. I would also bring my own bottled water.