The 25 best long flight essentials of 2022

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As you’re scanning Google Flights and every website known to man for the best travel deals — whether for a 2023 spring break vacation or upcoming holiday travels — it’s important to feel comfortable as you’re miles high.
And, that includes readying yourself with the best travel products apt for long flights.
Oh, and if you’re thinking to yourself: well, I don’t like to pack a lot on my trips — that’s a-OK. Many of these products — from indulgent hand creams to pocket-sized items that’ll entertain you for hours — won’t take up much of your packing space.
In fact, some of these products are designed to keep all your take-with-you’s organized, be it packing cubes or checked luggage itself.
Ahead, find our long-flight travel edit for all the dreamy essentials that have our head in the clouds. Order these while printing out your flight confirmation and voilà — you’ll be prepared as can be.
1. CALPAK Hue Large Luggage, $248, original price: $275
CALPAK
No doubt about it: when you’re traveling, you want a durable luggage to take you to and fro. We personally love and recommend the CALPAK Hue Large Luggage. Any luggage with a hard-back design is durable enough to carry all of your essentials, too.
What’s more, this luggage features easy-to-glide wheels, a TSA lock and unique color options (in addition to its classic colorway selection) to make it simple to locate your luggage at the terminal.
Sephora
The 54 Thrones African Beauty Butter is one of the best body butters we tested, namely for its hydrating and luscious formulation. It’s a hand-to-body treatment butter for try skin, too, so rest assured this bad boy will keep you well-nourished on an hours-long flight.
Amazon
Universal to any kind of smartphone, the Google Pixel Buds Pro Noise-Cancelling Earbuds are one of the most well-designed models on the market and will keep you entertained for hours on end. Specifically, they’re Bluetooth-compatible, boast a Silent Seal to adapt to your ear and help block outside sounds and, impressively, feature up to 31 hours of listening time, thanks to its charging case.
Amazon
With more than 90,000 rave reviews on Amazon, the Apple AirTag is surely an Amazon best-seller. Notably, you can toss one inside of your luggage and, if you can’t locate it at the terminal, your smartphone or other device can help locate it in a snap.
Tuft & Needle
Though a splurge (as far as airplane pillows go), the Tuft & Needle Anywhere Travel Pillow is a luxury flight essential worth making. It’s designed with the brand’s cushy Adaptive foam and includes a breathable, lightweight and machine-washable cover. It’s simple to pack, too.
Everlane
We’ve never met a more chic, sturdy and match-all toilette tree bag. Everlane’s The Renew Transit Catch-All Case features five interior drop-in pockets, one exterior zip pocket and is made from 100% recycled polyester. For just $35, it makes an affordable gift for the traveler you know, too.
lululemon
Move over belt bag, the Modular Phone Crossbody Bag is new from lululemon — and something we can’t stop glossing over. Namely, it keeps your phone at bay while you’re walking through travel and TSA lines and, impressively, is made from water-resistant fabric.
Papier
While you’re miles high in the sky, turn to the Papier Joy Travel Journal to jot down your trip excitement or general thoughts. Not only is it personalized but it’s one of the best items to keep you occupied for hours on end.
9. Abercrombie Essential Popover Hoodie, $68, original price: $80
Abercrombie
Though designed for men, the Abercrombie Essential Popover Hoodie comes in a variety of colors and prints. Most of all, we love its cozy and comfy fit, along with this scenic nature-filled design that’s great for your winter getaway.
10. Audible Membership, $6 a month for four months
Audible
If you want to read on your flight but don’t want to lug around a hardcover book, consider signing up for Audible. Listen to best-sellers and top books on your to-be-read list with this platform, which is now just $6 a month for four months.
Ulta Beauty
If you’re embarking on an overnight flight, the Patchology On the Fly Multi-Tasking Travel Skincare Kit is one of the cutest essentials yet (and yes, treating your skin to a nourishing face mask is all we ask for to help relax on long plane rides).
Amazon
To help keep all of your travel essentials organized — especially to help find some items upon landing — the BAGAIL Packing Cubes are an eight-pack worth snagging. They’re an Amazon best-seller with more than 13,000 positive reviews, much ado to its water-repellent design and lightweight yet durable make.
Amazon
To ensure your vaccine cards — and those in your travel party — are neatly organized and at the ready, pick up the KGX Vaccine Card Holder for just $6. Plus, this one’s a three-pack, offering more bang for your buck.
Amazon
For peace of mind, pack at-home (or, in other words: on vacation) at-home COVID-19 tests with you. We personally turn to the On/Go At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test as it’s simple to use and easy to pack.
Sephora
We need to take a moment to promote the SEPHORA COLLECTION Reusable 3-Piece Face Mask Set. Whenever we’re in the street or traveling, we always receive compliments on its girly-girl, elevated face mask look. Plus, each trio comes with a different lip shade for every mood.
16. OMEETIE Rechargeable iPhone 11 Case, $35, original price: $39
Amazon
We recommend a rechargeable phone case to help endure your long flight. Depending on your specific smartphone, prices will vary, but it essentially doubles your phone’s battery life so you can keep typing and scrolling.
17. Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest, $23, original price: $30
Amazon
As soon as we saw the Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest, we instantly deemed it an essential. Simply position it atop of your seat’s tray and you’ll have an elevated place to lounge (especially if you’re flying economy and are tight on space).
Sometimes, bringing a quality blanket on a plane is too much to carry, so we found the next best thing: the L.L.Bean Cozy Sherpa Wearable Throw. It’s your best robe and blanket all in one, and we adore its marshmallow-soft design that’s one of the most unique carry-ons we found.
Amazon
If you’re prone to motion sickness, Dramamine is your best friend. We bring this OTC medication both to the airport and to the cruise terminal in case you feel the ride a bit more.
20. SNOOZ Go Portable White Noise Machine, $42, original price: $60
Anthropologie
Now this is how you transform your flight into a restful oasis. The SNOOZ Go Portable White Noise Machine is a subtle, unobtrusive way to help you fall asleep in a public setting — and for that, we love it.
Target
Elevate your space (and by space, we mean airplane seat) with the LeSeat Universal Fit Airplane Seat Cover. For less than $30, it’s a splurge worth making to help prevent germs and make your ride a bit smoother.
22. Philips One by Sonicare Rechargeable Toothbrush, $26, original price: $40
Best Buy
Especially for overnight flights (or, for airport bathrooms), take the Philips One by Sonicare Rechargeable Toothbrush with you for a streamlined way to get your oral hygiene in. We can’t believe this practical buy is less than $30 right now, too, as it’s the next best thing to an electric toothbrush.
Organize your travel documents in the oh-so-stylish ROYCE New York RFID Blocking Vaccine Card Travel Wallet. It has a spot for everything and you’ll love its fun colors and all-in-one smart design.
YETI
When aboard, we have a feeling you may want ice-cold water at your disposal. New from Yeti, the Rambler 25 oz Mug with Straw Lid comes in an array of colors — as well as a 35 oz size if you’re looking for something a bit larger — and is one of our favorite new launches to date.
25. Travelon Luggage Scale with Tape Measure, $9 with code GIVE, original price: $15
Technically, this is a pre-long flight essential, but it’s a good idea to weigh your luggage before your flight. This way, you’re not scrambling at the airport tossing belts and socks into your carry-on. In other words, thank us later.
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