Carry-On Essentials to Survive an International Flight
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One of the paradoxes of living in Europe is that despite moving farther away from my family, I’ve actually spent more time with them than I did when I lived in the United States (1). Thanks to the generous vacation allowance of my European firm, I’ve been able to return home for longer visits than were ever fathomable on the two weeks of vacation days which are standard at American companies.
Over the past five years of living in Europe, I’ve been lucky enough to travel home an average of three times a year, and with each trip across the Atlantic, I’ve refined my list of carry-on essentials. In the beginning I didn’t take enough. Later, I fell victim to overpacking. But now I’ve got it down to a Goldilocks-like science - the following nine items are just right to pack along on your next international flight.
Compression Socks
Wow, I wish I could start this list with something a little more, I don’t know, glamorous, maybe? (Because who ever started their European excursion with a pair of tight knee socks popular among the elderly and diabetic?) But the truth is, long-haul flights use to leave me with terribly swollen ankles and lower calves which lasted for days after arrival. Nothing seemed to cure them, not long walks, or drinking tons of water. In-flight preventative measures, like pacing the aisles every hour, were worthless. My ankles would still swell.
Until I asked Google how supermodels dealt with the issue of air travel and water retention in the lower limbs. Their secret? Compression socks.
So prior to my next flight back to the States, despite my deep skepticism, I bought a pair of compression socks, and prayed.
Sure enough, by the time I peeled those socks off, my ankles were as taut and trim as they were when I departed Germany.
That first pair was purchased from an airport pharmacy, but I’ve since graduated to these compression socks by Comrad, which are easier to put on that the more pharmaceutically-inclined versions, and come in a variety of colors and designs.
Noise Canceling Headphones
Admittedly, I am not a sound geek, or a decibel nerd, or the kind of person who buys fancy headphones. For the past decade I’ve just used the white, wired headphones that used to come with the iPhone. But once I started flying internationally so often, I decided it was time for an upgrade.
All the reviews I read urged me to buy the latest models from either Bose or Sony. And don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of buying the best item possible and using it for years to come. But noise canceling headphones didn’t set my heart aflutter, and I found it difficult to pull the trigger on a pair at the top end of the range. Luckily, a friend recommended these Soundcore headphones - a solid option with noise canceling functionality, yet priced for those of us who are still Wired It Girls at heart.
I created this downloadable ⬇️ Packing Checklist ⬇️ that you can snag right now.
It helps you plan what you’ll pack, and then keeps you organized as you cross things off once they’ve been packed.
Silk Sleep Mask
An eye mask is an absolute must on an international flight. The sun can be very finicky on a plane, and your desire to nod off may strike at unexpected times. Even if you find it difficult to sleep on planes, I find that slipping on an eye mask forces a moment of relaxation. Airlines provide complimentary eye masks in premium or first class, but they’re often made of itchy synthetic materials. Silk feels divine on the skin, blocks out light, and elevates this “do not disturb” accessory to a complete sensory deprivation experience.
Ear Plugs
Earplugs are another item frequently offered as a complimentary amenity on international flights, but all of the ones I’ve received over the years were made of a tough, foam-like plastic that I found incredibly uncomfortable. Earplugs only need to achieve two things: block out sound, like the cries of a baby sitting three rows in front of you, and fit snuggly yet comfortably for prolonged periods of time. My first few flights, I decided to just wear my noise canceling headphones for the entire flight - wow, I did not realize how uncomfortable that would get after a few hours. Finally I bought my own bougie earplugs made out of soft silicone that fit perfectly and drastically reduced the cabin noise I could hear. They come in a bunch of colors and include different ear tips so that you can find the perfect fit for your ears.
iPhone Battery Power Bank
Yes, you’ve checked the aircraft type for your flight (2), yes, you’ve confirmed that there’s an USB plug in your seat’s armrest. I’ve made similar pre-travel checks only to discover a last minute change to the aircraft type, or a mysteriously absent, though previously promised, charging outlet. Nothing is worse than having your cell phone battery die halfway through an international flight. You’re set adrift without your phone, and the options for recharging once you land are all mostly no good: scour the departure gates for an electrical outlet, squeeze your way into one of those charging stations which are always thronged with patrons. The simple solution is to start carrying a reliable power bank to ensure your phone battery doesn’t die when it’s needed most.
This model from Anker is compact and easy to pack in a carry-on. Added bonus? It also tucks into a handbag when you’re running out the door to dinner and your phone battery is precariously hovering around ten percent.
Moisturizing Eye Drops
As a contact wearer, dry airplane cabins inevitably start to irritate my eyes about half-way through any long-haul flight. These gel eye drops are incredibly hydrating with a thicker texture than traditional drops. When flying to Europe on the red-eye, these drops literally bring me back to life after waking up, just before landing.
Super Hydrating Moisturizer with SPF
Planes are not an ideal environment for skin. The low humidity, pressurized cabin, and UV exposure all stress the skin and leave it dry and dull. I never get on a plane without first slathering on a thick hydrating moisturizer with added SPF like this version from La Roche-Posay. On flights longer than five hours, I like to reapply half-way through or whenever I feel my skin getting that tight, parched feeling. In winter, when my skin is already stressed and dry from the weather, I’ll bring a bottle of The Ordinary’s Cold-Pressed Marula Oil for an added boost of moisture.
Hydration Supplement
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially with all the complimentary beer and wine offered on international flights, but it’s not a great idea to drink alcohol on a long-haul flight. Aircraft cabins are a dry atmosphere, so even without a couple glasses of Pinot, you’re going to find yourself a little dehydrated when you land. Imbibing in alcohol, a notorious diuretic, will only make that dehydration worse, resulting in headaches, fatigue, and dry mouth. One exception: when flying business or first class, I always enjoy the champagne offered during boarding. (3)
To help stave off dehydration while flying, I pack a hydration supplement like Liquid IV. It has electrolytes that help your body absorb water, and it’s helpful for rehydration after you land.
Cashmere Shawl
The golden rule of any environment with unpredictable temperature? Dress in layers. I’ve found that even after layers, though, there’s usually something missing, whether it’s just that extra bit of warmth or a cozier material than those small, scratchy airplane blankets. This cashmere wrap shawl checks both boxes - warming when the air-con is unrelenting, and comforting against the skin.
Footnotes:
At the time, I lived in a different state.
Airbus or Boeing? A320 or A321neo?
Everything in moderation, including moderation, right?