International Flight Essentials

An international flight can be quite a commitment. It often means boarding an airplane for 6+ hours, so I think it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you arrive for check-in with the creature comforts you need to help enjoy your flight. Everyone’s list is slightly different and here’s mine. What’s on your packing list?

1. A Scarf. For when the plane cools down mid-flight, I like to pack a large, drapey scarf to double as a blanket, if need be.
2. iPod or iPhone + Earbuds.  Flying is a great time catch up on podcasts or simply  zone out and listen to music.
3. Refillable Water Bottle. After passing through security, I fill this baby up and attempt to stay hydrated throughout the flight. The tiny Beverage Service water cups are never enough!
4. Notebook + Pen. There’s nothing like being stuck on a plane for 6 hours to turn your brain into an instant list maker, like perhaps a list of all the things you want to make sure to see when you arrive to your destination. I like having a pen and paper close at hand for when the inspiration strikes, or when the occasional “Hangman” match against my husband presents itself.
5. Eye Mask. This particular mask encloses layers of Binchotan charcoal to not only help shield light from your eyes, it also works to increase blood circulation and relax eye muscles while you rest, so you’ll arrive wide-eyed and refreshed.
6. Snacks. Hunger will inevitably strike on a 6 hour flight, so I like to pack healthy, filling snacks, like KIND Bars to hold me over.
7. A Good Book. I guess I’m a little old school, but I’m a real book (vs. Kindle) kind of gal.
8. Acetaminophen. A headache can make a long flight miserable, so I usually pack travel size Tylenol just in case.