What do you really need to take to make a long haul flight hassle free? It can be hard to distill the essentials down, so we’ve made it easy for you to figure out just what gear you need to make transit more comfortable.
1. The right Luggage for your trip
First on the list is something to carry your gear in, and taking into account the variety of things you will do. For those who aren’t going to be doing any extreme adventuring, there is the option between a straight wheeled bag or a wheeled pack that also comes with a daypack for sightseeing.
If you like to travel light, then a duffle bags with multiway straps might be a good choice for you. If you want to be able to grab your gear, sling it over your shoulder, or carry it on your back then this is a versatile choice.
And for the backpackers, a travel backpack is a must to ensure that you can trek and explore without wheels to hold you back. Just make sure you get the right size and volume for your frame, and that it has a comfortable and supportive harness.
The right luggage for your trip can make a huge difference to ease and comfort when in transit. Photo: Sea to Summit.
2. the correct size carry on
You don’t want to rock up to your flight, only to find that your carry on bag is too big to take on the plane. This is why it’s so important to make sure that your carry on is the correct size for your trip.
This size and other requirements vary from airline to airline, and country to country – so make sure you call ahead and check before you invest in one.
3. Luggage tags
It’s amazing how similar luggage can look when they’re all rolling out in a row on the conveyor belt.
When you’re tired and bleary-eyed from a long haul flight, make it easy on yourself by using brightly coloured Luggage ID tags to make locating your bags easier at baggage claim.
Make sure you have everything you need to make flying comfy and hassle free. Photo: Sea to Summit.
4. Luggage locks
It’s a good idea to also pick up a lock that is TSA friendly if you’re travelling to countries that need to inspect your luggage (otherwise prepare for it to be cut off). Otherwise, just make sure that your luggage is locked away properly with your travel lock of choice.
If you find it hard to remember your passwords at the best of times, then when you’re under stress in transit – that code might just fly out the window. If this is you, choose a lock with a key instead of a pin code to make it easier on yourself in transit.
5. Adaptors
Make it easy on yourself, and figure out the adaptor you’ll need for your destination before you leave for your trip. If you need some help figuring it out, check out our post here.
Don’t be without in-flight essentials such as a comfy neck pillow. Photo: Sea to Summit.
6. Sleeping comforts for the flight
There’s nothing worse than trying to catch some shut eye when the lights are on in the plane, your pillow keeps slipping down every time you get comfy, and there’s an adorable baby screaming bloody murder at your end of the plane.
You can’t control what other people do on your flight, but you can pick up an eye mask for blocking out light, some ear plugs for cancelling noise, and a neck pillow to support your head while you try to catch some shut eye.
7. Motion sickness gear
There’s no need for you to spend the whole flight with a churning stomach. If you’re the kind of person who gets queasy, then do yourself a favour and pick up a pair of motion sickness straps, and some air sickness tablets for good measure.That way you can kick back, and actually, enjoy the in-flight entertainment or catch up on a good read.
What do you bring on flights to make transit easier? Let us know in the comments below.