Make Your Long-Haul Flight More Comfortable, More Fun, and Way Less Stressful
Whether you’re heading to Japan, Europe, or anywhere that takes 10+ hours to reach, flying long distances can be physically tiring and mentally draining. But it doesn’t have to be miserable. With a few smart items in your carry-on, you can transform your time in the air into something closer to a cozy, relaxing retreat—or at least a bearable journey.
Here’s a breakdown of the best in-flight products that actually make a difference, grouped by purpose and backed by experience.
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
💤 For Better Sleep & Relaxation
Getting quality rest on a plane can be tough, but the right gear can help you fall asleep faster and stay comfortable longer.
- Neck pillow: Choose a U-shaped or memory foam version that supports both sides of your neck—not just the back.
- Eye mask: A high-quality blackout mask makes a huge difference when cabin lights are unpredictable.
- Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones: Essential for tuning out babies, engine noise, and chatty passengers.
- Footrest or hammock: Helps improve circulation and reduce ankle swelling—especially if you’re short or prone to leg cramps.
- Travel blanket or oversized scarf: Cabins get cold. Most international airlines offer a basic blanket on long-haul flights, but they’re often thin and not very clean. If you care about warmth or hygiene, bringing your own is recommended.
- Slippers or grippy socks: Some airlines provide socks or slippers in economy class, but not always. For guaranteed comfort, pack your own.
✈️ Note: Blankets, headphones, and sometimes even slippers are offered by most full-service international carriers—but availability and quality vary. Bring your own if you want guaranteed comfort or cleanliness.
🧠 Pro tip: Combine earplugs + eye mask + neck pillow, and you’ll stand a better chance of catching at least a few hours of sleep.
🧼 Refresh & Stay Presentable
After 10 hours in dry air, your face, lips, and general freshness will thank you for packing these.
- Facial mist or hydrating spray: Keeps your skin from drying out—just a few sprays make you feel human again.
- Unscented hand cream & lip balm: Prevents cracking and dryness from recycled air.
- Toothbrush or mouthwash: Brushing your teeth before landing is a game changer.
- Wet wipes / alcohol wipes: Useful for wiping down your tray, hands, or face.
- Eye drops: Ideal for contact lens users or dry-eye sufferers.
- Basic medications: Bring motion sickness tablets, painkillers, antacids—whatever you normally use at home.
✨ Small comforts can make a long flight feel more like a night in your own space.
📱 Digital & Entertainment Tools
These are your boredom-busters. Don’t rely on the airline’s entertainment system—come prepared.
- Tablet: Great for watching shows or reading ebooks. Load it before boarding.
- Wireless & wired headphones: Bluetooth for your own device, wired for in-flight screens. Airlines usually offer free wired headphones, but the quality is often poor and they can be uncomfortable for long use.
✈️ Note: Most airlines provide basic headphones, but they’re often single-ear, low-quality, or reused. Bring your own for better sound and hygiene. - Phone or tablet stand: Makes hands-free viewing way easier.
- Gaming device: Whether it’s a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, long flights are the perfect time to dive into a new game.
- E-reader (Kindle, etc.): Lightweight and easy on the eyes, even when overhead lights are off.
- Downloaded content: Netflix, Disney+, YouTube Premium—be sure to download in advance. Don’t rely on inflight Wi-Fi.
- Power bank: Keep your devices running throughout the flight.
- Cables & adapters: Bring all the cords you need—and don’t forget USB-C or Lightning if your seat has USB ports.
💡 Load a mix of passive (movies) and active (games, books) content—you never know what mood you’ll be in at 35,000 feet.
🍬 Snacks & Wellness Essentials
You don’t want to be hangry, dehydrated, or sore mid-flight. These items help keep your body functioning better.
- Light snacks: Crackers, protein bars, and nuts are great—just make sure they were purchased after security.
- Collapsible water bottle: Refill at the airport or ask the cabin crew to top you off. Hydration is everything.
- Face mask: Helpful not just for health, but to prevent dry throat from cold, recycled air.
- Disposable heat packs or patches: Great for lower back pain, cramps, or if the AC is blasting.
- Melatonin or sleep aid: Only if you’ve used it before—never test something new in-flight.
✨ Taking care of your body mid-flight helps reduce jet lag and discomfort when you land.
🎒 Organizational Helpers
A tidy carry-on = less stress and fewer in-seat acrobatics during the flight.
- Travel pouch or cable organizer: Store tech, toiletries, and documents where you can reach them.
- Passport & travel document holder: Makes going through immigration smoother.
- Compression or packing cubes: Keeps your bag from turning into a mess.
- Foldable tote bag: Great for carrying snacks, layers, or new items you pick up at the airport or inflight.
🧩 Bonus: Try Something Different
Long flights aren’t just something to survive—they’re a rare chunk of uninterrupted time. While watching movies is great, this could also be your chance to try something new.
✨ On one flight, I brought a Rubik’s Cube just for fun. I thought I’d mess with it for 10 minutes—but I ended up solving it for the first time in my life. I forgot how I did it, but I still remember how satisfying it was. That flight remains one of my favorites.
Try journaling. Learn how to solve a puzzle. Start a digital drawing. Or just finally get through the first few chapters of that novel you’ve been putting off. Who knows? It might be the start of a new habit—or at least a great memory.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Flying long distances doesn’t have to be miserable. With the right in-flight essentials, you can stay hydrated, entertained, and maybe even rested. Invest in your comfort before you board, and you’ll arrive feeling more like yourself and less like luggage.
The secret? Pack like you’re preparing a mini retreat—for your mind, your body, and your sanity.
Safe travels—and enjoy the journey.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
