I consider myself a frequent flier. This year alone, I’ve already been to Mexico twice, L.A., south Florida, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Boston, and just last week I got back from a trip to Tokyo. I’ve zipped and unzipped my black Away Bigger Carry-On so many times that it remained a fixture on my living room floor all summer with too little time in between trips to bother putting it away. I’ve been to the airport so frequently over the past few months that I’ve joked about renting out a room next to JFK. And just recently, I’ve become the proud holder of United’s Premier Gold tier status.
Suffice it to say, I’ve gotten my in-flight routine down to science at this point. Of course, I’ll tweak which essentials to bring with me based on how long my travel day will be and if I’ll have to eat or sleep on board, but alas, I’ve figured out a few things that can make or break a good flight from a bad one, make or break my jet lag, my skin, digestion, and well, you get the picture. From the weighted eye mask that has me out like a light to the face mist helps me avoid post-flight breakouts, discover the 26 travel essentials I won’t board another long-haul international flight without bringing.
Bearaby
Soothing Weighted Eye Mask
Once I started using this weighted eye mask—both at home and while traveling—it was game over. I’ve never experienced deeper and more long-lasting sleep in my life.
The noise-cancellation on these is almost a little too good.
Tower 28 Beauty
SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray With Hypochlorous Acid
I usually break out after a long flight, but spritzing this every few hours helped keep any breakouts at bay.
Patchology
Flashpatch™ Night Restoring Eye Gels Eye Mask
Biodance
Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask Sheet
Les Tien
Rosa Raw-Hem Cotton Hoodie
My favorite sweats brand makes the cutest—and comfiest—hoodies out there perfect for battling the plane A/C. I after this last long-haul, I’ll be opting for a zip-up so it’s easier to take on and off without undoing all those headphone cords when watching a movie.
These pants are soft, lighter than air, and they don’t entirely look like pajamas (despite feeling like it).
Vince
Cashmere Jersey Crew Socks
The first thing I do on flights longer than a few hours is take my shoes off for better circulation. These Vince cashmere socks are the best things to put on to stay warm.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Mini Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
For before, during, and after flying.
Deweisn
Folding Travel Mirror
I don’t trust my phone’s front camera or those tiny bathrooms to get the job done when I’m doing my in-flight skincare routine. It’s also useful for doing makeup at your hotel or Airbnb.
Beauty of Joseon
Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen when flying is a nonnegotiable because the sun is far more intense at 30,000 feet. I’m truly obsessed with this viral tube from Korea’s Beauty of Joseon.
Merit Beauty
The Minimalist
For any last touch-ups before landing.
CAUDALÍE
Beauty Elixir Face Mist
It’s important to keep your skin hydrated.
Twelve South
Airfly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter
Because fishing around in a sea of tangled cords in my tote bag just isn’t it.
The tube version of this lip balm is better for traveling since you don’t have to use your hands to dispense it.
I hate wearing jewelry because my fingers always swell up and too many pieces get uncomfortable. This chic carrying case keeps everything organized.
An easy, feel-good read is just what the doctor ordered, especially during take-off and landing when you can’t use a laptop or tablet.
Ultima
Daily Electrolyte Drink Mix
I swear by these electrolyte packets to stay hydrated.
Loop
Quiet Ear Plugs for Noise Reduction
Ear plugs that are made to look like jewelry—genius.
Kitsch
Satin Heatless Curling Set
Stepping off a 14-hour flight with a perfect blow-out is one of those little luxuries that I never knew I needed to experience.
Aesop
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
Not only does this hand cream smell amazing, but the texture is ultra-rich.
Salt & Stone
Bergamot & Hinoki Deoderant
I’m addicted to the scent of this deodorant.
NOW Foods
Magnesium Citrate
For some reason, my digestion always gets messed up when I travel, so I always keep plenty of magnesium supplements on hand.
LivOn
Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C
These packets are apparently the best form of vitamin C out there.
Clear Eyes
Triple Relief Eye Drops
Everything gets dried out on a long flight, so hydration is key for hands, skin, and yes, eyes, too.
