Some actually handy products that don’t just eat up hand luggage spac

Flying far does not have to mean suffering. The right kit makes a world of difference to sleep, hydration, hygiene and sanity at 35,000 feet. Here are some suggested items that will hopefully make long haul flying slightly more bearable…

1. Sony WH‑1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones

If one purchase transforms a long flight, it is a great pair of over‑ears. The Sony WH‑1000XM5 blocks engine roar and cabin chatter and stays comfortable for entire overnight hauls. Auto NC Optimizer adjusts to pressure changes in flight and the battery lasts through a long return leg without drama.

2. AirPods Pro 3

Prefer something tiny and pocketable? The latest AirPods Pro 3 bring seriously improved active noise cancellation and an even better seal for takeoff and landing. The fit is secure enough for aisle stretches and the case tops up quickly over USB‑C between connections.

3. AirFly Pro 2

Sadly, most seatback systems still rely on a wired jack. The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 plugs in and beams audio to your own Bluetooth headphones. Pair two sets when sharing a film, enjoy 25 plus hours of battery life, and charge via USB‑C from your power bank.

4. Trtl Pillow Plus

Forget U‑shaped pillows that flop. The Trtl Pillow Plus supports your head in a natural position and adjusts for height, so it works whether you are tall or petite. It packs small and weighs less than a can of soda, which matters when space is tight.

5. Manta Sleep Mask PRO

Cabin lights and sunrise over the wing make sleep tricky. The Manta Sleep Mask PRO uses deep C‑shaped eye cups that avoid lash pressure and block light completely. Breathable materials and an adjustable strap keep it comfortable for side sleepers too.

6. Loop Quiet earplugs for gentle hush

When you need a soft buffer rather than total silence, Loop Quiet 2 earplugs tame cabin noise without the plugged‑up feeling. They are reusable, easy to clean and sit flush enough to wear under a mask or against a seat headrest.

7. CEP Flight Compression Socks for fresher legs

Good compression helps with swelling on long sectors. The CEP Flight Compression Socks are purpose built for travel with a firm graduated squeeze that remains comfortable gate to gate. Put them on before boarding and keep them on until arrivals.

8. Hydrapak Stow 1L collapsible bottle for easy hydration

With this, you can bring an empty, flexible bottle through security and fill it after, rather than letting your big empty bottle dominate your carry on.

The Hydrapak Stow 1L is light, rolls tiny when empty, and its protected nozzle avoids seat pocket grime. It also works with common 28 mm water filters on hiking trips once you land.

9. Anker Prime 20,000 mAh power bank for fast top‑ups

In‑seat power can be flaky and slow. The Anker Prime 20K 200W charges phones, tablets and even many laptops quickly from compact USB‑C ports. Keep power banks in your cabin bag rather than checked luggage and stick to airline rules around lithium batteries. Check the CAA summary and the latest IATA passenger battery guide before you fly.

10. Peak Design Tech Pouch to stop cable chaos

A tidy seat area makes flights calmer. The Peak Design Tech Pouch uses origami pockets to separate cables, adapters, pens and a small power bank. The clamshell opening and cable pass‑through mean you can charge a device while everything stays organised.

11. Perilogics In‑Flight Phone Mount

If you stream on your phone, clip it up at eye level and relax. The Perilogics Airplane Phone Holder clamps to the tray table, rotates freely and doubles as a stand during layovers. It weighs almost nothing and disappears into a side pocket.

12. Kindle Paperwhite

Seat screens do not always have what you want. A dedicated reader keeps hundreds of books with no notifications. The current Kindle Paperwhite has a 7 inch glare‑free display, adjustable warm light and weeks of battery life for multi‑leg itineraries.

13. Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket

Cabin temps vary and airline blankets are hit and miss. The Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket packs to roughly a water‑bottle size, sheds spills and keeps you warm without bulk. It also doubles as an extra layer on cool trains and buses after you land.

14. La Roche‑Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Plus

Pressurised cabins are dehydrating. A small tube of Cicaplast Baume B5 Plus soothes dry patches, hands and lips without fragrance and fits easily into a one litre liquids bag. Use a dab on cuticles and around the nose mid‑flight.

15. Sterimar Breathe Easy Daily

Dry air and pressure changes can irritate. A travel‑sized isotonic spray like Sterimar Breathe Easy Daily 50 ml gently moisturises nasal passages and helps you arrive less stuffy. It is non medicated and suitable for frequent use.

16. Dettol 2‑in‑1 antibacterial wipes for quick cleanups

Tray tables and armrests see heavy use. A small pack of Dettol 2‑in‑1 Wipes 15 pack handles hands and hard surfaces with one product. Wipe before meals and again before settling in to sleep, then reseal to keep the rest moist.

How to pack it so it works on board

Keep everything you will want in the first hour of flight in one slim pouch that lives in the seat pocket. Think headphones, earplugs, hydration, lip balm and a pen. Stow the power bank and cable inside the tech pouch with a short USB‑C lead to avoid tangles. Put the pillow, mask and blanket at the top of your carry‑on so they come out in one go. Finally, refill the bottle after security and before boarding and you are set.

The bottom line

Long haul feels completely different when you can sleep, hydrate, stay warm and keep your space tidy. Pick two to three items that tackle your biggest pain points and add the rest over time. Every flight becomes more bearable when your kit does the heavy lifting.

16 Products That Actually Make Long‑Haul More Bearable