I’ve Done Some of the World’s Longest Flight Routes — Here, 14 Items for Staying Comfy Even in the Middle Seat

Preparing for a long travel day can be quite the sobering experience. Though there’s always excitement for the final destination, there’s also a growing packing list, last minute errands to run, and the nagging dilemma of how to make the best out of all those hours in the air. This question of comfort becomes even more critical if I find myself in the dreaded middle seat. 

Fortunately, I’ve gotten most onboard travel challenges down to a science — thanks in part to using my go-to products that help make travel less taxing, and learning to ride the waves of unpredictability. Traveling is not always luxurious; it’s grueling hours that wear on and dehydrate the body. It’s waking up to new time zones to adjust to in a seat that may or may not recline. Traveling requires a lot of preparation, and a lot of patience and grace for others as we all try to figure out how to make the best of those hours in the air. 

As a travel writer, I’ve called many airport lounges and airlines a second home, racking up Skymiles as a Delta One loyalist on 15-hour business trips to Japan, sometimes up to 3 times a year. I’ve flown nearly 26 hours (including a few boat transfers) to write about the prized gin-colored waters of the Maldives. This June, a first time trip to Vietnam will take nearly 20 hours of air time plus layovers, but will be well worth it once I’m suspended above the sea in a jungle side retreat at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort and the palatial Capella Hanoi — voted T+L’s 3rd best city hotel in Asia in 2023. And that’s the thing that no long flight time can ever deter me from: those transformative moments that travel provides, from incredible hotel stays to impactful cultural exchanges. 

To prepare myself for those spectacular experiences, these are the products I use to make the travel time to get there more bearable — including super hydrating skincare, helpful tech gadgets, and buttery-soft clothing. 

Hoka Bondi 8 Sneakers

Like anything in life, a good foundation is key. These cloud-like HOKA shoes are the best companion for long travel days. They even helped me figure out that it was badly structured shoes of the past that had caused my knee pain, not long days of travel. The cushioned soles provide extra support for shock absorption and make me feel light on your feet, and I love that the material is so breathable, too. 

Champion Lightweight Jersey Lounge Pants

If there’s one long-haul flight item I can’t live without, it’s soft, comfortable pants. These sweatpants from Champion achieve that feel with a lightweight, jersey cotton blend and wide leg cut for roominess. Or, if you’re willing to splurge a bit, Vuori’s Performance Joggers — which are made from elastane and recycled polyester — are what dreams are made of, especially on long flights. I often tell people that they’re even more comfortable than most of my pajamas. 

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

In an effort to prevent my bobble head sleeping patterns on flights, finding a pillow to protect my neck from jerking was key. The Ostrichpillow Go fits that bill with its 360-degree ergonomic design and customized Velcro closure that allows me to adjust my neck for better spinal support. It comes with a travel bag to carry it in and has an easily removable fabric for when it’s time for a wash.

Physix Gear Compression Socks

I keep my circulation flowing on long flights with these compression socks from Physix Gear. After much trial and error, I’ve found them to be a great option to prevent swelling without the tight discomfort that often comes with compression socks. Made from moisture-wicking material, these socks offer targeted foot-to-calf muscle support.

Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket

I’ve suffered on way too many freezing flights to ever leave home without a travel blanket. This option from Travelrest can be worn as a poncho or a regular blanket and even used as a pillow when placed in the accompanying drawstring pouch. It comes with a built-in carrying case and is made from a soft polyester material that’s machine washable. Best of all, it’s large enough to actually cover most of the body, but it only weighs 20 ounces. 

Aonimi Wireless iPhone Charger

Similar to the first time I discovered packing cubes, this wireless charger has been a game changer for me. I used to lug around those clunky options that weighed down my purse and hand, but no longer. This lightweight option from Aonimi charges my phone quickly and doesn’t take up any real estate in my bags, leaving more room for other essentials needed during long flights. 

Sony ULT Wear Noise-canceling Headphones 

The blare of plane engines is one of the most unnerving parts of air travel for me. These noise canceling headphones from Sony make the roaring sounds more bearable with an  ultra bass boosting capability that allows me to immerse myself in Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album for the millionth time. The thermo-foaming design creates a comfortable cup around the ears, and the swivel fold design makes it easy to pack. Another perk for long flights? The 30-hour battery life. 

Perilogics Universal In-flight Phone Mount 

Say goodbye to unsteady ways to prop up your phone on flights with this convenient mount that’s compatible with most phones. It attaches to the tray on the seat in front of you, has a 360-degree rotation to angle your phone however you need, and is compact and foldable to easily carry in a bag. And speaking of bags, this crossbody phone case from Bandolier is an excellent option for people like me who somehow always manage to misplace their phone, even when confined on a plane for hours. The brand is known for its functional wallet phone cases and wrist straps that I find particularly handy while traveling. 

Troubadour Apex Compact Backpack

This compact backpack from Troubadour has all the compartments and room needed to store items I repeatedly reach for during flights, like laptops and books. Made from recycled materials, this sleek looking bag is lightweight, waterproof, and can easily be stored under the seat in front of you. If you’re looking to change out your shoes for something comfortable, like slippers, or keep a carry on closet, Troubadour also offers a compact duffle bag that has a separate shoe storage space and is small enough for understated storage as well. 

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag 

I keep my skin moisturizers, my trusty NuFace mini, vitamins, lip glosses — and inevitably, a few pieces of loose gum and candy — in this handy, water-resistant pick from Bagsmart. I love how the large opening provides quick access to stash things in. Its handle makes it easy to transport, too, and there are multiple sized pockets to store various items. 

Mujjo Leather Case for AirPods

Known for all things sleek to pair with technology, Mujjo delivers once again with this leather case for AirPods, compatible with wireless charging and made from premium, vegetable tanned leather. It’s also equipped with a clip that can attach to your bag or even clothing to assuage your  fears of losing your AirPods while you’re on the go. 

Naturopathica Carrot Seed Soothing Facial Oil 

My must-have for in-flight hydration, this carrot seed oil from Naturopathica instantly infuses my face with moisture. It’s especially ideal for sensitive skin like mine, with gentle ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, like vitamin E and evening primrose oil. If you prefer to avoid oils, Instant Angel from Dieux Skin is my holy grail. Packed with fatty free acids and ceramide, I pair it with the Forever Eye Mask to refresh my sleepy lids and the effects of jetlag. On transcontinental flights, I’ve also been known to pull out my favorite travel partner, the NuFACE mini, to give myself a hydrating, microcurrent facial ahead of any business meetings once I land. 

Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balm 

My idea of purgatory is being stuck on a flight for 10+ hours with dry lips. That’s why I never leave home without this super hydrating ointment from Lanolips. The petroleum based product can also be used on your cuticles and any rough, dry skin areas. The lanolin oil mimics our skin’s oils to create that extra boost of moisture, which is often needed on flights. 

Son & Park Beauty Water Facial Mist

My love for Korean skincare’s healing properties knows no end, and those perks especially come in handy on flights. I was first introduced to the moisture packed benefits of Korean beauty products by Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho ahead of a 20 hour trip to Seoul. One of her site’s best-sellers is the Son & Park Beauty Water Mist. Spritz your face back to life with this moisturizing mist that contains Damascus rose water and 20 antioxidants to revitalize your skin. The smell is faint and pleasant enough as well to spray your seat area in the event that you got that unlucky seat near the bathroom. For another favorite classic, try Evian’s facial spray, which is full of mineral waters to hydrate the skin and packaged in a compact size for travel.