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After my most recent long haul flight from Bangkok to Los Angeles I spent 19 hours on a journey that could have been a lot less comfortable had it not been for Japan Airlines and their plush economy service PLUS my 5 international flight essentials.

 


5 Flight Essentials for International Travel


 

As a long term traveler, I maximize my cash by taking economy flights which doesn’t leave much room for luxury especially when my goal, full time travel or not, is to pack light.

My luggage includes 1 carry-on size wheeled Osprey Meridian that I like to check after a long trip and the detachable daypack I carry on board with me housing my most valuable possessions and in-flight essentials.

 

My priorities for flight essentials include items that provide me comfort, warmth, and entertainment. These 5 items make any flight long or short much more bearable and even enjoyable for me. I love to fly!

 

 

flight-essentials

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

 

Packing Cubes

 

Surprised to find packing cubes on my 5 flight essentials list? Because comfort is number one on my international flights, I carry on all the warm items I packed for the trip in order to make sure I am never cold on the plane.

In my packing cube you’ll find my sleeping liner (below), a pair of socks, leggings (if I’m not wearing them), hoodie, 2 scarves, and jacket. Not only are these the warmest items I travel with but they are also the heaviest items making my main baggage weight minimal.

 

 

Watch the packing tutorial on Youtube!

 

In 2017, I launched Compass Rose Travel Accessories and my very first product was a 4-Piece Set of Carryon Packing Cubes. These are the only packing cubes sized to fit the exact width of a carryon suitcase and they also have a unique color-coded and numbered organization system – the only kind currently available anywhere on the market.

I put together a five-part YouTube series showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use this specific packing strategy, they can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carryon only!

 

Watch this video tutorial to learn how you can compress the space in your luggage, making it easier to travel carry-on only!

 

 

flight-essentials

Brave Era Silk Travel Sheet

 

Sleeping Liner

 

While most airlines provide a blanket for you on night journeys, this is never warm enough for me. Without a sleeping liner I would freeze cold on most flights causing me discomfort and making me feel more susceptible to illness.

My sleeping liner saves the day keeping me warm, cozy, and allowing me to sleep a bit easier. If I don’t use my liner on a flight, warm socks are essential.

I also use this sleeping liner in hostels, budget guesthouses, boats, trains, and for camping or multi-day treks. Plus, it keeps mosquitos and sand flies from biting me in tropical areas!

 

Want to look your best when traveling but still be comfortable. Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!

 

 

flight-essentials

Ribbed Knit Infinity Scarf

 

1-2 Scarves

 

I always travel with 1-2 scarves so these are brought on board with me and are essential in my goal to stay warm. Either alone or layered, they are more than a stylish accessory for me when on a flight.

 

Here are eight different ways to wear a scarf when you travel!

 

 

flight-essentials

Kindle Paperwhite E-reader

 

Entertainment

 

I hardly ever sleep on flights because I enjoy the chance to catch up on reading, movies, and/or music. My versatileKindle Paperwhite E-reader is an easy device to tote around without the weight or bulk of a laptop.

 

 

flight-essentials

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

 

Moisturizer

 

My skin naturally dries out easily and the air in a plane sucks the moisture right out. I try to keep a super strength moisturizer such as Neutrogena hand cream I can apply on my hands and feet during a flight.

 

 


There you have it – nothing fancy on my in-flight essential packing list but definitely all very practical!

What are your 5 in-flight essentials? Comment below!


 

 For more ideas on other travel essentials, please read the following:

 


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