What to Pack in Your Carry On For a Long Haul Flight

I’ve done a bit of traveling this year. Chicago, Thailand and now Dubai, so I’ve worked out what I do need in my carry on luggage to make the trip more comfortable (and I fly economy so I need to make it as comfortable as I can, as on average these flights are all 12 hours or more!).

Today I’m sharing with you what I’m packing for Dubai (leaving tomorrow night!).  I like to pack a carry on size trolley case (I’m taking this one from Samsonite with me as it’s super light and versatile).

Essential Carry On Items:

Entertainment

1. Headphones (preferably noise cancelling ones to get rid of the roar of the engines and hum of the airconditioning) for my ipad/phone with the little adapter so I can plug into the airplane entertainment system
2. Reading materials – my stash of unread copies of the Good Weekend magazine, that I never manage to read during the week, but can happily read and discard along my way.
3. ipad- I always download a TV series or two before I leave so I can watch it when I need, to.  Waiting in the the lounge at the airport or on the plane.
4. Computer for doing some work, with mouse and an international charger, in case I’m stuck in an airport and can find a power outlet to recharge. Blogging requires constant work!
5. Smart phone for listening to podcasts and music
6. Ear plugs to cut out the noise when sleeping

Comfort

1. Eye mask to cut the light so I can nap
2. Empty water bottle, to fill and drink on the plane and in transit, once through customs and immigration
3. Lip balm and hand cream as it’s drying on the plane
4. Toothbrush and toothpaste, face wipes, moisturiser – remember no more than 100ml per item and 1L total in a clear plastic bag
5. Pashmina or two, can be used as a blanket or even rolled up and as extra pillow on those uncomfortable elbow rests.
6. Ear plus to cut out the noise when sleeping
7. Neck pillow for sleeping, I much prefer the memory foam ones to the ones with little balls.
8. A little makeup for making myself look more human at the other end
9. Small hairbrush

Essentials

1. DVT Flight Socks
2. Sunglasses as I will need them at the other end
3. Reading glasses because I’m going slowly blind in my old age
4. Extra wallet with local currency and frequent flyer card, then I don’t have to empty my regular wallet of cards, and I just keep it in the hotel safe til the trip home
5. Documentation in a plastic wallet
6. Travel Insurance as I’ve heard horrendous stories of overseas hospital bills.  Never travel without it.  Mine is through Bupa*
7. Itinerary
8. Passport
9. Hotel address/details
10. Pen for filling in landing cards

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