Things to pack in your carry-on for a long flight

WITH travel restrictions finally starting to ease, people are able to plan overseas trips they had to postpone last year.

Whether it’s a trip home or a much-needed holiday, long flights are a major part of the journey.

If you’re going to spend eight hours on a flight, and can’t afford the luxury of travelling first class, the trip can be unpleasant if you’re not prepared.

Travelling in a confined space over a long period is risky, regardless of the necessary tests done before your trip.

Bearing in mind all the factors, it has become even more important to make sure your carry-on bag is packed with care. With weight and size restrictions, your bag needs to contain just the essentials.

What you’ll need: Masks: Wearing a mask is mandatory. You will be wearing a mask throughout the flight, so you will want to change them often. This is where a disposable mask comes in handy.

Depending on the length of your trip, be sure to have at least six.

Hand sanitiser and wipes: It’s always good to have a tube or travel-size spray bottle with you. Disinfectant wipes are great for wiping surfaces like your tray and armrests. They are also essential for accidental messes.

Snacks: Many airlines have stopped serving onboard meals in order to protect cabin crew and others from Covid-19. This makes it essential to pack your own snacks. You can’t take a three-course meal onboard, so stick to dry foods and water.

Entertainment: Whether you’re reading a book or binge-watching a TV series on your laptop, you’ll want to have something to keep you entertained. If you intend to use your electronic devices, don’t forget to pack the essentials that go with them. A fully charged powerbank, earphones and chargers for all your devices are vital.

Comfort is key: Unless you’re travelling first class, chances are that your seat/bed for the trip might not be the most comfortable. Travel pillows, eye masks and earplugs come in handy when trying to sleep. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Toiletries: You’re spending a good couple of hours on a flight in proximity to others. Basic hygiene is essential. Would you want to sit next to a person with bad body odour and stinky breath?

Then don’t be that person. At some point during the flight, you will need to freshen up. You don’t need the entire contents of your bathroom cabinet, so keep it basic.