13 travel must-haves for surviving long-haul flights

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There’s no doubt about it — long-haul flights can be tough. But after taking dozens of them, including trips as far as Australia, we’ve learned a few tricks to stay comfortable, even when crammed into a narrow seat with minimal recline for hours.

The good news is there are plenty of travel essentials that can make the journey much easier. Here are our top 13 must-haves to bring with you on your next long-haul flight (and they're great for short trips, too!).

We're not kidding — it's a hammock for your feet! Create your own first class seat with the BasicConcepts Airplane Foot Hammock.

With embedded memory foam, your feet and legs will be supported throughout your entire flight. The footrest also offers adjustable straps, ensuring a comfortable position for all travelers.

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Unlike a traditional travel pillow or cotton sleep mask, the Ostrichpillow Light Travel Pillow has a versatile 2-in-1 design, serving as both an eye mask and a head pillow.

The pillow allows your head to rest on anything comfortably from the window to the tray table, while also blocking out light. And with the elastic cord adjuster, it fits perfectly to any travelers head.

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Step up your travel game with the ultra-comfy EverSnug 2-in-1 Travel Blanket and Pillow. Lightweight yet warm, this premium microplush blanket is perfect for your next long-haul flight.

With the included carrying case, this blanket can also turn into a pillow if you'd like. And with the incorporated carabiner, you can attach the case to your luggage or backpack for easy travel.

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If you're looking for more than just a head or neck pillow, the TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel Pillow and Body Pillow might be the perfect addition to your next long-haul flight.

This full body pillow can be worn down the side of your body or across your chest while resting on the airplane window or even your travel partner's shoulder. And since it's inflatable, it can be quickly stored away in your carry-on while not in use.

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If you're planning on using the pillow provided by the airline on an international flight, then a weighted sleep mask might be the way to go.

The FACEMOON Weighted Sleep Mask will soothe your eyes with its gentle weight, allowing you to fall asleep easier on your long-haul flight. And with its 3D ergonomic design, it fits itself to your face, providing a full blackout experience.

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On some long-haul flights, it might feel like you're moving in for the day. So why not stay organized and keep essentials within reach with this Airplane Tray Table Cover with Pocket Organizer.

With slots for your electronic devices, water bottle, and snacks, plus a cover for the tray table when it's folded down, you'll feel a little bit more at home even while sitting in a metal tube for 8+ hours. And best of all, this reusable item is machine washable.

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Not all long-haul flights offer a seatback entertainment system, which means you might need to utilize your own device to keep you occupied.

With the pocket-size Perilogics Airplane Phone Holder, you can watch your favorite TV show or movie on the plane — hands-free — by connecting the device to your seatback tray table.

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A good set of noise-canceling headphones is a necessity for a long, peaceful plane ride. And as one of the best over-the-ear headphones out there, you can't go wrong with the Sony WH-1000XM4.

These headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours and charge quickly, allowing you to watch your favorite show or listen to music, while also blocking out all the other noise around you.

But you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the JBL Live 6600NC Headphones also offer an over-the-ear fit, active noise cancellation, voice assist, and JBL signature sound. With up to 50 hours of battery life and speed-charge technology, you can snag another four hours of listening time from just a 10 minute charge.

Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones at Amazon
Get the JBL Live 6600NC Headphones at Amazon

If you prefer earbuds, the Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation are a great option — and right now they're available at one of the lowest prices of the year.

These earbuds drown out the noise around you, but they're designed for all-day comfort — perfect for your long-haul flight.

However, if you're looking to connect these earbuds to your seatback in-flight entertainment system, you'll want to make sure to have the AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter to create a Bluetooth audio connection between the two.

Get the Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation at Amazon
Get the Twelve South AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter at Amazon

While most planes have outlets these days, not all do. And if you don't want to worry about bringing so many extra cables with you, the Anker 20,000mAh Power Bank is a great way to ensure your electronics are charged throughout your flight.

With a built-in USB-C cable, you can replenish your iPhone's battery up to four times on a single charge. And since it has multiple ports, it can also charge more than one device at a time, distributing up to a whopping 87W.

Get the Anker 20,000mAh Power Bank at Amazon

Compression socks are a must-have on a long-haul flight to reduce swelling and keep the blood flowing. At an incredibly reasonable price, the Levsox Compression Socks are my go-to option.

These Levsox socks have held up well even after many wears, and they fit quite comfortably from my foot all the way up the leg. Best of all, they come in 25 different fun themed styles and four different sizes.

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For a long-haul flight, comfort is everything, and while I have yet to try the ComfiLife Premium Comfort Seat Cushion personally, it has a 4.5 rating with over 22,000 reviews. This seat cushion relieves stress and ensures that you'll have less back pain while sitting for a long time in an airplane seat.

Get the ComfiLife Premium Comfort Seat Cushion at Amazon

Finally, when your flight has landed, you can walk off the plane feeling a little more refreshed with Goodwipes Body Wipes. Just give yourself a little wipe down, and get rid of any sweat or body odor you've picked up during your long trip.

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