I may not be an expert at everything, but there is one thing I am definitely a pro at. How to make yourself comfortable while trapped in an aluminum tube at 30,000 feet. That is my specialty.
These aluminum tubes I speak of, you may know them more formally as airplanes. Or as the mode of transportation that I take about a dozen times a week. Don’t get me wrong they are super cool. But they can also be dry, stuffy, not that clean and very cramped. Over time I have compiled a list of my airplane travel essentials. The products that I must have before taking off. I would like to share this wealth of knowledge with you. If not for your sake, but the sake of the person next to you.
1. A toothbrush and toothpaste AND mints
2. Dry eye drops
3. A bottle of water (buy after security)
4. Thermal water spray (this helps with staying awake, or freshening up after a nap)
5. Lip balm
6. Hand cream (don’t cheap out or you will be applying over and over again)
7. Make-up wipes (can also be used to clean hands if necessary)
8. Deodorant
9. Hairbrush
10. iPod
11. A good book
12. Snacks (don’t rely on airline food being enough)
13. Eye shade/earplugs
14. A sweater/blanket/pashmina
15. Neck pillow (I carry the blow up one to save space)
This may seem like a lot at first glance, but most of this stuff is tiny. You wont need all of it all the time of course. There is a big difference between a one hour flight and a long haul flight. I like to be prepared all the time. I carry a small pouch with all these items inside and can have access to it at any point in my flight. I am never cold, rarely uncomfortable, and can guarantee that I always smell lovely. I also hate relying on airplanes to provide me with entertainment, as not all airlines offer in flight movies. It is better to go in with the idea that nothing is being offered and be pleasantly surprised when it does.
Each person’s travel list will vary. Some people who are prone to headaches might add pain relief medication. Others who find themselves to get very cold won’t leave the house without airplane socks. These are my items. In my experience they have had a 99 percent success rate of keeping me happy and those around me.