Long-haul flights are a test of endurance. Think of it as an extreme sport where the goal is to stay sane while hurtling through the air for what feels like an eternity. Case in point: my 20+ hour odyssey from Florida to the Philippines. It started with a quick layover in Atlanta, followed by a three-hour “let’s hope I don’t lose my mind” stop in South Korea. Total travel time? Way too long.
(Take a trip to China and use this Project Bold Life guide!)
How I Survived My Long-Haul Flight
1. HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter
All-in-one International Power Adapter with 2.4A Dual USB
If you’ve ever landed in a new country, realized your phone is dying, and your charger suddenly resembles an ancient relic that doesn’t fit into any outlet, well, that’s the stuff of nightmares. The HAOZI Universal Travel Adapter was my saving grace. I had two on hand, just in case, because when you’re hopping from Atlanta to South Korea to the Philippines, you don’t want to play roulette with your electronics. Whether I was in a US airport or halfway through South Korea, this little gem let me charge my phone, tablet, and even my Bose headphones, no problem. Bonus points for the dual USB ports. It’s like a personal power station on the go.
Pro tip: When you’re hopping between continents like a travel pro, a universal adapter is non-negotiable. One for each carry-on, because paranoia is real.
2. DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage
Checked-Large 29 Inch
Fact: The best part about traveling halfway across the world is stuffing your luggage with gifts, or in my case, bottles of Chick-fil-A sauce to bless my family and friends with. The DELSEY Paris Helium Aero is basically a moving fortress that holds all your stuff, plus more. The spinner wheels? Smooth as butter. It effortlessly glided through terminals as I lugged my Chick-fil-A treasure from Florida to the Philippines. And yes, I definitely maxed out the expandable feature, because sauce is love, sauce is life.
Fun fact: I think I had more Chick-fil-A sauce than clothes by the end of the trip. Priorities. Call me, Mr Cathy.
3. Etekcity Luggage Scale
Suitcase Weight Scale with Hook for Travel Essentials
Avoiding the “sorry, your bag is overweight” lecture at the check-in counter? Priceless. This tiny digital scale saved me from scrambling at the airport while trying to rearrange my baggage. With the Etekcity Luggage Scale, I knew just how much Chick-fil-A sauce was too much (spoiler: your girl was about to douse the entire home country). I didn’t have to dump anything at the last minute, which is the ultimate win when you’re traveling with limited emotional capacity.
Pro tip: Always weigh your bag before leaving the hotel. Trust me, this limits human interaction as you await or dread (whichever vocabulary you fancy) the long flight.
4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones
Wireless Headphones with Noise Canceling
If there’s one thing you absolutely need on a long-haul flight, it’s noise-canceling headphones. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones were my personal cocoon of peace. Whether it was drowning out the chatter of overly enthusiastic seat neighbors or the crying baby two rows back (bless their little heart), these headphones were my best friend for 20+ hours. The sound quality was chef’s kiss, and they were comfy enough to wear for hours on end.
Fun fact: I knocked out for a good 75% of the flight, and I credit these headphones. Probably the best investment I made.
5. Twelve South AirFly Duo
Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for Up to Two Headphones
So here’s the deal: I love in-flight entertainment, but I hate those uncomfortable airline-provided headphones. The AirFly Duo let me sync up my own headphones to the seat’s audio jack, so I could binge-watch movies with Bose-quality sound. Plus, if you’re traveling with someone (or just have split personalities), you can connect two headphones at once. Honestly, it’s a game changer if you want to actually enjoy that 12-hour Harry Potter movie marathon without fiddling with wired headsets.
Pro tip: Charge this baby before the flight. You’ll thank yourself while others struggle with those tangled airline wires.
6. Oral-B iO Series 2 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Because No One Wants to Land with Funky Breath
Do you know what’s underrated during long flights? Oral hygiene. There’s something about brushing your teeth mid-flight that makes you feel like a new person; like you’ve got your life together, even when you’re in wrinkled clothes and half-asleep. I whipped out my Oral-B electric toothbrush an hour before landing, and suddenly I felt refreshed and ready to face the world (or, at least, the immigration line). Three modes, a two-minute timer (honestly), it’s the Rolls Royce of toothbrushes.
Fun fact: Fresh breath = a fresh start to whatever chaos awaits you post-flight.
7. Airplane Pillow with Sleep Eye Mask and Chin Strap
Because Wobbling Heads Are for Bobbleheads, Not Humans
You know what’s not a good look? Your head bobbing like a dashboard hula dancer while you’re trying to sleep on a plane. This airplane pillow, complete with an eye mask and chin strap (for the snorers among us), changed my life. It supported my neck perfectly, and for once, I didn’t wake up with a crick in my neck. I don’t snore, but if you do, that chin strap might just save your seatmate’s sanity.
Pro tip: Combine this with your noise-canceling headphones, and you’ve got yourself a first-class sleep experience—even in economy.
Bonus Item: Airplane Foot Hammock
Memory Foam Heaven for Your Feet
Now, I love this foot hammock. I really do. It’s like a first-class experience for your feet—if you’re sitting in the right seat. As a window seat fanatic, I set this up and my feet were practically on vacation before I even landed. But, heads up, not all airlines are cool with it, and it’s definitely not for everyone (especially if you’re in the aisle seat). Use wisely and with caution.
Pro tip: Don’t be that person who blocks the aisle.
Final Thoughts: Sleep, Sauce and Survival
So there you have it, the seven (and a bonus!) items that made my 20+ hour journey not just bearable, but almost enjoyable. With the right gear, you’ll sleep for most of the flight, avoid the dreaded luggage shuffle, and—most importantly—land feeling somewhat human. Remember, bring only what you need to avoid overpacking, and when in doubt, airline blankets and pillows do the job just fine (but if you have space, bring your own). Safe travels!