I love to travel, especially internationally, but depending on where you’re going getting there can be a slog. Sharing bathrooms, trying to keep a reasonably tidy space, resting, and entertaining yourself can get tedious and downright disgusting without proper preparation. Here are a few things you need to make the long-haul flight experience more manageable.
1. A Tablet
From an entire library of books to your favorite movies, having a tablet is basically a must on a long-haul flight. Airlines provide a great library of entertainment, but are ultimately limited by what they license unlike the limitless potential of a tablet. I happen to own an iPad and use Google Play for movies and other media. I like to travel light, so having my digital libraries on demand condensed into one device is convenient and enough to keep me occupied. Just remember to download the things you want to read or watch before your flight.
2. Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
A must for ANY flight length. You can wear them while you sleep to keep the noise-level controlled, but watching movies and playing games with clear sound is probably a better use. My current headphones are the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700, and they work extremely well. The Bose Music app is wonky, but the product is top class. Even though they are a bit bulkier, I prefer over-ear headphones vs ear buds.
3. Antibacterial Wipes
In the era of COVID this is a no-brainer. I wipe down my seating area on every flight, especially the tray table. Alcohol wipes for hands and Clorox or other similar wipes for everything else. You’re certainly going to need them for the bathroom.
4. A Good Neck Pillow
On a 14-hour flight, you’re inevitably going to need to sleep, so try to find the most comfortable pillow you can. Find one that’s breathable, portable and contains memory foam for quality rest…or as close as you can get on a plane.
5. A Portable Gaming System
As a gamer also (check out my blog at gamingnoir.com) I love to have something more engaging than simply watching movies that will occupy a chunk of the in-flight hours. I own a Nintendo Switch, and I like to play long Role Playing Games (RPGs) with a good story. They are my go to and they eat up large chunks of time. Obviously a portable system is not necessary if you have a tablet as there are tons of games to download. However, I like to have a more tactile experience while playing and specific game brands.
There you have it, a few things that might make your up-in-the-air life a bit more comfortable.
Until next time…
JG