What to Bring on an International Flight
Traveling internationally opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, experience breathtaking landscapes, and create lifelong memories. While traveling internationally can be an exciting and memorable experience, you first must survive a long-haul flight on your way to your destination. Spending that many hours on an airplane can be downright uncomfortable and exhausting, especially for those of us travelers who are over the age of 50 or for those of us who are not lucky enough to book a first-class ticket. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth journey that will leave you well rested, as well as fresh and ready to explore your new destination upon your arrival. This post is one you will want to save for all of your upcoming travels so you can know exactly what to bring on an international flight.
If you love to travel, I recommend visiting these related posts:
- Best Cruise Lines for Older Adults and Couples
- Best Travel Bags and Suitcases for Women
- Complete Packing List of Travel Toiletries
What to Bring on an International Flight
When packing for an international flight, there are some essential items that you won’t want to forget at home. Even if you’re an old pro at flying across the world, this list may have a few things you haven’t considered that will make your future international plane rides easier.
P.S. While packing the right things can help make your trip go off without a hitch, it is also wise to familiarize oneself with airline policies, including baggage allowances and any specific regulations on liquids or electronics. Every airline has different policies, so make sure to do your homework.
#1 Choose the Best Checked Bag, Carryon Bag, and Travel Backpack or Tote
Having the perfect piece(s) of luggage can make or break your trip. I went into depth discussing the best travel bags and suitcases in this post. If you don’t have time to read the other post, below are my picks for the best-checked bag, carry-on bag, travel backpack, and travel tote.
#2 Keep Travel Documents and Money Organized and Safe
Essential travel documents such as passports, visas, and printed itineraries should be kept easily accessible and secure. Keeping your travel documents organized and easily accessible is crucial for international flights as it ensures a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. Having your passport, visa, boarding passes, and other necessary documents readily available not only expedites the check-in and security processes but also provides peace of mind, reducing the risk of misplaced or forgotten items that could potentially disrupt your travel plans.
Keeping your important items in the outside pocket of a backpack or in a wallet can make you an easy target for pickpockets, especially when you are trying to get some sleep. Picking up an organizer like one of those below allows you to keep your documents and money organized and safely stored close to your body. One of them can go around your waist, under or over your clothes, one goes around your neck, and the third attaches to your bra strap (note: this one does not fit a passport).
#3 Choose a Great Seat
While this isn’t something you can pack, it’s something that you need to remember to do when planning an international flight. Whether you love to sit by the window so you can look out as the flight progresses or you like sitting in an exit row to gain some additional legroom, consider the things that are important to you when choosing a seat. I think sitting a few rows away from the restroom is always a smart choice for a long-haul flight, especially if you like to do a skincare routine, spruce up as you approach your destination, or if you tend to use the bathroom often.
If finances or your airline points allow for an upgrade to first or business class, this is, of course, a no-brainer. However, if you must travel economy, all hope is not lost, as it is still possible to have a comfortable travel experience.
#4 Don’t Forget Entertainment
Spending hours upon hours on an airplane can get very boring, so bringing entertainment is a must. I find it a perfect opportunity to sink into a new book, so consider bringing a paperback or a reading device like a Kindle. I just shared a list of recommendations for great reads here. If reading isn’t your cup of tea, you could use the time to listen to a podcast or audiobook, work a crossword or sudoku, write in your journal, or utilize this hands-free phone mount to catch a new movie or binge a television series. You’ll also want to bring a portable power bank to keep your phone battery topped off.
#5 Comfort Items Are a Must
To stay comfortable during a long flight, it is essential to dress in loose, breathable clothing and wear layers so you can easily adjust to varying temperatures. Bringing a travel pillow, blanket, and eye mask can help promote restful sleep while staying hydrated, and moving around periodically can help prevent muscle stiffness. Additionally, using noise-canceling headphones can help you to get good rest, especially if you have a hard time tuning out noises from other travelers. Compression socks are a must, as they can help promote circulation and reduce swelling, fatigue, and soreness in your legs.
#6 Bring Your Must-Have Toiletries
There are some toiletries and hygiene items that you won’t want to go without, especially for that many hours. I talk about toiletries I always bring with me in this post, but in my amenity kit for international flights, I make sure to bring:
- A travel toothbrush – I like these disposable ones that don’t require any water
- Peppermint chewing gum
- Chapstick
- Antibacterial Wipes
- Eye Drops
- Facial Cleansing Wipes
- Pain Reliever
- Deodorant
- Travel Sized Hair Brush
- Daily Medications in a pill organizer
I loved this post. Great ideas. Next trip will be a cruise of the Greek Islands and Istanbul.
How fun!!
Great post Jennifer! I would like to add for international flights to carry your medications if you check your bag and to wear a sports or non underwire bra for more comfort.
Great advice about the medications. Mine are always in my handheld bag.
I was told you need to carry medication in the original containers – not distilled into pill boxes. Apparently some countries will have an issue with unidentified medication. Has anyone experienced this?
I carry both. One week in the pill box for convienie
Great list, Jennifer. Several relatives and I are in the early stages of planning a trip to France in late spring 2024. I haven’t been to Europe and I’m very excited. I have been to Australia and, yes, it’s a long flight – 13.5 hours from LAX.
France is fabulous. Lucky you.
Very helpful information. Thanks. Leaving in September for a total of 7 weeks to U.K., France and Portugal. First international trip since before Covid so making it count!
Carole
Have fun!
We will be on our way to The Bahamas in the fall. Love my Cruising, so we are supper excited.
Thanks for the travel tips, we are going to Australia and New Zealand in January. I always freeze on planes, so the coverups are perfect.
Always!! Layers are so important.
Personally, I like paper copies of my flights and itinerary. I find it easier than searching my phone and if it should die, I still have all info close at hand.
After buying Sony noise cancelling headphones and flying with them…wow…such a difference. You don’t realize just how loud aircraft are until you cancel that noise out.
I book Economy Plus for the extra legroom when on a long flight. It’s only a little bit more and worth every Penny.
I always carry some currency for those little purchases from vendors and for tips.
My husband swears by his noise cancelling headphones. I need to get some.
Heading for a 22 day Mediterranean cruise in September w extra 3 days in Lisbon at the beginning and a week in Venice at the end. I so want to do only carry on! I hate lugging (or losing) a big bag! All your tips will hopefully sink in and pay off!
Have fun! What an amazing trip.
My husband and I are going to the UK next June to go sightseeing for a few days before taking the Queen Mary 2 to New York then flying home to Dayton. I’m really looking forward to the trip since it will be the fifth anniversary of him proposing to me on our crossing in 2019.
That’s so romantic! Have fun
Headed to Italy in October with my husband. Thank you for this helpful post-just ordered a passport/card carrier for both of us.
We have a son, daughter-in-law and 2 grandkids that have lived in Zurich, Switzerland for the last 7 years. We have made many trips over the years to visit and enjoy our side trips all over Europe!
This year will be a busy travel year. Covid shut down several trips. We will fly in to Amsterdam and experience the Rhine River Getaway. I’ve been reading your posts on Pinterest. Then it’s a New England cruise that was also cancelled. In December we will travel to the Holy Land. I have been 1 time but my husband is going with this time. I love your blogs. Thank you for sharing such great information.
Have a fabulous time. They sound like fun!
Great post and perfect timing for me, Jennifer. Heading to 3 Scandinavian countries (where it will hopefully be cooler!!) in 3 weeks. Always good to be reminded of essentials and pick up some new tips as well.
Jennifer,
Timely post for me, we are leaving soon for a Viking River Cruise. My husband and I both purchased comfy cargo pants to wear on the airplane. I keep my passport, Global Entry Pass zipped up in my pants pocket with easy access very safe.
Have a great trip
Yes! Thank you for this post! I’m heading to Italy for three weeks! This is my first time to Europe! Very excited and taking 10 friends with me!!
That sounds so fabulous Cathy!! Have a fabulous trip.
Hello Jennifer – I love your blog! This post is really helpful as we are leaving for Italy in October and I will have lots of time to get organized using your tips. Thanks!
Have a great time. I love Italy!
Thanks for the tips!
Heading to Turks and Caicos!!
Fabulous! Have fun.
Jennifer we live in an electronic age, lol. Documents should be on your phone. Some airlines (e.g., Alaska) are pushing customers to get rid of paper. And many places are like the US but more so, so nobody carries currency.
We sure do. Phones get lost all the time too so I prefer multiple copies of important documents. Some of us are more old school and like to have some cash with us. I know my husband always does.
Kind of an unusual story, but my Colorado daughter and her husband had a credit card snafu traveling this May. When using their card waiting for a connecting flight to Europe at the Charlotte Airport , a bartender mixed up their card with someone who was heading to Mexico (no way to retrieve; quickly cancelled). Departed with a debit card only, and minimal cash; they did adapt and enjoy the ten-day trip. I always bring two different cards and several hundred dollars US cash. Makes you think!
Great advice!!
We are going to Israel in February.
How fabulous. I’ve never been.
Excellent tips Jennifer, especially for first time travellers. Recently returned from long haul international holiday – it took 40 hours, 4 flights – one of which was 13hrs straight to get to Israel from Australia. When travelling, I always keep my passport and credit cards and some cash in my very light weight crossbody pouch, both on the flight and when out and about. The pick pockets are shocking in Europe. Like you, I take paper copies of everything – a mobile phone is stolen every 8 minutes in London alone. Unlike most people, I always take a wad of cash (along with credit cards). Keeps my spending under control and avoids nasty conversion rates.
Those are great points! Thanks for sharing them Susan.
Jennifer, You should visit Israel – this year was my second visit and am now planning my third. The food is fantastic and I found much nicer than both France and Italy (the food was mediocre in Rome).
Our family lives literally all over the world. We will be going to Denmark and Sweden for a family event in October with a brief extension trip to Estonia and Latvia. Then at Christmas, we will be making our annual trip to Australia where our daughter, son-in-law and 3 grand babies live. It will be my 13th trip down under and believe it or not, I have the 24 hour plus flight routine down to a manageable process. Seeing those children makes it all worthwhile.
That is a very long flight but so worth it. Your trips sound exciting!
Hi Jennifer – just returned yesterday from 2 weeks in Belgium, France & Spain and your recommendations are spot on, especially the part about seat choice! Also avoid checking bags if possible, makes things so much easier, though I got tired of wearing the same clothes – haha. I love your blog and tips. Keep them coming!
Thanks, Julie