I’m going to London at the end of November, and with a long-haul flight ahead of me, I’m already thinking about what I need to make the trip as comfortable as possible.

From entertainment to comfort and a little peace of mind, here are five things that will definitely be in my carry-on bag (or on my person) for easy access during the flight.

A quick note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you shop through them — at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions and recommendations are my own. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Bose QC35 II Headphones

I love my AirPods, and I use them every day, but I just feel like on a plane I need something with stronger noise cancellation. I’ve had these headphones since medical school, and they’re still my favorite headphones for studying and flying.

I seriously can’t remember the last time I’ve taken a flight without them. The noise cancellation is amazing, which is especially important because I don’t want to listen to the hum of plane engines for an entire flight.

A major bonus is that these headphones come with a headphone jack cable, so I can easily plug them into the in-flight entertainment system to watch shows or movies.

Compression Socks

When I get onto a flight, for the most part, I’m staying in my seat for the entire duration unless I really need to pee. I hate public restrooms, and I hate airplane bathrooms even more.

Because long periods of sitting can increase the risk of developing a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs, also known as a DVT, compression socks are one of my travel essentials. Of course, it’s still important to get up and move around periodically, but compression socks are an extra precaution I like to take.

I have a bunch of compression socks because I bought a ton when I started residency, and they’re also something I’ve gifted to loved ones who travel frequently.

It may seem like a lame gift, but it’s actually a really great and underrated one.

Lysol Wipes

I picked this habit up from one of my mentors in medical school. He would wipe down practically every surface he came into contact with on a plane. This was back in the early post-COVID-19 days, but it’s a habit I’ve carried with me ever since.

Have you ever seen how quickly they turn over a plane before it leaves for its next flight? It doesn’t take very long, and I have a hard time believing there’s enough time to thoroughly wipe down every single tray table, armrest, or air vent.

Lysol wipes barely take up any space in a carry-on bag, and they bring me so much peace of mind when I know I’m going to be sitting somewhere for hours.

Other passengers have even asked me for one of my Lysol wipes before, so you know it’s a good buy!

Kindle Reader

I’ve really come to love reading again. It’s something I genuinely enjoy doing in my free time, and I feel so much more enriched by reading for fun rather than reading because I have to for work or school.

I’m still working through The Three-Body Problem trilogy, but I have a bunch of other books downloaded on my Kindle in the event that I somehow finish the series on the plane.

Spoiler alert: these books are thiccccccck, so I don’t think that’s going to happen.

But never say never!

Comfrt VIP Airplane Mode Sweatshirt

I’ve had my eye on this sweatshirt for quite some time! I first saw a bunch of people advertising it on TikTok, but what really sold me was the satin-lined hood and the ridiculous number of pockets. TBH I’m more excited about the pockets than I am about the satin-lined hood.

Every time I travel internationally, I’m forced to take my passport cover off, and then I’m fumbling around trying to put everything back together and keep it organized. This sweatshirt has a pocket for my passport, a pocket for my AirPods, and plenty of other places to stash the little things I like to keep within reach.

And if I can avoid constantly digging through my carry-on bag while I’m sitting on a plane, even better.

This may have been one of the easiest purchases of 2026 for me.

Bonus: Nintendo Switch

I know I usually include just five items, but no long-haul flight for me is complete without my Switch.

Sometimes I’m craving a break from reading or watching TV, and that’s where my Switch comes in!

I have some Final Fantasy games and a few cozy games like Strange Horticulture and Animal Crossing. It gives me a few more hours of entertainment and keeps my hands busy, which I love.

I’ll also frequently watch TV while playing games on my Switch, so it just makes the whole experience even cozier.

---

What are some of your plane essentials? Do we have any in common?

With love,
Ash ♡