10 things I always pack on a flight

From comfort items to self-care, keep these in your go-bag at all times

This article is sponsored by LATHER, the key to Jackson Shower Hair™ and glowing, soft, hydrated skin. Save 15% on your order with the code MELISSA (new AND existing customers).

I fly a lot, and I’ve got it down to an art. (Picture George Clooney in Up in the Air.) I’m an efficiency machine when it comes to packing, moving through security, and boarding, and I pride myself in always having the comfort items I need when I’m in the air.

I’ve refined my approach over the years, as I’ve learned what I really want on a long flight and what I can do without. (I prefer to travel light rather than over-packed.) As technology has improved, I’ve also made some additions to my carry-on so I’m always comfortable, plenty entertained, and get off the plane feeling as refreshed as possible.

Here are the eight items I always pack for a flight; one must-have before I even leave for the airport; plus a bonus item I tried a few months ago and is now a flying staple.

1. Pre-flight sunscreen

A 2014 study from JAMA Dermatology showed that pilots and flight attendants are twice as likely to suffer from melanoma when compared to the general population. The intensity of UV radiation increases by 15% for every 3,000 feet above sea level. Since airplanes typically fly over 35,000 feet, the radiation exposure is much higher in the air than on the ground. Your skin can get a lot of sun exposure on a flight, especially if you’re in a window seat.

I apply a generous coat of LATHER’S Mineral Daily Defense SPF 50 before I leave the house. I don’t bother reapplying unless the flight is longer than 6 hours and it’s all in the daytime, but this product comes in a 2-ounce size, which is well under the allowed size for carry-on.

2. Wireless earbuds or headphones

These serve triple-duty. Without turning them on, they allow me to block the noise of the airport and airplane. I can also listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks on my phone; and they connect to the airplane’s video system to watch movies. Choose a pair you find comfortable enough to wear for the whole flight, and stays charged for 6-8 hours in case of delays.

3. AirFly pro

This handy little gadget plugs into your airplane’s video monitor and connects to your wireless headphones. This lets you use the same headphones to watch movies, and not have to carry around (or beg from the airplane) an old-school wired pair. It works perfectly and holds a charge for a long time. It’s $55 on Amazon and every time I plug it in, my seat-mate or the person across the aisle says, “Whoa, I need one of those.”

4. Scarf/blanket

I always dress in layers (usually a t-shirt or tank top with a sweatshirt or comfortable, soft jacket), but I also pack a scarf that doubles as a blanket. In fall and winter, I pack an oversized cashmere scarf that I can wear with my coat in cold weather. In spring and summer, I pack a lighter oversized scarf in a cotton/polyester blend (mine is super old from lululemon). A scarf can also roll up into a pillow or cushion for your elbows or lower back.

5. Kindle

You could bring a book on the plane, but what if you’re just getting started and you hate it? What if you’re already halfway through and you finish it with two hours to go? What if you get a few chapters in and realize you don’t feel like reading non-fiction? Not to mention, physical books take up valuable space. A Kindle Paperwhite with several books pre-downloaded is money on a plane. You can read without turning on the obnoxious overhead light, there is essentially no blue light to disturb your sleep, you’ll have your choice of titles, and it takes up virtually no space in your bag. 

6. Hydrating lip balm 

Airplanes are dry, and I’m sorry for saying it, but Chap Stick doesn’t do sh*t. LATHER’s Lip Conditioning Balm is the best I have ever used, hands-down. (I got a free sample a few months ago when I placed an order, and immediately ordered two more.) I reapply frequently on the plane. In a pinch, it also doubles as a salve for dry knuckles, but if you have the room, I also love LATHER’s thick, rich Hand Therapy cream for travel.

7. GUM Proaxabrush Go-Betweens

I found this product at my dad’s house and immediately ordered a fafillion packages. These small reusable brushes (each with a travel cap) can quickly remove food stuck between your teeth, and double as a toothbrush to get rid of that after-flight grimy feeling. It works better than floss or toothpicks and is easier to carry than a full-sized toothbrush. (Pair this with Listerine dissolvable strips and your mouth will be feeling fresh in a jiffy.)

8. A double-charger for iPhone and USB-C

I have a dedicated charging block with two USB outlets for the plane. I bring one 3-foot iPhone charging cord, and one short USB-C cord. The long cord is key—it lets me charge my phone neatly in the seat pocket so my seat-mate doesn’t trip over it on their way to the bathroom. The short USB-C can charge my Kindle, headphones, or Airfly if I need it. If you’re traveling alone, getting off the plane with a full phone charge is a good safety practice, and my headphones can run for an hour with just 10 minutes of charging time.

9. Meat sticks

If you know me, you know I have at least three meat sticks on me at all times. Protein is the hardest thing to find in the airport, especially in portable form. You can always find fruit, fruit bars, nuts, and seeds, but I want protein on the plane. It’s the most satiating, keeps my stomach happy on a long flight, and can supplement the plane snacks to make a mini-meal. Pack as many as you think you’ll eat on the flight, then double it. They don’t take up much space and it’s never bad to have extra.

10. LATHER Cucumber & Ginseng Facial Mist (Bonus)

I’ve ordered all of my LATHER skincare staples in travel-sizes, and have found a few spritzes of this Cucumber & Ginseng Mist is instantly refreshing. It’s moisturizing and soothing, and helps me feel less grungy after a long flight. I spray lightly throughout the flight and right before we descend; the smell is very light and natural. (If you’re feeling crowded or nervous about adding any scent to the air, save it for the bathroom. I always ask my seatmates if they mind; they never do!)

May your skies be friendly

This could be just the start of my “travel like a pro” series; if you’re interested, I’ve got plenty more where this came from. (Let me know in comments!) If there is something you always carry that isn’t on my list, share that with me there too. 

Visit the LATHER store and see all of my favorite picks in one place—including their active line for hard workouts and long hikes. (Plus, the product that started it all: their Jackson Shower Hair-worthy Bamboo Lemongrass Hair Wash.) You can also read my full skincare routine using LATHER products in a December 2023 XOMU.

XO, MU