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Planning your next long-haul holiday but can’t stand the thought of those endless, uncomfortable flights?
Between crying babies, cramped conditions and uncomfortable seats (not to mention the person next to you with the pointiest elbows known to man), economy flying can take a toll on even the most resilient of travellers.
I’ve recently just come back from a trip to Sri Lanka, with each leg there and back consisting of two arduous six-hour flights – and while to some that might not sound too bad, living through it is no walk in the park.
Being a fairly seasoned traveller, however, I’ve learned there’s a few things I can invest in that’ll totally change how my flights go, helping to ensure I get at least a few hours kip and feel decently comfortable while I do.
From revolutionary neck pillows to the one tool that means you never have to use a flimsy pair of plane headphones again, I’ve found some of the best product hacks that’ll make you dread flights that bit less.
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I’d always wanted to try the trtl neck pillow but only got around to it on my most recent trip. Needless to say, I’ve been totally missing out by not having this in my travel repertoire earlier.
This clever, adjustable neck pillow is nothing like the U-shaped pillows of times gone by (which, by the way, I never found to be comfortable), instead featuring a patented, wrap-around design that keeps your head upright as you nap.
That means that you’re not left with any painful cricks in your neck or a sore back after an awkward snooze. Instead, you’re supported and comfortable all flight long – even if you’ve got the middle seat. Total game-changer.
If, like me, you love having your legs up on your chair and hate that restless feeling in your legs when you can’t get them up (like when you’re on an endless plane journey), then you need to invest in a plane footrest.
Totally affordable but transformative for long and short flights alike, an airplane footrest will help to take the stress and weight off your knees and back, supporting your feet for unparalleled relief.
In truth, part of me thought this rest would be a gimmick when I packed it in my hand luggage. I’ve never eaten my words so heartily.
It’s as easy as slipping it over your tray table and getting comfy, and I found myself so much better prepared for sleep and relaxation when I had the ability to bring up my legs.
Better yet, its compact and easy to slip in your bag. I honestly couldn’t fly without this anymore. 10/10.
Sick of crumby plane headphones that leave movie audio purely to the imagination? Sorry, but I simply can’t relate anymore now I have this super-clever piece of tech.
This adapter is designed to seamlessly connect any Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to your in-flight entertainment system, allowing you to use your own, likely better quality and more comfortable headphones on the plane TV.
With just a touch of a button, I can connect my noise-cancelling AirPods and really properly enjoy my plane movies. There’s not much else to say apart from this one is an essential in my travel kit now.
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
shop £179
Related to the above, this pair of Apple AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation changed the game when it comes to travel.
Planes are notoriously loud, which can be a drag when you’re trying to have a zizz or watch some in-flight entertainment.
These AirPods, however, boast pretty sensational noise cancelling, meaning I can block out all the unwanted noise from the flight (screaming baby three rows behind, I’m looking at you) and catch a few winks or watch Bridget Jones again in utter peace.
The fact that the audio quality is second to none is just an added bonus.
Drowsy Moonlight Shadow Eyelash Protecting Sleep Mask
shop £79
Never underestimate the power of a really good face mask like this one from Drowsy.
Totally blocking out the light while remaining silky soft and cushioned against your face, it creates the perfect environment for a great, undisturbed sleep – even if the person in the window seat insists that it stay open all flight long.
Ideal for longer lashes or those who hate sleep masks pressing against the eye, this Drowsy mask has fully contoured eyecups that block off light while keeping your eye area protected. Made with mulberry silk for total luxury, it’s a must in my travel repertoire.
Plus, this mask combined with noise-cancelling AirPods, trtl neck pillow and footrest? Chef’s kiss.
Sometimes on those long flights you need just a shred of semblance of things being normal – and keeping your oral hygiene up us a great way to do just that.
I’ve loved the SURI Electric Toothbrush for a while now thanks to its excellent cleaning power and near-endless battery life (one charge lasted me three weeks in Sri Lanka).
But it’s the handy case that makes it so perfect for travel. Sleek and compact, it not only keeps your brush safe and sound, but, when plugged in, charges your brush as well. Huge win for those post plane-dinner brushes.
If you’re anything like me, planes dry you out like nothing else. It’s the artificial, AC air that does it, and my lips are usually first to fall victim to its moisture-stealing ways.
I always make sure to have an E45 Lips & Dry Skin Lip Balm on me when I hop on the plane now, as its deeply softening and moisturising properties rescue dry lips (and any other dry areas on your face and body) in a flash.
With these must-haves you’re guaranteed better, more restful and far more comfortable flights henceforth. You’re welcome.
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