I Just Flew 14 Hours to Tokyo—26 Items I Won't Board Another Flight Without
I consider myself a frequent flyer. This year alone, I've already been to Mexico twice, L.A., Florida, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Boston, and just last week, I got back from a trip to Tokyo. I've zipped and unzipped my black Away Bigger Carry-On so many times that it remained a fixture on my living room floor all summer with too little time between trips for me to bother putting it away. I've been to the airport so frequently over the past few months that I've joked about renting out a room next to JFK. Recently, I became the proud holder of United's Premier Gold status.
Suffice it to say, I've gotten my airport outfits and in-flight routine down to science at this point. Of course, I'll tweak which essentials to bring with me based on how long my travel day will be and whether I'll have to eat or sleep on board. I've figured out a few things that can separate good flight from a bad one and make or break my jet lag, skin, digestion, and… Well, you get the picture. Ahead, discover the 26 travel essentials I won't board another long-haul international flight without, from the weighted eye mask that has me out like a light to the face mist that helps me avoid post-flight breakouts.
Once I started using this weighted eye mask—both at home and while traveling—it was game over. I've never experienced deeper and more long-lasting sleep in my life.
I usually break out after a long flight, but spritzing this every few hours helped keep any breakouts at bay.
My favorite sweats brand makes the cutest—and comfiest—hoodies out there that are perfect for battling the plane AC. After this last long-haul flight, I'll be opting for a zip-up so it's easier to take off without undoing all those headphone cords when watching a movie.
These pants are soft and lighter than air, and they don't entirely look like pajamas despite feeling like it.
The first thing I do on flights longer than a few hours is take my shoes off for better circulation. These Vince cashmere socks are the best things to put on to stay warm.
For before, during, and after flying.
I don't trust my phone's front camera or those tiny bathrooms to get the job done when I'm doing my in-flight skincare routine. It's also useful for doing makeup at your hotel or Airbnb.
Wearing sunscreen when flying is a nonnegotiable because the sun is far more intense at 30,000 feet. I'm truly obsessed with this viral tube from Korea's Beauty of Joseon.
Because fishing around in a sea of tangled cords in my tote bag just isn't it.
The tube version of this lip balm is better for traveling since you don't have to use your hands to dispense it.
I hate wearing jewelry because my fingers always swell up, and too many pieces get uncomfortable. This chic carrying case keeps everything organized.
An easy, feel-good read is just what the doctor ordered, especially during takeoff and landing when you can't use a laptop or tablet.
Stepping off a 14-hour flight with a perfect blowout is one of those little luxuries that I never knew I needed to experience.
Not only does this hand cream smell amazing, but the texture is also ultra rich.
For some reason, my digestion always gets messed up when I travel, so I always keep plenty of magnesium supplements on hand.
Everything gets dried out on a long flight, so hydration is key for hands, skin, and eyes too.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
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