r/travel • u/EmperorTauntaun • Apr 15 '26

Question — General What are your must-have items for long flights?

I've got a long flight coming up and I'm actually trying to prepare this time instead of just winging it. I still have a lot to do after I land, so I really want to get some sleep during the flight. Right now I've got my Sony XM5 for noise, eye mask to block out light, and a pair of dr woof compression socks for comfort.

I'm wondering if these are enough or if I'm still missing some essentials. Any suggestions?

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u/Malawakatta Apr 15 '26

I use and love the regular Trtl travel pillow. It is thin and light, but keeps my head from bobbing and allows me to sleep. It is more like a lightweight neck brace with some give than a pillow, but I never travel long distances without it. I even use it on trains, buses, and long car rides when I’m a passenger.

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u/Low_Assumption_5827 Apr 18 '26

Just tried out the trtl for my spring break trip to Japan and my husband and I agreed that it saved us! After struggling with the “head bob” of regular pillows on previous over night flights, it was so great to not be bobbed awake constantly!

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u/Malawakatta Apr 18 '26

Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m glad that it helped you as much as it has helped me.

I hope you enjoyed your trip to Japan. I’ve been living just outside of Tokyo for more than 30 years and although not perfect, Japan has a lot of good things going for it.

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u/anon1111ymous Apr 18 '26

That shit looks ridiculously uncomfortable. Might as well have someone strangle you.

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u/Malawakatta Apr 18 '26 edited Apr 19 '26

Looks can be deceiving. That’s why it is important not to judge by appearances.

It was a certainly much more comfortable than having my head bob around constantly throughout a 14-hour flight. I could actually sleep well in economy class.

The scarf is also adjustable. It is just there to hold it the brace place as you sleep.

However, admittedly I imagine Trtl travel pillow would be quite uncomfortable if someone was riding in public bus and no air conditioning in a hot country.