Be prepared for any delays or discomfort on your next flight. Here’s what we recommend you bring on board a plane for a pleasant flight.

For a pleasant flight, pack comfort items like a neck pillow, an eye mask, and layers (a scarf/jacket) for temperature changes.

Bring your own water onboard

Since sleeping even slightly dehydrated can compromise sleep quality, staying properly hydrated helps you arrive at your destination more rested and may also help prevent illness. Waiting for the beverage cart to offer you a few ounces of water a few times during the flight won’t do the trick. And water bottles are very expensive to purchase on a flight (as much as €8 for a sixteen-ounce bottle). You can either purchase a liter of water for about €5 at an airport shop, or you can bring an empty bottle in your carry-on and fill it at an airport water dispenser after you have gone through security, of course. If you have multiple flights on an international trip, this will save you a little extra money.

Lip balm and moisturizer are also handy accessories.

Bring your own food and snacks on board

Many don’t know you can bring your own food and snacks on board an airplane. If you want to save as much money as possible, buy your food and snacks before entering the airport. Food items such as sandwiches, pizza, cooked meat, chips, nuts, chocolate, candy, pies, and cakes are allowed through security. Almost any food items that aren’t composed mostly of liquid are allowed. However, spreadable items such as hummus, cheeses, butter, peanut butter, and jam are subject to the 3.4-ounce rule. I sometimes buy food or snacks at the airport because cooked items are a few hours fresher, and I don’t have to keep track of snacks until just before boarding. However, the price will be higher, so make your own choice based on the price-convenience factor.

For entertainment and comfort on board, bring your book, paper, and important documents and essential toiletries, such as wipes and a toothbrush. Then you’ll be prepared for any delays or discomfort.

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Bring earplugs

Sleeping on planes is difficult enough because of the size and awkward angle of airplane seats. The noise can also make it difficult. While you can’t change the seat itself, you can help reduce the noise. Having a set of earplugs can significantly reduce noise from people talking, babies crying, and attendants announcing. You will stay asleep longer and arrive slightly more rested. I like to keep a separate pair of earplugs in my toiletry kit, so I don’t have to remember to pack them. Always keep your toiletry kit in your carry-on bag so you have access to earplugs, a toothbrush, toothpaste, aspirin, eye drops, sleeping pills, or any other items you may need for a longer flight.

Bring your own earphones

To me, earphones are one of the most important items to bring on long international flights. You will need them to listen to music, watch imperative time-passing movies and TV shows, or even help you to sleep. Some airlines charge for earphones, and some offer them at no charge, but one thing is for sure: the quality is poor. The airline’s standard-issue earphones usually don’t fit properly, and the sound quality is right up there with the food on the plane. Bringing your own earphones will save you a lot of money and give you a higher-quality experience. You can connect your own wired or wireless headphones to most airline entertainment systems, but you’ll likely need an adapter, especially for older planes with dual-prong jacks or for using wireless Bluetooth headphones. Standard wired headphones often need a dual-prong (airplane) adapter, while wireless ones need a Bluetooth audio transmitter that plugs into the plane’s 3.5mm jack.

Pleasant flight!

What You Should Bring On Board a Plane for a Pleasant Flight, written by Tor Kjolberg