Fly prepared

Sunscreen

This is a common mistake we are all guilty of. When inside a plane, it is easy to forget we are still being exposed to the sun, and much more than when we are on ground. Higher altitudes mean thinner atmosphere, which means more UV rays hitting the face. So slather on some SPF before boarding your flight, and keep it within arm's reach, like in your carry purse. 

Deodorant/perfume

Neither does one want to smell bad on the plane nor after getting off from it, and carrying an entire bottle does not seem too convenient. For this reason throw in a roll on (some airlines do not allow in-flight passengers to carry aerosol deodorants). Similarly, deodorant is an absolute must even in the chilly airplane atmosphere to prevent sweat in the first place. 

Hand sanitiser

Everything inside the plane might look squeaky clean even to the touch, but do not let that fool you! From the bathroom handle to the window, everything has germs brewing on them. So it only makes sense to carry a hand sanitiser or anti-bacterial to keep oneself sanitised. 

Hand cream

Dry hands, eventually leading to chipped nails are a common thing in the dry airplane atmosphere. Carry a small tube of hand cream to relieve those coarse hands and give them some moisture. 

Wet wipes

These multitasking objects will save your life when on board. From cleaning your face, hands, trays, toilet seats to pretty much everything you come across it will come in handy. So make sure to stock up. 

Sweater

It can get real chilly inside airplanes, and airplane blankets are not the most sanitary. Bringing a blanket is not very suitable, so it is best to carry a sweater no matter what the season is. 

Neck pillow

To give your necks some comfort, and to not fall over on your fellow passengers while taking a nap, these are ideal. 

Sleeping mask

A mask just for your eyes, might look somewhat humorous to some, but helps one to fall asleep very fast nonetheless. 

Socks

Warm feet equals happy feet, not to mention it warms up the rest of the body, feels cosy, and protects your feet from airplane germs even if you decide to take off your shoes. 

Toothpaste and toothbrush

A must for the really long flights. Even though they might provide you with new ones, always best to carry you own. 

Powerbank

In today's tech savvy world, one's biggest fear in a day long flight can be a dead battery, hence do not forget to pack your power bank. 

Moisturisers

Airplane atmosphere wreaks havoc on the skin, and after a while it becomes dry, coarse and flaky, eventually uncomfortable. Carry deep hydrating moisturisers, especially during long flights.  

Concealer

A lot of times people rush to meetings or events directly from the airport. To give the face an instant lift, dab on some concealer on the trouble spots and under the eyes before getting off the plane. This will make one look more lively and presentable, plus they are easy to carry.

Lipstick

No one has time to do a full face on the plane. Stick with a lipstick that doubles as blush and eye shadow, preferably brown, and throw it in your purse. Dab some on the cheeks, eyelids and lips for an instant flush of colour, to look as fresh as ever when getting out of the plane. 

Cushion foundation/BB 

cushion

Bottles of foundation or large tubes of BB creams are hard to use when travelling, can spill into your purse, not to mention, are simply inconvenient. If you must travel with something of the sort, opt for a cushion foundation or BB cushion that will stay intact, will not spill— very user friendly and is anything but inconvenient. 

Lastly, but most importantly, drink lots and lots of water and water based foods to keep yourself hydrated from the inside too. 

Other than these, one can always carry earphones, a book or two or a notepad to journalise on day-long flights. Being strapped to one's seats, with knees beside our ears, fatigue can build up. Hopefully these items will help make your next flight easier. 

The key is to adapt. Stuffing everything in a purse is not the solution, but only taking the items one will need, such as avoiding big notebooks for small flights, but taking your toothbrush for the longer ones.

By Anisha Hassan

Photo: Collected