7 Genius Essentials for Long-Haul Flights

I love a good deal on an international flight. Most of the time, those deals are for long-haul, nonstop flights in economy that can make for an uncomfortable trip. They’re worth it, of course, but that doesn’t mean one should suffer through them. I’ve spent years perfecting my curation of essentials that I always make sure to pack, including reusable food bags and insulated water bottles. These clever items help me stay nourished and hydrated, no matter how long the flight. I’ve gathered my top picks, such as this clever snack box and collapsible travel cup. Plus, some of them happen to be on sale.

The Best Essentials for Long-Haul Flights

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

After I go through security, my first stop is always the water fountain, where I fill up my bottle for the day’s trip. I love insulated water bottles like the Owala FreeSip, which can keep water cold for up to 24 hours. The carry loop doubles as a lock and when engaged, making the bottle leak-proof. The bottle also has a unique spout designed for either upright sipping through the built-in straw or swigging more water from the bigger opening. The 24-ounce Owala bottle provides more than enough capacity, and it’s on sale right now.

Bee’s Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

Gone are the days of sad airport sandwiches now that I pack my own food for long flights. I keep them perfectly wrapped with my Bee’s Wrap reusable beeswax wraps, which easily conform to the shape of my sandwiches and keep them safe in transport. I especially like that they’re sturdier than plastic wrap, so I’m not concerned about my sandwich getting squished in my carry-on. Plus, they’re super easy to clean, so if I ever eat my sandwich before I get on the plane (it happens) I can easily clean it with cool water and wipe it dry, or fold it up to clean later. This set includes a small (7 inches by 8 inches), a medium (10 inches by 11 inches), and a large wrap (13 inches by 14 inches). Grab a pack today while it’s on sale.

Stasher Platinum Silicone Food-Grade Reusable Storage Bag

I’m a nervous fidgeter on a plane, and being able to snack on my favorite chocolate-covered almonds or honey mustard pretzel bites is a fun distraction during long flights. I like packing loose snacks in Stasher silicone bags, which are durable and dishwasher-safe. They’ve lasted through many flights, and I even use them on the day-to-day for packing work lunches or picnics. The 28-ounce bag is leakproof and at 23% off, you might want to get two or three.

GoBe Original Snack Spinner

I can only ask the flight attendant for so many bags of peanuts, so when I know I’ll want a variety of snacks for a long flight, I like to pack all of my favorites in a container like the GoBe snack spinner. It’s made for kids, but it’s the ideal vessel for airplane snacks because there’s only one opening and the container spins, so different compartments can line up with the opening. This means there’s less chance of spilling snacks on your seatmate, and more chance of a nourishing plane ride.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Thermos

For having hot drinks on planes, I only trust my Zojirushi stainless steel thermos. It holds temperature better than any other travel mug I’ve tried and it’s on sale for nearly 50% off. I love that it’s leakproof, and the spout delivers a very smooth flow for my teas or coffee. I usually pack a few sachets of my favorite teas, and once I’m on the plane, I simply ask for hot water. My Zojirushi is my go-to thermos for traveling, camping, and everyday living.

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes Case

I always keep hand wipes in my bag on the day-to-day, but they’re especially essential to my air travel routine. It’s not always possible to rush to the restroom if I need to get to my gate, or it can be a hassle to wash my hands on the plane if I’m in the window seat. That’s why Wet Ones hand wipes are so useful during flights: They ensure quick and easy cleanup while barely taking up any room in my luggage. Each pack comes with 20 wipes, and this 10-pack case is on sale for 20% off.

Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup

Instead of asking for another plastic cup every time I want a new drink on the plane, I turn to my collapsible travel cup as a more sustainable solution for drinking on-the-go. The Stojo collapsible cup is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and collapses down to just 2 inches, so it’s perfect for stowing away in my carry-on bag when I’m not using it. I love that it has a leakproof lid, so I never worry about its contents splashing out during bouts of turbulence. Plus, it comes in a wide array of fun colors. At just $15, it’s a great travel item that’s even useful beyond air travel.