Packing Tips for Long-Haul Flights and International Travel

25 January 2026

Ah, the joy of long-haul flights! There’s nothing quite like sitting in a metal tube for 12+ hours, eating mystery meat, and silently judging the person next to you who somehow falls asleep instantly. But before you even get to that part, you have the dreaded task of packing. And let’s be real—packing for international travel is an art form.

If you’re the type who throws everything but the kitchen sink into your suitcase, only to pay overweight baggage fees, this guide is for you. If you’re a minimalist who thinks three pairs of underwear will last two weeks, well… this is also for you. So, grab your suitcase (or just sit there pretending you’re going to start packing soon), and let’s get into the ultimate packing survival guide.

1. Choose the Right Luggage (No, Your Grocery Tote Won’t Cut It)

First things first: Your choice of luggage matters more than you think. I know, I know—your trusty duffel bag has been with you since college, but do you really want to drag that thing through five different airports?

A Few Things to Consider When Picking the Right Luggage:

- Wheels are life: A suitcase with four spinner wheels = smooth gliding. A two-wheeled bag = frustration and arm cramps.
- Size matters: Airlines have different baggage restrictions, so check before you end up at the counter arguing with a scale.
- Hard-shell or soft-shell? Hard-shell bags protect your stuff better (goodbye, broken souvenirs), while soft-shell luggage gives you more flexibility for squeezing in "just one more thing."

2. The Art of Packing: Because Cramming Isn’t a Strategy

You’ve got the luggage, now what? Dumping everything inside and jumping on your suitcase to zip it up may seem like an option, but let's aim for something a little more sophisticated.

Packing Cubes: The Greatest Invention Since Sliced Bread

If you’re still just tossing your clothes in your suitcase, bless your heart. Packing cubes are the way forward. They keep your clothes organized, maximize space, and prevent your bag from looking like a crime scene every time you open it.

Roll vs. Fold Debate: The Final Verdict

Rolling your clothes saves space and prevents wrinkles. Folding makes everything neat but takes up more space. The ultimate solution? A combination of both—roll your casual clothes and fold bulkier ones like jackets and jeans.

Shoes: The Ultimate Space Hogs

Shoes are the worst when it comes to luggage space. Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane and pack the rest wisely. Also, stuff socks inside them—because wasted space is a crime.

3. Packing Smart: Things You Always Forget (Until It’s Too Late)

It’s all fun and games until you realize you forgot your charger or that one tiny adapter that makes your devices work in another country.

Essential Items You Can’t Afford to Forget:

- Charging Cables & Adapters: Because staring at a dead phone for hours is fun, right?
- A Power Bank: Your phone will betray you at the worst possible moment, best to be prepared.
- Headphones: Don’t rely on those flimsy airplane earbuds unless you enjoy suffering.
- Travel Documents: Passports, visas, and any required entry documents—unless you want your vacation to turn into an immigration nightmare.

The ‘Just In Case’ Kit (A.K.A. Travel Lifesavers)

- Medications: Because tracking down allergy meds in a foreign country is not a fun scavenger hunt.
- Travel-size Toiletries: Not everywhere has your favorite shampoo, and sometimes that hotel soap is strangely aggressive.
- Hand Sanitizer & Wipes: Planes are basically flying petri dishes. Let’s not pretend otherwise.
- Snacks: Because if you're relying on airline food to keep you satisfied, I have bad news…

4. Mastering Your Carry-On: What to Keep Within Arm’s Reach

Your carry-on isn’t just a backup plan for when the airline loses your checked bag—it’s your survival kit for the flight.

The Must-Have Items for Your Carry-On:

- A Change of Clothes: Just in case your checked bag takes an unexpected solo vacation.
- Toiletries (Under 100ml, Obviously): A toothbrush and face wipes can be a lifesaver after hours of breathing in recycled air.
- Travel Pillow & Blanket: Because airplane seats are designed by people who clearly hate comfort.
- Entertainment: Movies, books, music—because staring at the seatback for hours is a fast track to madness.

5. Layering Like a Travel Pro: Dressing for the Plane

Airplanes have their own weird weather system—one moment you're sweating, the next you're shivering like you're in the Arctic. The trick? Dressing in layers.

The Golden Rules of Airplane Fashion:

- Comfort Over Style: Those tight jeans may look good, but after hour six, you’ll regret every life choice.
- Wear a Jacket or Hoodie: Not only does it keep you warm, but it can double as a pillow.
- Slip-On Shoes: Security checkpoints are stressful enough without having to wrestle with complicated footwear.

6. Security Line Survival: Getting Through Without Losing Your Sanity

Ah, the dreaded security line—where people suddenly forget how airport rules work. Here’s how to make it through without being "that person."

How to Get Through Security Like a Pro:

- Have Your Documents Ready: Nobody wants to wait while you rummage through your bag for your passport.
- Follow the Liquids Rule: Yes, your giant shampoo bottle will be confiscated. No, you won't win the argument.
- Empty Your Pockets Beforehand: Avoid the awkward scramble when the metal detector beeps at you.
- Take Off Your Belt & Shoes Quickly: The faster you do it, the sooner you can be on your way.

7. The Checked Baggage Gamble (A.K.A. Will It Arrive?)

Let’s be real: Checked baggage is always a gamble. If you’re lucky, it arrives with you. If you’re not, well… hope you packed that "just in case" outfit in your carry-on.

How to Reduce the Risk of Lost Luggage:

- Use a Luggage Tracker: Technology exists for a reason—might as well use it.
- Label Your Bag Clearly: A luggage tag with your contact details = peace of mind.
- Take a Photo of Your Bag: If it does go missing, this will make describing it way easier.

Final Thought: Pack Smart, Travel Happy

Packing for long-haul flights and international travel doesn’t have to be a chaotic mess. With a little planning (and maybe a reality check on how much you actually need), you’ll be breezing through airports like a pro. So, pack wisely, stay comfortable, and remember: no, you don’t need that extra pair of shoes.