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The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.
Long-haul flights with kids can feel like a vacation before the vacation–but with the right personal-item essentials, the journey doesn’t have to be the hardest part of the trip. From a jumbo punch balloon that lets little ones burn off some energy before boarding to a clever tray-table cover with built-in pockets for snacks and activities, the right gear can make hours in the air feel a whole lot more manageable.
And while the kids are covered, parents deserve a few travel upgrades, too. Think a supportive neck pillow, noise-cancelling headphones, compression socks, a sleep mask and a few clever wellness essentials that can make a long-haul flight more comfortable from takeoff to touchdown. Here’s everything worth packing in your personal item before your next family adventure from brands like Apple, Loop, Stanley and more.
The footrest upgrade
Long flights are tough on little legs, especially when kids are trying to sleep in an economy seat. An inflatable footrest can help create a more comfortable setup by giving their feet somewhere to rest and helping them settle in for the long haul. Just be sure to check your airline’s rules before packing one, as some carriers don’t allow inflatable footrests onboard.
The tray-table game changer
This clever tray-table cover does more than protect the tray–it creates a handy little command centre for kids. The built-in pockets give them a place to stash snacks, books, toys and other flight essentials, helping keep everything within easy reach instead of scattered around the seat.
The snack station
A long-haul flight is not the time to discover that your child suddenly hates every snack you packed. A compartmentalized snack box lets you bring a mix of familiar favourites, from fruit and vegetables to crackers and other kid-approved bites, all in one easy-to-grab container. We love the idea of treating it like a bento lunch box so kids can see exactly what’s available.
The luggage cup holder
Trying to juggle a coffee, kids’ drinks, passports and your personal item while navigating an airport? This clever cup holder attaches to your luggage and can hold everything from a coffee cup to a tumbler. It also includes a sleeve for your passport and boarding pass, and can be positioned to accommodate your personal-item bag. Plus, it comes in 19 colours.
The lost-and-found lifesaver
An AirTag isn’t just for checked luggage. Slip one into a wallet, backpack, passport holder or another travel essential that has a tendency to disappear when you’re travelling with kids. It’s one small piece of tech that can provide some extra peace of mind when you’re juggling multiple bags and little travellers.
The sleep-inducing neck pillow
When it’s finally time for everyone to sleep, a supportive travel pillow can make a major difference. The TRTL Pillow has a wrap-around design that looks more like a neck warmer than a traditional travel pillow, with an internal support system designed to help keep your head and neck comfortable. It’s also machine washable and easier to carry than many traditional neck pillows.
The quiet-time essential
Sometimes you don’t need complete silence–you just need to turn the volume down. These reusable earplugs are designed to reduce noise and come with four interchangeable ear tip sizes so you can find the most comfortable fit. They’re particularly handy when you’re trying to sleep while the cabin is still buzzing around you.
The compression sock set
Long-haul flights mean a lot of sitting, which makes compression socks a smart addition to your travel wardrobe. This bestselling set comes with four pairs in a variety of colours and styles, so you can pack a pair for the flight there, the flight home and everything in between.
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The beauty sleep upgrade
If you’re going to attempt beauty sleep at 35,000 feet, you might as well make it comfortable. The Slip Sleep Mask is made with the brand’s signature slipsilk and is designed to help minimize sleep creases while blocking out cabin light. Because arriving at your destination looking like you actually slept is always a win.
The sleep supplement
For adults who already use melatonin as part of their sleep routine, this option from Pure Encapsulations is vegan, free from many common allergens and third-party tested.
The hand cream hero
Between airport bathrooms, hand washing and dry cabin air, your hands can take a beating on a long-haul flight. This fragrance-free hand cream is specially formulated for extra-dry hands and is designed to provide lasting moisture, making it a practical addition to the whole family’s personal-item kit.
The compact tumbler
Staying hydrated is easier when you have a tumbler you actually like using. Stanley’s more compact Quencher can keep drinks hot or cold for hours and works with or without a straw. It also fits neatly into the luggage cup holder above, making it a handy companion from the airport lounge to your destination.
The fizzy hydration boost
There’s something oddly satisfying about dropping an effervescent tablet into a bottle of water and watching it fizz. These Vitamin C tablets are gluten-, sugar-, lactose- and preservative-free, making them an easy addition to your travel wellness kit.
The family-friendly hand sanitizer
Keep one of these travel-sized sprays within easy reach for those inevitable airport and airplane moments when soap and water aren’t immediately available. The formula is designed to be gentle enough for adults and kids, while reviewers praise its light scent.
The tray-table cleaner
Before settling in for a long flight, give the tray table, armrests and other high-touch surfaces a quick wipe. These compact disinfecting wipes are especially handy when you’re travelling with kids and want an easy way to freshen up your immediate surroundings.
The nausea backup
Motion sickness has a way of turning an exciting travel day into a miserable one. These ginger chewable lozenges are designed to help with occasional stomach woes and are made with naturally sourced ingredients. As with any medication, check the label for age restrictions and ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure whether it’s appropriate for your child.
The noise-cancelling lifesaver
Whether you’re trying to watch a movie, listen to a podcast or simply enjoy a few minutes of peace while the kids are occupied, noise-cancelling headphones can be a game changer. These are praised by reviewers for their lightweight, comfortable fit, while the impressive battery life means you may be able to make it all the way to your destination without reaching for the charger.
The screen-free escape
Once the kids are occupied and the snacks are distributed, it’s finally time for a little you-time. The Kobo Libra Colour lets you escape into a novel without the notifications and distractions of a phone or tablet. Its colour display brings book covers, comics and graphic novels to life, while 32GB of storage gives you room for up to 24,000 eBooks or 150 Kobo audiobooks.
The post-flight refresh
Eight hours in an airplane cabin can leave everyone feeling a little less than fresh. These individually wrapped body wipes are made with cotton and purified water and are a simple way to freshen up before landing or during a connection. Pack a few in your personal item and stash the rest in your checked luggage.
The fresh-start toothbrush
A toothbrush is one of those small travel essentials that instantly makes you feel more human after a long flight. This four-pack features softer bristles designed for sensitive teeth and gums, plus a cheek and tongue cleaner to help remove odour-causing bacteria. Keep one for every family member–or pack a couple for your trip and save the rest for home.
The under-eye rescue
These cooling and hydrating masks will not only de-puff under yet bags, they also work on the tell tale signs of sleep deprivation.
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