Travel Essentials – Surviving Economy Flights

I am about to endure an epic flight.  10 hours in cattle class is not my idea of fun.  So I have gathered together a list of items I find essential for long haul flying, if you are not lucky enough to fly business class or first class.  These essentials will hopefully keep me sane and not grumpy for 10 hours.

Clarins HydraQuench Cream SPF15

1. Clarins HydraQuench Cream SPF15 50ml £35.  There is something about flying that dehydrates you.  I’m sure there is some scientific explanation for it but you are going to need a way to get some moisture back into your skin.  So number one for me is moisturiser.  I like this Clarins one, but you can take your favourite moisturiser with you.  Just remember that with liquid restrictions on flights the container must be 100ml or less.  So either decant your moisturiser into something like this, buy a travel sized tube of your usual moisturiser if they do it, or ask at your local Clarins counter for one of their sample tubes (bonus it’s free) which are only 5ml.    Use regularly throughout the flight or as and when you feel you need a moisture boost.
   

   

   Avene Eau Thermale Spray

2. Avenue Eau Thermal Water Spay 50ml £3.15.  As well as moisturiser I love this handy little water spray.  It’s really refreshing spritzing my face every now and again and acts as a nice ‘waker upper’ on tiresome flights.  It’s also great in hot countries as a hand bag essential to keep you cool and calm.
3. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Original Ultra Moisturising Lip Balm with SPF15 4g £1.89.  Don’t forget that your lips are likely to become quite dry too.  To keep mine soft and subtle I love this Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lip Balm.  Keeps my lips from chapping and tastes great too (not that I eat it!).
4. Liz Earle Hand Repair 15ml £5.  Don’t forget your hands either!  I love using this Liz Earl Hand Repair as my regular hand cream so the fact they do a travel size is perfect for me.  It’s non greasy and super hydrating.  Smells divine too – a lovely calming and relaxing lavender, as opposed to old lady lavender, if you are a nervous flyer.
5. Water.  I can never understand why people drink alcohol on flights.  All it does is dehydrate me, make me need the loo and give me a headache.  But hopefully your flight will hand out bottles of water to you regularly.  Remember to keep drinking that water regularly to hydrate from the inside too.  You may end up needing to toilet more but this is great or getting up and moving, doing those in flight exercises!
   
   

   

   Cocoa Butter Lip Balm SPF15

6. Transparent Pouch.  The official rules regarding liquids is that they all need to be under 100ml, and presented in a clear plastic pouch whilst going through security.  It must be no bigger than 20cm x 20cm (8” x 8”) and a maximum 1 litre in capacity.  Only one is permitted and ALL liquids must be placed in it.

7. Rita Siren Suit.  Now you are all hydrated you will want to get comfortable.  I usually take a change of clothing in my hand luggage that is stretchy and comfy.  As soon as the flight is in the air and the seat belt sign has been turned off I pop to the toilet to change.  My Rita Siren Suit or something similar is perfect.  I usually pack some fluffy socks too for added luxury.
8. Silk Headscarf.  Hair can end up getting messy and frazzled on a flight so I usually tidy mine away.  My ‘Luna’ silk headscarves are perfect tied land girl style or a turban like this one from Rosie Alia Designs.  Then before decent I pop back to the loo, change back into my outerwear and let down my locks.  Ta da, I am travel frazzle free!
   

   

   Liz Earl Hand Repair

9. Earplugs.  Why are children allowed on flights?  I wasn’t until I was 12 years old and deemed old enough to behave myself!  Or loud people for that matter.  Anyway earplugs will keep out unwanted sounds and help you to sleep should you so wish.

10. Sleep Mask.  Another essential for me to combat the early morning start and long flight, as I usually end up having a nap.  A mask helps keep out the light should the person next to you want to read or watch a film.

11. Neck Pillow.  Up there with the sleep mask as an essential.  Those chairs are just so damned uncomfortable!  I got a great novelty one in the January sales in Debenhams (I think it’s for a child but oh well!), but Boots do them and there will probably be one at the airport you go to for last minute type people.  I may look weird with my headscarf, ear plugs, sleep mask and neck pillow but I’m guessing those around will be jealous when I’m comfy and sound asleep.
12. Finally to keep all your essentials in you will need a stylish bag.  I bought mine from M&S years ago and it is a bit cumbersome, but this one from Longchamp is definitely on my wish list for the future.  Remember to check with your airline their individual hand baggage allowances as they do vary from company to company.
    

    

    Longchamp Tote Bag

Hopefully armed with all of the above I won’t emerge from the aircraft at the other end like a grumpy crazed woman.  I will be taking all of my favourite things to combat this though so fingers crossed.  I hope that my list will be of use to other people lumped in Economy too.  Now don’t forget dear readers I will be away from 15^th April until 23^rd so orders may not be as speedy as they usually are.  I will still keep the shop open though to fulfil your loungewear needs.  See you when  I get back!

Lots of Love
Betty xxx