What to pack to sleep on a plane: a carry-on checklist
You don't need much to sleep on a plane, but the few things you do need have to be in your carry-on, not in the overhead locker three rows away. Keep them in one pouch at your feet.
The checklist
For your head and neck
- Head support that stops your head falling forward. A headrest strap or mask strap works better for this than a U-pillow (here's why).
- A small pillow for behind your head or your lower back.
For light and noise
- Blackout eye mask with deep eye cups.
- Earplugs, or noise-cancelling headphones and a charging cable.
For warmth
- A layer you can add or take off without standing up.
- Warm socks. Shoes off makes a real difference on a long flight.
- A wrap or sling for your shoulders and arms, so you aren't fighting a blanket all night.
Small things
- Empty water bottle to fill after security.
- Lip balm and moisturiser (in your liquids bag).
- Toothbrush and toothpaste for when you wake up.
- A pen, if your destination still uses paper arrival forms.
Keep it in one place
The less you rummage, the faster you fall asleep. Pack all of it in one pouch you can reach from your seat. The Flyrest pillow does this by design: it folds in half and zips around the sling and mask, then clips to your bag.
