In-Flight Survival Kit: Must-Haves for Long Flights

You go on vacation to relax, right? Then your flight gets delayed, you forget your phone charger and your book ends before the flight ends. Of course, not every travel experience progresses like that, but be prepared for the worst when you pack several essential supplies in your in-flight survival kit.

Electronics

With your smartphone or laptop and their chargers, access the in-flight Wi-Fi to finish up any last minute work, book a hotel and watch movies or play games in mid air. Smartphones and carrier services have evolved a lot in the last few years. Data speeds are faster than ever, with a capable phone. If you've just started texting, learn the difference between 3g vs 4g, get to know the popular operating systems and choose the phone that fits your life. These downloads reduce in-flight stress, maximize your time and include:

• Free Wi-Fi Finder locates an Internet signal as you travel the globe; it even provides directions to the nearest hotspot as you stay connected.
• IFly Pro tracks delayed flights and navigates through airports around the world.
• TripIt tracks all your trip details, from flight departure to return flight home, and it's free.
• Hotel Tonight shows you the best hotel deals in the area so that you can always find a comfortable place to sleep even if your flight is canceled.
• Google Translate makes talking to your international seatmate a breeze since it translates more than 60 languages.
• WhatsApp provides international messaging from almost anywhere around the globe, allowing you to stay connected and share photos and videos without paying huge roaming charges.

Extra Clothes

No traveler wants to wear the same clothes for three days straight, but that's what can happen if your flight is delayed or canceled. Be prepared with a set of clean clothes. If possible, pack a light jacket or shawl in your carry on too to compensate for over air conditioned airplanes and airports.

Toiletries

A full bath or shower will have to wait until you check into your hotel, but you can freshen up on the plane or in the airport bathroom with a small waterproof bag of toiletries. Consider packing:

• Small wash cloth
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and paste

First Aid Supplies

You'll be grateful for a small first aid kit that can make your flight more comfortable. Pack medicines in their original packaging, and follow Pop Sugar's suggestion to organize other supplies in watertight and sealed containers like mint cases. In your kit, include:

• Pain medication
• Motion sickness pills
• Small bandages
• Antibacterial ointment
• Contact lens supplies and eyeglasses
• Prescription meds
• Lip balm

Snacks

Airplane food is notoriously unreliable as far as taste and quantity, so always have a few filling snacks on hand. No-mess suggestions include trail mix, granola bars and bags of seeds and nuts. Additionally, take a tip from Fodor's and pack an empty water bottle. Fill it at the water fountain right before you board the plane to stay hydrated throughout the flight.

Entertainment

Flights can be stressful and boring. Occupy your mind with something useful when you pack a puzzle book, reading book or magazines. If your flight is long, add a compact pillow, sleep mask, small blanket and ear plugs to your carry on. Then, get ready to relax and unwind.