Hand Luggage Packing Tips: What To Bring For A Long-Haul Flight

It sounds obvious, but working out which bags you can and can’t take with you into the cabin is an essential first step to all air travel. What may be an acceptable size and weight on one airline might mean a hefty fine or being forced to check in your luggage on another. Instead of waiting to find this out at the airport, see Sky Scanner‘s up-to-date and definitive list of all the luggage allowances on various mainstream airlines. Pick up a measuring tape and check your carry-ons are within the restrictions set by the airline. Some airlines even have set rules regarding cabin baggage weight, so you’ll need to look into this too. We suggest that you invest in a set of luggage scales for a more accurate reading.

When you’ve got the airline luggage allowance to hand, it’s time to find the perfect carry on. A holdall with a sturdy leather shoulder strap will be easiest to carry through the airport. Choose between our canvas and leather lightweight luxury holdall Giovane M (51 x 35 x 26cm), the Flero M Italian leather men’s weekend bag (51 x 29 x 25 cm), the Farini leather holdall (50 x 35 x 20 cm), or the Gassano leather Gladstone luggage bag (47 x 38 x 29.5 cm).

There’s nothing worse than getting to the front of the queue at the passport check and finding your boarding pass has fallen to the depths of your bag. By keeping all your documents and passport in a leather travel wallet, your essentials will be easily accessible, protected and organised which means no more messy rummaging through your tidy holdall.

Try our luxury Italian leather leather travel document wallet, The Torrino. The A5 size will accommodate your passport, boarding pass and other important papers keeping them safe and flat and our sturdy poppers will keep your items secure yet easy to reach. Alternatively, you may prefer The Vieste with its traditional and elegant book-style opening.

Save the environment and keep your leaky beauty products upright with a reusable clear plastic toiletries bag for your carry-on bottles under 100ml.

The cheap emergency bags given out at airports are flimsy and often don’t clasp shut properly, meaning that you could find all your bottles have leaked or fallen out of the plastic by the time you reach the front of the line. By opting for a clear zip up toiletries pouch, you’ll be keeping your onboard luggage (and security) very happy. You can prepare your liquids bag when you do the rest of your packing, which means less time wasted at security juggling eight different bottles, and more time relaxing with a coffee in duty free. You can always transfer your bottles to a more stylish toiletries bag once you’ve reached the departures lounge.

These bags also double up as ideal holdall organisers. Compartmentalise your pieces and organise them into a few different bags, so you know where to find your chargers, entertainment and work items when you need them.

On a long haul flight, it’s a good idea to bring a toothbrush and some fresh clothes to change into before disembarking. Whilst you may have gone ‘back in time’ and travelled in continuous daylight, it will have likely been many hours since you got dressed before leaving, and it will certainly be time for a freshen up. These fresh clothes will also come in handy should you end up with a bad layover or delayed departure.

If you need to change into a suit for business at the other end, a high-quality leather suit carrier like the Rovello will keep your clothing perfectly crisp and clean with no wrinkles. Pair it with the Sepino luxury leather shirt case for crease-free, business ready travel.

Remember that even if you’re given a generous hand luggage allowance, you will need to store larger items in the overhead locker and the things you need to hand under the seat in front of you. Place comfort items like a change of clothes or travel pillow into your main hand luggage bag for the overhead lockers, as they’re not vulnerable to breakage and should only be needed once or twice over the flight. For smaller items, a durable leather briefcase that you can fit inside your carry-on whilst going through security and then take out once you’ve boarded is ideal. A square briefcase will fit neatly in the narrow space in front of you, maximising your leg room and keeping your valuable items such as laptops and iPads safe, secure and damage-free. Browse our full collection of luxury leather briefcases for men and women.

Awkward sleeping positions, engine noises and changes in altitude – all of these can give you a splitting headache. A pack of paracetamol in a small toiletries or makeup bag will banish most aches and pains so that you’re ready for whatever’s waiting for you at your destination.

Dryness caused by cabin air conditioning can also be very irritating to the eyes, which can in-turn make you fatigued and distracted. Keep some moisturising eye drops on hand to avoid red eyes or puffiness post-flight. If you’ve applied makeup before boarding, remove it when you settle down onboard, as you would before going to bed at home.

Tissues, moist facial wipes, and anti-bacterial gel are all essential in an aeroplane. You’re usually only given one serviette with your in-flight meal and the close contact between seats and tables makes spills and mess an awkward possibility. Apply anti-bac gel after every toilet visit – you’ll be touching potentially dirty handles and door locks and there’s nothing worse than coming down with a bug away from home.

And don’t forget your lips, which will need constant hydration during the flight. Apply lip balm regularly to combat dryness in the cabin.

Your liquids will need to stay in their clear plastic bag as you pass security, but once you’ve reached departures they can be transferred to a small wash bag like The Raffaelle with your ‘solid’ items, like wipes and medication, for easy access throughout the journey.

Purchase a proper neck pillow to increase your chances of managing a good sleep on your long-haul flight. This Trtl pillow isn’t too offensive on the eyes (it’s worn like a scarf), but keeps your neck in a healthy position to avoid aches and strains. It’s lightweight and soft, and won’t use up too much of your hand luggage space. A lightweight cashmere jumper will keep you warm in the air-conditioned cabin without adding bulk. You could even add this Sofia Cashmere travel set includes a cable knit cashmere eye mask, blanket and matching zipped bag to hold your items together which can double as a pillow case.

For extra peace of mind when sleeping onboard, slip your valuables into a luxury leather bum bag. Knowing your possessions are safe will allow you to truly unwind and enjoy your rest. Plus, our Centolla is more secure and stylish than stuffing everything into your pockets (and a lot less lumpy).