Pack a Personal Survival Kit

Never rely solely on the airline to provide what you need. Assemble a small pouch with your in-flight essentials and keep it in the seatback pocket. Include items like lip balm, facial mist, moisturizer, eye drops, and sanitizing wipes. Don’t forget noise-canceling earbuds or foam earplugs, a sleep mask, and a compact travel pillow. Compression socks help prevent swelling, especially if you’re sitting for over 6 hours. Also toss in gum, tissues, pain relievers, and a backup phone charger. Having all these within reach means you don’t have to dig through your overhead bag and bother others mid-flight.