Airport essentials are items that will make your visit/stay at an airport more comfortable whilst you wait. I learned a valuable lesson a few years back when I traveled with my mum and sister to Zambia. Because mum planned everything I didn’t put much thinking into what we would need during the 17 hour layover in Kenya.
We had found ourselves with nothing to make us comfortable whilst we waited on our flight. I quickly realised that there is only so much shopping you can do before you run out of money. Only so much TV you can watch before you get bored or want to sleep. I remember we slept on the floor for a good 10+ hours because we were unprepared for the long layover.
In this post I will be sharing ways you could have a comfortable layover with these airport essentials. Whilst airport essentials may differ between individuals these items are a must for a comfortable airport experience.
Travel Blanket
It doesn’t matter if your destination is hot or not, you’re not there yet so it pays to have a blanket. The Zambian trip have mentioned above, we didn’t have blankets except for those we borrowed from the plane. Airports can be notoriously cold st times and often not carpeted meaning you will be slamming it on the cold floor. Having a warm and comfortable travel blanket as part of your airport essentials is crucial.
Convertible neck pillow
We’ve all at some point purchased those ridiculous airport neck pillows that cost a fortune but do nothing for you. I say this because whilst a neck pillow is an airport essential item it’s only good on the plane (if at all). I love my pillows flat so having a convertible neck pillow certainly helps me achieve exactly that.
Travel Socks
As mentioned your destination might be hot location but the airport normally isn’t. I have found having a pair of travel socks in my arsenal truly helps make my airport visit/stay most comfortable. Travel socks don’t only keep you warm, they can help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Comfortable Clothing
Whilst 90% of us prefer to dress down whilst at the airport it doesn’t mean we can’t be both stylish and comfortable. Leggings and yoga pants are normally the first choice, I prefer warm pants that are comfortable and stylish.
Gadgets
We live in the most technologically advanced century so it’s important to ensure you have your essential gadgets. For me I am never without my iPhone(s), portable charger, universal converters nor laptops. Being a blogger I normally carry more gadgets than the average John on the plane. I also ensure I have ear plugs as well as earphones to keep the noise at a minimum.
These are the items that I take with me for a comfortable stay/visit at the airport and recommend them to fellow travelers.
Jenni Grainger says
Definitely comfortable clothing, nothing worse than waiting around in something that is too tight
Laura @ What's Hot? says
Comfortably clothing is definitely a must! I don’t understand people who wear heels on flights?!
Rachel Nicole says
This is such a helpful trip, I tend to travel a lot so I 100% agree with all of these! xo
lisa prince says
I don’t get a chance to travel not abroad anyway but I’m sure the packing would be my nightmare x
Hungry_Healthy_Happy says
A neck pillow is definitely one of my essentials. I need to try and sleep when I am on a plane.
Louise O'Brien says
I haven’t done much over seas travel recently but these are fab ideas 😊
Jade Bremner says
I rarely travel but when I go down home (4 hour drive) I always wear comfy clothes and pack snacks xx
Helen Clark says
These are great tips for travelling. I’ve never had an airport layover but wouldn’t have thought to take a blanket or pillow if i did!
Melissa Zia says
These all sound very important, I never forget my travel socks and pillow
Don't Cramp My Style says
blanket and socks is what i always need! Whatever the weather, I always get cold in trains and planes so great advises here! we have to always prepared for travels
Stephanie Merry says
Great list here, travelling can be exhausting at time so it’s always great to have technology that can entertain you x
Jemma Andrew-Adiamah says
Couldn’t agree more with your list, all essentials for travel, in particular the comfortable clothing for me 🙂
Melanie Edjourian says
Great selection of items. I need to look into getting a neck pillow for my travels as I know that would help me to relax a little bit more.
From Evija with Love says
I do quite a bit of travelling so totally agree with you on this post! I always have a nice warm pair of socks with me as my feet are always cold!! Comfy clothing is always a must & good noise cancelling headphones for me!!
Rhian Westbury says
I always dress for comfort when I am flying, it’s not worth being uncomfortable. Easy to remove shoes are always a good one and nothing too heavy or bulky x
Cristina Oprea says
Hehe! Glad to see all items I’m carrying are found on this list! Usually my layovers are short but one time I lost the connection and spent around 6 hours in the airport, having the neck pillow, eye mask, e-reader, phone and a big scarf to use as a blanket helped me go better through one bad situation!
I will advise as well to carry chewing gums, especially for long flights and if you have a cold. It helps your ears to adjust to the pressure better when the plane is descending! I have learned that the hard way one time travelling with a small flu! Got a ear pain so strong it made me cry!
Anosa says
Oh my God Cristina that happened to me just a few days ago. I had/have small flu and God did the air pressure kill me dead when landing. I have never felt that kind of ear pain before. I did chew gum which I always have on me and didn’t help much unfortunately
Jodie Whitham says
In a waythe experience taught you the things you REALLY need ust in case. I tend to prioritise entertainment pieces e.g. book, magazine, or anything specific i’ve enjoyed doing. I find it hard to sleep in anything other than bed and a moving vehicle lol i can sleep in buses, trains etc x
Anosa says
I can sleep in moving vehicles big time too part of my most love lol 😂
Sarah Bailey says
I have to agree with all of your suggestions for airport essentials. It may be different for everyone, but I would want all of these items listed with me during a long layover at an airport.
Anosa says
Thanks Sarah and so true
Beautyqueenuk says
My kindle is an absolute must gadget at an airport or anywhere for that matter x
Anosa says
Kindles are a massive life saver and used to walk with me always