These Flight Attendants Work the Longest Routes in the World—Here Are 12 Items They Never Fly Without, From $4

Guaranteed to help you stay comfortable—even for 22 hours in the air.

By Kristy Alpert

Kristy Alpert

Kristy Alpert is a travel writer with bylines in Esquire, Travel + Leisure, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, Food & Wine, AFAR, Fodor’s Travel, and more. She has visited 86 countries—on all seven continents—and even paid rent on four.

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Published on February 25, 2026 07:00AM EST

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Top Long-haul Flight Essentials

• Flight attendant-loved: July Carry-on Pro 20-inch Hardshell Suitcase, $325
• A comfy matching set: Anrabess 2-piece Wide-leg Sweatsuit, $43 (originally $55) 
• Freshen up mid-flight: TrekTote Oral Care Hygiene Kit, $4
• Beat dehydration: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Pack, $25
• Worth every penny: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow, $69

Next year, Qantas Airlines will launch the longest flight in the world, bringing passengers along on a 22-hour flight direct from London to Sydney. But long flights aren’t anything new for this Australian airline, which specializes in ultra-long-haul travel. The average Qantas flight attendant logs an average of 30,000 to 50,000 miles per month, which is roughly the equivalent of one trip from LAX to SYD per week. 

Long flights are just part of the job description for Qantas flight crew operating international routes, and they have some strong opinions when it comes to what gear makes the cut for their lengthy trips. From convenient carry-on bags that stay organized to little luxuries that make for a more comfortable experience, like lip balm and electrolytes, here are the 12 long-haul essentials Qantas’ flight crew won’t travel without—starting at $4 at Amazon. 

I’ve Been Cruising for 18 Years, and These Are the 13 Essentials I Never Sail Without—From $8

Anrabess 2-piece Wide-leg Sweatsuit

Credit: Amazon

$50$43 at Amazon

Never underestimate the power of creature comforts on a long flight, advises Vanessa Mead, customer experience manager for Qantas, who flies the Los Angeles to Brisbane route. “A great jumper and your favorite toiletries in travel-size will make you feel fresh before you land at your destination and ready to start your holiday,” she adds. This cozy, two-piece set is as comfortable as it gets, with many reviewers raving about its soft and silky fabric. 

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Adapter

Credit: Amazon

$40$35 at Amazon

“We all know that feeling of traveling with a partner or friend and trying to sync up the in-flight entertainment at the same time on different headphones and seats,” says Ally Brace, a Qantas crew experience manager operating long-haul flights between the United States and Australia. She says this Bluetooth adapter lets her easily sync her headphones with her travel companions, so they can stay entertained together. “It’s such a great little hack!” she adds. 

Lucas Papaw Lip Ointment

Credit: Amazon

$10 at Amazon

After too many chapped lips, Brace says, “a quality lip gloss makes all the difference.” This Australian-made moisturizing balm is made from fermented fresh papaya and is an Aussie favorite for its multi-use possibilities, like cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and more. It’s TSA-friendly, too, so it won’t get flagged when you’re going through security. 

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Credit: Amazon

$69 at Amazon

There are travel pillows that are fine for a quick snooze, and then there are neck pillows that get results. Ostrichpillow’s Go Neck Pillow falls under the latter category, as it ensures you’ll actually get a good night’s sleep on an airplane, which is super important on lengthy flights crossing multiple time zones. It’s a must-have for taking the longest flight in the world. 

Wellow Compression Socks

Credit: Amazon

$30 at Amazon

Crew members say compression socks work wonders on any flight longer than four hours, when legs can start to cramp up or circulation slows. These socks from Wellow are designed to boost blood circulation and prevent swollen feet and legs via graduated pressure. They’re also super soft, made from a viscose from bamboo that’s gentle on skin. 

July Carry-on Pro 20-inch Hardshell Suitcase

Credit: Amazon

$325 at Amazon

“I absolutely love my July branded in-cabin bag,” says Mead. The Carry-on Pro features a sleek, scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell, whisper-smooth 360-degree spinner wheels, and an ejectable front laptop sleeve that makes TSA checks far less chaotic. Inside, thoughtful compression straps and hidden laundry bags keep everything tidy. “She glides beside me through airports throughout our network,” Mead says. “I find July bags to be made very well, and the after-service care is helpful.”

TrekTote Oral Care Hygiene Kit

Credit: Amazon

$4 at Amazon

Dental kits aren’t always standard on every carrier or in every cabin, which is why it’s always a good idea to come prepared. Crew members recommend this convenient kit, which includes a bottle of flight-friendly toothpaste, a toothbrush, and even a floss pick. Some cabin crew members claim that brushing your teeth after sleeping on a plane actually helps fight off jet lag, but, at the very least, it gets rid of gritty teeth and stale breath.

Beats Studio Pro Over-ear Headphones

Credit: Amazon

$200 at Amazon

Comfortable headphones are essential for flying these days, but more so for long-haul flights. The Beats Studio Pro headphones truly block out any distracting noises, allowing wearers to connect to in-flight entertainment comfortably and sleep without interruption. They can run for 40 hours on just one charge, and they even have a cord to connect manually when Bluetooth isn’t available. 

Manta Sleep Mask

Credit: Amazon

$40 at Amazon

Not all sleep masks are created equal, and this adjustable eye mask from Manta is proof. Its contoured design blocks 100 percent of all light and is made from a breathable fabric, so it won’t get sweaty or stuffy. Another perk of its detachable foam eye cups—no smooshed eyelashes!

Naked Sundays Clear Glow Sun Stick SPF 50

Credit: Amazon

$30$14 at Amazon

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable for Qantas’ Airport Customer Experience Manager, Travys Carinci, who logs an average of 60,000 miles per month. “Always protect your skin from blue skies or clouds,” he emphasizes. Australian sunscreens are often rated some of the best in the world, and this travel-friendly stick from Australian-brand Naked Sundays is a favorite for many Amazon shoppers thanks to its clear finish, convenient format, and broad-spectrum protection. 

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Pack

Credit: Amazon

$25 at Amazon

“Hydration is so important for long-haul flights,” Brace adds. “It helps your body adjust to the dryness of the cabin and can even help reduce jet lag when you land.” She always carries electrolytes like Liquid I.V. and adds them to my water in-flight to stay hydrated. “Watermelon is my go-to flavor,” she adds. 

Biodance Bio-collagen Real Deep Mask

Credit: Amazon

$19 at Amazon

“An aircraft cabin can be fairly dry, which is why it’s so important to hydrate,” Brace adds. She swears by the Bio-collagen Real Deep Mask. “Even though it’s marketed as an 8-hour mask, you can wear it for a full, 16-hour long-haul flight. It will keep your skin fresh and hydrated the entire way.”