in-flight essentials.

Traveling quite a lot over the past few months has not only made me question my sanity (multiple time zones in one week can drive you a bit nutty), but has also taught me a thing or two about what it takes to be as efficient and comfortable as possible during a flight. I’ve learned how to get my things as quickly as possible into security bins. I’ve learned the value of wearing shoes with socks for that dreaded barefoot walk through the body scanner. And I’ve learned how to pack the ultimate carry-on, or as I like to think of it, your under-seat secret weapon.

// Leather Tote // Passport Holder // Macbook Air // Kiehl’s Hand Lotion //
Reusable Water Bottle // Chapstick Hydration Lock // Graze Snacks
// Zipper Wallet // Friends Headphones // Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
// Blanket Scarf // Nike Sneakers // Makeup Pouch // External Battery // Notebook

Some thought on the ultimate in-flight essentials:

Productivity Can Be Awesome at 30,000 Feet: Every time I fly I am still totally amazed by the fact that in-flight wifi exists. Sending a tweet while flying through the air at 500 mph? Coolest. Thing. Ever. I’ve found that flights are an awesome time to play catch up or get ahead on work – you’re free of the usual distractions at home or in the office but still connected and able to totally focus. Be sure to have your laptop fully charged (although lots of planes have outlets these days!), grab some headphones in case your seated near someone chatty and pack a backup charger for your iPhone to make sure you don’t run out of juice. Then get crankin’!
Comfort Is Key: There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable or cold on a flight. Stick to comfortable basics for your flight (joggers are perfect!), grab a cozy scarf that can double as a blanket and ditch your heels for a pair of sneakers + socks to keep your feet happy and avoid being barefoot while walking through security.
Avoid Hangry: You never quite know what the timing of things will be like at the airport – you either end up with an hour to spare or end up sprinting to your gate which can leave little time to get a proper meal in before takeoff (and airport food options are always a crapshoot). Always have a snack packed to avoid temptation of overpriced Pringles on the airplane – I’m a huge fan of Graze Snacks because of their portable sizes and huge variety.
A Little Hydration Goes A Long Way: Flying is SO drying and dehydrating! Plan ahead by bringing a water bottle that you can fill up after getting through security (most airports have filling stations these days) and packing travel-sized facial moisturizer + hand lotion to quench dry skin.
Stay Away From Airplane Germs: First things first, airplanes are disgusting. Everyone seems to be sick and spreading germs all over the place (ick) – avoid catching airplane germs by packing sanitizing wipes and washing hands frequently during travel. I always give my tray table + arm rests a good wipe down at boarding and avoid touching any of the reading materials in the seat back. A little boost of vitamins also go a long way – grab a smoothie or chug an Emergen-C while you rack up your frequent flier miles.