Your Flying Essentials

Last week, fresh from a trip to SXSW, I featured all those little essentials I need for dealing with the rigors of flying. I also wanted to find out what you, our dear and loyal readers, thought was essential when flying. Since we've got the best readers in the world, you didn't disappoint. Check out the rest of the article to find out what other readers can't live without when they're trapped in a flying tin can.

Laura from South Africa (and her blog Sweet and Sour) chimed in with the following:

• My Buff. This thing is multifunctional. It keeps my neck warm, covers my eyes (keeping my nose and mouth uncovered), or if I'm on a long haul flight, I'll cover my mouth (just in case during a long deep sleep my mouth drops open and everyone on the plane can see my fillings). It's also great to be used like a headband because we ladies know how airplane hair looks so attractive after a 12 hour flight!
• A little microfiber face towel. Before or after a long haul flight I use this towel to wash my face, wipe my hands and whatever else. It's super absorbent, dries quickly and is compact.
• Face wipes. Not to contradict the use of a face towel above, I use moistened face wipes in the air to refresh my face or use to 'wash my hands'. After all who wants to wash their hands with recycled water from the lavatory's basin? Not I. Yuck.
• Barley filled neck pillow (horseshoe shaped). 'Nuff said. Those blow up pillows are rubbish. What I do differently is that I wear it backwards (imagine the bulk of the support in the front rather than the back of your neck) to prevent my noggin from 'bobbing' while in deep sleep.
• Neutrogena Hand Cream. This stuff is great on your hands, elbows and even lips. I don't know about you, but I hate what the dry air in airplanes does to my skin.

J.Cro also sent in some great essentials, I couldn't agree more (although I've never tried their first one):

• Depending on the length of the flight - 1/2 or 1 whole Vicodin (or Percocet) - taken right before boarding. It makes things a little more warm & fuzzy and much easier to deal with.
• One litre of water - even though they serve drinks on the plane, it's good to always have your own stash to stay hydrated.
• Emergen-C packets - also depending on the length of the flight, I take at least one so I don't wind up ill from whatever germs are floating around in the recycled air. (You can use the little cup they serve your tiny drink in to mix it)
• Lip balm &/or hand creme - another important component in staying hydrated - dry lips & hands are woefully uncomfortable.
• At least one really good book - Sometimes the movie blows or you're positioned in a seat where you can't really see - so if you have a good book, you don't ever have to worry! You can get lost in a good book and the flight will (pun intended) fly by!
• iPod and headphones/ear buds - for obvious reasons, but you can also use your own headphones/ear buds so you don't have spend the money on the ones the airlines try to sell you.
• (I'm with you) A very special hand to hold - it is always nice - not only does it make you feel secure but it also means you're going somewhere with someone really special and you're sharing a whole plethora of experiences with them. The possibilities are endless!
• A really good snack is always handy too. Something easy to eat & share with your travel companion(s).