joebear

What kind of pillow do you take for long flights? Got earplugs....what else?

FamilyTravlin

I like the Eagle brand products. I use a blow up pillow for comfort(you can blow up to desired mass)and it is easy to fold up and put away when not in use. Really nice and comfy eye shades are helpful, too. I always bring lip balm and nice skin cream because things get so dry in the air for that long. An MP3 player, if you enjoy listening to your own music and you should be all set!

Orlando_Vic

A simple inflatable pillow that goes around my neck works fine for me. I always take earplugs and a set of noise canceling headphones. To promote sleep, 1-2, 25 mg Benedryl tablets. On longer (8+ hours) I may use Ambien CR instead.

nyer

I can tell you what I really didn't like. I got one of those "memory foam" (like Tempurpedic)u shaped pillows.
Well, becasue of the cabin pressure, instead of being nice and squishy and supportive, it was hard as a rock!.
I used to use inflatable pillows, and still do when I really need to conserve space. I don't like them that much because the seams always bother me (yes, I know you can buy covered ones) and because I always seem to inflate them too much or too little. I prefer a pillow that is fiberfilled. They take up more space than an inflatable, but you can put them in a ziploc bag and squeeze a lot of the air out when you're not using it.

I always have a eyecover/mask,slippers, and a thin shawl or blanket (hard to come by on some flights these days)

Also, an empty water bottle. I refill on the plane (with bottled water, not the airplane tap!) so that I can keep it nearby. The air on the plane is so dry that I sometimes wake up from sleeping just because of a dry mouth. This way you don't have to go to the galley, wake up your seat mate, etc

FainaAgain

Lip balm or chapstick.

suze

I don't take either a pillow or earplugs. I just use whatever the airline gives out.

I can't sleep on a plane so I watch movies, read a book or magazines, do some trip planning, etc.

polaris

I use an eye mask, dark loose socks (both of these came from a kit in business class...kept the goodies and use them in "cattle car" section we usually find ourselves! Also a black cashmere pashmina that provides (clean) warmth and privacy. You can sort of cover up in it and not suffocate. Nice wrap for trip too with no weight. I also carry a small pillow filled with tiny tiny beads that mold to your comfort. Ear plugs bug me, but help alittle. Oops, joebear probably wouldn't look so good in a pashmina, sorry! Make sure you drink lots of water (must say, one glass of wine to celebrate won't kill you) and stretch your legs alot.

Miss_Maple

Eyemasks is an essential ... look for ones that allow your eyes to blink easlily ... check travelsmith for theirs -- plenty of room for your nose to breath.

Also, on very long flights, (to Australia) we purchased flight socks. They really help on long trips (over 4 hours).

november_moon

Tylenol PM, inflatable neck pillow, blanket/large scarf, comfy socks, chapstick, water, light snacks, good chocolate, eye mask, moisturizer, Olay facial cloths, toothbrush, toothpaste, talc.

Before trying to sleep, I wash and moisturize my face and brush my teeth, just like going to bed at home. Gets my brain into sleep mode. Sometimes I bring sweats or yoga stuff to change into.

dfnh

That's when I want a window seat. It's a little bit drafty but I feel more comfortable nestling up to the cabin wall instead of the stranger in the next seat. I wear slip on shoes so I can easily remove them (but make sure they don't disappear under the seats) but beware that the carpet can be icky so wear socks that can be laundered. (I always pick the seat where someone has discarded gum on the floor.) Sometimes there's not enough blankets so it would help if you have your own.

starrs

The inflatable pillows don't work for me. I take a pillowcase with me and my coat or fleece sweatshirt and make my own pillow

Chapstick or Burt's Bee Balm in jeans pocket and a bottle of water in the seat pocket in front of me and I'm set.

basingstoke2

A small inflatable beach ball about a foot across, partially inflated in a pillow case and placed on the tray makes a comfy place to rest your head if the person in front doesn't recline too far.

Cassandra

Travel hint for those using both lip balm and inflatable pillow.

Inflate the pillow first THEN use the lip balm! Nothing more intractable than an inflation nozzle made all slippery with lip balm.

;-)

As others: Earplugs, pillow (the U-shaped ones can be used over your shoulder if you want to turn sideways a bit), eyeshade (make sure it's cushioned around the sides to stop "light leak"), earbud-style earphones if I want some white-noise or music instead of jamming up my ears with the earstops.

My own small favorite: oil of peppermint or lavender for my upperlip when the air around me begins to go stale, or worse (i.e., a stinky seatmate).

suze

"other tips"

A good one is part of Basingstoke's post above... Whatever your pillow choice, try putting the tray table down and leaning forward onto it, instead of back like most people do. It's more comfortable for me, or at least a change.

rbnwdlr

Ok, this changed my life. I've never liked the inflatable neck pillows because they always bounce up in my face and I hate the seam. SO, before my last flight to Europe I went to Target and bought a small, very squashy rectangular throw pillow, the kind you place on the middle of the bed pillows for decoration. I squashed it into the top of my carry-on and it was heaven!!! I used it on planes, trains, buses, even at hotels. It's a pillow! It's an armrest! It's a lap pillow! It's a seat cushion! It's a back pillow! I even sleep with the thing at home!!! It's my woobie now! Try it!

joebear

Thanks for the tips. I have an assortment of pillow types gathered for family selection. I found a microbead neck style at Target...going to give it a try. I like the pillowcase idea with the jacket inside...I will test that idea.