Over 50? 11 travel essentials you should always fly with in your carry-on luggage, according to a flight attendant
From comfy shoes to a water bottle, these travel essentials are flight attendant-approved.
Got a trip coming up? If you’re flying, there are certain travel essentials you’ll want to have on hand for a comfortable experience.
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It's always good to be prepared — and who has more experience with what to pack than someone who spends thousands of hours a year in the sky? Pam Huynh is a flight attendant with Air Canada, with nine years of experience in the travel industry. We asked Huynh for her list of packing essentials — with special attention to items people over the age of 50 should always have on hand when flying, whether in their carry-on or checked luggage.
Keep scrolling to see what she recommends, and to shop her picks.
Comfortable shoes
Comfortable footwear is a must when travelling, especially if you're someone who likes to take their shoes off on the plane. The best option? Slip-ons.
“Because people don't have a lot of legroom, I find they try to bend over to tie their shoes,” Huynh says. “Slip-on shoes are so much easier.”
She also adds that depending on your destination and what airport(s) you go through, you might have to remove your shoes for security. That makes slip-ons and even smarter choice.
If you're someone who requires a bit more support and cushioning, Huynh recommends Sketchers for their arch support.
These slip-on sneakers from Sketchers are lightweight and feature a cushiony memory foam sole.
Pillows
Huynh says she would "definitely" recommend bringing along a neck pillow when flying, especially for those who struggle with neck or back pain — or if you just find flights bother your body.
“If you're trying to save space, the blow-up ones are great, but I prefer the comfy ones that you can button around your luggage," she says. “Especially if you're in the middle of a three seater — you need the extra support."
Huynh also recommends that travellers bring other things to help with comfort, such as a back pillow or seat cushion, especially for longer flights.
“People keep saying that the airplane seat cushions have gotten thinner and thinner, the materials less comfy,” she says. “You want to be as comfortable as you are in your home.”
This memory foam neck pillow can be packed in a compact carrying case for easy transport.
This gel seat cushion is great for long trips and perfect to help with lower back, sciatic or tailbone pain.
Something to keep you warm
Temperatures can fluctuate on planes, which can be particularly uncomfortable for travellers who may be more sensitive to temperature changes.
With this in mind, Huynh recommends travelling with something versatile you can cozy up in, such as a blanket scarf.
“if you don't want to bring a blanket, I see a lot of people bringing blanket scarves,” she says. “I think it’s a really good idea.”
Another option she recommends? A lightweight cardigan.
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“It doesn’t matter if you're going to a hot destination, 100 per cent you want a sweater for the plane,” she says, noting that the cabin can get quite cold.
This blanket scarf can be worn in a variety of ways, and reviewers say it's "cozy."
This ribbed cardigan is lightweight, comes in multiple colours and has an easy, loose fit.
Handheld fan
Speaking of fluctuating temperatures, if you’re someone who tends to overheat — or if you're just travelling somewhere hot — a pocket-sized fan is a great essential to have on hand.
“I like a handheld fan, those rechargeable ones,” says Huynh. “I carry those around too.”
She also says that most planes now have a compatible charger, so you can make sure you don't run out of juice.
This rechargeable travel fan has multiple speeds and is compact enough to keep in a purse or small bag.
Pill case
It's a good idea to bring along painkillers and other basic travel medication with you, especially if you're someone who has chronic pain.
Whether you’re travelling with Advil and Tums, or you’re bringing along prescription medication, Huynh says a pill case can be very handy to have.
“You definitely want to bring your pills in your carry on, and those pill cases are very handy,” she says.
Just make sure you have (or know) the instructions for how to take any medication you’re bringing along with you. She also recommends labelling the pills - nwhich can also be helpful when going through security.
This eight-compartment travel pill box comes with brand-name stickers as well as blank labels you can use to keep things organized.
Earbuds
While earphones for a flight may be a given, Huynh specifically recommends travelling with a pair that has an audio jack, which she says many travellers often forget about.
“A lot of people either only have AirPods or bluetooth headphones with USB-C output,” she says.
“Not all airplanes have that. So if you want to watch movies or listen to music on the screen in front of your chair, you need earphones with an audio jack.”
These headphones have a universal analog audio jack and come with a carrying case.
Compression socks
Leg swelling, caused by fluid buildup, is common for older adults and can be exacerbated by sitting too long.
While getting up and moving around can help, that's not always doable on a plane. You can also consider compression socks or stockings, which can help to improve blood flow and decrease pain and swelling in the legs.
"A lot of people don't realize how much they're needed," says Huynh. "They're worth it."
"If you're going on a flight for more than five hours, I would totally recommend it," she says.
These compression socks can help to decrease swelling and come in a four pack.
Water bottle
It might seem obvious, but it's an important one. As adults age, drinking enough water is crucial — according to the U.S. National Council On Aging, dehydration is common among older adults.
A reusable water bottle, then, is "100 per cent" a must-have when travelling says Huynh.
Choosing a plastic version over a stainless steel bottle can also be easier for transporting, as it will be a lot lighter when full.
"If you're bringing a water bottle, bring it empty and you can always refill it at the airport," she notes.
This water bottle is made of BPA-free plastic, so it won't be too heavy in your bag. It also has a leak-proof flip top so you don't have to worry about spills.
Foldable backpack
Huynh says she likes to bring along a foldable backpack for additional storage when she travels — which can be especially useful if you find it difficult to carry a single heavy bag.
Huynh recommnds "one of those 20 litre-30 litre backpacks that folds into a bag," she says. "It packs up really small, in case I need to bring it anywhere. It's nice that it's compact."
A foldable backpack can be a great item to have on hand if you find yourself needing some extra space in your luggage. It's also handy for using as you travel around in your destination.
This backpack has multiple compartments to keep things organized, and folds into a packable bag.
Sunscreen
Sun protection is important at any age, but you'll definitely want to make sure you have some when you're 35,000 feet up in the air and sitting in a window seat.
"Most people going on vacation, they're most likely not going anywhere cold," says Huynh. "Even then, the sun's always shining."
She notes that if you are bringing sunscreen with you, make sure it fits within the limits of allowed liquids in your carry on luggage, or you'll have to keep it in your checked bag.
This SPF 50+ sunscreen by La Roche Posay is unscented with an invisible finish, perfect for wearing on its own or under makeup.
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