Flight entertainment

Looks pretty much like what I carry on. I would add noise cancelling headphones and/or ear buds. And maybe ear plugs. Definitely carry on essential medications and your car and house keys. You don't want those things to end up in lost luggage!

you will be able to charge your devices on the plane, so no worries there. I also bring my own earphones for in-flight movies, although they will hand those out for free (mine just have better sound, etc).

I like to have a water bottle, filled after I pass through security. If I'm on an overnight flight that leaves late, I either eat at the airport or take my own food on the plane so I can eat right away and have a chance to start napping sooner. I struggle to get any sleep on the plane no matter what I do, but eating 90 minutes after boarding definitely doesn't help. I stay off electronic devices during overnight flights for the same reason.

I agree about bringing your own earbuds or headphones. If you get tired of reading and don't like the movies on board, you may want to download a couple of movies just in case.

I also bring a small notebook and pen so I can write down anything that comes to mind about my trip. And I would suggest bringing some lip balm and hand lotion or lotion bar, as the air can be somewhat dry up there.

Maybe some gum too, to relieve your ears during the ascent. And most flights give out little overnight pouches with an eye mask, and a small toothbrush, toothpaste and floss for the next morning but it wouldn't hurt to have your own, just in case.

Also (this is sort of a no-brainer) but don't forget credit cards. 😊

you will be able to charge your devices on the plane, so no worries there.

I would still bring your own chargers -- I've been on more than one plane where the charger was finicky (you had to insert the cable or the charger just so or it wouldn't charge) or it straight up didn't work. I'm also a fervent earplug person and would definitely travel with those (even though full-service airlines also usually distribute those on overnight long-haul flights as well).

Bring a small power bank and your devices will never run out of juice. There are power outlets at all seats now.

I don’t bring an actual book. Too heavy & takes up too much space. I don’t bring an ipad either. Just my phone. Download a few movies in advance (while you at home with fast wifi). I also download a mellow music playlist.

Take screenshots of all the papers in your folder, in case you lose the folder. I have a photo album for each trip will all those kind of documents, and a picture of my passport. Just in case.

My airplane essentials bag includes: chapstick, wet wipes, eye mask, hard candy, eye drops, tissues, charging cable & brick, Clorox wipes, Tylenol, earbuds (you usually need the wired ones to use the plane’s screen), snacks, a water bottle (fill after going through security). All of these things, except the water) are in a smaller bag that I can easily grab from my personal item under the seat in front of me. No rummaging through trying to find items mid flight.

I fly economy and have never received an amenities kit (eye mask, toothbrush, etc).

Congrats on your first overseas trip. Your airline should list whether you have access to an actual power outlet near your seat. Generally it is a USA style plug, but it would be wise to pack a euro adapter just in case. A USB plug in (goes into the in-flight entertainment screen) is also usually available and as noted doesn't always work fantastic. Make sure to put your devices in airplane mode to conserve battery (my phone searches for wifi and drains very fast if I don't do this). Also make sure you bring a decent length charging cord (not a 12 inch one).

On my recent long flight I prioritized napping/sleeping and I had minimal jet lag on arrival. On my entire 17 day trip I didn't read any of the e-books I downloaded or watch any of the shows I downloaded - simply too busy. Next trip I won't bother. I also didn't watch any of the airline provided entertainment except for the flight tracker, but most airlines offer hundreds of movies, t.v. shows, music, and even games.

My in-flight kit is similar to travel4fun except I also include my p.m. and a.m. medications, a pair of rubber soled slippers or sandals to wear in flight (my feet swell, so also wear compression socks), and a N-95 mask to mitigate germs. I do recommend wiping off all your seat surfaces with a Clorox wipe before you settle in (including the seat arms, flight entertainment screen, and tray table). On both of my recent long haul flights, the seat pocket still had trash from the prior seat occupant, so gross.

I would still bring your own chargers -- I've been on more than one plane where the charger was finicky (you had to insert the cable or the charger just so or it wouldn't charge) or it straight up didn't work.

I agree. Also many planes still just have a USB-A ports and many devices now require USB-C. You can bring an adaptor, of course, but much better to just bring your normal chargers and plugs. A powerbank wouldn't hurt either.

I'm voting with the folks who say that even if your seat has a power plug or USB it may or may not work. I do carry a power bank so I can charge my watch and make sure my phone is topped up before we land. It will also keep my iPad Mini charged during the flight.

I DO take an iPad Mini with a jillion books in my Kindle app. I am one that reads every day so it's invaluable to me. I don't even carry a regular book any more. With the power bank I don't run out of juice especially if my iPad Mini is near 100% when I board.

I also used the TimeShifter app on my trip in August starting from Spokane WA and ending in Aberdeen Scotland and had no jet lag if that is a concern for you. According to the app, which is based on NASA research, adjusting your circadian rhythm is based solely on exposure to daylight - so the app tells you when to get daylight and when to avoid it for the best adjustment to your new time zone.

I usually get cold on the plane so I wear a scarf I can bunch up around my neck if need to and also have a long-sleeved layer to put on during the flight.

Good advice already given. I also bring a couple of individual servings of nuts - from the grocery, not ones I have packaged. I eat one sometimes if I’m hungry on the plane, or I use them the first few days when I’m hungry at an odd hour. I also like to buy an OJ at the airport to have on the plane. When it’s empty, I just refill it with water.

ADD: ear plugs, ear buds, gum or some hard candies, bottle of water, Clorox wipes, Kleenex packets, and twist ties.

Make your book a paperback. Portable ipad charger fully charged. Reading glasses if you need them. Small leather coin purse. Any medication you need to take.

I’ve been known to take Advil PM for overnight flights from LAX to Europe. Helps me sleep.

In economy I've never received a bag with anything (they do give those out in business class though). I suggest bringing an eye mask in case you want to nap or rest. I have an older wired pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that I like. They make it thru a flight of 10-12 hours while I think the more modern wireless ones only last 6 hours or so. As an alternative you might want to consider a better pair of earplugs such as recommended in https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-earplugs-for-sleeping/

For the neck pillow, if it's an inflatable one then ok but if it's one of the stuffed ones then you really might want to think about if it's worth dragging that around with you thru the rest of your time in Europe.

A couple of additions:

-I always download video content to my iPad. All the streaming services offer functionality within their apps, but might not offer their whole library for downloads. (Due to distribution rights/licensing)
-Bring a plug adapter for your chargers. You won't need it on the plane, but will in Italy.

Unsolicited advice:

Texas to Italy via Madrid... are you flying American/Iberia? That terminal is huge, and while I don't think it's difficult, I know it can be intimidating. (Especially after you step off of a long, overnight flight.) This video is a good guide of the flow you'll have (Note that at the 4m20s mark, where he comes up the escalator and goes left to baggage, you'll go right for a security screening to get to the gates for European flights.

I've found the AC power outlets on planes are frequently worn out and device chargers won't stay plugged in. However, the physical outlets are universal in that they accept US, European, and UK plugs (they're all still 110v AC). The European/UK socket parts tend to be less worn. Since you will probably be taking a few outlet adapters for your devices anyway, bring them in your carryon because they stay in the aircraft power outlet better. Plug in the adapter and then plug your charger into the adapter.

Don’t assume that the charger at your seat will work. Take with you a lightweight and portable power bank from Anker for example to power your iPad and phone. I carry mine in my pocket.

Lip balm and a small tube of hand lotion (but not too perfumy).

Some general pointers for long haul flights:
Congrats and have lots of fun! Make sure you bring a water bottle that you can fill up pre flight and after security. You’ll want to stay very hydrated — helps with bloating and whatnot. Make sure to get up and move around. Depending on how your flight is scheduled, try to adjust to the time difference to offset the jet lag. Adjust your watch to the destination time when you get on your flight — and follow your normal patterns of life according to that new time. This will give you a head start on adjusting to the jet lag.

One thing I always like to pack is a bag of sweets for the flight crew. I usually pass it over after the seatbelt sign comes off and things have settled down. They appreciate it and perhaps you’ll score a move to a better seat — or perhaps a free drink or two.

Thanks, Scudder. Yes, it's AA/Iberia so that info will be helpful!

Ah yes, thanks, Milo. I had heard that "bribing" the crew with Snickers or whatnot is a good idea.

Thanks, all, for the great advice!!

Have your electrical adapters handy for your connection airports to charge your devices. Have a great trip!

I would double check there are screens on Iberia.

Their long-haul widebodies, yes. A flight from Madrid to Itlay will almost certainly not have InFlight Entertainment.

I always take my kindle, iPhone, of course, extra glasses, power cords, a charger, just in case the seat one doesn’t work, a bottle of water that I have filled up after going through security, ear plugs, tissues, snacks (make sure you have some that don’t contain peanuts in case there is someone aboard with allergies - the steward will tell you not to open them) some small alcohol wipes to clean the tray table and a jacket or sweater. And your wallet and important documents!

My most recent flights were domestic and there is no movie screen, but a holder on the seat in front of you to secure your iPhone to watch onboard movies. You will need ear buds. Finally, a neck pillow.

Enjoy your flight!

Oh! I remembered something I did on my trip in August.

I was following the routine from the Timeshifter app for getting light and darkness PLUS was also following their recommendations for using caffeine. On the flight over it called for caffeine intake between 1 and 3AM Spokane time/10A to Noon Amsterdam time. I don't like Airline coffee so bought a coke at one of the kiosks in the Seattle airport so I'd have caffeine readily available when the time came.

That worked really, really well for me!

Have your electrical adapters handy for your connection airports to charge your devices.

I think a power bank makes more sense in this situation - you can walk around, eat, etc. and not have to bother with cables or fight over outlets - your device happily charges inside your bag.

But even power banks need recharging !

ANY flight needs small packets of peanut M&M’s and quart/gallon-sized ziplocks for trash. Not exactly entertainment. My husband carries headphones and listens to music. I talk to people. Get up and take short walks to stretch legs. Watch movies/play word games on airplane seat screen.

I carry a small mesh zip-top pouch (cheap on Amazon) for flight comforts like a small first aid kit, tissue packets, hand sanitizer (under 3 oz), paper napkins, snacks. Anything that keeps me in my seat and I don’t need to ring a flight attendant.

In addition to what others have said, I bring q small container of moisturizer because I find planes very drying. I also bring two velcro ties because they help with all kinds of issues like cable cords getting tangled. I use the Tom Binh Travel tray which can stand on my plane table or be squished in my carryon or seat bag. It has chapstick, single dose eye drops (refresh), ear plugs, hand sanitizer, single pack wipes, ear phones, chargers, charge bank,(small). It is always packed and ready to go. On the plane I can slip my phone and glasses in to it.

Just a warning but do not pull your passport out. Multiple times I have encountered newbie international flyers who have left their passport in the seat back pocket. You don't need your passport out on the plane so leave it in a safe spot in your carryon.

Since I can't sleep on an airplane, (I hope you are lucky and you can!), here are some of the things I do. For reading material, I have ebooks from the library on my phone but also a stash of disposable reading materials such as articles I've torn out of magazines and paperback books that I can leave behind. My eyes get tired after a lot of reading, so I download podcasts (and Rick Steves' radio shows) to listen to. It helps to have something new to turn to every hour or so. I do watch movies, too. I bring a 2 gallon ziploc bag to put in the seat back pocket so that I can keep my things handy (and clean) in there and not lose anything in the pocket.

On the last few trips, I've brought an old disposable pillowcase so that I can put my under-seat bag on top of my tray, cover it with the pillowcase, and rest my head on it, partly just to be in a different position for a while. I bring a spare shirt to change into at some point since I sort of hate wearing the same clothes for 24+ hours. When my hip and back were bothering me more than they do now, I took a square of memory foam cut from an old mattress topper to sit on, then threw it away in Europe.

I hope your trip goes well!