What do I need to enjoy a very VERY long flight to New Zealand? What am I wearing? What suitcase am I bringing? What am I watching? I need all the recs

Question

Zoe · Answer

Braid your hair: So you can rest your head flat against the headrest, and also not have the worst bed hair of your entire life upon arrival

Zoe · Answer

simethicone tablets: changes in air pressure can, um, change the pressure of the air within you. if this happens to you, highly recommend getting some kind of de-bloat tablets - and avoiding airport beers :( - before hardcore long distance flights

JRecsThis · Answer

cbd lavender roller ball: My fav small brand folded, but a dab on the wrists, temples etc is nice little refresher on a long flight and a great travel perfume.

Christine C · Answer

The Luminaries: Brilliant, gorgeously written tale about the Gold Coast of NZ. Also very long - will last you the flight. (PS: there's also a TV show version from the BBC, but I did not fully finish it, and you know what they say about book>TV).

E Noll · Answer

Timeshifter Circadian Apps: I was skeptical but this app WORKS for jet lag

Jamie · Answer

a foot hammock: truly a lifesaver for the short-legged among us. just hang it on the seat-back table and adjust to your ideal height. ones with a board in them to keep the swing flat are more comfy, so your feet don’t fall together. it’s very different (and much better) than just resting your feet on your bag.

anna · Answer

Mons Royale Merino Wool Apparel: Shop here to wear on your flight back! It will result in feeling slightly less disgusting and whatever you get will serve you well at home.

amy groome | mid-flight · Answer

Watch The Day of the Jackal : On my 18-hour Qantas JFK >> Auckland direct flight last year, I watched the entire first season of The Day of the Jackal. No matter that I was a year or two behind. I'm always a sucker for a Bourne Identity / Jack Ryan / Night Manager kind of binge. Apparently Season 2 is coming in 2027?

I like taking down seasons of a show on long-haulers because I can mete them out, starting and stopping them for sleep, meals, bathroom and stretch breaks.

Hannah Savannah · Answer

Floura fiber bars: My tummy goes full OOO mode when I travel. Floura fiber bars are a life saver. Plus, they’re made by Jeni Britton of Jeni’s Ice Cream, so the flavors are actually delish.

Hanna Balemi · Answer

She loves a long haul: Perfect overlap of looks chic x feels like pajamas! I've done many NZ/TX long hauls and this set holds up.

Dylan · Answer

Silk Eye Mask: especially recommended for plane travel or any time you're going to be sleeping somewhere that's not your own bed!

Dylan · Answer

AirFly Pro 2 White: GAME CHANGER! Allows you to use AirPods or wireless headphones with in-flight entertainment / other situations where there’s a wired jack and no Bluetooth connectivity

Dylan · Answer

To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen: High quality, affordable, and slightly tinted so it's like a BB cream and sunscreen in one.

There's a very high UV / lack of ozone layer over Australia & NZ so a good sunscreen is essential :)

Dylan · Answer

Apple AirTag: to track your luggage / passport / wallet!

Dylan · Answer

Pocket Size Cute Portable Charger: the compact size means its very portable so you can charge while still using your phone - great for travelling when you're constantly taking photos, using maps, using your phone to pay for things :) recharges with a regular USBC cable

Dylan · Answer

Loop Switch 2: Charli XCX & Troye Sivan are the reason i lost half of my first pair of loops (a single loop, if you will). It was at some hazy point during the  SWEAT tour set at Primavera in Barcelona 2025 (RIP diva, you died doing what you loved).

Needless to say, these loops right here are an UPGRADE, as not only do they match my silver hoop earrings, which are my entire personality, but they also have different SETTINGS so you can tune in or out depending on your vibe or level of overstimulation.

my only complaint is that the new cases come open a little too easily sometimes, so i don't feel safe attaching it to anything and risk losing my second set in what will presumably be a far less iconic way.

Dylan · Answer

Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam Pillow (Black): Can be attached to your seat on the plane. supports your head and stops it from moving too much. Not super compatible with over ear headphones.

As an Australian I'm very familiar with long haul flights & this was recommended to me by a friend who travels long distances very regularly!

Clara · Answer

Menthol inhalers: Bit of a deep cut, but I use these constantly (get chronic migraine headaches), and I find them really useful for flights even if I’m not dealing with pain. Almost like aromatherapy on steroids? I like that they’re discreet to use and then easy to tuck away (they’re the size of a Chapstick). There are other brands, too, but I’ve had good experience with the Boom Boom mint varieties.

Nora · Answer

turtle neck pillow: This was a lifesaver for me to New Zealand!

sarah a · Answer

The Lord of the Rings: obviously lord of the rings & the hobbit films! or bring the hobbit to read. i went a few years ago and it was the most amazing trip. i’d move there tomorrow.

Here · Answer

Women's Everyday Compression Knee High Socks (15-20mmHg)

Dylan · Answer

Marlon Williams - Make Way For Love: New Zealand singer / songwriter. one of the few records i own. see him live if you can, it's a magical experience.

Jess · Answer

samsonite c lite suitcase: literally cannot imagine travelling without this check-in suitcase. been using it for over a decade and it's still going strong!

Jess · Answer

Alaska Bear silk sleep mask: I have tried many sleep masks over the years and this is the one I like the best- it's perfect for those with giant heads.

JV · Answer

Wait As Long As Possible To Sleep!: Are you leaving from LA on a red eye? If soooo, try to wait at least 4-6 hrs before falling asleep. Busy yourself with a kindle or watch the first two parts of LOTR and then time melatonin (or stronger). Wake up for breakfast service and a little more LOTR before landing 🏞️

Babuji · Answer

Flight of the Conchords (TV Series 2007-2009): The on the nose choice for in flight entertainment. It’ll help prepare you for the unusual vowel sounds of the kiwis.