“I have a handful of non-negotiables that always make the carry-on cut: an immune-boosting supplement to keep me healthy on the go (Armaforce is as frequent a traveller as I am); a Muji pen for landing forms so I don’t have to pilfer from a seatmate; a stash of herbal tea bags to avoid overdoing the caffeine; a tube of La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast (which, depending on the thickness of application, can be a mask or just a great moisturiser); and the genius that is an AirFly adapter so I can use my own headphones for inflight films.” 

– Bridget de Maine, Editor, Travel Insider

“I’ve learnt the hard way to pack a compact zip-up pouch to hold all the things I need access to on the plane, like tech, eye drops, pen, moisturiser, warm socks. The pouch fits neatly inside my carry-on and I can remove it quickly before stowing my bag so I won’t hold up fellow passengers. I always book the window seat so this way I have everything within arm’s reach and can settle in for a few hours of peace and a good rom-com.”

– Genevra Leek, Editor, Qantas and Travel Insider

“I’ve road-tested pretty much every sleep mask and the best ones are from Slip. They’re soft and padded, with a strap that’s just right for keeping the mask in place without it digging into your skin. Teamed with reusable silicone Happy Ears earplugs, which come in three sizes, it’s the only way I can get to sleep on a long-haul flight.”

– Sandra Bridekirk, Deputy Copy Director

“You’ll always find Bepanthen in my bag – “I’m not joking! This baby bum cream is the only thing I put on my lips. It moisturises, softens and protects so my lips don’t feel tight or dry at high altitude. I pack it in all sizes.”

– Pippa Duffy, Copy Editor

“I never board without a multipurpose balm: Lanolips 101 Ointment is my go-to. I layer it on my lips, hands, cuticles – basically any extremity that requires protection and nourishment. Oh, and it also soothes insect bites. It’s a handy, hardworking travel companion.” 

– Kate McGregor, Associate Director

“When I’m in the air, I reach for my favourite skin savers and invest in a little self-care. Until recently, I was a loyal devotee of Augustinus Bader’s Eye Patches – few things help me unwind like the instant cooling sensation of these little golden pads on my skin. But on a recent trip, I decided to try the brand’s new Hydrogel Face Mask and it took my post-flight glow to a whole new level.”

– Hollie Wornes, Senior Social Media and Digital Producer

“As well as noise-cancelling headphones, I pack phone and computer chargers in my carry-on, while spares and international adapters go in my checked luggage. I board every flight with a scarf or wrap – usually cashmere or wool – which is lightweight, doesn’t take up much space and is easy to slip on and off. I never travel without lip balm and hand cream and, for long-haul flights, I also take a small aromatherapy roll-on tube such as Sleepy Head by Australian company iKou.” 

– Katrina Holden, Associate Content Director

“Flying is a great opportunity to grab some ‘me time’ so I like to pamper myself with an extravagant sheet mask, such as Heartwood Royal Treatment. On a long flight, I’ll bring some baby powder in a sandwich bag and massage it into the roots of my hair just before landing – it’s a good alternative to a dry-shampoo aerosol. My latest essential is a July Tech Kit organiser case – its semitranslucent shell means I can see what’s inside without opening it.”

– Christina Rae, Managing Editor, Travel Insider

“I always make space in my carry-on for a book. I don’t know whether it’s the suspension of time – that lovely in-between when I have my phone switched off – but I always like to catch up on my reading when I travel. I grab a book from the huge pile on my bedside table and usually make a dent in it, no matter how short the flight is. A recent favourite? Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout.” 

- Katrina O’Brien, Content Editor

“When you really want to settle in, especially on a long-haul flight, you need something comfy between you and the seat, wall or window when you're smooshing your face in for a nap. Cocooning inside a hoodie also helps block out some of the light and movement around you.”

– Mark Brandon, Content and Partnerships Director

“Staying hydrated during the flight helps me feel less jet lagged when I arrive at my destination. I bring Hydralyte tablets and a water bottle that I can refill on the plane. I also pack a travel nasal spray, such as Flo, and a pair of disposable hotel slippers from wherever I stayed last – I slip them on when I need to use the bathroom. It’s a daggy look but it does the trick.” 

– Hana Jo, Head of Digital Production and Operations

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