I don’t know about you, but I am not a carry-on-only girl. I need my daily luxuries—makeup, hair tools, multiple outfit options—to come with me, even if it’s just a weekend away.
So naturally, the packing panic hits hard every time I book a flight. How am I supposed to fit my entire getting-ready routine (plus shoes) into a suitcase and carry-on without going over the dreaded weight limit?
And we haven’t even gotten to the in-flight essentials—the things that make the economy experience bearable (because yes, that’s a factor too).
That’s why I never fly without these travel must-haves that make flying feel almost fine. If you’re high-maintenance (like me), these are the economy class essentials that’ll make you feel a little more First.
My travel checklist:
✅ Mini glam kit – Skincare minis, lip balm, concealer, brow gel and a perfume roller (what if you’re seated next to someone cute!).
✅ Hydration heroes – Think: sheet mask, under-eye patches, electrolytes, and a face mist. Dry cabin air? No thanks.
✅ Noise-cancelling headphones – For blocking crying babies, chatty seatmates, and your own existential thoughts.
✅ Travel hair saviour – A silk scrunchie or claw clip to tame the inflight chaos (and avoid post-nap bird’s nest hair).
✅ Comfy-but-cute airport outfit – The classic uniform: leggings, oversized hoodie, and sneakers.
✅ Charged tech + AirTag – Fully juiced phone, backup charger, and a tracker in your bag (just in case).
Economy Class essentials that make flying feel (almost) first class
I’m a firm believer that anything can feel luxurious, with the right tools. These travel picks are all about comfort, convenience, and keeping your cool at 35,000 feet—because high-maintenance queens deserve to feel their best, no matter the boarding group (or how long the tarmac wait is).
The basics
A sleek carry-on and a roomy side bag are non-negotiable — not just for stashing in the overhead locker, but for keeping all your in-flight essentials within arm’s reach.
Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X
$960
Juni Crossbody Bag
$59.99
Carl Friedrik The Check-in
$1,300
Lululemon On My Level Carryall Tote
$179
The beauty boosters
Plane air is no joke. Staying hydrated and feeling your best is absolutely essential for a comfortable flight and stepping off the plane looking fresh and glowing.
Fenty Skin Recovery Lip Mask
$31
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
$31
BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Mask
$29.90 $37.50
YSL Libre Eau De Parfum
$65
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Smart travel tech
Have you ever sat on a plane and just enjoyed the sweet sounds of everyone around you? Yeah, me neither. That’s why I never fly without noise-cancelling headphones and a power bank so my phone stays fully charged and in my hand at all times.
Belkin SoundForm Headphones
$85.97
Amazon Kindle
$199
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
$135.95 $165
Belkin BoostCharge Portable Charger
$41.95 $59.95
For supreme comfort
Deciding what to wear to the airport is honestly one of the hardest parts of travelling. You need to be comfortable enough to survive hours in a cramped seat, but still cute enough to browse and take mirror selfies in the bathroom.
Mocha Zip Hoodie
$109
Mocha Track Pant
$89
Vans Super Lowpro
$139.99
Kitsch Chain Claw Clip Set
$14
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The little luxuries
It’s the small things that can go a long way (almost as long as your 18-hour flight). A chic reusable water bottle so you’re not at the mercy of tiny plastic cups, a silk sleep mask that blocks out everything, and maybe even a travel-sized pillow so you’re not waking up with a crick in your neck.
Owala Freesip
$69.95
Marshmallow Eye Mask
$50
trtl Travel Pillow
$89.99 $94.99
Endota De-Stress Roll-On
$30
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