I love those ‘What To Bring on Flights” stories that begin, “I use an Hermès Birkin bag as my carry-on. I had mine made with extra-long straps to fit over my shoulder.” That helpful advice is from Cindy Crawford, bless her heart.
Birkin-toting world travelers like Cindy have flying down to a glam science: the right (Hermès) bag stuffed with luxuries, such as a moisturizer you’ve never heard of (or one from the line they hawk on HSN), exotic green tea bags, an iPad with an advance copy of Vogue on it (I could be making that up) and sinfully soft cashmere socks to pad around First Class while the rest of us are squished into economy.
KEEP CALM, CARRY ON
Even in my sad Birkin-free state, I still get something from those lists. For example, after you’ve endured endless waiting in a cheerless departure lounge, having something like your favourite tea means a lot.
Given the TSA-generated tension flying brings, it’s more important than ever to maintain the fiction of glamorous travel (and hence a glamorous life) by packing a really good reward — like a fresh copy of Grazia (don’t judge!) that you can leave for the flight attendant who was kind enough to bring hot water for said tea.
Here’s my list:
THE FASHION
• White + Warren cashmere travel wrap ($375, Holt Renfrew). It’s a splurge, but this wrap is really three items in one: a comforting, in-flight blankie (do they even wash those weird fleece blankets they hand you?), and after you land, it’s an evening wrap and an oversized scarf more modern than a pashmina.
• Nuxe Serum Crème Fraiche de Beauté 24 Hour Moisturizing Anti-Fatigue Concentrate ($42, The Bay) was clearly created for air travel. Meant for both face and eye, it’s super-hydrating yet lightweight, and the energizing plant-based fragrance counteracts nasty, stale inflight air.
• Lips and cuticles require TLC on planes. Smith’s Rosebud Salve in a tube ($7, Sephora) is handier and lighter than the classic tin, and lets you squeeze out just enough deliciously-scented balm to soothe troubled spots.
• Gap City Flats, ($39.50, in Canada, in-store only) already lauded by Janine here, are great on long flights where you don’t want to walk in socks.
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Ring ($42, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs) is filled with solid perfume so you get around that dreary Prohibited Liquids rule but still have a fragrance AND a bold accessory. It’s win win.
• Oversized sunglasses ($49, Esprit) become your sleep mask on-board and then pair with a great moisturizing lip colour such as Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment ($25, Sephora), so you can both hide and look polished when you disembark.
THE FUNCTION
• Hydrate and get your daily antioxidants with Eden Genmaicha green tea with brown rice ($5, Whole Foods.) It sounds weird, but the roasted rice makes it tastes like popcorn (trust me, that’s a good thing), and it’s very comforting.
• A little Howard Hughes-level germ paranoia is good when you’re traveling because no-one wants to get sick on vacation. Swab down with a portable One Step Sanitizing Wipe (12 wipes, $1.99, major food, drug and mass retailers) and for heaven’s sake, keep your fingers out of your eyes.
• You don’t realize how noisy a plane is until you wear Sennheiser Noise Cancelling headphones ($219, vistek.ca). Paired with sunglasses, they create a sensory-deprivation cocoon so you can sleep. I don’t care how goofy I look in this combo — I will never see these people again.
What am I missing? I’m nosy about everyone’s carry-on bag contents, not just Cindy Crawford’s.
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I’m flying to Poland next month, so this is useful information!
Spanks!
Oh, very jealous. Have a wonderful time and eat some pierogies for me.
I figure the only thing missing from your list is gummy bears. I always take a gummy bear kinda candy with me to chew to help my ears pop and then (unlike gum), they’re just gone – no need to stick ’em under the seat when you’re done!
Really great list! I especially dig the City Flats idea for winter flying – I’ma git me a pair.
That is brilliant.
Plus, I am a bit of a candy freak, so now I have a sensible, almost kinda medical reason to buy candy. Love it.
Excellent tips! We’re travelling to San Diego next month and these ideas are great ones…particularly the sanitizing wipes. Planes are so gross. By the way, wish us luck: we’re flying with our 3 year old and 2 month old! I just hope we don’t get any nasty stares :-(
Travelling with such small children, you deserve a medal, not hostility. Some people are just jealous their parents never took them anywhere cool when they were small. Ignore them.
The green-tea tip is genius, Liza. I’m so all over that one. And my bag’s already stocked with One-Step sanitizer wipes — they’re particularly clever because they don’t take up valuable space in my resealable baggie of liquid/cream skincare necessities.
Now considering gummy bears.
D’oh. I didn’t even think of that. You’re absolutely right. Another reason why wipes are great.
And do consider gummy bears. Especially the red ones. Yum.
Great Tips! Heading for Vegas in May and I’m liking the sunglass/headphones tip. Perfect for the late night return trip.
Also LOVE the shoe tip. Will definitely have to get me pair. Trips to loo on a European flight can get gross towards the end of the flight.
So funny – my family was just in Vegas over the holidays. And even though it will be warm in May, it still gets chilly at night, so a cashmere wrap is a good idea (of course, cashmere is always appropriate, right?)
And thanks (I think) for the image of an airplane bathroom after a transatlantic flight. Shoes a definite necessity there.
Helloows Janine! I ALWAYS have a tube of Lucas’ Papaw Ointment with me on board. Fantastic for lips and dried cuticles and any flaky spots. Love it! And oh, a teeny travel size Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter goes everywhere with me too. The scent is wonderful on a long dreary flight, while making sure my skin is well taken care of.. =P
Oops! Sorry Liza, thought it was Janine there. Apologies!
Not at all, Syen. Just glad you’ve now given me *more* lip balms to hunt down. I’ve only read wonderful things about Lucas’ PawPaw Ointment (I love the word ointment. So stolidly reassuring).
Now I want Pawpaw Ointment and Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter for my bag.
Love that you mentioned leaving behind the Grazia for the flight attendant (my mom happens to be one and that’s how I score all my ‘international’ reads!)
Add to this list Yes To Cucumbers Facial Towelettes. Just passed them out to 13 family members after landing in Florida over the holidays and the “ooohs” and “ahhs” could be heard across the plane :-)
Your mom passes on lux magazines? Yay Mom.
Great tip. Our friend, Jill Dunn, editor in chief of 29secrets.com, is just as obsessed with YTC Facial Towelettes, as you can see here.
And aren’t you just the nicest, seeing to the facial hydration needs of your family?
I also love “what to pack” lists. I must try that Green Tea….thanks for a great post! :)
Thanks so much Kena. And yes, you must try the brown rice green tea. Don’t know where you are, but in Toronto it is so bone-chillingly cold right now, it’s essential to keep the kettle going all. day. long.