Packing your carry-on bag carefully with plus size friendly flight essentials can make your journey much more comfortable and enjoyable! Here are 12 things to consider packing in your carry-on case next time you have a flight scheduled.
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Compression Socks
There are a number of reasons why compression socks are a great addition to any carry on when you’re flying, but primarily, they will help your blood circulate even when you are stuck in a small space for a prolonged period of time. Keeping your blood moving will help to reduce swelling, discomfort, and tingling, so well worth it and an absolute must-have for long flights!
Find our favourite plus size friendly compression socks here.
Foot Hammock
If you like having your feet slightly elevated when sitting down, then get yourself a foot hammock, You’ll be able to attach it to the seat in front of you in order to make somewhere comfy for your feet to rest throughout your flight.
If you want to make use of a foot hammock, consider getting priority boarding so you’ll have a chance to set up your foot hammock before the plane is full of people!
A Travel Pillow
A travel pillow is great if you want to rest your head against something soft while you have a nap, but it is also a wonderful option when it comes to offering some relief against back pain. Cramped aeroplane seats can lead to aches and pains, and if your back is suffering, using a travel pillow behind you can bring some much-needed relief! We LOVE this pillow and blanket travel combo!
Pro tip: if your tray table doesn’t go down a travel pillow can also be a great place to lean your food tray on.
Heat Patches
Much like a travel pillow, heat patches can offer some relief if you suffer from any aches and pains while flying in a larger body. They don’t take up much space and are easy to use, even when in a confined space like a plane seat. You might not ever need to use them, but they are a wonderful thing to have on hand as a soothing measure if you ever need some light relief.
Anti-Chafing Solution
If you suffer from chafing, then make sure to pack your favourite anti-chafing solution in your carry on! This way, you’ll have access to it all through the airports on either end of your journey, and on the plane, if things start getting a bit hot and sticky.
‘Chub Rub Shorts’ and anti-chafing powders work particularly well for carry-on bags and cases as they don’t class as a liquid!
Handheld Fan
There is nothing worse than overheating on a flight where there is very little you can do about it. Having a handheld fan with you will offer a simple and easy cooling solution that’ll ensure you stay comfy throughout your flight – fans are really underrated in-flight essentials.
There are lots of options when it comes to battery operated fans, but consider a small old fashioned fan if you’ve got a long journey where there is a chance the batteries won’t last the distance!
Small Toiletries Bag with Solid Toiletries
Packing a few essential toiletries in a little bag in your carry on gives you the option to be able to freshen up at any point in the airport or on the plane.
Using solid toiletries is great for the planet and sustainability, but also makes your life much easier when you pass through airport security.
Things that might be useful include a natural solid deodorant, solid perfume, toothpaste tablets and a toothbrush! Throw in a travel hairbrush and you’re all set to be able to completely refresh whenever you need to throughout your journey.
Shewee
It’s no secret that plane toilets are unreasonably small and can be hard to navigate for plus size travellers. Something that might make your experience of going to the loo a little easier when onboard is a shewee. It negates the need to sit down and squeeze yourself into the tiny toilet space! Make sure you practise at home and perfect your aim before you leave on your travels!
STAY TUNED as we’re going to be testing out a shewee and reporting back VERY soon!
Reusable Water Bottle
It’s always handy to have a reusable bottle with you when you travel, but one of the most important times to make sure it’s actually refilled is on the plane! Planes can get hot and sticky, especially if it’s a full flight, so having your own water bottle with you means you won’t have to worry if you start to feel dehydrated! It also means you won’t have to wait for the refreshments cart to come past you before you can have a drink.
Remember that your bottle must be empty as you go through airport security, but you can fill it up as soon as you are in the airport lounge. Most airport lounges have water refilling stations, but you can always ask the staff at a café to fill your bottle for you.
Snacks that Don’t Need a Table
Plane seats are notoriously small which means getting the tray table down can be difficult for plus size travellers. Pack some snacks to keep you going throughout the journey, but make sure they are things that don’t require a table to eat.
A Spare Layer
Whether it’s a cardigan, light hoodie, or a tee-shirt, packing an extra layer in your carry on is always a good idea. It doesn’t have to be anything big and bulky, but it’ll mean that you are well equipped to deal with any changes in temperature!
Fat Friendly Reading
Flights are a brilliant place to get really stuck into a new book, and there are some amazing titles out there when it comes to fat-friendly reading! Find yourself a copy of whichever one tickles your fancy the most, and enjoy while journeying. We’ve shared some of our top picks for plus size friendly reading here!