With an eight kilogram carry-on limit top of mind and a desire to touchdown ready for a luxury getaway, we turned to the A-list for their best long-haul tips. Here, the ultimate luxe packing list to arrive in total style …
1. In-flight Skincare
Pack a moisturising skin mask in your carry-on luggage. The recycled air in the cabin quickly draws moisture from your skin, leaving it dry, tight and crepey looking. Cate Blanchett swears by an in-flight hydrating face mask, saying, “I mask on the plane, but not until the lights are off. Although, sometimes I’m so desperate, I can’t wait, so I put an eye mask on. ”
Kate Winslet’s a fan, too. “If I know that I have to look decent as soon as I step off the plane then yes, I do go for a sheet mask. I always feel a bit daft sitting there looking like Hannibal Lecter with the cut-out eye slits… I just have to do something to help out the face whilst I’m in the air!”
Try Lancôme Advanced Genifique Mask. It’s a probiotic-rich, skin-flooding sheet mask that hugs the face, right up to the eyes, so you shouldn’t need to pack a separate eye mask.
Don’t forget sunscreen. If you’re flying with the blind up and it’s daytime, UV rays can still affect you. Slather it on before landing, too. UV rays don’t take a day off, in any country. Try Ultra Violette Fave Fluid, SPF50+. It’s a light skincare-type fluid that absorbs in seconds and makes a fantastic make-up primer.
2. A change of clothes in your carry-on
It’s always wise to pack a spare outfit, just in case your checked baggage isn’t on the carousel, but do keep comfort, convenience and style front of mind.
Simple, loose-fitting yet stylish basics in neutral colours and natural fabrics work best. A top and pants combo is the perfect foundation for any outfit.
Don’t forget a lightweight turtleneck — Sigourney Weaver swears by them. “I always tell people to pack a cotton turtleneck; I’m convinced I’m going to be cold wherever I go,” she advises.
Layering is key here — you’ll be dealing with a lot of varying temperatures in the cabin. Victoria’s Secret Angel Lily Aldridge swears by an oversized scarf. “[I bring] really comfortable scarves because I like to get cosy on the plane since they can get so cold.”
You can also use it as a sarong when you arrive at your tropical destination. If your vacation stop is more winter-focused, pack a pashmina instead.
We’re advocates of Rosie Huntington Whiteley’s golden rule of travel packing…
“I’m only going to pack four colours: navy blue, white, grey, and black. The same with shoes, the same with accessories, the same with all my clothes.”
This approach simplifies packing and also ensures you look effortlessly chic from takeoff to touchdown.
Keep tight clothes, underwire bras and restrictive fabrics in your checked luggage — they’re not for the plane, and always include a stylish, comfortable pair of sneakers.
3. A statement suitcase
Your suitcase should always be a statement piece. From the moment you open it to pack, it sets the tone for your entire journey. With that in mind, you also want to streamline your carousel experience by making it eye-catching. Ditto if it ever (God forbid) goes missing.
Rimowa might be a favourite of celebs including Gwyneth Paltrow and Carla Delavigne, but it’s priced at the pointy end of the scale. A tad more affordable, and stylish in their own right, July suitcases are also crafted with precision and style. The classic collection, renowned for its SilentMove 360 degree wheels, features a range of stylishly muted, bolder hues that catch the eye, while still being elegant.
Don’t want to spend big on a suitcase? We get it. Simply collect stickers from your travels and stick them all over your suitcase, à la Gwyenth. Your priceless memories will accompany your new experiences, making the journey all the more special.
4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Crying babies, chatty passengers and the sharp drone of the plane itself make noise-cancelling headphones non-negotiable. You can create your own bubble of tranquillity as you enjoy your own music or entertainment without interruption. A favourite of celebrities including Sarah-Jessica Parker, Bella Haddid and Timothée Chalamet , Apple Airpods Max are lightweight, comfortable to wear and deliver high-fidelity audio plus industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation.
5. A Travel Pillow
A well-designed travel pillow with correct neck support can have you landing refreshed, not frazzled. Today’s memory foam options can contour to your head, neck and shoulders to provide the right support for you the entire flight.
Try the Trtl Pillow Plus which features ergonomic design and a really compact size, so it doesn’t crowd your limited carry-on space.
A Portable Charger
Few things are worse than your phone dying mid-flight, especially if you’re relying on it for entertainment or directions at your destination. Keep a portable charger in your carry-on that can power up your device a few times. Try Anker PowerCore 10000 is slim, lightweight and works a charm. Plus, it carries plenty of juice, so you can tick device anxiety off your travel checklist.
6. Compression Socks
These can help ward off swollen feet and legs, as well as the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Mandy Moore swears by Motif Compression Socks, and has done so since her pregnancies, hailing them as a fashion accessory, as well as an in-flight lifesaver, on her Instagram stories.
7. A Travel-sized Signature Scent
Your signature scent in a travel-friendly size can be a life saver at the end of a long flight. Lean into a fresh, light and uplifting fragrance, like Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne. It’s a favourite of Sophia Richie-Grange and we can see why. The fresh, earthy scent in its mini-spray size is easy to apply discreetly and will see you from the plane cabin to your accommodation beautifully.
8. Your Mastercard
Ensure you slip your Mastercard World or World Elite into your travel wallet. Packed with benefits, including free travel insurance, hotel memberships, and airport lounge access, they will streamline your sojourn, as well as make it more luxurious. Among myriad other benefits, One Dines Free gives you one complimentary main course when dining at partner restaurants across Asia Pacific. There’s also 10 per cent off selected in-destination activities and selected transport with Klook, Loyalty Status Match at your accommodation and generous discounts at selected partner hotels around the world with GHA DISCOVERY and Agoda.
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