It's My Job to Travel—Here's What I Always Pack for a Long-Haul Flight

Monica Mendal is a Who What Wear editor in residence, a former fashion editor, a travel writer, and the author of So There's This Place…—a Substack newsletter where she shares curated guides, insider tips, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

As a travel writer, I sometimes feel like I spend more time in the air than on the ground. Long-haul flights are a regular part of my month, and I’ve learned the value of packing light. I’m really not an overpacker—after all, I spent much of my career as a fashion editor, and the secret to that job is knowing how to edit. So you won’t find me hauling an eight-step beauty routine onto a plane. Efficiency matters too, and juggling that many liquids through security is the fastest way to arrive at your gate late and flustered.

Figuring out my in-flight essentials has been a long lesson in trial and error, and I’ve had plenty of chances to perfect it. I pack only the items that actually solve a problem, like staying warm on a plane, keeping my phone charged, sleeping comfortably, and keeping everything organized.

I’ve tested countless products, gadgets, and little comforts, and I now have a go-to set of essentials that keeps me comfortable, organized, and sane at 35,000 feet. From cozy layers to smart pouches and must-have beauty fixes, these are the things I always take with me on a long-haul flight.

Accessories

1. Wrap Scarf

The White & Warren cashmere travel wrap is my hero product. I now own it in every color and pack it on every trip, no matter the season. Large, cozy, and chic, it doubles as a blanket on flights and pulls double duty at my destination—as a stylish daytime layer in the fall and winter or a warm wrap on chilly evenings during the warmer months.

My pick:

White & Warren

Cashmere Travel Wrap Scarf

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