3 Unexpected Travel Essentials That Saved My Sanity on a Long-Haul Flight

by Guest Writer, Patti Butler

I just returned from an unforgettable adventure through Turkey and Greece—think breathtaking ruins, sun-soaked coastlines, and food so delicious I might still be full. But let’s be real: the flight to get there? Not the highlight.

I flew Delta Comfort Plus—slightly more legroom, earlier boarding… but let’s not kid ourselves, it’s no lie-flat luxury. Like most of us who don’t have a black Amex or a travel influencer deal with an airline, I had to get strategic about staying comfortable in the friendly skies.

And friends, I cracked the code!

Here are three uncommon travel essentials that made my 12-hour haul feel a whole lot more human. No gimmicks, no trendy neck pillows shaped like sea creatures—just smart, simple gear I’ll never fly without again.

1. SUNFICON Inflatable Seat Cushion

What it’s for: Pressure relief + a much happier tailbone

Airplane seats are no friend to the human backside—no matter how “Comfort Plus” they claim to be. By hour six, I usually start shifting around like a toddler who missed nap time.

This little inflatable cushion changed everything:

• Air pockets gently distribute pressure and reduce soreness

• Easy to inflate with its mini pump and packs totally flat

• Subtle—no weird looks from your seatmate

By the time I landed, I didn’t have that telltale seat-shaped soreness. That alone made it worth the carry-on real estate.

👉🏽 PURCHASE HERE

2. Airplane Footrest Hammock

What it’s for: Circulation + less leg fatigue

At 5'7", I usually don't have too much legroom trouble, but on a 12 hour flight, airplane legroom eventually turns into “leg guesswork.” This soft, swingy little foot hammock clips right onto your tray table and supports your legs in a more natural position.

• Adjustable straps mean you can customize the height for just right support

• Helped ward off leg cramps and that mid-flight fidgeting we all know too well

If your feet tend to tingle or your knees lock up by hour three, this is your secret weapon.

👉🏽 PURCHASE HERE

3. Copper Compression Socks (6-Pack)

What it’s for: Swelling, circulation, and style—yes, really

I used to land with ankles that looked like I’d borrowed them from an inflatable sumo wrestler. Enter: compression socks. But not the beige, orthopedic ones of yesteryear.

These copper-infused beauties come in fun colors and cozy fabric:

• Just the right amount of compression to stay comfortable all flight long

• Copper keeps things fresh (a blessing after 12 hours in shoes)

Bonus: they roll up small and weigh next to nothing. A win for your suitcase and your sanity.

👉🏽 PURCHASE HERE

Final Boarding Call - Don't Skip These Travel Essentials

Unless you’re one of the lucky few sipping customized beverages in a pod with mood lighting, long-haul flying is just something we seasoned ladies endure to get to the good stuff. But these three under-the-radar essentials? Game-changers.

🛫 Inflatable Seat Cushion

🛫 Footrest Hammock

🛫 Copper Compression Socks

Small enough to stash in a carry-on, mighty enough to make a 12-hour flight actually tolerable. If you’ve got a grand adventure ahead, do your future self a favor—bring comfort along for the ride.

From one well-traveled woman to another,

~Patti

A proud guest voice for The Seasoned Lady