Which sleep accessories do we recommend packing in carry-on for a long flight from JNB to LHR?

We recommend a compressible memory-foam travel pillow (U-shaped or wraparound for side sleepers), a lightweight travel blanket or oversized scarf that packs into a pouch, and a contoured sleep mask; store them in an easy-to-reach carry-on compartment so you can use them during boarding and taxiing.

What should we know about bringing liquids like moisturiser and lip balm in hand luggage on South African flights?

Keep travel-sized jars and tubes at or below 50 ml and pack them in your clear hand-luggage liquids bag; a small tube of lip balm and a 50 ml moisturiser are enough for cabin dryness and comply with hand-luggage rules mentioned in the article.

Are power banks allowed in carry-on and what capacity should we choose for long-haul travel?

We advise bringing a 10 000-20 000 mAh power bank in carry-on, as noted in the article, but we recommend checking your airline’s specific battery capacity rules before travelling since some carriers limit power-bank capacity.

When are compression socks useful and what should we consider when buying them?

Compression socks are useful on flights longer than four hours to help reduce leg swelling; choose a comfortable, breathable pair in an appropriate compression level and expect to pay around R150-R400 as a reusable option.

How can we keep travel documents and valuables organised and secure during busy connections?

We suggest a slim document organiser or travel wallet for passport, boarding pass, cards and local currency (RFID-blocking if you’re concerned), keep it in a front-facing bag or an anti-theft crossbody/neck pouch, and use a small lock and sturdy luggage tag for additional security.

Must-have travel accessories for long flights

Why the right accessories matter on long flights

Long flights are not just about time in the air - they’re about comfort, sleep, security and arriving ready to go. We’ve learned from helping shoppers choose travel gear that a few well-chosen items change the whole experience. Below we focus on items that are compact enough for carry-on travel, useful across airlines, and easy to pack between trips.

How we organised this list

We group accessories by purpose: sleep & comfort, organisation & security, and wellbeing on the plane. Each item includes practical tips on how to use it in a South African travel context (think overnight JNB-LHR or daytime CPT-JNB hops) and an expected price band in Rand where relevant.

Sleep and comfort

Travel pillow: Choose a memory-foam or compressible pillow that packs into a small bag. For side sleepers, a thicker U-shaped or wraparound design helps keep the neck stable. Expect a price band around R350-R1 200 depending on materials.
Lightweight travel blanket or sleep stole: Cabins vary in temperature; a thin blanket or oversized scarf doubles as a blanket and a modesty layer for naps. Look for designs that compress into a pouch for carry-on.
Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds: Active noise-cancelling drastically improves sleep and blocks engine hum. If ANC is out of budget, well-fitting noise-isolating earbuds plus foam earplugs still help. ANC models in South Africa commonly range from R1 500-R6 000.
Sleep mask: A contoured, light-blocking mask keeps light out without pressing on the eyes. Pick one with an adjustable strap and breathable fabric.

Packing tip

Store sleep accessories in an easy-to-reach compartment of your carry-on so you can use them during boarding and taxiing. For more carry-on choices and compact bags that fit these items, see our Travel category Travel.

Organisation and security

Document organiser / travel wallet: A slim organiser that holds your passport, boarding pass, card, and a slip pocket for local currency is priceless for busy connections. Choose RFID-blocking if you’re concerned about contactless skimming.
Small lock and luggage tag: Even when your bag stays with you, a small TSA-style combination lock secures zips. A clear, sturdy luggage tag with a privacy flap helps identify bags on arrival.
Packing cubes and compression bags: Use a slim packing cube for clean clothes and a compression bag for bulkier items. This keeps carry-ons neat and speeds up security checks.

If you prefer shopping for accessories by type, our Accessories hub has curated picks that fit most carry-on size limits: Accessories.

Security practice

Keep valuables on your person (document organiser in a front-facing bag). For smartphones and wallets, a slim anti-theft crossbody or a neck pouch under clothing reduces risk in crowded terminals.

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Wellbeing on board

Hydration kit: Bring an empty reusable bottle through security and refill at water stations; cabin air is drying and staying hydrated reduces fatigue. Add a small tube of lip balm and moisturizer - travel-sized jars around 50 ml comply with hand-luggage liquids rules.
Compression socks: Useful on flights longer than four hours to reduce leg swelling. Choose a comfortable, breathable pair; they’re inexpensive and reusable (estimate R150-R400).
Portable charger and cable organiser: A 10 000-20 000 mAh power bank keeps phones and noise-cancelling headphones charged; check airline rules for battery capacity. Keep cables in a small organiser so you don’t fumble at the gate. Power banks typically sit between R300-R900.
Light snacks and electrolytes: Airline food schedules are not always reliable. Pack compact, nutritious snacks (nuts, dried fruit, a sandwich) and a sachet of electrolyte mix for rehydration on arrival.

Tech and entertainment

Download movies, podcasts and e-books before departure - in-flight Wi-Fi can be expensive or slow. If you rely on inflight power, check the seat type when you book; not every aircraft or seat has a power outlet. For a wider range of travel-friendly tech and carry solutions, explore our Bags and Luggage listings like Luggage and Bags to match your carry style.

How to choose what’s right for you

Prioritise by need: If you sleep easily on planes, skip heavy sleep aids and focus on security and tech. If sleep is the main challenge, invest in a good pillow and ANC headphones.
Pack light, pack smart: Aim for multi-use items - a scarf that’s also a blanket, a document organiser with a coin pocket. That saves space in carry-on limits and reduces weight-related fees.
Budget for impact: Small upgrades (better earplugs, a mid-range pillow, reliable power bank) often improve the trip more than a single expensive gadget.

Practical checklist before you leave home: passport + boarding pass in your document organiser, power bank charged, snacks and water bottle packed, a clean set of clothes in carry-on for long connections.

A note on costs and buying in South Africa

Prices for travel accessories vary by brand and materials. Where we give ranges, those are typical retail bands in South Africa - for example, good noise-cancelling headphones often begin around R1 500 while premium models can be several thousand Rands. If you want to browse curated travel accessories and luggage that fit South African travel patterns, start at our Travel category Travel.

Final tips from our team

Test new accessories on a short domestic flight before committing them to a long-haul trip. Keep everything you’ll use inflight in one compartment so you can access it without unpacking. Small, considered choices make long flights less tiring - and let you arrive ready for the day.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Air Travel Health
World Health Organization - Air travel and health
Official travel health advice - practical tips for travellers

Must-have travel accessories for long flights: comfortable, compact, and carry-on ready

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Free Delivery

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Organise & secure

Stay well en route

Why the right accessories matter on long flights

How we organised this list

Sleep and comfort

Packing tip

Organisation and security

Security practice

Wellbeing on board

Tech and entertainment

How to choose what’s right for you

A note on costs and buying in South Africa

Final tips from our team

Sources

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