You don’t need a lie-flat seat to get the little luxuries. Toss a disposable toothbrush, mini toothpaste, floss, an eye mask, and earplugs into a bag. It’s a tiny kit that makes a huge difference in how refreshed you feel at landing.

Cabin pressure and hours of sitting are rough on circulation, raising the risk of swelling and, in rare cases, blood clots on long flights. Compression socks help keep the blood moving, and packing a pair of hotel slippers lets you kick off your shoes and sleep easier, so you can step off the plane and hit the ground running…literally.

Cabins run cold, airplane blankets are thin, and bringing a blanket or bulky jacket eats up precious bag space. Disposable instant heat wraps or hand warmers are compact, keep you cozy, and can double as relief for sore shoulders or a stiff lower back after hours in your seat.

A good neck pillow is non-negotiable for getting real sleep in an upright seat. Skip the cheap U-shaped foam ones and look for a design that actually supports your head so it doesn’t bob around. The Ostrich Pillow Go is a favorite: it’s stylish, compresses up to 60%, and the asymmetrical design genuinely keeps your head from flopping over.

Coach seats have minimal padding that can cause discomfort, but an inflatable seat cushion keeps you shifting positions instead of going numb in one spot. It packs down to almost nothing and makes a world of difference on a 12+ hour leg.

Airplane cabins are extremely dry, which is why proper hydration makes such a difference in how clear-headed you feel after landing. Electrolytes like sodium and potassium help your cells absorb and retain water, instead of just flushing it out. That’s why coconut water is a great natural way to rehydrate, but good luck finding any past security. Pack powdered coconut water and mix it into your water bottle once you’re through TSA — no sugary sports drinks required.

You don’t need a spa treatment to loosen up. Roll a simple massage ball between your shoulders or over your quads for a few minutes, and you’ll feel noticeably more relaxed and more ready to sleep away the hours.

This is the ultimate hack: instead of sprinting between gates and potentially missing flights and getting stranded somewhere, build in a long layover. Book a few hours at an airport hotel through a site like Dayuse or HotelsByDay, and use the time to shower, rest, and squeeze in a workout at the hotel gym. A good sweat session does wonders for helping you actually sleep on your next flight — about the same cost as one-time lounge access and a lot cheaper than a first class upgrade.