7 Carry-on Essentials That Help Me With My Fear of Flying
The power of packing. It's real.
I'm a freaked-out flyer, which makes the holiday season a bit difficult. When a plane is involved, the prospect of visiting friends and family or taking vacations quickly veers from exciting to scary. To combat my fears, I've learned the power of equipping a carry-on with everything that calms me down: the coziest sweater, a silky eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones to silence all those weird plane sounds. Here, the 7 things that get me through any flight.
The Sweater
Anxiety: Getting cold and itchy and all-around uncomfortable.
Solution: Bring a super cozy sweater that doubles as a comfort object (you know, like a teddy bear), but doesn't compromise your style.
Calvin Klein Sweater, calvinklein.com
The Bag
Anxiety: I won't be able to fit everything in my bag. And even if I do, it will weigh 1,000 pounds.
Solution: Find a lightweight but sturdy carryall that can hold all your essentials.
Cuyana Classic Leather Tote, $150; cuyana.com
The Headphones
Anxiety: That weird noise the plane makes when it takes off, when turbulence hits, when you begin descent, and when you land. So, basically, all the weird noises the plane makes.
Solution: Chic noise-canceling headphones.
Beats by Dre Beats Mixr On-Ear Headphones, $120; bestbuy.com
The Coat
Anxiety: Looking disheveled when you deplane.
Solution: Bring a sophisticated coat that you can also use as a blanket in flight. No matter what you're wearing underneath it, you'll look like a million bucks.
Calvin Klein White Label Faux Fur Collar Belted Maxi Jacket, $460; calvinklein.com
The Eye Mask
Anxiety: Not being able to sleep on a long flight.
Solution: A silk eye mask so comfortable you can't help but instantly conk out.
Morgan Lane Fairy Sleeping Mask Set, $98; boutique.morgan-lane.com
The Scent
Anxiety: Having a full-on panic attack.
Solution: A quick sniff of Tata Harper's Aromatic Stress Treatment calms in seconds. Plus, it fills your nose with something other than Eau de Aircraft. Win-win!
Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment, $80; tataharperskincare.com
The Game
Anxiety: Being bored on the plane.
Solution: An elegant set of playing cards. If you're going to play cards, make them posh!
Hermes Poker Cards, $105; hermes.com
How Every Zodiac Sign Gets out of an Awkward Conversation
Jennifer Fisher On How to Throw a Holiday Party
Dresses To Wear When Meeting Your Partner's Parent
Be The Perfect Holiday Party Guest
