Flying long haul? Seven things to pack in your hand luggage

1. A soft wide scarf - great for wrapping around yourself when air conditioning is blowing colder than you like (that's pretty much all the time if you ask us).

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2. A reusable water bottle - this can save you a fortune. Obviously it has to be empty when you go through security. But once you're through, you can ask airport restaurants and bars to fill it and on board, cabin crew will do the same if you ask nicely. That way you'll save a fortune on buying bottled water.

3. Moisturiser is essential to help protect your skin from the effects of hours of exposure to dehydrating air conditioning.

4. Disposable antibacterial wipes for cleaning your arm rests and tray table. These areas are the most germ-ridden parts of a plane (yes, they're even dirtier than the toilets because they don't get cleaned as often) - so thoroughly disinfecting them can help prevent you catching nasty infections.

5. A portable charger for your tablet. This means you'll have more choice of entertainment - you don't need us to tell you that sometimes the airline entertainment system just doesn't cut it.

6. Ear plugs. Babies are always on planes. And yes, they always cry. So blocking out the noise will help you sleep - which is surely the best thing of all to do on a long haul flight.

7. Eye mask. Shut out the light as well as the noise and convince your body to relax and sleep.