Whether you travel for business or pleasure, a long flight requires a special set of tools to make the experience a tolerable one. Sure, you could make due with a germ-infested blanket, a pillow stuffed with cotton balls, and sketchy airline food – but why put yourself through the misery when you can bring the comforts of home in your carry-on? Being strategic about packing your bag can transform any cross-continental flight into a first class experience – even if you’re sitting in coach.

Here are 10 items to pack in your carry-on for a comfortable flight.

• Noise-cancelling headphones. There’s nothing worse than listening to a crying baby on an airplane. Put on a pair of Bose and turn up your favorite tunes.
• Compression socks. Prevent swollen ankles and improve your blood circulation by wearing a pair of soft, microfiber compression socks on your flight.
• Hydrating face mist. A cabin’s ultra dry air saps the moisture right out of your skin. A few sprays of a hydrating face mist will keep your complexion luminous.
• A luxurious blanket and eyemask. Pack your coziest throw blanket (think cashmere) and an eyemask to boot. You’ll be off to dreamland in no time.
• A long flight is the perfect time to catch up on the books you’ve been meaning to read. Load up your Kindle and get immersed in the stories.
• Healthy snacks. Salty peanuts and overpriced cocktails? No thanks. Pack your own nuts, protein bar, and a bottle of water to curb hunger and stay hydrated.
• Lip balm. The air at 10,000 feet is lacking in the moisture department. Prevent chapped lips by packing a hydrating lip balm in your carry-on.
• See #3 and #7 – the air up there is dry! Pack a mini bottle of lotion in a soothing scent (lavender and chamomile are both nice) to keep your hands soft.
• A little travel packet comes in handy whether you have the sniffles or need to use one as a makeshift napkin mid-flight.
• Neck pillow. Give your head a cozy place to rest with a high quality neck pillow. If you can find one, a pillow made of memory foam is a wonderful comfort.