Hand Luggage Packing Guide for Long-Haul Flights (2025 Edition)

Packing smart hand luggage can make a huge difference on long flights from Europe to Asia.
With the right essentials, you avoid stress, stay comfortable, and keep everything important with you.

This guide covers the most useful items for Europeans traveling to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Bali and the Middle East.

🎒 1. Travel Essentials You Should ALWAYS Pack

✔ Passport + boarding passes

Keep them in an easy-access pocket.

✔ Powerbank (20,000 mAh recommended)

Most airlines allow powerbanks up to 100 Wh.

✔ Universal travel adapter

Asia uses different plug types — bring one universal adapter.

✔ Foldable water bottle

Fill it after security to avoid buying expensive airport drinks.

✔ Basic medicines

Paracetamol, ibuprofen, stomach pills, plasters.

👕 2. Clothing & Comfort Items

✔ Hoodie or light jacket

Airplanes get cold.

✔ Spare t-shirt

Perfect after long flights.

✔ Eye mask + ear plugs

Better sleep, especially on night flights.

✔ Neck pillow

Optional, but helps for 10+ hour flights.

💺 3. Hygiene & Fresh-Up Kit

Put these in a small toiletry bag:

• Toothbrush + travel toothpaste
• Face wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Lip balm
• Mini deodorant
• Tissues

💡 Many airports offer free showers (Bangkok, Singapore, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul).

📱 4. Electronics & Accessories

• Phone + charger
• AirPods / headphones
• Powerbank
• Charging cable for powerbank
• USB-C / Lightning adapter
• Offline maps downloaded in advance
• Copy of passport stored digitally

💼 5. Documents & Important Items

Keep these with you — never in checked luggage:

• Passport
• Bank cards
• Cash (EUR/CHF + some USD)
• Travel insurance
• Hotel reservations
• Visa confirmation (if needed)
• Driving licence (if renting scooter)

🛄 6. What NOT to Pack in Hand Luggage

❌ Liquids >100 ml

Unless bought after security.

❌ Powerbanks in checked luggage

Must always be carried on board.

❌ Scissors / sharp objects

Confiscated at security.

❌ Aerosols (some types)

May be restricted.

✈️ 7. Weight Limits (Important for Europeans)

Typical hand luggage allowance:

• Emirates: 7 kg
• Qatar Airways: 7 kg
• Turkish Airlines: 8 kg
• Etihad: 7 kg
• Singapore Airlines: 7 kg
• Swiss/Lufthansa: 8 kg + small personal item

💡 Always check your airline — some measure your luggage.

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Hand Luggage Packing Guide for Long-Haul Flights (2025)

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Smart hand luggage packing tips for long-haul flights to Asia. Essentials, electronics, comfort items, documents and mistakes to avoid.