What's in your amenity kit?

[notzac]

Random question that came to mind .. what should airlines put in an amenity kit? What would you actually use during the flight? I keep finding myself barely using the contents of the kits I receive, mostly due to poor quality/selection of product .. so I end up packing myself a kit for the flight a lot of the time.

To be clear -- I'm talking about premium cabin amenity kits, for long haul flights. Here's what I like to have handy .. what about you?

• Decent eyemask -- not the flimsy kind airlines usually hand out. Hardcore light deprivation is what I need here! I'm still using a NZ eyemask from a while back.
• Non greasy moisturiser. I've tried a few and have settled on Nivea DNAge .. fairly expensive, but really good. Most of the ones I've seen provided are basically oil in a little bottle..
• Saline nasal spray .. tried it once, surprised at how much better I felt after the flight. No fancy brands, whatever I can get my hands on is just fine.
• Lip balm .. most of the designer ones I've seen onboard are pretty awful. I like Blistex or Carmex products.
• Face wash. Again, what's onboard is usually awful. The Bliss stuff is really nice, but pricey. Something from the Nivea face wash range is also good if I don't have or can't get Bliss product.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste. I usually bring my own; the supplied toothbrushes are uniformly awful.
• Mouthwash -- can't stand the taste of Plax (what's usually available) so I bring my own supply of Listerine.
• Nurofen Plus. Sometimes necessary
• Stilnox -- always necessary!

I'm happy to pack my own socks (the airline ones never fit), pyjamas (seems like such a hit and miss thing) and deoderant (I'm picky). Ear plugs are a nice touch, but I never use them. Something like a pen is always good, too

 

[NYCguy]

I rarely use airline amenity kits, because I carry my own.

• Eye-mask - I use a model that frames my eyes with "space-foam". No light enters;
• Eye-cream - Hey, I'm not 25 anymore, and the air up there is bone-dry;
• Eye-drops - I like "Prefrin";
• Moisturiser and serum - I use a ludicrously/outrageously overpriced pair that works miracles, and can also be used on my hands;
• Lip-balm - Blistex. The greasy one in the little tub;
• Cleanser - A pharmac_-brand;
• Toothbrush and paste - I unreservedly loathe spearmint. It's not worth taking the chance with airline toothpaste. My motorised toothbrush always comes into the cabin with me;
• Naprosyn and paracetamol;
• Multivitamins - I like the fruit-flavoured, fizzy type for inflight use;
• Thick socks and thongs - Not worn together, naturally. The thought of going to the loo in bare or socked feet is just... Not at all appealing;
• Cream deodorant.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Random question that came to mind .. what should airlines put in an amenity kit?

My list, from your list.

• Decent eyemask -- not the flimsy kind airlines usually hand out. Hardcore light deprivation is what I need here!, :idea: I currently use a VS one.
• Non greasy moisturiser. :idea: Could be useful, although I don't have a brand preference.
• Saline nasal spray would never use it.
• Lip balm .. :idea: depends on where you were going.
• Face wash. would never use it.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste. :idea: I generally use the supplied ones but the tube needs to be as big as possible, I hate those really tiny tubess and short tooth brushes, make it decent or don't include it.
• Mouthwash -- :idea: Could be useful but hard to get a customer preference.
• Nurofen Plus. :shock: unlikely an airline would include some pharmaceutical drugs.
• Stilnox -- think how easy the FAs job would be if the cabin were knocked out for 8 hours on a 14 hour flight.

My selections.

• Ear plugs.. since airlines aren't likely to include stillnox, get rid of the light and noise.
• The amenity bag itself. I can't work out why airlines can't do better on this one, I have 2 great amenity bags from flying Singapore Airlines a small clear case so that it can be use for liquids through airport scanners.
• Sunscreen.. This could be so handy on the way to sunny climates.
• Blow up shaped Pillow.. I received one as part of an amenity kit flying Jetstar and I couldn't believe that other airlines hadn't thought of this before.
• Pen. yes you should always carry a pen for all those forms that the Australian government like us to fill out but sometimes you forget to pack it.

 

[russ]

A toothbrush and a few condoms.

 

[Balwyn3103]

A toothbrush and a few condoms.

I guess we all hope for different things! I hope not to have got food poisoning 10 minutes before my flight so my amenity kit includes Immodium (Loperamide)

 

[julesten]

V Australia's amenity kit very good although contains again remain!!!

I like a good comb/brush always need to look good

Lip balm for sure

Socks a must those toilet floors ???

Tooth brush and paste and mouth wash a must could be sitting next to someone interesting

like the idea of condoms

Yes a pen for all thoses forms

And my Jetstar Pillow is a must.

 

[anat0l]

I'm not as fussy as some of the others around here, and I'm not sure whether my skin or well-being pays the price for it but most of the time I'll use what is provided in various kits. There have been a few exceptions to this (e.g. creams that smell awful, toothbrushes with bristles made of steel, toothpaste where sodium bicarbonate tastes better, etc.).

In any case, what is the topic about: what is in my amenity kit or what should an airline pack into an amenity kit. In the case of the latter, I'd like:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Eye mask
• Socks
• Deodorant (male and female varieties available)
• Moisturiser - like others, a minimally greasy one is preferable, or at least a non-greasy moisturiser/hydrating cream for the face, and something else for the body
• Lip balm
• Shaver and shaving gel/foam (not shaving cream, often ineffective)
• Mouthwash, although it can dry the mouth considerably let alone on board. Not completely essential, although there's nothing else that can more effectively freshen the breath, which is useful if walking straight off and into a meeting.
• Brush and comb - either a choice or both
• Ear plugs

As most here will vouch, a handful of airlines can get this list, however the quality of the included products is something else.

As for PJs, well it's a bit odd sitting in F and not getting PJs (although airlines like NH insist you give them back by the end of the flight - they wash and reuse them). As for J PJs, this may or may not become more common given the demise of F and the rise of the 2-class (Y/J) and 3-class (Y/W/J) airline business models.

Like Bundy Bear, having a sturdy or useful amenity case is also handy. It doesn't have to be LAG compliant, just able to be used more than once. And shoe bags are not good cases. Neither are ones that guarantee the instantaneous watery death of all contents inside the bag when thrown into a sink of water.

I would not insist an airline include drugs (even like paracetamol) in a standard kit; instead these should be given by the crew using some discretion. I would not expect an airline to be carrying Stilnox and I would view it as an offence punishable by immediate dismissal at minimum should a FA carry Stilnox and offer it to a passenger, even if the latter requests it. If you as a passenger want to use any drugs, even if they are paracetamol, Stilnox or multivitamins etc. you buy and carry these yourself and consume them at your own risk; an airline should not be expected to dispense such items (although they will obviously carry some "essential" stock, like paracetamol or antacids).

I don't consider a pen or mints part of an amenity kit, but an airline should keep them on hand to be given out if requested by passengers.

I still bring my own essentials in my LAG bag, consisting of - shaving foam, shaver, moisturiser, toothpaste, toothbrush, mint mouth spray, lip balm, after shave/perfume, shampoo, soap/body wash (useful for freshening quickly - hands or face - or cleaning stains), cotton buds, tissues and comb - mainly because (a) if I can't rely on the target amenity kit having it, at least I have an option; (b) I don't usually have an airline amenity kit in advance of taking my first flight, so I need one myself to provide what an airline lounge cannot.

 

[Holly]

+1 Jetstar neck pillow
Such a simple and surprising effective must-have for me too. I also like the fact that it's blow up rather than one of those bean-bag types so it saves space too.

Another personal favourite is Jurlique Rosewater Mist which is useful for hydrating skin and freshening up on long flights. Comes as 30/100mL bottle size so perfect for bringing onboard.

 

[sydstar]

For me the essentials would include
Socks
Eye Mask
Some form of ear plugs (or just BYO noise cancelling headphones )

Most of the time I just BYO everything, that way I know I have what I could possibly need. All of the following fit inside a nice compact JAG toiletry bag I have which isn't overly massive

Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Mouthwash
Saline/Eucalyptus Nasal Spray (I like the Fess brand)
Carmex Lip Balm
Pocket Tissues
Eye Drops - I always seem to suffer from dry eyes on flights - must be the air-con; I use the 'Optive' brand (Carmelose/Glycerin) which have a 6 month shelf life
Nurofen Plus - quickest response for strong headaches; don't make me drowsy
Berocca
Cleanser - Cetaphil/QV
Roll on deodorant
Liquid hand sanitiser - although I'm not a germ-a-phobe, just good after touching things

Although this list might seem exhaustive, I find it reassuring to know I have with me what ever I might need whilst on board. If I'm travelling domestic I generaly use carry on only so this also does double as my amenity kit on the ground for the few days. I just place all my LAGs in a ziplock inside the JAG bag.

Also, Then depending on destination/length of flight/sickness etc. possibly....

Gastro-Stop
Cold & Flu Tabs/Strepsils
Temazepam

 

[whereishome]

On the plane? I always have the following for anything 6hrs or longer

- Earplugs (in-ear blasting protector plugs = -80dba cut)
- Mersyndol (snowboarding incident a few years back - i stop hourly when highway driving to stretch lower back)
- Tootbrush (toothpaste not so important, but I HATE dirty feeling mouth)
- JQ Neck Pillow (yes, another fan)
- Eyedrops (whatever is cheapest at the chemist)


Mersyndol rocks. Knock back a few of them with a couple of G&Ts and the aircraft won't be the only one getting high.

 

[Plane Jane]

I really like to feel as much at home as I can be on a long haul flight...my fav things are:

• DVT SOX IN A BOX from Plane Jane Travel Accessories
• most comfortable pair of travelling pants also from the great Plane Jane
• handcream
• spray bottle with water and lavender oil no partic brand

Everything is stored nicely into my PJ travel pack except for the pants of course, which I am wearing!!!
Hope it is ok to give myself a plug!

 

[munitalP]

I would like to see - for long haul:

F quality eye masks
Moisturiser - the QF F lounge type whatever that is
Water atomiser
2 pairs of quality moulded ear plugs
Tooth brush & tooth paste - colgate please!
Mouthwash - Listerine no exceptions
Eye drops (moisturising type) - single use tube would be fine

My wish list...

 

[Princess Fiona]

My own kit and what I would like to see provided is:
Quality eye mask, quality socks (not that horrid sweaty nylon variety which is prevalent), toothbrush, paste and mouthwash, cleanser, toner, moisturiser, and hand/ nail cream(my preferred brand is Dermalogica - fab skincare ). I also carry a cotton head band, nasal spray ( gel type lasts longer), Optrex eye drops, roll-on Deodorant.
I have other medicinal items but would not expect them to be provided in an amenity kit.
These items should be in a zip vanity case ( I love the old BA F Anya Hindmarch velvet cases, the latest pop top ones are nice but not as functional)

 

[11sjw]

I'll answer this twice once for a overnight long haul (SYD-LAX) type flights and once for shorter day type (PER-HKG) flights.

Stilnox distributed by airline staff will carry liabilities so I'd suggest airlines will never allow that. They should be careful re handing out Panadol's etc.

Now for the kits...

Overnight Long Haul:

Eye-drops - Something to moisten the eyes is fine.
Moisturiser and serum - Have a Clinique Oil free moisturiser that seems to do the job;
Lip-balm - ChapStick, Aloe Vera type only;
Cleanser (with cotton balls!)- Clinique Men's line version;
Mouthwash - Small bottle of Plax works for me;
Toothbrush and paste - I'll leave the electric version in my check in. I have a decent TB with a small tube of paste (not as fussy as some re type of paste)
Headache Drugs - My wife and I suffer migraines so we've taken to carrying some Imagram as well as some Panadol/Nurofen for generic type use;
Multivitamins - Berocca original;
Thick socks and slip ons/thongs - Even in J/F the loo floor always ends up wet;
Aftershave/Deodorant - Something to make me smell half decent.

Daytime Shorter Haul: Generally the reason I'll throw a kit together here is to ensure I have something to use should the baggage not make it. I generally have found that outside a lipbalm I don't need much. However in my carry on would be:

• Lip-balm
• Toothbrush and paste
• Headache drugs
• Aftershave & Deodorant

 

[Flying Fox]

I'd also add in some nice strong mints; like Eclipse Peppermints (sugar free please).

 

[elbarto]

Ditch the socks in all classes and make sure there are ear plugs. As a frequent y flyer id love ear plugs over socks as I personally never use them
I'm yet to come across someone who even uses the socks so I think they're a big waste but what do I know!

 

[Katie]

I'm yet to come across someone who even uses the socks so I think they're a big waste but what do I know!

I always use the socks, as I take my shoes off, but there is NO way I'm going in to an aircraft loo in my own socks or bare feet. I can then turf the socks at the end of the flight.

 

[dajop]

I've become a bit of a convert to the SQ approach to amenity kits ... i.e. none. On my first couple of SQ J flights I was disappointed that there weren't any, but they keep their amenities well stocked in the toilets, which is where I am more likely to use them anyway. After shave, moisturiser, mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes used when I need to, instead of taking the amenity kit home to sit in the back of a cupboard almost unopened .

As for socks, I always use them on longer haul flights, but I do prefer the SQ socks with padding on the soles (which apart from being comfortable - provides an extra layer of protection for those visits to the toilet ....)

 

[elbarto]

I always use the socks, as I take my shoes off, but there is NO way I'm going in to an aircraft loo in my own socks or bare feet. I can then turf the socks at the end of the flight.

Fair call. I usually just put my shoes back on when visiting the lav.

 

[Tooner]

I've become a bit of a convert to the SQ approach to amenity kits ... i.e. none. On my first couple of SQ J flights I was disappointed that there weren't any, but they keep their amenities well stocked in the toilets, which is where I am more likely to use them anyway. After shave, moisturiser, mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes used when I need to, instead of taking the amenity kit home to sit in the back of a cupboard almost unopened .

As for socks, I always use them on longer haul flights, but I do prefer the SQ socks with padding on the soles (which apart from being comfortable - provides an extra layer of protection for those visits to the toilet ....)

I'm inclined to agree with you on the SQ approach, though I can't quite get used to no ear plugs and like others I would like to see deodorant provided in the toilets. I think the best eye-shades I've used are the QF F ones, while most of the rest of the F pack now sits in my locker at work as my shaving kit after cycling to work.