3 things I regretted not packing for a 12-hour flight from Colorado to Tokyo

I've learned the hard way to make sure all my devices are charged before I board any flight.

Prior to stepping on the United flight to Tokyo, my laptop and phone were fully charged. I also packed a charger, which I could use on my flight.

Between the laptop, phone, and airplane TV screen, I had plenty of things to keep me occupied. I switched between reading on my phone, working on my laptop, and watching movies on the screen.

Around hour five, I wasn't tired but my eyes sure were.

They needed a break from the glowing screens. I tried listening to music and podcasts, but it wasn't what I was craving. Instead, I wanted to be reading — and not on my tiny phone screen. I wanted a real book.

I thought I was smart to save room in my carry-on by not bringing a book, but next time, I'll make the space and pack one.

I've heard from other travelers that compression socks are an item they never forget to pack for a long-haul flight. Most of those travelers were older than me, so I assumed my youthful legs wouldn't benefit from the socks.

I'm now questioning that assumption, and I plan to purchase a pair for my next long-haul flight.

On my flight to Tokyo, my legs started aching and cramping after just a few hours in an economy seat. I had strategically picked the window seat so I could rest against the plane's wall, but this meant that I couldn't stretch my legs completely.

According to Travel and Leisure, compression socks help stimulate circulation in your legs and feet, which can help reduce both swelling and discomfort.

By hour 10 of the flight, I would've done practically anything to help my legs feel less cramped, and I can guarantee that compression socks will be packed in my carry-on for future long-haul flights.

Last year, I embarked on my very first business-class flight, and one of the things that immediately shocked me was that every passenger took off their shoes.

Previously, it had been taboo to not wear shoes on a plane. No one wants to see grimy feet, much less smell them. But I caved to the peer pressure, took off my shoes, and realized just how nice it is to let your feet be unrestricted for a long flight.

In business class, though, they gave passengers a pair of socks, so they didn't have to get their own socks dirty on the plane. I noticed that when passengers went to the bathroom or walked around, they just wore their socks.

For my Tokyo flight, I didn't have any complimentary socks or slippers. I decided to take off my shoes, but since I was wearing bulky sneakers, this meant I had to put my shoes back on every time I wanted to get up and stretch or use the bathroom.

Typically, that'd be no big deal, but when you can hardly move in the tiny economy seat, it was a challenge that could've been easily avoided with a pair of slippers.

For any future flight that's longer than four hours, I'll cram a pair of small slippers into my bag.