Between the routine disruption, free-flowing drinks, overuse of hand sanitizer and dry airplane cabins, staying hydrated while flying is no small feat. But it’s one of the most vital steps to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

“When at altitude, commercial airliners bring in outside air as part of the normal circulation process,” explains Bob Bacheler, managing director and in-flight nurse at Flying Angels. “One advantage of this is air is exchanged more often than [almost] any other building, making the air safer to breathe from a viral transmission perspective. The downside of this is the lack of humidification, usually around 15% to 20%, which is half of what people find comfortable.”

They might not be the most exciting item to add to your packing list, but a good pair of compression socks is a must-have for anyone who finds themselves boarding flights on a regular basis.

Compression socks come with a number of benefits for frequent flyers that range from serious medical prevention to cosmetic and comfort factors. While doctors and orthopedic specialists agree that they aren’t absolutely vital for people with no prior medical conditions, compression socks are still considered to be a valuable travel tool for anyone hoping to make long flights a more comfortable experience.