When my partner and I decided to spend six weeks in his hometown of Copenhagen, we knew the flight would be the most stressful part of the experience. Because Denmark currently allows citizens (like my partner) and their domestic partners (like me), we were lucky enough to be given a pass into Europe. That being said, hopping on an airplane was far more complicated and different than ever before.

Not only did we need to leave much earlier than we usually would, but many of the amenities travelers have grown used to lounges, restaurants, bars were closed. On the plane, there were no choices for meals; you were simply served what they offered you. (And you guessed it: No booze either for our six-hour red eye.)

Generally speaking, the overall energy for flying right now is stressful: People are worried about maintaining a proper distance; anytime someone coughs, everyone goes on high alert; and using the restroom was scary to say the least, with many high-touch areas to navigate. It makes the pleasure of air travel a little less exciting and a little more anxiety-driving.

If you intend to book a flight, its important to think carefully and critically about what you put in your carry-on. Not only do you want to keep yourself safe and comfortable, but you also want to prepare to not have as many goods at your fingertips at the airport. Below, we spoke with doctors about how to pack and prepare in the age of Covid-19:

Though all airlines require a face covering to board, a face shield is another safe way to protect yourself. However, sometimes wearing an oversize, bulky plastic device for a few hours in a confined space doesnt sound cozy.

Thats why Dr. Jennifer Haythe, a critical care cardiologist at Columbia University Center, suggests wearing glasses instead. Even if you dont need a prescription and have perfect 20/20 vision, cheap frames can provide an additional barrier of protection, since Covid-19 may be communicated through droplets.

Try these: ArtToFrames Protective Face Shield ($9.99; amazon.com)

ArtToFrames Protective Face Shield PHOTO: Amazon

MeetSun Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses, 2-Pack ($14.98; amazon.com)

MeetSun Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses, 2-Pack PHOTO: Amazon

Among the most obvious necessities is a face mask, which can be either fabric or disposable. Keep in mind that its best to use a freshly washed or brand-new face mask every time. And in instances like this where you could be running quickly through an airport, the idea of a breathable face mask meant for exercise isnt a bad idea either.

Try these: Everyday Nonmedical Masks, 5-Pack ($30; athleta.gap.com)

Everyday Nonmedical Masks, 5-Pack PHOTO: Athleta

Assacalynn Disposable Face Masks, 50-Pack ($12.99, originally $27.88; amazon.com)

Assacalynn Disposable Face Masks, 50-Pack PHOTO: Amazon

Variety 5-Pack of Triple-Layer Cloth Face Masks for Adults ($12.50; oldnavy.gap.com)

Variety 5-Pack of Triple-Layer Cloth Face Masks for Adults PHOTO: Old Navy

Since our red eye was poorly timed departing at 5 p.m. on the East Coast and arriving at 7 a.m. in Denmark we knew it wasnt likely wed be sleepy enough to catch zs in the sky, so we prepared to watch movies by packing our own headphones. Sure, the airlines will provide these, but they may not be as hygienic as bringing a comfortable pair from your home, according to Dr. Nabeel Chaudhary of Manhattan Specialty Care. Remember to bring a pair that will plug into the screen, since no airlines offer Bluetooth technology (yet).

Try these: Anker Soundcore Life Q20 ($59.99; amazon.com)

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 PHOTO: Amazon

Once youve reached cruising altitude and the cabin pressure normalizes, you settle into your seat, only to suddenly feel freezing. The cool temperatures on a plane are part of the travel experience, but you may feel uneasy taking a blanket from a flight attendant during current circumstances.

And in some cases, airlines have stopped providing them to decrease possible contamination. To be on the safe side, Beverly Hills, California-based Dr. Shawn Nasseri says to bring your own travel blanket or scarf.

Try this: Easeland Soft Travel-Size Blanket ($19.90; amazon.com)

Easeland Soft Travel-Size Blanket PHOTO: Amazon

You cant have too many gloves when youre getting from point A to point B via plane, according to Haythe. She says one easy way to be cautious is to pack many pairs of gloves for the journey.

Wear a few layers of gloves and peel them off as you go through the airport, she continues. Remove one pair after security, another after boarding and finally when you arrive at your seat.

Try these: Dre Health Powder-Free Disposable Gloves, 100-Pack ($29.98; amazon.com)

Dre Health Powder-Free Disposable Gloves, 100-Pack PHOTO: Amazon

If youre someone who is constantly applying and reapplying lip balm, you may be doing more for your health and safety than you realize. As internal medicine urban health resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital Dr. Tala Robledo-Gil explains, airplanes are very dry places, and the dryness affects our moist mucus membranes. By applying balm or cream, we protect some of that moisture to prevent breaking down one of our respiratory systems of immunity.

Try this: Vaseline Lip Therapy Advanced Formula, 3-Pack ($5.18; amazon.com)

Vaseline Lip Therapy Advanced Formula, 3-Pack PHOTO: Amazon

Is there anything H20 cant do? Its essential and something you want to think about while flying. Dr. Ralph E. Holsworth, the director of clinical and scientific research at Essentia Water, says hydration assists the first line of defense for the body, and its essential to keep our immune system strong.

Mucus requires water for formation, he says. Every cavity in the body is lined with cells that produce mucus, including cells in the ears, nose, throat, lung and gastrointestinal tract.

When we dont have enough water in our system, we lose the ability to fight back against bacteria. Be sure to keep a water bottle on hand, and those with a straw are even better since you dont have to remove your mask to take a sip.

Try this: Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Bottle (starting at $15.50; amazon.com)

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Bottle PHOTO: Amazon

Before Covid-19, you probably made sure to have your boarding pass downloaded on your phone and a copy of your passport in your email just in case. Looking forward, though, Dr. Sarma Velamuri, the founder of the health care tech company Luminare, predicts health certifications may be part of the boarding process.

Not to be confused with immunity passports, which have been roundly panned, Velamuri recommends carrying proof youve conducted syndromic surveillance for 14 days and youve tested negative before flying. In other words, being hyper organized before flight right now is essential. Because my partner and I had to prove we were, in fact, romantically involved, we carried a copy of our lease and domestic partner certificate.

Try this: Skydue Expanding File Folder ($8.99; amazon.com)

Skydue Expanding File Folder PHOTO: Amazon

Much like bringing a blanket along for the trip, layers are an easy way to stay warm while up in the air. Be sure to grab a sweatshirt and a super comfy outfit before flight, since chances are youre even less comfortable grabbing a last-minute item from an airport shop.

Try these: Doublju Basic Lightweight Pullover Hoodie ($26.99; amazon.com)

Doublju Basic Lightweight Pullover Hoodie PHOTO: Amazon

Hanes Sport Womens Performance V-Neck Tee (starting at $7; amazon.com)

Hanes Sport Women's Cool Dri Performance V-Neck Tee PHOTO: Amazon

Its been preached to us time and time again over the last six months, but heres another reminder: Wash your hands. Velamuri says this practice is more effective than hand sanitizer and should be prioritized during your travel day. Anytime you come in contact with high-touch areas, ensure you properly scrub with soap. And in the event the airplane or airport is running low, consider packing portable soap sheets to come in for a rescue.

Though having extra hand sanitizer is never a bad idea either.

Try these: Kiseer Mini Portable Travel Soap Paper Sheets ($9.99, originally $11.99; amazon.com)

Kiseer Mini Portable Travel Soap Paper Sheets PHOTO: Amazon

Suave Hand Sanitizer, 6-Pack ($26.94; amazon.com)

Suave Hand Sanitizer, 6-Pack PHOTO: Amazon

Note: The prices above reflect the retailers listed prices at the time of publication.

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What you need to buy if you have to get on a plane right now - CNN