Pack like a gold medalist with 2026 Winter Olympics flight essentials

• The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
• The games are scheduled to run from Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 22, 2026.
• This article provides a list of travel essentials for those flying or traveling this winter.

Cue the boarding call! The 2026 Winter Olympics are almost here, so now is the time to prep your carry-on and luggage for an alpine-chic adventure.

This year’s Winter Olympics will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where world-class sporting events will meet Milan's fashion flair.

Whether you're flying in or just want to travel like a gold medalist, packing the right travel essentials are key.

We've rounded up the top travel picks for any flight because when it comes to Olympics travel, preparation is a sport all its own.

Shop Winter Olympics 2026 flight essentials

1. Neck pillow

BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane

This memory foam travel neck pillow is an Amazon best-seller with most shoppers giving it a 4-star rating and above. It also has head, neck and chin support for long flights. Shop at Amazon

2. Eye mask set

Prep Sleep Mask & Scrunchie Set

Drift off to sleep on your flight with a satin eye mask and scrunchie set. It works to block light while keeping your hair frizz free. Shop at Ulta

3. Noise-cancelling headphones

Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Wireless Headphones 

Tune out the airplane noise with these Beats noise-cancelling headphones. They'll last up to 40 hours, making them ideal for a long flight. Shop at Target

4. Travel blanket

Premium Travel Blanket, Compact Airplane Warm and Soft Blanket with Bag

This fleece travel blanket is lightweight and comes in a convenient bag that attaches to your luggage. Shop at Walmart

5. Team USA beanie

Team USA Closing Ceremony Beanie

This unisex wool beanie will be worn by Team USA during the closing ceremony of the Olympics. It has the official logo patch of the U.S. Olympic Team and “RL” embroidery. Shop at Ralph Lauren

6. Winter gloves with touchscreen tips

FanVince Winter Gloves Touch Screen Water Resistant Windproof Thermal

Stay warm this winter with these windproof and water-resistant gloves. They have touchable thumb and forefinger for scrolling and keeping up with Team USA. Shop at Amazon

7. Team USA hoodie

Nike United States Olympic Team Club Fleece

The classic Team USA logo on a hoodie with French terry fabric for ultimate softness. Shop at Nike

8. Portable charger

Anker Power Bank

Charge everything you need in-flight with this slim, portable charger. It's lightweight, compact and has two iPhone chargers. Shop at Amazon

9. Tablet or E-reader

Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model)

Stay entertained on your long flight with an Amazon Fire tablet. Read books, watch movies and more for the ultimate in-flight relaxation. Shop at Amazon

10. Owala water bottle

Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle

For those longer travel days, keep this durable Owala water bottle close to enjoy continued hydration with ice-cold water (or any drink of your choosing). Shop at Target

11. Winter Olympics 'Chasing Gold' book for kids

Chasing Gold: A Kid’s Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics

“Chasing Gold” brings Team USA's 2026 Winter Olympics dreams right into your child's hands with 40 pages of vibrant, full-color profiles that make real Olympians feel like superheroes. Shop this kid's Winter Olympics book

12. Compression socks

Lewis N. Clark Comfort Compression Socks 

Everyone needs a good pair of compression socks, especially on a long flight. They also help to prevent tired, swollen legs and improve blood circulation. Shop at Target

When do the 2026 Winter Olympics start?

The 2026 Winter Olympics start on Friday, Feb. 6 and run through Sunday, Feb. 22; the Winter Paralympic Games will then begin on March 6 and run until March 15.

When is the 2026 Olympics closing ceremony?

The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday, Feb. 22, and will take place at Verona Olympic Arena—Italy's third-largest Roman amphitheater.

Who is Team USA's flag bearer for Winter Olympics 2026?

The flag bearers for Team USA at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics are speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca. They were selected by their fellow athletes to lead Team USA during the Opening Ceremony.