It’s stressful enough trying to figure out what clothes to pack for a trip, let alone what essentials deserve a spot in your carry-on.
Of course, what qualifies as an essential may vary slightly depending on where you're flying, but we're talking the absolute basics here. These 7 items will see you through every flight and help make your time in transit a little more comfortable.
These 7 Items Will Make Flying More Comfortable
Noise Cancelling Headphones
We have all been on that flight, the one with the screaming baby. If you have these Noise Cancelling Headphones by Mpow, the horror of a crying baby on board will be a distant memory. They are wireless, hold up to a 20 hour charge, come with a carry bag, and are extremely affordable. Available in 7 colors.
Amazon User Review: “These things are great. I have used them quite a bit thus far and they work well. During travel, they block out airplane engine and cabin sounds well, even when not in use. These headphones have sufficient amplification to make my tablet useful in the airport and in flight. So far (about a month) I have been on 8 flights with these headphones and had no issues. I have not been especially careful with them, though I usually fold them up. So far, they have not shown any signs of wear and continue to look and function the same as the day I got them. You can't beat this deal.”
Price: $30.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Genius Pack High Altitude Flight Bag
How many times have you left a book, charger, or reading glasses in the pocket of the seat in front of you on the plane? With the Genius High Altitude Flight Bag, you won’t have to worry about this happening ever again. Conveniently labeled to tell you where everything can go, with a pouch for your book or magazine, slipping easily over your tray, you will wonder how you ever lived without it. Available in 4 colors.
Amazon User Review: “This is a fantastic pack, keeps all your at hand essentials at your fingertips and you won’t lose the odd earbuds pen etc in those Airline pockets.”
Price: Starting at $68.00 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
BuYiY Travel Pillow Set Neck Pillow and Eye Mask 2 in 1
You'll be so comfortable that you won't even care how weird you look while wearing this Travel Pillow/Eye Mask. No need to worry about the person next to you keeping his or her light on the entire trip when you have the eye mask on, nor will you have to worry about supporting your neck. It’s machine washable, and compact.
Amazon User Review: n/a
Price: $14.95 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: n/a
Amazon Fire Tablet
Although a lot of flights have entertainment, many airlines charge for shows or movies. If you bring along the Fire 7 Tablet, you won’t have to worry about that. Not only can it hold all the books you plan on reading, but you can listen to music and download movies and TV shows before your trip. You just might end up with more hours of entertainment to consume than actual flight time. Available in 4 colors. Traveling with kids? There's a Kids Edition, too.
Amazon User Review: “It was perfect for the long plane rides on our trip, and I quickly realized that I should have bought one for my husband too. The battery actually lasts longer than I originally realized, and I never had to charge my tablet during on-and-off usage during our 12-hour travel day. I keep my tablet in my purse most of the time, where it rolls around with all the other things in my bag, and it has held up like a champion (I do have a thin Fintie case on it). It was even accidentally dropped on the floor from about three feet up, and it was perfectly fine.”
Price: $39.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
BLITZU Compression Socks for Men and Women
Sitting for long periods of time is not great for many reasons, but the most worrisome is the potential for blood clots. Get these Compression Socks and do your part to improve circulation on long haul flights. These socks promote blood and oxygen flow, as well as relieve swelling. Available in 4 colors.
Amazon User Review: “Works great! I used it during a 30 hour trip to Bali. No swelling or achyness in my legs at all during or after the flight. As my travel companions had significant leg swelling that I could visibly see, I was grateful to have these during the trip. (They can make your legs warm so I put them on just prior to the trip or on the plane). I think any brand will work. I purchased 4 brands/styles to try and kept these as the design which has additional elastic wrapped around your foot and feels better than the competitors. As a bonus, these were cheaper. Highly recommend.”
Price: Starting at $9.97 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Travelrest 4-in-1 Travel Blanket
Now before you roll your eyes, hear me out. Never have I been so envious than when I saw a woman pull one of these out on a long haul flight. Those airline blankets just do not cut it, and when I saw her luxuriating in her soft blanket, I was insanely jealous. This plush Travel Blanket comes with its own travel bag, and can double as a pillow or lumbar support. Available in 2 colors.
Amazon User Review: “I purchased this for my 13 hour flight and would highly recommend it. The blankets provided by airlines are usually re-used and made of itchy fabric. They also tend to slide off while I'm sleeping and fall to the floor several times, making them unsanitary to use. This Travelrest blanket has a slit that you put your head through. It rests on your back shoulders and stays on until you take it off. There's a front pouch that you can put your valuables in...this was very useful. Without this I used to put my passport, wallet, phone, etc in the seat pocket in front of me....which is risky since the stuff can fall out of those pockets, fall all the way to bottom of pockets, etc. (very easy to lose/forget things). Also very lightweight and soft.”
Price: Starting at $29.95 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Handzies Hand Wipes
You never know what you may encounter while flying. From germs and spills to the suspicious stains left by the last passenger, it's always a good idea to be prepared for the worst. These Hand Wipes will come in handy, whether it's just to sanitize or when you need to give your face a little freshening up before landing. Made from naturally derived ingredients, and individually wrapped so you can throw several into your carry-on.
Amazon User Review: “I took these with me on a recent trip. So nice to leave at least one liquid out of my bag! These are effective, smell wonderful, and don't dry my hands out like other products. I highly recommend!”
Price: Starting at $12.49 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Header Photo via Shutterstock/Have A Nice Day Photo
Product photos via Amazon.com
