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1. A membership to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry to help make getting through airport security and returning home from international trips a breeze. If you travel frequently for leisure or work (especially abroad), then you probably don't want to feel like you're spending the majority of your time on these trips standing in lines at the airport!
My colleague Elizabeth Lilly travels A LOT. Here's what she has to say about the perks of signing up for this membership:
"I put off getting TSA PreCheck and even Global Entry for YEARS despite flying ~10x a year because I'm a person who likes to get to the airport early and has getting through security down to an efficient routine. However, my breaking point was July 2021 when I had to wait soooo long at the airport when coming back to the country from Croatia (I had Mobile Passport at the time, but the machines were broken, so I had to wait in line with everyone else). I went to Italy about a month later after signing up for Global Entry, and coming back to the country was a breeze. I just had to let a machine take my picture, print out a receipt with said picture, and then place it in a nearby TSA agent's open palm. Then, onto baggage claim! I've since used the Global Entry portion six times and the TSA PreCheck about a dozen times since getting it. So I feel as if I've already gotten my money's worth in less than two years."
Apply with the Department of Homeland Security for $100. Once you're approved, you have to do an in-person interview and if approved on the spot, you can have your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry privileges available immediately.
2. Plus a CLEAR membership, which will allow you to skip the whole song and dance of digging through your carry-on to find your license or passport to prove your identity. Thanks to this helpful program, physical features such as your eyes and fingerprints will help get you to your gate in less time.
3. A portable digital luggage scale because the year is 2024, and it's time we put an end to that gut-wrenching moment the airline counter tells you your suitcase is a few pounds over the weight limit. Being forced to transfer your things from your suitcase into your carry-on in the middle of the terminal for everyone to see is dreadful.
You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements.
My colleague Elizabeth Lilly tested this luggage scale out when packing for a trip to Iceland — check out her demo of how it works on TikTok!
Promising review: "We used this on a six-flight trip across Europe and it made it easy to know that we repacked our bags according to the various weight limits. Some bags had a 10-kg limit, and some had a 50-lb limit, so it was convenient to switch back and forth between units (even though dividing by 2.2 isn't exactly rocket science)." —Zac
Get it from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in four colors and a two-pack).
4. A phone mount so you can watch your favorite downloaded shows/movies on your flight — because sometimes the airline doesn't offer your comfort characters on their entertainment menu or worse...there's no television at all.
Promising review: "If you travel a lot, buy this!! Even if you don't travel, this phone holder would be useful. My hubby and I fly fairly often, and I'm always tired of holding my phone or figuring out how to set it up during plane rides. This is a game changer for flights. Makes it so easy and convenient to watch movies or shows during trips. A few people even asked me where I got it from. Definitely recommend!" —Alex Norman
Get it from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in six colors and as a two-pack).
5. A pair of compression socks for potentially bringing sweet relief to feet that tend to swell during air travel.
Read more about compression socks for travel at Johns Hopkins and The Huffington Post.
Promising review: "Bought these to wear on a three-leg flight to Europe. My legs are thin and the socks were tighter than I anticipated when I put them on. I was a little concerned they might be uncomfortable, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at my destination 15+ hours later with NO swelling in my ankles/feet. The only downside is they are thin, like thick stockings. I wore ankle boots over them, which was great on the plane but not so comfortable walking around when I arrived at my destination. Should have changed to (or added) thicker socks at that time so boots would fit better and feet wouldn't get sore from sliding forward in shoes." —LJA
Get them from Amazon for $15+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and in 13 colors).
And check out our full Physix Gear compression socks review.
6. An RFID-blocking wallet designed to hold all of your important travel documents because every time you're at the airport, you swear you'll have your license, passport, and boarding pass easily ready to show and every time you're at the airport you end up fumbling all of those things and holding up the line.
The wallet has a passport pocket, boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a slim card pouch, a slim pocket, a ticket slot, a cellphone pouch, a coin zippered pocket, a key holder, and a pen holder.
Promising review: "Buy it now! I went to Europe and visited five countries, and I was able to keep all my tickets/boarding passes here, along with all the important items such as my passport, credit card, and even phone! Loved it!!!!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 27 colors).
7. A stroller that *actually* folds up small enough to fit as a carry-on in the plane's overhead compartments. Let's be real: You and your kiddo, who has been screaming their head off since takeoff, do NOT wanna wait to retrieve a checked stroller, and now you won't have to.
Fun fact: This stroller was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the most compact stroller! It weighs 9.5 pounds and has a weight limit of 55 pounds.
Promising review: "This is 100% the most crucial item that we took on our three-week trip to Europe with our 2-year-old. The wheels lock to maneuver uneven surfaces, and it’s super lightweight. Buy a backpack-style bag for it. You can also buy a cup holder attachment. Being able to put it in the overhead compartment on the plane was a game changer. No more waiting at the gate for a checked stroller or, worse, having it sent with your luggage. Takes just a little practice folding up, and sometimes a little elbow grease, but put your weight into it, and you’ll get it." —Kesley
Get it from Amazon for $199.99+ (available in two styles and three colors).
8. A seat-back organizer great if the thought of putting your personal belongings like glasses, drinking bottles, and tech items into the provided seat back pouch makes you squirm.
Promising review: "Definitely my new favorite purchase to make flying easier. It is very easy to slip over the tray table, with lots of pockets to keep things organized and at your fingertips. Material is stretchy but not thin, folds up very small, and can be stored in your backpack, purse, or briefcase without taking up a lot of space!! Great product to keep things handy mid-flight, and you don't have to use that icky seat-back pocket anymore!!" —Shirley Kinyon
Check out BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord’s Airplane Pockets review for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
9. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you can connect your Bluetooth earbuds to the airplane entertainment system. Watching your favorite shows/movies with clear sound is a heck of a lot better than the static that comes with the junk headphones the airline tries to sell you.
It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.
Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009.
Promising review: "I loved being able to move around in my seat, eat, and stretch and not get bothered by a cord from my Bluetooth headphones to the video screen on the airplane. It's a game changer for sure. The battery lasted from Accra, Ghana, all the way to Texas in the US — 18+ hours in the air! Buying a second one for my son for our next flight!" —Stephanie Schmidt
My colleague Chelsea Stuart used it on a European trip — check out her Twelve South AirFly Pro review.
Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in three styles and two colors).
10. A pair of wireless earbuds with a cult following to make listening to your music, audiobooks, shows, and movies nice and crisp. They're waterproof, come with multiple silicone earbuds so you can find your perfect size, and happen to be just as good as more expensive headphones on the market at a fraction of the cost (*cough AirPods cough*).
Promising review: "I bought these to use on a flight to Hawaii, and I didn't want to spend a bundle on them. They worked great. They have a good sound to them and did a fair job of knocking out the airplane noise. They made it the entire flight without recharging. I'm very happy with this purchase." —Dane Hewitt
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in five colors).
11. Or a pair of noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones because this super comfy over-the-ear option delivers great sound AND may just help drown out the crying baby a few rows back.
Promising review: “Great sound and comfort! Comfortable fit, noise-canceling works great. Recommend for air travel or whenever you want to escape from outside interruptions. Just flew to Europe and was able to keep headphones on with very little discomfort for the entire 12-hour flight.” —joanne gentile
Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four colors).
12. A luggage caddy, so making a pit stop at the airport coffee shop for a caramel latte and a breakfast sandwich doesn't mean having to juggle your food/drink on the way to your gate.
Promising review: "This cup holder is a game changer for traveling solo or with kids! It holds a large coffee cup and a large McDonald’s beverage at the same time! It doesn’t tip over! But I would suggest using it with a four-wheel rolling suitcase! Worth it! Would recommend!!" —Emily rose Hudson
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 25 patterns/styles).
13. A pack of EarPlanes — earplugs designed to help ease the pain that comes with the sudden pressure change during takeoff. These are also great if you're driving to a destination at high altitude or if you're simply just trying to drown out the sound of a crying baby so you can sleep.
Promising review: "Never fly without these! Before I found these, I endured excruciating pain in my ears upon descent and landing. Felt like a hot poker being driven into each ear. My ears would also be plugged up, and it would often take two to three days for them to resume their normal state of being. I insert them about an hour before landing, as the plane is making its slow descent. I'm comfortable, and the most discomfort I experience is a slight adjustment of pressure in my sinus. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." —K. Tombrella
Get three pairs from Amazon for $19.49.
14. A pet backpack with wheels to make getting through the airport with your tiny BFF a more seamless experience. Not to mention, thanks to the compact size, it'll fit comfortably underneath the seat in front of you once you get on the plane, and the mesh window will allow you and the little fluffer to keep an eye on one another.
The medium size fits pets weighing up to 10 pounds, and the large fits pets weighing up to 18 pounds — that said, some reviewers mentioned that the large size works perfectly well for their 20-plus-pound dogs. It can be wheeled using the telescoping handle, held using the strap, or worn as a backpack.
Promising review: "First time flying with my dog. I bought a large one. He is a 21-pound Cavalier King Charles spaniel. He was able to sit and lie comfortably in the carrier. When on the plane, remove the hard-back bottom to fit beneath the seat. It is easily removable and reattached. I got a window seat, which allowed me to wedge the bottom at the edge of my seat/arm rail when detached." —Karen
Get it from Amazon for $59.95+ (available in two sizes and three colors).
15. An acupressure anti-nausea wristband that claims to ward off motion sickness and nausea, minus the drowsiness side effect found in most nausea medications.
For more info on how to use acupressure for nausea management, check out this guide from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review: "These wristbands are amazing. I purchased these for a 12-hour plane ride. I usually have nausea and anxiety while flying, but these wristbands had me feeling great. I also used them while whale watching on a rocky boat and once again felt great. With these wristbands, I am able to enjoy traveling with my mind at ease." —Amazon Customer
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.35 (available in adult and children's sizes).
16. An ultra-supportive neck pillow to make the whole "falling asleep while sitting upright" thing possible (and comfy). Is there any better way to pass the time on a plane than with a nice long nap? I don't think so.
Promising review: "I am a terrible flyer who recently took the red-eye from Dubai to Chicago (15 hours). The Trtl Pillow was a mini lifesaver! I was able to comfortably rest my head on the support and felt warm enough to actually doze off...a rare accomplishment for this skittish flyer. The Velcro works wonderfully with regard to adjustment, and I liked wrapping the fabric around my mouth and nose. Sort of felt cozy...even if I did look like a ninja in a neck brace! Overall, this product has changed the way that I fly, and I am so thankful for this invention and the opportunity to support a small company with big ideas." —S.Viruly
Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in four colors and a breathable style).
17. Or a twist memory foam travel pillow so you can doze off in the position of your choice. All travel pillows should be adjustable to your personal preferences, TBH.
Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant, and I travel with this pillow all the time! In hotel rooms, I use it to support my neck; on the plane, I use it to support my lumbar area. When I drive, it helps my lower back. I love that it has a liner that can be removed to wash. I bought my boyfriend one too, and it goes everywhere we go!" —Debbie
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 11 colors and packs of two).
18. A Kindle Paperwhite to ensure your favorite reads and books on your TBR list are readily available midair without having to waste precious room in your carry-on/personal item lugging big novels.
I did it. I caved on October Prime Day and bought myself a Kindle Paperwhite, and boy, am I glad I did. For starters, I always thought of myself as someone who preferred physical books over e-books. There's just something SO exciting to me about unboxing a book order or walking into a bookstore and spending way too much money. I even spent two years creating a rainbow library on my bookshelf in my apartment. BUT! After taking two vacations this year and realizing how annoying it is to pack physical books and move somewhere that requires a long train ride to get to the city (aka increased boredom), I decided to just get myself a Kindle. For starters, I'm reading more on this Kindle in the past month than I have all year. It is incredibly lightweight (it fits into my small little BELT BAG WITH ROOM TO SPARE!!!), easy to use, and not to mention a really great investment! I also had three free months of Kinde Unlimited, which meant access to tons of great books for free, but the best is Libby! I just go on the Libby app from my phone, choose a Kindle book to check out through my local library, and boom, it's instantly delivered to my Amazon account to add to my Kindle library. It's safe to say I'm obsessed.
Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available with or without three months of Kindle Unlimited and ads, in 8 GB or 16 GB versions, as well as a kids version).
19. A luggage gripper perfect for holding onto things like a travel pillow, a sweatshirt, or a light jacket because when you're already fussing your way through the airport with a carry-on, the last thing you feel like doing is holding onto additional necessities.
Promising review: "This is seriously so useful for traveling. I bought this last year and used it on my two Europe trips — six different countries and lots of bus, train, and plane journeys, and it made my life so much easier. I hooked it to my book bag and hooked my neck pillow, collapsible umbrella, and reusable water bottle to it. I even hooked my parka through it. I 110% recommend it. It is super sturdy, and I never had any issues with it, even with me dragging it along with all the stuff hooked to it." —Logan
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in four colors and also packs of two).
20. A pair of jogger-fit leggings because spending hours on a plane calls for a comfy outfit, and there's no better way to begin your travel ensemble than with these soft and breathable pants. BRB, ordering one in every color.
Promising review: "Last month, I bought a pair in olive just to try them out. Love! Immediately bought two more, the heather charcoal (more love!) and the black with the orange print zipper. I like the black, but the fabric is not the same — not that yummy, soft, buttery feel. But the fit is great, like the others, and I like the zipper on the pockets. Then I found this dark camo with the zipper, with the same soft fabric. Had to have it. And it’s now my favorite. Bonus: These pants are perfect for traveling. They fold up to half the size of regular pants and never wrinkle. The only problem is you have to stop yourself from buying too many." —nancykou
Get them from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in women's sizes S–3X and dozens of colors).
21. And complete your comfy outfit with an ultra cozy hoodie you'll never ever wanna be without — especially when you're on a plane. This comes with eye covers so you can look forward to a comfy flight spent sleeping like a bb.
Pond Los Angeles is an Asian woman-owned small biz that sells luxury travel products!
Promising review: "I fly a lot and am constantly trying to find a hoodie with a big hood to cover my eyes so I can catch up on some beauty sleep on flights. I saw this product on Instagram and knew it would be a game changer. I was able to use it recently for the first time on an early morning flight, and let me tell you, it is EVERYTHING I was looking for and more. It’s comfy, cozy, oversized, and the eye covers make you feel like you’re in a whole other world and not packed like a sardine on a plane. My over-ear headphone fit perfectly under it and I got the best sleep I’ve had on a plane — EVER! Like other reviews have said, it is big, so size down if you want something a little more snug. I have been wearing it every day at home and can’t wait to get the black and blush ones!" —Heather G.
Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $128+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and four colors).
22. Or if you're just looking for a sleep mask, this contoured option is one you're gonna be really happy you have with you next time you're on a flight, and it's too bright to attempt to take a nap because the person next to the window refuses to close it. How's that for planning ahead?
Plus, it comes with a set of earplugs to block out all the noise around you!
Promising review: "I do a lot of traveling and many red-eye flights! Sleep is an important issue! My previous masks let in some light as well as put pressure against my closed eyes! This product has no light seepage, and my eyes are not in contact with the mask, which gives me total comfort! I highly recommend this product to anyone who travels frequently!" —Donna Smolinski
Get the set from Amazon for $16.49+ (available in seven colors).
23. A genius airplane window tray (if you're a window seat kind of traveler) that you can use to hold your drinks, headphones, etc., if you hate keeping the seat back tray down or want to use it for something else like setting up your laptop and playing The Sims 4.
PS: This only works if you have full access to the window (rather than those seats where you get the weird halves of two windows between the rows in front and behind you).
Promising review: "A friend recommended this to me as a vital travel companion now that I've returned to frequent flying. I initially thought of it as a novelty, but now that I've used it, it's a necessity. It keeps the workspace clear for my laptop, but it also organizes all the little pieces that can become so annoying to keep up with — glasses, earphones, etc. It got my seatmate's immediate attention, as well as a few other folks nearby. I suspect they'll have one soon. Watch for one soon in a window near you!" —Timothy G. Wolfe
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
24. An inflatable footrest for making your next flight the comfiest one yet. So comfy, you might actually somewhat *enjoy* flying. PS: If you're traveling with kiddos, this can help turn their airplane seat into a bed.
Promising review: "I was hesitant to order this for our upcoming travels to Europe, but I'm so glad I did. The footrest pillow is sturdy, inflates very easily (with a choice of two different heights), and, once deflated, folds into a small carry pouch. The footrest came with a contoured sleep mask and ear plugs." —Maria N.
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four colors and also in a two-pack).
25. A carry-on case designed to comfortably fit under your seat. Sure, you might be lucky enough to have plenty of room in the overhead bin, but there's just something really humbling about having to fight your way out of your row and into the aisle just for everyone behind you to watch you have a wrestling match with your carry-on. We're leaving those days behind thanks to this genius invention.
Promising review: "This works out so well for me. I’m a flight attendant, and I’ve had an infinite amount of day trips over the summer. I got tired of carrying around my regular TravelPro spinner, so I finally ordered this. SOOOOO MUCH BETTER FOR ME. It’s light, has enough pockets, and can easily fit under a seat if needed. The ONLY picky thing I can think of is how loud it sounds going across rough concrete. The wheels aren’t as silent as others, but that won’t stop me from buying another in the future." —Kayla T.
Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in four colors).
26. A freezable snack box because traveling when you are a picky eater (or traveling with one) or have allergies can be quite stressful. This lovely pouch makes it easy to bring your favorite snacks along with you.
This is a great solution for storing breast milk and keeping it cold! If you have to pump during your flight and don't want milk to go to waste, this pouch will come in handy!
Promising review: "Recently used this to travel on a flight where no meal was to be served. Followed instructions for freezing before using. I packed some ham, cheese sticks, and mayo packets. Everything was kept remarkably cold. Can't wait to use this again." —TexasGal
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in 10 colors and prints).
27. A set of water paint pads that'll keep any kiddos you're traveling with entertained and happy on the journey. Let's face it, bringing little ones on a plane when you're already restless enough yourself about flying is no easy feat.
Promising review: "These are amazing!! Got them for our 3.5-year-old boy and 1-year-old girl for long flights, and they far exceeded our expectations! Both kids love them, and it kept my 3.5-year-old busy for over an hour! Now we bring them with us to restaurants." —Marmar39
Get three pads from Amazon for $23.98 (available in four different styles).
28. A pack of travel-sized antibacterial wipes great for wiping down your seat and tray, as well as your hands before ripping open a bag of airline cookies.
29. A pack of compressed towelettes ready to expand with just water! These are a great option if you find yourself in a pickle in the airplane bathroom or if you or your little ones eat a messy snack/spill a sticky drink mid-flight.
Portawipes is a small business based in Wyoming that sells compressed toilet paper tablets.
Promising reviews: "I bought a bunch of these and stashed them all over in backpacks and vehicles. Didn’t really think about them until my kids made a mess waiting for a flight that was about to board. Just a little water, and it’s basically a washcloth you throw away. Much tougher than I expected." —Fayrae
Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $13.98 (also available in packs of 10, 40, and 500).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.