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    You're Leavin' On A Jet Plane — So You'll Wanna Pack These 35 Travel Essentials

    Psst: Investing in an affordable digital luggage scale will save you from unexpected over-capacity fees at the airport.

    1. First things first: A very thorough travel checklist so you can avoid having a Kate McCallister moment as your plane's about to take off. It's done all of the work for you by listing pretty much any travel need you could think of, so all you have to do is cross items off as you pack!

    hand holding a pen to the blue, red, and white travel checklist
    Amazon

    The pad has 60 sheets, so it'll last a long time — even for frequent fliers.

    Promising review: "A must if you travel a lot. An easy way to know you have everything you need for a trip! Great inexpensive gift for a traveler." —Keitha M.

    Get it from Amazon for $10.50 — don't forget to apply the coupon to save $1!

    2. A luxe-looking passport and vaccination card holder, because if there are two things you don't wanna be without while traveling, it's those. Now they'll have a dedicated place in your bag, and you won't hold up the airport check-in line by searching every one of your pockets while you go, "I know my passport's here somewhere!"

    The case in all 13 colors fanned out, along with one open case to show how the items fit inside
    Henney's Boutique / Etsy

    Psst: the vaccination card pocket is conveniently see-through so you can flash it without taking it out of the holder. 

    It's made by Henney's Boutique, a small biz based in LA specializing in handy leather goods. 

    Promising review: "I love this! I bought one for myself, then one for my husband, then I've been sending the link to everyone who asks me where I got it... They're the best for keeping both your passport and your vaccine card safe for travel." —Paige Devlin

    Get it from Henney's Boutique on Etsy for $8+ (available in 19 colors, and with extra slots). 

    3. Trtl neck pillow that'll actually keep you from awkwardly dozing off on your seat mate's shoulder, thanks to its ergonomic design and soft fleece support. Plus, it'll double as a scarf (planes are COLD), and it looks way more chic than those puffy U-shaped pillows.

    Model wearing a gray Trtl pillow while sleeping on a plane
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I can't stop recommending this pillow to all of my friends! It has let me comfortably sleep on flights that take place on the most uncomfortable airplane seats. On long flights, I always need to prop up my hand and I rest my head on it. But this method always ends with my arm falling asleep and I end up waking up every 30 minutes. Now this pillow provides that exact same support without needing my arms to prop me up! It's small enough to fit in your bag and doesn't take up much space." —Simona Krifman

    Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in three colors).

    4. Some in-flight earplugs, which won't only drown out the sound of the screaming toddler in back of you; they'll also help prevent air pressure discomfort and popping. No wonder one reviewer says they "never fly without these!"

    A reviewer wearing the blue earplugs
    The box of earplugs

    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 feeling in my sinus. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." —K. Tombrella

    Get a pack with three pairs from Amazon for $17.49 (also available in packs of five or 10 pairs). 

    5. A luggage-mounted cup caddy that'll free up your hands so you can hold your phone, boarding pass, passport — you know, the ~essentials~ (not that your XL iced mocha isn't an essential, but, you know...)

    Promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, I dropped and spilled my drink everywhere when it was my turn to check my passport and ticket. It was a nightmare! This time, I bought this cup holder to do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." —Philip

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 24 styles).

    6. An in-flight foot hammock, which might seem a little *extra* at first, but will make you a believer after one use. Simply hang it on your tray table and rest your feet on the cushion to help prevent soreness and swelling. Just make sure you're wearing a clean pair of socks before taking your shoes off!

    Promising review: "This is an amazing product. It's so simple but works incredibly to prevent swelling and pressure on legs while flying. I just flew the first leg of an international flight and used it, and I am on a layover now and had to pause to write this review. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! It easily attached to the tray table, and I adjusted to my desired height. It is like a hammock for your feet. You just prop them up inside the thing/swing/hammock — which is very cushiony — and your feet are hoisted up comfortably. I'm a big girl and weight is no issue. DEFINITELY MUST HAVE ON ALL MY FLIGHTS NOW. This thing is great!!" —Queen

    Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in three colors).

    7. A set of portable soap paper sheets so you can ensure your hands stay clean, even en route. They instantly foam up when you rub your wet hands together, so don't fret the next time the soap dispenser is empty in Terminal D's b-room (tsk tsk, Terminal D!).

    Promising review: "I first saw these on TikTok and I LOVED the idea of carrying around sheet-like soap with me! Fulfills my dreams of becoming Monica Geller 💜" —Erica

    Get a four-pack (200 sheets total) from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in packs with 50, 150, 300, and 450 sheets, and several colors) — don't forget to apply the coupon to save $1!

    8. And a handy pack of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, because the one single wipe they hand out when you board the plane just won't cut it these days. Plus, you can use these for wiping down those – ahem — questionable surfaces in the airport before you eat.

    Just a heads up, some reviewers say to pack these in clear zip-up bags to ensure TSA doesn't search your whole carry-on. 

    Promising review: "Great-sized packets and perfect for airplanes and the car. The scent smells clean and not overpowering. They give me peace of mind that my surfaces are clean." —Cindy A

    Get a pack of three (75 wipes) from Amazon for $9.98

    9. A cute portable charger, which reeeally comes in handy when you're at 19% battery and the plane hasn't even taken off yet. It'll also give you some extra juice while you're exploring (this one's so much sleeker than those bulky block chargers), and best of all, it plugs right into your phone, meaning no pesky cords!

    gif of reviewer holding the pink charger and showing its built-in lightning cable
    hands holding a phone with the white charger plugged into it

    Promising review: "The holy grail of portable chargers!!! I was traveling to Disney for vacation and knowing me, I would drain my battery with just taking pictures alone. I wanted a portable battery but didn’t want a carry a cord either, so I was excited when I found this little baby! It does exactly as described, pretty pink color, and I get one full charge of battery for my iPhone 11. Get it, you will not be disappointed!" —Meghan Doble

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in six colors).

    10. A flight attendant-approved off-shoulder jumpsuit (31,000+ 5-star ratings!) that'll save a bunch of room in your suitcase, since it's a one-and-done piece with ~endless~ styling options. You can wear it multiple times throughout your trip without it feeling monotonous, and it would make the comfiest plane outfit!

    reviewer wearing the black jumpsuit while standing in front of mountain scenery
    reviewer wearing the red jumpsuit while standing on a pier

    Promising review: "I bought the navy blue to take on vacation after reading an article about how easy care these jumpsuits are. I loved it so much I bought the green. I take them out of my suitcase, hang them up, and they are ready to go in a few hours, no ironing needed. I get compliments every time I wear one of them." —AKSunshine

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in women's sizes S–3XL and 31 colors/patterns). 

    11. And a clever hoodie with a built-in eye mask you'll be so happy you bought when your flight neighbor has the overhead reading light angled right at your face. Its cushy, cotton blend fleece and cozy, oversized fit will make you feel the most comfy you've ever felt in an airplane seat, and maybe you'll even get some shut-eye this time!

    model wearing the pink hoodie with the eye mask down on a plane
    model wearing the beige hoodie
    Pond Los Angeles

    Pond Los Angeles is an Asian woman-owned small biz making luxurious travel products that'll make you feel like you're in first class, even if you're flying coach.

    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 $105+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and three colors). 

    12. An in-flight phone mount in case whatever airline you're flying doesn't have any good viewing options (if they even offer them at all). It attaches to the top of your seat-back tray so you can download your favorite movies and TV shows before takeoff and watch them midair.

    Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multi-leg, ultra-long-haul trip and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes, and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel too! Work-wise, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer. At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built, and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far it still feels solid and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" —Earendil

    Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in black or lavender and as a set of two).

    13. And a pair of Apple AirPods Pro with noise cancellation to keep you from losing your mind every time your seat mate alternates between chomping down on pretzels and snoring. They come with three sizes of silicone tips to comfortably fit your ears and a charging case that provides more than 24 hours of listening time.

    Side view of a BuzzFeed editor wearing the airpods
    A BuzzFeeder holding the earbuds in their hand
    A BuzzFeeder holding the airpod case
    Emma Lord / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "I’m thrilled. I love the fact there are multiple ear tips, and the small ones fit my ears great. Thrilled with the noise-cancelling feature while I stare at a family member yapping loudly on the phone, and I don’t have to crank my volume up to drown them out. The controls are easy. It pauses music when I take an earbud out, so I’m not fumbling to pause and then yanking an earbud out while yelling, 'what?' I’ve never spent this much on headphones, but these are worth the sub-$200 I paid." —Pixie

    And here's more from BuzzFeed Shopping's Emma Lord: "I have a pair of these, and they're not playing around. Once they're securely in your ear, you can toggle the headphones between noise-cancelling and regular sound, depending on your situation. I've been working from home, and the noise canceling is so effective that I can work next to a window where my neighbor is doing heavy construction and I don't hear anything louder than a faint buzzing. It's quieter than if I'd just plugged my ears with my own fingers. I'm also a runner, and these don't budge when you're sweating, which is nice. It's also handy that these toggle out of noise-cancellation mode, because I feel better being able to hear traffic and other people around me when I'm out and about. The TL;DR is: I love these so much I have zero interest in owning another pair of headphones for as long as I live." Read her full AirPod Pros review for more info!

    Get them from Amazon for $179.99.

    14. Plus an AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you can connect your new favorite earbuds to the plane's entertainment system. Who cares if you've seen You've Got Mail upward of 50 times, that piece of cinematic gold deserves better than those staticky airline-distributed headphones.

    Just plug it into the headphone jack to hear Meg Ryan say, "That caviar is a garnish!" the way it was meant to be heard. You can also connect up to two pairs of earbuds at a time, and it has 16+ hours of battery life for suuuper long flights. 

    Twelve South is a husband and wife-owned biz based in Charleston, South Carolina, and has just 20 team members! They've been designing accessories inspired by and made for Apple products since 2009.

    Promising review: "Ever since I purchased my wireless Bose earbuds, I always hated having to use another set when I was on an airplane with the seat-back entertainment system. I tried many different models to connect the system to my Bluetooth headsets until I came across this one, and it is amazing! It seamlessly connects to my headset, very clear and reliable audio, and it takes the stress away from having to carry multiple headsets! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy

    Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (also available in two other styles).

    15. An unassuming luggage strap, which may not look like much but is actually super convenient in terms of keeping your hands free. Just hook it onto your luggage handle and attach your purse, backpack, neck pillow, jacket, or pretty much anything else you'd rather not schlep around the terminal yourself. 

    gif showing someone attaching a yellow strap to a white suitcase and hooking a black tote bag to it
    collage of pictures showing how the strap can be used to secure a lot of different travel items
    Amazon, Amazon

    Promising review: "I love this little gadget. I used it to attach my jacket and computer bag to my luggage on an extended business trip. It made my airport walks so much easier. Now that I'm back home, I've been using it daily to attach my jacket or cardigan to my work bag or purse." —Michele

    Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in five colors).

    16. A digital luggage scale you should definitely have on hand if you tend to ~overpack,~ since it'll let you know just how much you can cram into your suitcase without it resulting in some — surprise! — hefty over-capacity fees. Now you'll have extra cash for souvenirs!

    reviewer using a digital luggage scale to weigh a red suitcase by attaching it to the handle and lifting up
    reviewer holding the silver digital scale, which reads 15.2 pounds

    Just hook the scale to your luggage handle, lift up, and the LCD display will show the weight! You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. 

    Promising review: "Took this for a 10-day trip overseas with lots of flights. Weighed the luggage as things were added to it/purchased, and when we weighed in at the airport it was perfectly accurate. Very important when the airline will charge $70 more dollars for a suitcase that is too heavy or make you open the whole thing up and take stuff out in order to fly with it. Saved so much hassle." —B. M. O'Connor

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in five colors, as well as a two-pack). 

    17. collapsible stroller that folds up so small, it'll fit in most overhead compartments — no more waiting around at baggage claim! 

    gif of reviewer showing how quickly and compactly the stroller folds up
    same reviewer's photo of the black stroller folded up next to the stuffed bunny for scale

    Plus, it weighs less than 10 pounds and comes with a handle for easy carrying when it's not in use. It's designed to hold kids who weigh up to 55 pounds. 

    Promising review: "Best stroller ever! WE LOVE THIS STROLLER! My husband originally purchased it because I was afraid to take our big stroller on the plane to gate check. I was traveling alone, so ease of use and portability was really important. I was amazed at how convenient it was to collapse and slide under my seat on the plane and it maneuvered well through the airport and throughout our trip. I received multiple compliments and a few moms even asked me where to buy one. Since then, we have been on a few more flights and many excursions and are still in love with this purchase!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $223.96 (also available in three other styles and in black or blue). 

    18. A — how do I put this? — GORGEOUS set of Cadence containers for storing your pills, bath products, and any other small odds and ends. With these, you can rest assured you won't get any TSA side-eye for having large containers, and the ~genius~ magnetic design means you can cluster them together rather than rummaging through your bag until you find the one you're looking for.

    a set of six multicolored containers stacked in a pyramid
    overhead shot of six open containers holding things like pills, skincare products, and jewelry
    Cadence

    Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon with the goal of eliminating single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. 

    BuzzFeed Shopping's Abby Kass is a fan: "I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time. SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage."

    Get a set of six from Cadence for $76 (originally $84; available in many customizable labels and seven colors). 

    19. A collapsible water bottle that'll save precious room in your suitcase AND money, since you won't have to resort to buying overpriced bottled H2O at the airport. Simply unroll it after you've gone through security and fill it up at a water fountain. 

    reviewer photo of the green water bottle, rolled up
    reviewer photo of the blue water bottle, filled up

    Plus, it's lead-, latex-, and BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and can be used for hot or cold drinks.

    Promising review: "Well this is the coolest thing ever! I travel quite a bit, and I usually don't take a bottle with me because they are big and bulky and I usually lose them! This collapsible water bottle is a perfect traveling accessory. It stays collapsed until after security, and then I fill it up for the trip. It's a good size and fits in my side compartment in my travel backpack, and the cap screws in securely so I don't have to worry about it opening accidentally and spilling all over the place. I follow the instructions on how to clean it and it works just fine." —M. Lyons

    Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (available in eight colors).

    20. Away's popular The Carry On for anyone who *hates* checking bags, but still needs enough space for ample clothing options (it fits five to seven outfits and has a laundry compartment!). It comes in the *prettiest* colors, and for an extra 20 bucks you can add a USB charging port — a blessing if there ever was one. Plus, the TSA-approved lock means only you and airport security can access your belongings. 

    close up of the USB charging port on the pink carry on
    the white carry-on
    Away

    Promising review: "I was in Rome and Florence, Italy for nine days, and the Away Carry-On was just perfect. From being able to charge up my iPhone at the airport or on the train traveling from Rome to Florence, it worked perfectly. Stylish and very versatile. It also kept my belongings packed beautifully, plus the perk of a laundry bag for my dirty clothes. Getting through security was a breeze, plus the added compliments of how beautiful it was. You have a customer for life. I was very happy and impressed." —Keith H.

    Get it from Away for $275+ (available with or without a USB charger and in eight colors). 

    21. CeraVe face moisturizer with SPF 30, because if you're anything like me, even just thinking about being on a plane instantly makes your skin dry up. What is it about that recycled air? At any rate, this will keep your face from feeling parched during your flight while also protecting it from the sun (we love a space-saving, dual-purpose product). Oh, and it comes in a small enough bottle that TSA won't confiscate it!

    hand holding the white and blue bottle of moisturizing sunscreen
    buzzfeeder with the spf moisturizer on their face with text: not greasy, hydrating, spf 30
    Britt Ross / BuzzFeed

    This is my go-to face moisturizer/sunscreen and I apply it *every* morning, whether I'm traveling or not. As someone who can't stand the feeling of being caked in tons of products, especially on my face, I love that this is a 2-in-1 and saves me a step in my routine. I find that the formula absorbs really quickly — especially considering it has SPF — and it keeps my dry-as-a-desert skin feeling hydrated and looking just a bit dewy without being greasy (aka the absolute worst!). Plus, it doesn't have a runny consistency, meaning I can confidently toss it into my bag without worrying about it leaking everywhere, and the twist-and-lock cap adds extra reinforcement. Since it's just three ounces, I don't have to run to the store for a travel-sized version whenever I have a flight coming up, and it's super affordable to boot. The one thing I would say is that you should wait for any serums or skin products you apply before it to fully absorb before putting this on, since it'll help prevent pilling. I enthusiastically recommend it if you're looking to save some space in your clear plastic bag!

    P.S. I personally don't notice a white cast left behind, but as you can see from the photo, I have extremely fair skin, and some reviewers with darker skin mentioned they did notice a cast. That said, there's another great option below!

    Promising review: "I really like this stuff. The cap prevents any spilling when I travel as well. It goes on smoothly and one pump is plenty. I have mildly sensitive skin around my eyes and some SPF moisturizer gives me watery eyes, but this doesn’t!!" —Monica

    Get it from Amazon for $14.62.

    22. Or a brightening SPF 30 moisturizer formulated with darker skin tones in mind, since it swaps chalky residue for a glowy finish. Plus, it's got vitamin C to help reduce signs of sun damage and keep you looking *fresh* as you step off the plane. 

    gif of model rubbing the moisturizer onto their face
    model's face looking bright and radiant after applying the moisturizer
    Amazon

    Bolden is a small, Black woman-owned biz making skincare products that are never tested on animals. 

    Promising review: "I love this moisturizer. Being a dark-skinned African American, I find that often times sunscreen leaves a residue. This is the first sunscreen I've ever used that doesn't leave any weird discoloration, feels great on my skin, and it aids in reducing hyperpigmentation. I even have sensitive skin and haven't had any breakouts while using Bolden's sunscreen. A pump and a half is all I need for my face and neck. I highly recommend it and will be buying more for my family." —Missy D

    Another promising review: "I love this product. It’s lightweight and I feel secure when I’m in the sun, especially when I apply it on top of serum that increases sun sensitivity." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $27.99

    23. And Supergoop's (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder with SPF 35, because reapplying sunscreen is important when you're out and about sightseeing. It acts like a setting powder, meaning you can brush it on over makeup throughout the day without ruining your look — plus, it's not liquid, so TSA-friendly!

    model applying the sunscreen powder to their face
    the four shades of sunscreen powder
    Supergoop, Sephora

    Pro-tip: If you part your hair, brush some onto the exposed scalp — it'll protect the skin and help absorb excess oils!

    Promising review: "Purchased this product for my wedding — knew I would have professional makeup done and that we would be taking photos outside. I have very fair skin and burn very easily, so I knew I needed some sort of SPF protection. This was perfect to brush over my face, neck, and shoulders before photos, and I was completely protected from the sun! Highly recommend!" —Jennyg788

    Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $30 (available in four shades). 

    24. The cutest travel games set that'll keep your kids (and maybe even you!) from throwing a tantrum during surprise delays and long layovers. It comes with six dry-erase game boards, with favorites like Connect Four, Tic-Tac-Toe, and Hangman, along with markers and a handy carrying case for compact storage. 

    the travel games set, including dry erase boards, markers, and a carrying case
    Jonley Gifts / Etsy

    Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Jonley Gifts is a small biz you should check out for home decor, personalized items, and cheeky T-shirts. 

    Promising review: "So adorable! Out of several similar travel game options, my kids liked this one best. The quality is amazing for the price." —Samantha Grace

    Get it from Jonley Gifts on Etsy for $27

    25. And a Kindle Paperwhite to help the hours spent waiting at the gate go by when the status of your flight is a big ol' question mark 🙃 Plus, it's waterproof and glare-free, meaning it's the perfect thing to bring to the hotel pool (which you'll obviously be heading straight for as soon as you *finally* land). 

    reviewer photo of a kindle showing a book cover
    reviewer holding the kindle while reading a page from a book
    reviewer holding up the kindle sideways to show how thin it is

    Promising review: "I LOVE my Kindle Paperwhite! I recently upgraded from an old Kindle that didn't have a backlight, and what a difference. I really love being able to read in bed at night without needing to have a light on. The battery life is fantastic. The Kindle is great for travel, so you don't have to dedicate luggage space to multiple books, but also great for just keeping with you or having around the house. It's so lightweight and thin. I recommend for any avid reader!" —Marissa T

    Read BuzzFeed's Kindle Paperwhite (2018) deep dive for more info! 

    Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available with or without three months of Kindle Unlimited and ads, in 8GB or 32GB versions, as well as a kids version). 

    26. A beautiful luggage tag that'll set your all-black suitcase apart from all the other all-black suitcases at baggage claim. No more awkward "um, I think you've got my bag" encounters with other passengers or — worst of all — realizing you grabbed someone else's luggage once you open it at your hotel 😬.

    reviewer photo of the blue wave luggage tag attached to a suitcase
    hands placing a business card into the marble patterned luggage tag

    It has a slot for an address card or business card as well as a privacy flap. 

    Promising review: "I purchased these for a trip to Hawaii. I love the design and was primarily wanting them to differentiate my luggage from other travelers on the luggage belt. But little did I know they would be so much more effective in locating my luggage elsewhere. My connecting flight was delayed, and for some reason the airline left my luggage at the airport, while I went on to my destination in Hawaii, the luggage didn't follow. When I realized this, I alerted baggage claim and they had me fill out all the paperwork. The one question they had, is whether my luggage looked different than other dark colored mid sized pieces. Yes it did, it had these luggage tags on it, and that's what the luggage claims administrator put as the distinguishing feature. By that night, they had found my luggage and flown it from California to Hawaii on the next flight. I was relieved to have had these attached to my bags. I would highly recommend these for your luggage as well." —TX Divemaster

    Get a pair from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 24 styles). 

    27. A faux leather Béis seatback organizer, because if you've ever reached down into the plane seat pocket and instantly felt a sticky mystery substance, you'd probably like to avoid storing any personal items in it. Plus, how many of us have forgotten our passports in there? With this gorgeous thing, you can have all of your essentials within arm's reach and remember to take them with you, too!

    beige pocket with spaces for different spots for phone, iPad, passport, sunglasses, and more
    Béis

    Béis is a woman-owned travel accessories company from Shay Mitchell.

    Promising review: "This is the perfect travel accessory I never knew I needed! I’m a travel dork who likes to get all situated and prepared for a long flight. I need my lip gloss and hand lotion in close reach at all times. And now hand sanitizer and wipes as well. All of the little pockets are great. Besides those items, I also packed my Kindle, earbuds, phone, moisturizer, and pens for our customs forms (because ultimately there’s going to be someone around you that forgot their pen!). No more reaching into the seat-back pocket and finding someone’s melted chocolate wrapper, gum, or dirty tissue. No more phone falling through a rip in the pocket. Every travel nerd needs this!!" —Shelby D. 

    Get it from Béis for $24.

    28. A lovely flat that comes in so many gorgeous colors and prints, you'll have a hard time choosing just one pair. Reviewers say these fold up nice and compact (your forever-crammed suitcase will thank you), and that they're super comfortable — perfect for when you're dashing through the airport Home Alone-style or need a shoe that easily slips on and off at security. 

    reviewer wearing snakeskin flats with jeans
    reviewer wearing tan flats with jeans

    Those 33,000+ five-star ratings don't lie!

    Promising review: "I normally cannot wear flats because they give me terrible blisters on the back of my feet. These didn't! Bought these in nude for a city vacation with a lot of walking, but where sandals aren't necessarily worn and these were perfect! They obviously don't have the support of sneakers, but I am so happy to finally have a cheap pair of flats that don't give me blisters. I did break them in with thin socks on around my house before wearing them out and when possible, I wear them with little sock liners. Also — I was able to fold these in half like Tieks and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!" —Kate

    Get it from Amazon for $9.29+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 35 styles). 

    29. A soothing self-care stone to keep in your pocket in case airplane anxiety starts to creep up. Its curved shape is designed to fit your thumb so you can give it a rub whenever you need to de-stress. 

    three of the rubbing stones and their information cards
    Soul Sister Gifts / Etsy

    Soul Sister Gifts is a small biz based in Ventura, California specializing in all sorts of giftable trinkets, like succulents, aromatherapy items, and gemstone jewelry. 

    Promising review: "I use these all the time to center myself — they are so smooth and calming." —Isadora Armentrout

    Another promising review: "This item has helped relieve a lot of tension and stress. I keep them in my pocket during work hours, while driving, and in other environments where extra comfort is needed. The packaging and the travel bag for the stones are wonderful. 10/10 would recommend!" —Amy Weber

    Get it from Soul Sister Gifts on Etsy for $5.56+ (originally $6.95+; available in three stone varieties as well as sets of three and seven). 

    30. A pair of compression socks for anyone who'd rather not find themselves starring in Honey, I Blew Up My Feet, thank you very much! Not only do they help reduce swelling, their moisture-wicking fabric will keep your feet from getting sweaty during long flights.

    before and after photos of a reviewer's foot looking very swollen before using the socks, and much less swollen after
    reviewer wearing the black and pink socks

    Promising review: "With three weeks of international travel coming up, I purchased these to combat swelling in my feet during the flights. I had noticed swelling after three-hour domestic flights, so I was worried about what almost 30k miles would do! I wore these on every leg of the trip and never noticed any swelling — even after the 10- to 15-hour flights. They are very comfortable, too!" —J. Beaty

    And check out our full Physix Gear Sport compression socks review for more info!

    Get them from Amazon for $10.08+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 11 colors).

    31. stylish travel belt, which frees up your hands by keeping your carry-on bag or personal item securely fastened to your rolling suitcase. It's also adjustable and comes in the cutest designs. 

    model with a yellow and white checkered travel belt wrapped around their luggage
    model waiting at baggage claim with a red and pink belt wrapped around their luggage
    Cincha Travel

    Psst: You can also personalize it!

    Cincha Travel is a small BIPOC-owned biz based in Oakland, California, specializing in adjustable vegan leather travel belts. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase to help reunite migrant families.

    Promising review: "Such a simple yet brilliant solution for the ever falling bag when trying to juggle all your luggage. It definitely made traveling less stressful." —Samantha

    Get it from Cincha for $40 (available in 12 styles).

    32. mini contact lens kit that'll help you avoid red eyes on your red-eye. When it's time to take your contacts out and you really don't wanna do so in the tiny, questionably sanitary plane b-room, this will help you get the job done right in your seat. 

    It comes with a solution bottle, tweezers, stick connection, lens holder, and mirror. 

    Promising review: "When I travel, I worry about misplacing my contacts, so this will hep me keep them in a safe place, easy to find."—Tamara G.

    Another promising review: "Great product for the price!! Super cute!! Small and perfect for traveling, in your car, purse, or pocket!! The tongs have a super soft silicone type grip on the ends so they won't hurt your lenses. I am very impressed!! I would recommend to everyone!! Great product, great price!! Will purchase again!!" —Loni H. Rhymes

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in four colors).

    33. A cute travel blanket, which doubles as a plush pillow so you'll stay warm and comfy during your flight (at least, as comfortable as one can be in a tiny little seat!). It comes in several pretty colors and has a handle pass-through for sticking right onto your suitcase.

    model holding up the pink travel blanket
    model pulling a suitcase with the pink blanket that's been folded into the pillowcase strapped on
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I bought this product before taking a six-hour flight and it was a lifesaver. The pillow has a strap behind it to put it on your luggage so that it doesn't have to be carried. Very convenient when traveling. The blanket kept me warm on the plane and when the blanket is folded into the pillow it is also comfortable. Would definitely recommend." —Robynn

    Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in six colors). 

    34. A classy wrinkle-resistant top, since you need at least one garment in your suitcase that'll make you look presentable even after TSA tosses your luggage around. If you don't have room for a travel steamer, this will do the trick!

    model wearing the top in white
    model wearing the top in black
    Athleta

    Promising review: "Great for travel. Lightweight and doesn't wrinkle. Can be worn casually or more dressy." —anonymous

    Another promising review: "LOVE this blouse — comfortable, stylish, washes like a dream. Looks great with tights or Brooklyn pants but works great as a swimsuit cover-up too, so it's fabulous for travel — versatile and does not wrinkle." —Jude B

    Get it from Athleta for $119 (available in women's regular sizes XXS—3X, tall sizes S–XL, petite sizes XS–L, and in five colors — not all colors available in all sizes). 

    35. And finally, some biodegradable hypoallergenic wipes, because I can't be the only one who feels a little bit gross after being on a plane, right? With these, you can give yourself a quick pat down during your layover, and then again when you reach your destination. 

    model using one of the wipes on their arm
    Amazon

    These are made with natural tea tree oil, peppermint, ginseng, and oil and come individually wrapped, so they're easy to fit in your carry-on. 

    Promising review: "I purchased this product for a recent trip to China so that I could freshen up between flights and also so that I could clean up as needed. I predominantly used these to wipe my body between my long-haul flight and my connecting flight to a local destination. This was a nice alternative to a shower when one simply wasn't available. It just made me feel cool, refreshed, and slightly descuzzed. I'd recommend them for this purpose. As they are perfumed, I wouldn't recommend using them as a toilet wipe for fear of throwing off a critical pH balance for women, but as an overall body cleaner, they are great. :)" —Magdalene Sikora

    Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $12.29 (also available in a two-pack).

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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