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    An In-Flight Foot Rest And 38 Other Products You Should Have If Flying Is Basically Your Least Favorite Thing

    Like a roomy carry-on equipped with a USB charging port and not one, but two pairs of comfy travel shoes.

    1. 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 the arms of 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.

    2. 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 30 styles).

    3. Trtl neck pillow, which will 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 four colors).

    4. A memory foam seat cushion, because long flights can be stressful enough without your bum screaming "SOS!" within the first hour. With this, your booty will stay comfy and cradled, and the cool gel layer on top keeps things from getting too sweaty. 

    Promising review: "A few weeks into working from home five days a week I started having a lot of hip/leg/back pain. I have a good Herman Miller task chair that had been fine for one to two days of WFH a week, but wasn't working for me full time. In the early afternoons my lower back would start cramping. I did some research and bought this pillow and it immediately helped! I also took it on a two-week road trip since a three day road trip earlier this year had made a mess of my lower body that lingered for weeks — and no pain! What really drove me to write this review was that yesterday, unknowingly, I worked all day sitting on my chair without my cushion. I had removed it to use as a spare chair at my dinner table and forgot to put it back. At the end of the day hip was aching and I realized why! Today it's back on my chair and I'm already feeling better." —Lorene

    Get it from Amazon for $43.95+ (available in black or gray).

    5. A cute portable charger that 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

    I've had my eye on this bad boy for a while now, and finally ordered it to take on a recent two-week trip to Europe. Let me tell you: LIFESAVER. I'm the type of person who loves to spend hours and hours exploring new cities, but with the amount of photos and videos I take, my phone's battery tends to drain really quickly (relying on Google Maps to get literally everywhere doesn't help, either). With this, I knew I'd have some backup when there weren't any outlets nearby, and it was *so* nice not having to connect my phone to a clunky charging bank via cord. 100% recommend!

    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).

    6. 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 $8.99 (available in five colors).

    7. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you can connect your earbuds to the plane's entertainment system to help the trip go by a whole lot quicker. 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).

    8. 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). 

    9. A set of portable soap paper sheets that'll 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 $7.99.

    10. 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

    11. Some vacuum storage bags in case you've ever been accused of overpacking and wanna prove that bringing 10 sweaters on a weeklong trip is perfectly acceptable and doable. Place your garments into the bags and suck the excess air out with the included travel pump. Now you can squeeze everything in *and* avoid having to check an extra bag.

    A BuzzFeeder's bulky clothes in a sealed bag with text:
    The BuzzFeeder's same clothes now vacuum-sealed with text:
    Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed Shopping's Jasmin Sandal says: "I swear by these bad boys not only for general storage purposes, but also if I know I'm going to be traveling for an extended period of time. As someone who tends to pack for every eventuality (who doesn't like to be prepared?!), I have learned that it's better to travel with them than without — especially since it's more or less a guarantee that my clothes are gonna take up a ~substantial~ amount of room in my suitcase. And if I can use something that's gonna shrink the size of my bulky hoodies and/or big tees in order for me to create more space, I'm sure as heck gonna do it. Plus, the satisfaction is indeed guaranteed because when you see those chunky layers flatten into a pancake...it's just *chef's kiss*."

    Promising review: "I've used these bags before and they are so helpful. Even used the medium one for travel and I have tons of extra suitcase room. The clothes don't come out wrinkled at all as long as you fold them nicely before placing in the bag, then the air sucks out keeping them safe and sound and very compact. Arrived on time, would use this seller again." —Susie Kochsmeier

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in five sizes, as well as packs of two, five, and eight).

    12. 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 30,000 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 Physix Gear Sport compression socks deep dive for more info!

    Get them from Amazon for $10.19+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 13 styles).

    13. The cutest travel games set that'll keep your kids (and maybe even you!) from throwing a tantrum during long delays and 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.

    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

    14. 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

    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 $99.99+ (available with or without three months of Kindle Unlimited and ads, in 8GB or 32GB versions, as well as a kids version). 

    15. A collapsible water bottle that'll save precious room in your suitcase AND money, since it'll spare you from 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).

    16. six-port USB charging station, which is a game changer when you're at the airport and need to charge your phone, and tablet, and your kids' tablet, and your SO's tablet...and there's only one place to plug in. Oh, and if you get to your hotel and realize your room is short on outlets, this bb has you covered. 

    the outlet with five chargers plugged into it
    the outlet placed in a suitcase
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This is a great product! I travel frequently, and I am always challenged with the number of USB ports I can get with the number of outlets available (and where) in hotel rooms. With this product, the number of ports problem goes away, and what's great is that it extends the charger interface out from behind a bed or nightstand, or other inconvenient receptacle location, up onto a work surface for easy access. As far as power, I have had an ASUS transformer, two iPads, HTC One M8, and two iPhones connected to it at the same time, charging for hours with no heat on the device whatsoever. It works great at home too. I have always had good luck with Anker products, good quality." —bishop

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in black or white).

    17. 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 five colors — not all colors available in all sizes). 

    18. 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 — not all colors available in all sizes). 

    19. collapsible stroller that folds up so small, it'll fit in most overhead compartments — no more waiting around at baggage claim! Plus, it weighs less than 10 pounds and comes with a handle for easy carrying when it's not in use. 

    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

    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 $250.28+ (also available in three other styles and in black or blue). 

    20. And a JetKids carry-on suitcase, which, if you've ever traveled with small children, will probably inspire you to send a thank you-card to the manufacturer once you see how much grief it saves you. Not only will small kids have fun riding it, they can also use it as a foot rest so they'll have a more comfy flight. 

    child model being pulled while riding the rolling suitcase
    child model sitting in a plane seat and using the suitcase as a leg rest
    JetKids, Amazon

    It's recommended for kids ages 3–7 and fits most standard economy seats. Plus, it has an adjustable strap so you can carry it over your shoulder, a top handle, and a mattress inside that can be removed and used while in the air. Parents have even used this product while waiting for their flight to keep kids comfy and content. 

    Promising review: "I dragged my feet on this purchase because of the price tag, but I have zero regrets after traveling solo with my 2-year-old and 5-year-old. This thing was so easy to maneuver through the airport and through the plane aisles that my 2-year-old pulled it herself for most of the trip. It was slightly too big for her to ride on, but my 4-year-old loved riding on it. The bed feature was super easy to set up and we used it to and from our destination. I was able to pack clothes for a five-day trip, the bed, a blanket and stuffie. I will definitely be dumping more money into this company for our next trip. Happy customer!" —Casie Wilds

    Get it from Amazon for $198.95+ (available in five colors).

    21. A five-compartment snack spinner perfect for long flights, since it'll keep young kids content while they play with their food! Plus, you'll breathe a sigh of relief knowing it's spill- and leakproof, meaning no surprise messes.

    Reviewer spinning the container to reveal the snacks in each compartment
    reviewer photo of the snack spinner filled with things like skittles, pretzels, goldfish, and dried fruit

    Promising review: "I’m always looking for products to make life a little easier traveling with toddler twins. I ordered two of these for packing snacks for airplane travel. The product is durable, easy to take apart to clean, and fun for the kids to use. My 3-year-olds have no issues using the spinner or opening the door. I do wish the compartments were a little bigger (as it fits only three to four mini pretzels in one compartment, and if you do pack some food items too high it can get blocked trying to spin). But great for candy, cut-up strawberries or raspberries, raisins, Goldfish crackers." —AK_TwinMom

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

    22. stylish travel belt that frees up your hands by keeping your carry-on bag or personal item securely fastened to your rolling suitcase (we all know how annoying it is having to constantly reposition your bag whenever it slides down). It's also adjustable and comes in the ~cutest~ designs. 

    a beige carry-on attached to a suitcase handle with a leopard print belt
    model standing next to a green suitcase with a black carry-on strapped to the handle using a pink and black belt
    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 seven styles).

    23. A digital luggage scale you should definitely have on hand if you've ever been accused of ~overpacking,~ 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). 

    24. 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 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 35,000+ 5-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 $11.78+ (available in women's sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 36 styles). 

    25. Or a pair of super supportive Dr. Scholl's kicks, which will become your go-to flying shoe once you see how TSA-friendly they are (easy on and off!) and how cushy they feel during your flight. 

    reviewer wearing the black slip-ons
    reviewer wearing the gray slip-ons

    FYI: These are made from recycled bottles!

    Promising review: "I bought these shoes to wear on vacation to the Grand Canyon. I did a lot of walking on that trip, and my feet never hurt and I still looked cute. Then a few months later, we went to Durango, Colorado and did a ton of walking and again, my feet never hurt. I washed them and let them air dry several times over the next year and they came out great every time. They soon became my daily shoes to wear around the house. I have already bought a second pair to replace them so I can still look cute and be comfortable and wear the first pair when I water the garden. I would definitely recommend these shoes!" —J. Perkins

    Get it from Amazon for $23.76+ (available in women's sizes 5–13, including select wide sizes, and in 30 styles — not all styles available in all sizes). 

    26. 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 pack of 20).

    27. 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). 

    28. 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 $6.95+ (available in two stone varieties, as well as a set of seven). 

    29. 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.

    30. Or a brightening SPF 30 moisturizer formulated with darker skin tones in mind, since it swaps chalky residue for a glowy finish. It's also 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 Black woman-owned small 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

    31. A faux leather Béis seatback organizer, because if you've ever reached down into the plane seat pocket and felt a sticky mystery substance, you probably wanna avoid storing any personal items in there. Plus, how many of us have forgotten our passports this way? With this gorgeous thing, you'll have all of your essentials within arm's reach and remember them when you leave the plane, 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 $34.

    32. mini contact lens kit so you can 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 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!"

    a stack of pastel passport and vaccination card holders fanned out, with the one on top holding a passport and vaccination card
    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 25 colors, and with extra slots). 

    34. A very thorough travel checklist so you can avoid having a Kate McCallister moment of panic 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 and white travel checklist
    Amazon

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

    Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming — especially for trip longer than a few days. I have found this list to be a lifesaver and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. Variety of clothing options and space to add more. As my children reached their pre-teen years I have been able to make them their list on these sheets and then they can use it to do their packing. I just show them how to highlight each item after it has been packed so it is easy to see you took that one off the list. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" —I-really-bought-this

    Get it from Amazon for $7.

    35. pet carrier with WHEELS (!), because rolling is *much* easier than carrying when you're walking the length of a massive airport. Plus, it's compact enough that your furry friend will fit underneath the seat in front of you on most planes. 

    reviewer's dog inside the carrier with wheels
    different reviewer's dog asleep in the carrier under a plane seat

    It's designed for dogs and cats weighing up to 22 pounds.

    Promising review: "Traveling with a pet is stressful. I've done it with a carrier that didn't have wheels and it was difficult carrying my dog through big airports, so I bought this one with wheels and it was totally awesome! I can't say enough good things about how much easier it was to get through the airport rolling my dog next to me! She sat there with her head out of the carrier and enjoyed the ride. It was a tight fit under the plane seat in front of me, but it did fit and she sat through the whole flight (one four hours and another six hours) just fine looking up at me or sleeping (most of the flight)." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $75.99.

    36. A 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). 

    37. 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 convenient handle pass-through that attaches 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). 

    38. Away's popular The Carry-On for anyone who *hates* checking bags, but still needs enough space for ample clothing options. 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. Oh, and 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

    It fits five to seven outfits and has a laundry compartment!

    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). 

    39. And finally, a solid shampoo bar to stick in your carry-on without a second thought, since it's not a liquid! Or pack it in your suitcase and rest assured your clothes will be spared from — oh no! — sticky spills. 

    a teal shampoo bar next to its packaging and some mint leaves
    model using a white shampoo bar to wash their hair
    Amazon

    Psst: It comes in recyclable/compostable packaging, making it more eco-friendly than plastic bottles!

    Promising review: "I was definitely skeptical about a bar shampoo and conditioner, but I travel a lot and really wanted to cut down the use of plastic products as much as possible. I honestly am in love! I got the Heali Kiwi shampoo bar, as well as one of their eco-friendly bamboo and sugarcane storage containers, and my very long, fine, oily hair, which I do have to wash daily, looks and feels great. I recommend anyone on the fence to definitely give it a try! It works! So wonderful for travel, too!" —M.A.

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 12 scents, as well as packs of two).

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

    Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!

    animated gift boxes and bags