We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. An in-flight phone mount for a hands-free way to watch all those episodes of Queer Eye you downloaded for the flight. It can also mount on your luggage for long (aka boring) layovers, too.
Perilogics is a small business creating hyper-functional tool holsters and bags for carrying your stuff on-the-go.
Promising review: "I travel for a living and fly often. I regret not buying this when I started traveling. I can clip it to the back of the seat in front of me and also on the windows. It is small enough to fold up and fit in my pocket. This is random but related — if you are sitting in an exit row on an airplane, you cannot clip this to the window until the plane is in the air — other than that, they do not care if it is clipped to the window during the flight. Highly recommended." —Chrissie Jo
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in five colors).
2. A Trtl neck pillow that'll actually support your neck while you try to catch some mid-flight z's. It's way less bulky than traditional travel pillows and will keep you from head bobbing onto your neighbor's shoulder.
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 how 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).
3. A moisturizing saline gel so you can put an end to the frequent nosebleeds and restore some desperately needed moisture to your dry irritated nasal biome. If you use a CPAP machine or get dried out on long-haul flights, I'd add this to cart STAT.
4. A digital luggage scale if you're tired of sweating at the bag check scale, hoping you can avoid paying pesky overage fees. This scale is super accurate so you can be confident in your under 50 pound pack-job.
You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements.
Promising review: "Works great, a must-have when flying. Very accurate scale. Easy to read with the light on it. It's a must if you have a wife like mine who loves to shop for clothes and fill up her suitcase along with mine, or if you want to stay under that 40 pounds and avoid paying the extra for overweight baggage fees. Easy to use, very accurate, well made, and a nice design. Very pleased. Saved me money." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in four colors).
5. A pair of affordable wireless Bluetooth earbuds because who wants to spend the entire flight tethered to seat back in front of you with a cord. These come with a handy travel/charging case and connect to your devices in one easy step.
Promising review: "These are the first pair of wireless buds I have purchased, previously I used only the single over-ear type pieces. I expected to have difficulty pairing, but these paired first time super easy. The volume and sound are significantly better than my old style. Nice little charging and travel case and a variety of sizes of silicone buds to fit your size/preference. Update — after using these for a few weeks, I am still very pleased with these earbuds. Good value for the price!" —J. L. Hoover
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in five colors).
6. Plus, an AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you (and a buddy) can actually use those Bluetooth earbuds to watch those free in-flight movies.
Promising review: "Worked beautifully on a recent eight-hour flight from New York City to Frankfurt! Really easy to pair with my Bose noise-canceling earbuds and charges quickly. The sound quality was excellent. I'm so excited about this product that I'm going to buy one for each of my family members!" —emily p murray
Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (available in black or white and in two other models).
7. A compact external battery for keeping all of your many essential devices charged during long travel days. One charge of this battery can charge your phone roughly three times. No more huddling by the single terminal outlet for you!
Promising review: "So far so good. I've used it a couple of times and I've been able to charge my iPhone 6S at least three times with one charge. I really like the light that tells you how much power is still left. It's also pretty small so it doesn't take up a lot of space. Update: I’ve had this for like two years now. Still works great! I’ve taken it on so many trips. I’ve been able to charge my iPhone, and GoPro batteries all with one charge. This thing has been a great purchase." —Sway
Get it from Amazon for $25.98.
8. A tri-fold travel wallet to keep everything (and I mean everything) on hand and organized as you run to catch your flight. Money, cards, boarding passes, passport — you name it — all protected with RFID-blocking tech.
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: "Guys, I'm beyond happy with this. I've been looking for a passport and ticket holder for a while but had never found the right size until I decided to try this one. Besides, the material feels high quality and long-lasting, the red color is even better in person, and it's wildly pretty." —BazantSol
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 37 colors).
9. A hands-free luggage drink caddy that'll finally make it possible to handle your luggage, pull up your boarding pass, *and* carry your iced coffee at the same time.
Promising review: "This is an amazing travel accessory! When you are trying to juggle your hot beverage with a water bottle, your phone, and a boarding pass, this is a handy, easily stashable uni-tasker to have. Fits perfectly on my carry-on bag and larger rolling bags as well." —Pirate
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 25 styles).
10. A pair of lace-up loafers with over 10,000 5-star ratings if you're in desperate need of a comfy shoe you can easily slip on and off at airport security. Reviewers say they are remarkably lightweight and super flexible — sort of like if a slipper and a sneaker got together and had a best-of-both-worlds baby.
Promising review: "I bought these for my trip to Italy and Greece this year, and I don't regret it! They were very flexible when packing them inside my suitcase and didn't take up too much room. The support is something to be desired, but I was still comfortable using them while walking all over Rome and Athens! I got home and washed them and they were great and looked like new! I'm hoping to get another pair soon!" —Mae
Get them from Amazon for $33+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and 23 styles).
11. A pack of silicone travel bottles with a built-in labeling system because it's time to stop spending a small fortune on name-brand travel-sized products and just make your own. These are totally leak-proof and can be washed and reused again and again and again.
12. Plus, a set of six magnetic travel containers with custom removable labels and wide openings that make traveling with TSA-compliant versions of your entire self-care routine a breeze. And, yes, they're totally leakproof and water- and airtight.
Cadence is an Asian woman-owned small biz creating the most stylish reusable travel containers you've ever seen. They're gentle on the planet and feature an intuitive, leak-proof design.
Check the products description for a in-depth summary of how much f every type of product these containers hold.
BuzzFeed editor Abby Kass is upping her travel-game with these containers:
"I used these 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 a long. They do hold a surprising amount, and 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 wants in their luggage."
Get a set of six from Cadence for $84 (available in six colors).
13. And a transparent toiletry bag so you can avoid getting stopped by TSA when you inevitably forget to put your skincare in a see-through bag. Plus, this bag is super durable and will give you "Gosh, I hope my serum doesn't leak all over my clothes" relief.
EzPacking is a small business that was founded in 2015 by a mother of three after she thought of an idea for a clean packing cube. Now, her son and his wife run the business, helping travelers get organized.
Promising review: "I travel frequently and had never heard of a liquid travel bag like this. I was a little worried because the back was not see-through, so I brought a 1-quart plastic baggie as backup just in case. But everything I needed fit perfectly, and I had no issues with TSA/China security. So far, I have been through MSP, IAD, NKG, and PEK airports using this pack, and it's a life-changer! I will never again have to worry about having to scramble to buy baggies just for liquids, and it is much more durable." —Courtney Swanson
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 11 colors).
14. Or a waterproof toiletry bag to make packing your entire 12-step Korean skincare routine a breeze. Plus, it's equipped with a rotating hook so you can hang it on the back of a door or in the shower for convenient access.
Promising review: "We are a family of seven and this held all of our bathroom supplies for a weekend trip. This is a must-have for traveling. The best feature is it can hang up on a robe hook or the back of a door. It frees up hotel sinks and keeps you well organized." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in 2 sizes and 12 colors).
15. A pair of compression socks for anyone whose feet, ankles, or legs tend to swell up on long flights. These cozy socks can help prevent that, and double as another thermal layer (planes be cold).
Read more about compression socks and swelling on long flights at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "After wearing these socks for over 24 hours straight for travel on an overseas flight, I had absolutely no swelling at all in my feet or ankles. I was worried about the potential for blood clots being on an airplane for a long time. So, I am glad I made the investment in these socks. Very comfortable. Washed them out by hand and hung them to dry. They were ready to wear the next day. I will definitely continue to wear these and recommend them." —islandgirl
Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and in 18 colors).
16. A mini white noise machine if sleeping on vacation is not your forté. It's teeny-tiny but will drown out big city noises and even doubles as a Bluetooth speaker for playing your favorite tunes on the go.
Promising review: "I travel a lot for work and need some kind of noise to cover up sounds from the hallway in hotels. This little device is the best one I've found. I've found one of the sound options that sounds just like an AC unit that puts me to sleep in an instant. The sounds on this little guy are the best ones I've heard. Buy this for travel and you won't be sorry!" —KJ
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in black or white).
17. A contoured sleep mask because the bright light of this random kid's iPad is making it *very* difficult to sleep through the flight. The concave shape effectively blocks out light, and the adjustable strap helps you get a comfy, customized fit.
Promising review: "This eye mask is perfect if you like total darkness when you sleep. It is so comfortable around my face, and the mask even comes with adjustable straps so you don’t wake up with sleep lines. Included are cute earplugs enclosed in their own case and a silk drawstring bag to carry your things in. I was also impressed with how aesthetically pleasing the packaging was. I totally recommend." —Bill Curtis
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in five colors).
18. An all-in-one universal wall adapter so you don't show up in a new country with no way to charge your phone — no matter where you go!
Promising review: "Probably one of the best $13 I spent on anything. If you travel a lot, especially internationally, this is a must-have because you have every kind of adapter on one plug and don’t have to worry about constantly buying a certain adapter every time you travel to a different country. This has it all." —Abby Santiago
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in four colors).
19. A reusable collapsible coffee cup for a reusable way to still get your pre-flight coffee without committing to a thermos that's definitely not going to fit into your overstuffed carry-on.
Stojo is a small biz founded by three New York dads who wanted a better way to get their convenient coffee fix without all the waste. Now they make stylish collapsible essentials in a variety of sizes and colors, including bottles and food storage containers!
This is of the first zero-waste swaps I made and I've never looked back. If you buy to-go coffee – whether you're jet-setting or just grabbing a mid-day pick-me-up — this cup is a incredible to have. So long as you remember to bring it, it's all the convenience of to-go coffee with none of the waste. It's leakproof and, when you're all done, it collapses down teeny tiny and can be tossed back in your bag. Oh! And it comes with a straw, so all you iced coffee lovers can get in on the action, too.
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in 4 sizes and in 22 styles).
20. An in-flight foot hammock to make kicking back in the flight cabin a whole lot easier. It easily mounts onto the seat tray, and not only ups that economy seat comfort, but can also reduce in-flight foot swelling.
Promising review: "Have used this three times now on international trips, and it's a game changer for me! I have to take my shoes off during long (6+hr) flights, and in the past, I had to carefully rest my feet on top of my shoes, which was often uncomfortable. It allows me to rest my feet without worrying about touching the gross carpet on a plane. I usually get someone around me asking where I bought it, and I always recommend it. It works even when the person in front of you reclines their seat. Highly recommend." —John Merchant
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four colors and multipacks).
21. A lightweight water-resistant backpack that makes the perfect airline personal item with plenty of space for a laptop, chargers, a change of clothes, and more, plus cushy airflow back panels to fight against the dreaded back sweat as you run to catch your flight (we've all been there).
The bag has a separate compartment to hold up to a 15.6" laptop, a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back for valuables, a luggage strap, hanging clasps, and an external USB port to hook up to your own power bank.
Promising review: "I just returned from a trip abroad and I used this backpack as my personal carry-on. It's roomy, fashionable, durable, and functional. The best feature in the backpack is the hidden zipper pocket where I was able to keep my passport and wallet and not worry that someone might pull it out. Everything was safe, had a place, and was easily accessible. It was a little bulky looking when I had it filled before my trip but that was to be expected. Overall, I was very happy with this backpack and would recommend it highly." —rachel
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in two sizes and in nine colors).
22. A roll-on blister-preventing balm if your upcoming travel plans include a lot of walking and do not include limping around because of painful blisters.
23. A set of travel compression cubes because you've committed to packing light, and that means packing a week's worth of clothing into a carry-on. Plus, it keeps everything super organized, so you don't have to ruin your gorgeous pack job looking for a sleep shirt.
Promising review: "This is a must-have item for anyone committed to traveling lightly and taking small bags whenever/wherever possible. If you are an urban back-packer or even an outdoors backpacker, these are amazing bags that make the rest of your bag so much easier to pack!" —Lisa
Get them from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in packs of 2, 3, or 6, and 10 styles).
24. A compact travel-themed card game for entertaining you and your travel partner with an on-theme activity that's compact enough for your carry-on and doesn't have any tiny pieces to keep track of.
Promising review: "Got this for our 12-year-old granddaughter. You better like playing games because you will play this and play this and then play it again. The rules are a bit complex, but eventually, we all got the hang of it. The best part about this game is simply a set of cards. Easily transported when traveling and easy to store. No board, no dice, no pieces to lose." —Lunar Day
Get it from Amazon for $19.70.
25. A rechargeable 3-in-1 handheld fan to beat the heat no matter where it strikes. It's the perfect size to keep stashed in your bag *and* it doubles as a power bank for on-the-go charging. Did I mention the built-in flashlight? Just in case it wasn't already multifunctional enough for ya!
This gadget has been such a lifesaver in hot temperatures. Four of my friends have already bought themselves one, too, and are also loving it.
Promising review: "I took this on a trip, and I was beyond thrilled I did. With wearing a mask on an airplane, I didn't want to be too hot. It was perfect and helped me stay cool during the flight. It's obviously not silent but makes minimal noise. The fan is not light, but that didn't bother me. Its many uses were a bonus, and that is why I picked this option. I purchased two and very glad I did!" —Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four colors).
26. A lay-flat drawstring makeup organizer so you can stop dumping the full contents of your makeup bag out on the hotel room floor whenever you need to find that one shade of lipstick you just know for certain you packed.
Lay-n-Go is a woman-owned small business that's been in business for over 10 years! What started as a solution for quickly cleaning up Legos has evolved into a full line of products to solve a wide range of organizational needs.
Promising review: "I've been in the travel industry for 16 years, and up ’til now, I haven't found a durable and easy-to-access makeup bag. They are always too small or so big your makeup rolls around and gets on everything. This is the perfect size to fit a full face worth of makeup products without being bulgy or bulky. The brush holders inside work perfectly, and any small items like bobby pins or hair ties go great in the zipper compartment to keep them easily accessible. Highly recommended if you do make-up on the go." —ASilver105
Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in 4 sizes and 33 colors).
27. A mini wallet emergency kit printed with the city skyline of your choice that's always stocked with those easy-to-forget provisions that'll save you in a pinch! A bandage for those new shoe blisters, lip balm for your dried-out pout, or a deodorant wipe because — don't lie — we've all been there.
Anne Cate is a Cleveland-based, woman-owned small business creating minimalist keepsakes to commemorate your favorite locations, with over 100 hand-designed skylines depicting cities and colleges from around the world!
What you'll get: Inside your mini wallet, you'll find a hair tie, lip balm, floss pic, sewing kit, bandage, emery board, safety pins, earring backs, makeup wipe, bobby pins, mints, deodorant wipe, stain remover wipe, tampon, hand sanitizer, and pain reliever.
I, your resident forgetful person, bought the NYC skyline version of this to toss in my purse or work tote whenever I go out. It's filled with a bunch of easy-to-forget bits and bobs that will (and have) saved the day in a pinch, all pre-packaged in a stylish and high-quality wallet. It's my perfect little SOS kit.
Get it from Anne Cate for $25 (available in a variety of styles and in a mini dopp kit version).
You knowing you've got everything necessary for a great trip:
