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. A foot hammock made out of memory foam so you can kick your feet up and pretend like you're flying in business class.
Promising review: "The price is reasonable enough I figured I would give them a try for my 9-hour overseas flight, as I struggle with serious hip pain from sitting for hours if my feet aren't up. First off, this was so easy to use. It doesn't take up any extra room in the already cramped area you get on a plane. Secondly, it was very easy to adjust the hammock to fit my needs perfectly. I have never had a more comfortable plane ride in my entire life. I don't think I can ever fly without this hammock. I am very short, so it's just not comfortable for me to fly without having my feet up. With the hammock, I had zero hip pain and was so comfy I was able to go right to sleep. I gave the other one to my dad to use on our flight and he agreed this is a game changer for flying!" —CatMom
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in three pack sizes).
2. Or an inflatable footrest that can be adjusted to three different heights to help relieve some of the discomfort and back pain that almost always happens when you're shoved into those tiny economy seats. AND it's super portable because it easily deflates (and inflates, no pump necessary!) and comes with a drawstring bag to store it.
Promising review: "I didn't buy this for the longest time thinking inflation would be annoying or it'd be too bulky — I finally ordered it and love it. It's very easy to inflate since it has the two inflation methods. Folds up smaller than our travel pillows. It's great for travel in car and planes, and our kid likes sitting on it at home too. Recommended." —D
Get it from Amazon for $21.24+ (available in four colors and a two-pack).
3. A seat back organizer with pockets for all your essentials (glasses, phone, magazines, books, water bottle, etc.) and it covers your tray table to provide you with a clean surface.
Promising review: "Every time I whip this thing out, someone leans across the aisle, asks what it is, and then makes a note to buy one when they get home. On a long-haul flight, it's simply a must for organizing your reading materials, headphones, sanitizing wipes, etc. One seat back pocket just doesn't do the trick! My favorite use for this thing, though, is when I've fallen deep asleep along the way only to wake up in a fog and in a rush to deplane. Instead of having to hastily dig things out of the seat back pocket (and wherever else I've squirreled things during the trip), I just slip the entire thing off of the tray table, pop it in my bag and worry about sorting things out when I get to where I'm going — safe in the knowledge that I didn't leave anything behind because it's all in the pouches. Love it!" —justinglen
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
4. A pair of noise-canceling on-ear headphones suuuuper similar to the AirPods Max but at a ~fraction~ of the price. These will have you flying in style while also blocking out all the obnoxious airplane sounds. And they'll have your back the whole time — with 65 hours of playtime and even if you forget to charge 'em, just 10 minutes will get them to last for three hours!
Note that the the noise-canceling is 95% — ideal for keeping ears out for traffic and kid noises, if need be, but not 100% like the Apple version.
Check out a TikTok of the headphones in action.
Here's what BuzzFeeder Maitland Quitmeyer has to say about these headphones: "I actually just bought these after featuring them for the first time — I've been considering buying AirPods Max, but I am very particular about how headphones fit — and am sensitive to my ears overheating after wearing certain on-ear headphones for too long. So instead of (or before) committing to the $500 version, I thought trying these for a test run would be good. Turns out, I love them so far! They're super comfortable and do *not* make my ears overheat. The sound quality to my non-expert ears is excellent too! And the noise-canceling is right for me — it blocked out annoying street noise so I could be fully immersed in my tunes."
Promising review: "These headphones are surprisingly awesome. I was rather impressed with the quality, considering the price. They are easy to pair, came charged, and are super cute. People have actually asked me if they were the AirPods Max I also really like how you can pause/skip and adjust the volume on the headphones (which many headphones lack). Noise canceling is pretty good. I can’t hear very much when I play music. When there’s no music, they still cancel a lot, but not everything, like most headphones. I do wish they could get a little louder, but they still have great sound quality. 4.5/5" —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $69.99 (available in silver and black).
5. Or a pair of Bluetooth headphones that fit comfortably and snugly in your ears so you can take the jams with you no matter where you go…or drown out the person next to you who has been snoring since you departed.
These can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, and up to 45 hours with the included charging case. The case can be fully charged in just 1.5 hours with a USB-C cable. And these are waterproof, so you don't have to worry about them getting sweaty *plus* you can swim with them for up to 30 minutes in one-meter-deep water.
Promising review: "I bought these because a friend had a pair, and he always sounded crisp and clear when talking. I can admit that I'm a sound snob on a beer budget. I don't like cheap sounding knockoffs with low bass and bad battery life. But these...OH MY! THESE! They are completely awesome! Sound quality is excellent. Battery life is out of this world! I now reach for these Tozo T10's many times over my AirPods. Hands down the best rechargeable headphones I have ever owned. You will not regret buying these! They cost a little and give quality in return!" —Jeremy
Get them from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in five colors and two versions).
6. And a AirFly wireless transmitter because finally someone understands that pretty much nobody has wired headphones anymore and the ones they hand out on the airplane just aren't cutting it. Now you can connect whatever headphones you have via Bluetooth and start your movie marathon — no, we won't judge that you're on your third movie of the flight, what else are you supposed to do?!
The battery is designed to last over 25 hours so you are set no matter how long your flight is!
Promising review: "You don't know it yet but you need this. A friend recommended this and I decided to try it. It works well in flight. Huge improvement in comfort and sound quality over the airlines headphones. Also used for various tours when traveling. Again far more comfortable than the typical tour listening equipment." —PJ14
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two colors and four variations).
7. A travel shelf that attaches to the window so you can have a place for your drinks and snacks that doesn't require putting down the tray table that is somehow always in the way.
Promising review: "I used this on a few flights so far. It fits into most of the windows, but not all. It is really nice to be able to put your drink on the shelf, and put up the tray table so that you can get to the things you have on the floor. One of the flight attendants really loved it and wanted to know where I got it. It folds flat, so it's easy to carry with you. It doesn't take up a lot of room or weight in your carry-on. It's a worthwhile purchase and worth taking with you if you like the window seats like I do." —SoCal Lady
Get it from Amazon for $25.
8. A strap-in airplane headrest/eyemask designed to help solve the *ultimate* plane nap problem — the dreaded head bob! These will basically lock your noggin in place so it doesn't flop forward and jolt you out of your sleep. Tell me how we are just now inventing this?!
Checkout a TikTok of the airplane head rest in action.
Promising review: "This is exactly what I needed for when I travel. I hate that I constantly fall forward or to the side when I fall asleep. This makes it so much easier, and I can still wear my earbuds and be in another world and sleep comfortably. Great idea!" —Miss Erini
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in three colors).
9. Or a super-soft Trtl neck pillow to put an end to your head flip-flopping around or having to hyperextend yourself to actually reach the pillow. The unique design comes up much higher than traditional neck pillows to help give you that extra support you've been needing.
Promising review: "Small and sturdy. Keeps your neck positioned up instead of lolling off to the side. You will wake up refreshed and not sore (in the neck anyway); airplane travel is stressful, but this little gem makes it bearable. Kudos to the creator! First time I actually slept comfortably on a plane. Other neck sleepers don’t compare." —Judy M.
Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in five colors).
10. Orrr, an inflatable wedge pillow if you're looking for a little more ~support~. You can rest your head in the little pocket and put your arms inside to create your own perfect cocoon for a nap. And if you're not falling asleep, you can always bring your phone inside to watch shows in a more comfortable position.
Promising review: "I used this on four international flights last month, and it made all the difference in the world. It's compact, easy to inflate/deflate, very versatile in how you can position it, doesn't rely on the tray table, and works well for bulkhead seats as well as those with someone in front of you. I can't sleep with my head back without snorting myself awake, so this is a perfect alternative. I can very comfortably lean forward in my seat and sleep almost like I can in a bed. I'm 6'2", and this pillow is plenty tall enough to just rest on my lap and let me lean forward into it without feeling crunched over. This pillow will easily let me get enough comfortable periods of sleep on a nine-hour flight that I don't feel completely drained upon arrival. My wife tried mine out before we left on vacation and loved it so much she had me order her one. We both wouldn't travel without them now." —Still Chilly In Colorado
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
11. A ridiculously soft hoodie combining everything you'd want in a sweatshirt to keep you warm and cozy during your flight, with a built-in sleep mask to help you block out the seven TV screens you can see from the people around you…or maybe to just make it super clear to your seat mate that even though you are inches from each other, doesn't mean you have to be friends.
Pond LA is a California-based woman-owned, Asian-owned independent product design studio that produces in small, handmade batches from fabrics sourced in Los Angeles.
Promising review: "Wow! I am so obsessed with this sweatshirt. It is made traveling, long car trips, and just wanting to be able to snuggle up and nap on the couch so much easier and nicer and I have convinced all of my friends that they absolutely need a sweatshirt like this for when they travel! I highly highly recommend it." —Alexandra M.
Get it from Pond LA for $102.40 (originally $128; available in women's sizes XS–XXL and four colors).
12. A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount you can clip to the back of the seat in front of you, your suitcase handle, or pretty much anywhere else. You will be able to keep up with the Kardashians (or the reality show of your choice!) even if you're crammed in a seat that doesn't have a built-in TV.
Perilogics is a small business creating hyper-functional tool holsters and bags for carrying your stuff on the go.
Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months 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 $13.97+ (available in five colors and packs of two).
13. A hydrating intense therapy lip balm designed to not only penetrate your dry, chapped lips effectively, but also *quickly* because we all know the horrible discomfort of lips that crack from being so dry. IDK what it is about planes that really just suck all the moisture out of your body, but now, you can help combat it.
Promising review: "I've been a big fan of this lip balm for about 7 years. It keeps my lips super hydrated. I live in a cold climate, and as a flight attendant, I'm in a super dry environment for 8+ hours a day. I swear by this product. My favorite flavor is the Mint, solely for the fact I don't really like tasting the fruity flavor on my lips. It's so good that if I run out of it, I'd rather do without then get something else. Good thing it's available on Prime!" —Joseph M
Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in six flavors).
14. A pair of compression socks perfect for anyone whose feet tend to swell on long flights. Throwing these on will be especially helpful when it's hard to sneak out of the middle seat to get a couple of laps in when your feet start hurting.
Promising review: "I used these socks for travel recently as I would have had several connecting flights and waits in airports which would have exceeded 24 hours. In such situations my feet and ankles swell to the point where it is uncomfortable by end of a trip of less than 12 hours. After wearing these compression socks for over 24 hours my feet and legs felt no fatigue, soreness or discomfort as there was no swelling. I was amazed. I shall unhesitatingly recommend this product to anyone. The fabric quality of the socks is superb." —Alana
Get it from Amazon for $14.13+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 18 colors).
15. A 2-in-1 travel blanket and pillow designed to keep you warm and comfy while you travel since you aren't up in the fancy seats where they provide 'em. But whateves, this is much comfier than those free ones anyway. Plus, it has a little handle that you can put onto your suitcase so you don't have to worry about carrying yet another thing.
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).
16. A skyline mini wallet emergency kit perfect for tossing in your purse, backpack, or seatback pocket so you can be prepared for any hiccups (i.e. a broken hair tie, a headache, etc.). Can't imagine anything worse than being at 30,000 feet when Aunt Flow comes calling and you are *not* prepared.
Anne Cate is a woman-owned small business based in Cleveland, Ohio that handmakes minimalist keepsakes with a skyline from more than 100 cities and colleges around the world! These kits are made to order so they should ship in 7–10 days.
The kit includes a bandage, bobby pins, chapstick, a deodorant wipe, earring backs, an emery board, floss, a hair tie, hand sanitizer, a makeup wipe, a mini wallet, mints, pain relief medicine, safety pins, a sewing kit, a stain remover wipe, and a tampon.
Promising review: "I got one for myself and one for my daughter. I love how compact this emergency kit is. It fits in any purse. I would suggest and recommend for anyone. I’m sure it will lighten a purse for many by condensing it into this one small emergency kit." —Eileen M.
Get it from Anne Cate for $25 (available in a variety of skylines).
17. A collapsible water bottle that won't take up like half the room in your backpack, but still saves you from having to buy an $8 disposable water bottle when you get to the airport. Now you can have a refreshing drink whenever you need it, instead of whenever the flight attendants decide to serve it.
Promising review: "This is perfect for airport travel or traveling with kids. I keep it folded until I pass security then fill it at the water fountain at the gates. Can dump it out and close it up when you're done. Definitely worth it!" —MP Lee
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes, four colors, and multi-packs; there are also additional lids to choose from).
18. A contoured sleep mask reviewers are raving about for being the most comfortable, form-fitting sleep mask. Perfect for keeping all light out when your seat mate ~refuses~ to turn off the overhead reading light while you're trying to get some shut-eye.
Promising reviews: "I LOVE this product! No need for blackout curtains. Doesn't matter what time of day; with these on, it's pitch black night time. Traveling on a plane or have a lot of natural light where you live? Not a problem at all!" —Jamal Mays
"I ordered this, and wore it to bed the first night...the claim was that it would not leak light...wrong...it leaked in a couple of places!! Bummer, but I wore it. And, on the second night, no leaks, and it was sooooo comfortable that I could hardly believe it!!!! Apparently, due to the type of material, and foam used, it takes one or two nights to conform to the face. After it molds itself in, you are all set!!! NICE!!! Comfy!! And DARK. Plus, with the cavities inside, you can open and close your eyes, etc., without the eyelids rubbing on the mask. It is rare that a person opens their eyes in a sleep mask, but it just goes to show how awesome this thing is. Love it, so, yes, if you need a great sleeping mask, get this one. Would be hard to imagine what better could be!!!! Sleep well!" —Thomas L. Ballard
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in seven colors/styles).
19. A next-level iPhone-charging passport holder that'll not only keep your passport, phone, and other important documents all in one ~compact~ place, but can also charge your phone so it doesn't die mid-flight since there never seem to be any (working) plugs in economy.
LovieStyle is a small biz based in San Diego making travel-friendly, 2-in-1 charging accessories.
Promising review: "Love love love this passport holder! Loved it when I got my hands on it. But I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with it when I took it on my first trip and completely forgot my phone charger. I was shocked and happy to discover the battery these come with has an adapter connected to it! Love love love. If I could give more than 5 stars I would." —Megan Rineheart
Get it from LovieStyle on Etsy for $43.99 (available in 13 styles).
20. A JetKids ride-on carry-on suitcase with so many functions, it will absolutely change the way you fly with kiddos. It has wheels so they can pull it or the option for them to SIT ON IT (!!) and ride if their little legs get tired. Then, once you get on your plane, it transforms into a leg rest so they can stretch out and take a full-on nap. I mean, come on, that's awesome…where's the adult version?!
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 flight. Parents have even used this product while in the airport waiting for the flight to keep their kids comfy and happy.
Promising reviews: "Good quality, worth the money." —Fran
"Traveling with a toddler is always a challenge but comfort is key and this little magic package makes the airport trip that much smoother. We can store small toys, pillow, and one throw blanket for our family of three. Great idea and great buy. We will be using this until it breaks." —TifferTheTrend
Get it from Amazon for $225.56+ (available in six colors).
21. A glare-free Kindle Paperwhite so you can read keep reading your fave books midflight without worrying about carrying the bulky physical copy or having to turn on the overhead light only to become one of the most hated people on the nighttime flight.
See it in action on TikTok!
This version of the Kindle is incredibly versatile: You can see your screen even in the sun, and you can customize your fonts, size, and layouts. This bad boy only has to be charged once every few weeks (!!!) and is waterproof so you don't have to fear the pool, ocean, or tub.
Promising reviews: "I am in love this with this Kindle. I debated which one to get for a while and then decided on this one because it is waterproof and can be read in the sun. I love being at the beach and outside during the summer so it was a must-have for me. So far I have read more and had access to so many more titles than having a hard-copy book. The lighting is just bright enough so that it doesn't hurt my eyes and is great for reading at night. The battery life has been great. For anyone contemplating getting this, it is worth it." —jennifer
"I LOVE Kindles, and this one is no exception. The warm light is in the pictures as yellow, but it also goes the other way to an ice blue! And the touch response is miles better than the older Kindle; a tap is almost instantly registered. If you are on the fence, just try it! You have my permission and recommendation!" —ErikJuun
Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in three colors and with or without lockscreen ads).
22. Or an iPad to load up with pre-downloaded shows in case the airplane options aren't your vibe. Plus this one is compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st gen only) so you can even draw up a nice picture while you're 36,000 feet up in the sky.
You never really know what you're going to get in terms of entertainment on a flight, so I always like to come prepared with my own shows downloaded in case I can't find anything that intrigues me. Plus you never know if all the places you're going to will have any TV shows in English, and since my husband and I like to fall asleep while watching a show, I knew this would be a backup option if we needed it.
Promising review: "This thing is like Speedy Gonzales let me tell ya. Great for reading my Harry Potter book collection too. Those folks at Apple really know what they’re doing when it comes to anything with a computer chip in it." —AmazonPrimeMan
Get it from Amazon for $429+ (available in two storage amounts, four colors, and with or without cellular compatibility).
23. A Montessori busy board with a variety of zippers, buttons, laces, and buckles so your toddler can stay entertained and occupied during the flight (😌🙌🏼). Once you land, it folds up and has handles so you can easily take it with you.
Promising review: "Absolutely love this busy board! We bought this to keep our 1-year-old distracted on a 3.5-hour airplane ride. She absolutely loved it and couldn’t stop playing with it. We tied it to the seat tray so it didn’t slide all over. It is easy to carry, fits into a backpack no issue, and I love that it is all one piece — no tiny pieces to misplace!"—LEG 585
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in seven colors/variations).
24. Some in-flight earplugs to not only reduce some of the harsh and annoying airplane sounds, but also to help prevent ear pain and popping during take-off and landing!
Promising review: "Never fly without these! Before I found these, I endured excruciating pain in my ears upon descent and landing. Felt like a hot poker being driven into each ear. My ears would also be plugged up, and it would often take two to three days for them to resume their normal state of being. I insert them about an hour before landing, as the plane is making its slow descent. I'm comfortable, and the most discomfort I experience is a slight adjustment of pressure in my sinus. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." —K. Tombrella
Get a pair from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in a variety of pack sizes).
The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.