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 portable digital luggage scale because the year is 2024 and it's time we put an end to that gut-wrenching moment the airline counter tells you your suitcase is a few pounds over the weight limit. Being forced to transfer your things from your suitcase into your carry-on in the middle of the terminal for everyone to see is dreadful.
I simply do not need the entire JetBlue terminal judging me for being so indecisive that I felt the need to pack my entire closet into my suitcase.
Check out the Etekcity luggage scale on TikTok!
Promising review: "This has been a game changer to ensure our luggage is underweight for airline limits. It allows us to shuffle clothes at home or from a hotel before we get to the scales at the airport." —Susu
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in two scale types, seven colors, and multipacks).
2. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter that'll allow you to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the airplane entertainment system. It's a heck of a lot better than dealing with the junk headphones the airline tries to sell you.
Check out the AirFly Pro on TikTok!
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, has very clear and reliable audio, and takes the stress away from having to carry multiple headsets! Thank you!!!" —Ryan Malloy
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two colors and three styles).
3. A pair of wireless earbuds with a cult following to make listening to your music, audiobooks, shows, and movies nice and crisp.
Check out the Tozo wireless earbuds on TikTok!
Promising review: "Bought these to use on a flight to Hawaii, and I didn't want to spend a bundle on them. They worked great. They have a good sound to them, and did a fair job of knocking out the airplane noise. They made it the entire flight without recharging. I'm very happy with this purchase." —Dane Hewitt
Get it from Amazon $18.99+ (available in five colors).
4. A genius airplane window tray (if you're a window seat kind of traveler) that you can use to hold your drinks, headphones, etc. if you hate keeping the seat back tray down or want to use it for something else like setting up your laptop and playing The Sims 4.
P.S. — This only works if you have full access to the window (rather than those seats where you get the weird halves of two windows between the rows in front and behind you).
Check out the BevLedge on TikTok!
Promising review: "A friend recommended this to me as a vital travel companion, now that I've returned to frequent flying. I initially thought of it as a novelty, but now that I've used it, it's a necessity. It keeps the workspace clear for my laptop, but it also organizes all the little pieces that can become so annoying to keep up with — glasses, earphones, etc. It got my seatmate's immediate attention, as well as a few other folks nearby. I suspect they'll have one soon. Watch for one soon in a window near you!" —Timothy G. Wolfe
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
5. A set of Tide sink packs if your goal is to pack less and re-wear more of the items you're bringing. These will make it so simple to do so. No washing machine required!
Each pack comes with three packets. And, because they *are* liquid, they'll easily slide into the side of your toiletries bag.
Check out the Tide sink packs on TikTok!
Promising review: "Game changer for travel! We were gone for two weeks, and I could wash all the clothes I packed! Helped with using only a carry-on for the trip and kept my clothes fresh and clean! So easy to use and smelled nice! Will never travel without them again!" —Kristy
Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.95.
6. A pack of perfume atomizers for bringing your signature scent on your next trip without needing a checked bag just so you can bring a reg. perfume bottle, purchasing the expensive travel-sized version, or settling on a scent you don't typically use or particularly like just because you can get it through TSA.
Promising reviews: "TikTok made me buy it. One of my favorite purchases. Compact, easy to use, my favorite color. Scent is still great." —Pii E
"This travel size perfume carrier is a game changer! Super easy to use and did not leak at all. Easy to travel with or even take in my purse if I'm gonna be out late, and the colors are pretty and good to differentiate which perfume is in which." —Anamika Khosla
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $7.99.
7. An ultra-supportive Trtl neck pillow to make the whole falling asleep while sitting upright position thing possible (and comfy). Is there any better way to pass the time on a plane than with a nice, long nap? I don't think so.
Check out the Trtl neck pillow on TikTok!
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 $64.49+ (available in four colors and a breathable style).
8. Or a travel blanket and pillow set that's truly a genius solution for cozying up en route to your next destination. All you have to do is unzip the pillow and remove the fleece blanket that neatly fits inside it when you're ready to snuggle up. Plus, you can either slide it over the handle of your carry-on OR use the included carabiner to clip it to your backpack or duffel.
EverSnug is a small business that sells travel sleeping care kits.
Check out the EverSnug travel blanket and pillow on TikTok!
Promising review: "This product, in my opinion, is worth it if you travel anywhere. I just traveled to five different countries with it, and I traveled by airplane, by bus, by train, and in every single one of my travels, this was a godsend. It is so good and so fluffy, and it’s good quality because it has been through a lot, and it’s still in very good shape, so I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a blanket that can potentially turn into a pillow. I highly recommend it if you’re traveling; it is a beautiful blanket, and you will not be disappointed." —Kenlbel
Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in six colors).
9. A dry shampoo powder you simply tap onto your roots, shake the excess powder out with your fingertips, style, and be on your merry way. SO easy! Not to mention, thanks to the fact that it's small and a powder (vs. an aerosol), it's easy to pack on trips and bring through TSA or toss in your bag to keep on hand for daytime excursions.
Check out the I Dew Care dry shampoo powder on TikTok!
Promising review: "I’ve tried a few dry shampoos, from the spray in a bottle to powder. And I’d have to say this one has been my favorite. My very first time using it, I didn’t know how much to put and ended up coating my hair by A LOT. It left my hair feeling very dry and straw-like. I almost returned and got a refund but decided to give it another chance. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY. Trust me. You only need a few dabs on your head and that’s it. You can see the extra volume almost instantly. This stuff works sooo well that I wake up on my third unwashed hair day and it looks better than the second day when I used the dry shampoo. And let’s not forget to mention how convenient and compact the whole thing is. It’s so nice to just pat it on your head with no mess." —Thuy
Get it from Amazon for $18.00.
10. A portable door lock that'll provide some extra security and peace of mind in hotel rooms, hostels, and Airbnbs.
Just be aware that this may get flagged if you bring it through security, so it's best to bring this in a checked bag!
Check out the portable door lock on TikTok!
Promising review: "My apartment door has a deadbolt but no lock on the door handle. The latch is also misplaced, so if it’s not dead-bolted, anyone can just push my door open. Took a few tries to get this right but makes me feel much more secure, and it’s easy to use when you get the hang of it! I also take this when traveling as it fits almost all doors. Definitely recommend, thanks TikTok for showing this to me." —Anna
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
11. Or a wedge doorstop to serve two important purposes: It prevents your room door from opening when you don't want it to, and it sounds a loud alarm to alert you if someone is trying to open said door.
Promising review: "I bought this after seeing it recommended on TikTok by a security expert. I'm a female, and I travel for work. I wanted to feel secure. I also got it so when my family travels, we can feel more secure. It needs a 9V battery (the square battery), so add that to your cart as well. It has an easy on-and-off switch. It's very sensitive. I picked it up, and my hand barely touched the silver part (the trigger), and it went off. It's very loud. I'm pretty sure I woke the neighbors up, which I find a plus because I'd want others to be alerted if someone unwanted came into my room." —Jaena Gumapac
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
12. A seat-back organizer great if the thought of putting your personal belongings like glasses, drinking bottles, and tech items into the provided seat back pouch makes you squirm.
Check out the Airplane Pockets tray and table cover on TikTok!
Promising review: "Definitely my new favorite purchase to make flying easier. Very easy to slip over the tray table, with lots of pockets to keep things organized and at your fingertips. Material is stretchy but not thin, folds up very small, and can be stored in your backpack, purse, or briefcase without taking up a lot of space!! Great product to keep things handy mid-flight, and you don't have to use that icky seat-back pocket anymore!!" —Shirley Kinyon
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
13. A reviewer-favorite Dagne Dover duffel bag small enough to fit under an airplane seat but large enough to hold your essentials for quick weekend trips or long airplane journeys alike.
Check out the Dagne Dover Landon carryall bag on TikTok!
BuzzFeed's Emma McAnaw says: "My Dagne Dover duffel bag fits soooooo much more than it seems (especially when you fight to the death to fit everything like I do), and it's a super easy carry-on! I just put it under the seat so I don't have to fight people to get the overhead bin space. Also, I've gotten away with bringing it for free on airlines that try to charge for carry-ons because it looks so small."
Get it from Dagne Dover for $125+ (available in five sizes and six colors).
14. A shampoo bar so you can wave goodbye to the days of having to pour your shampoo into tiny bottles you could get through TSA. Not only are these so easy to toss into your carry-on or suitcase for your next trip, but they're also a good choice for those looking to cut down on their plastic use.
Check out the Ethique shampoo bar on TikTok!
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 and the Wonderbar conditioner, as well as one of their eco-friendly bamboo and sugar cane 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+ (available in eight varieties).
15. A pack of EarPlanes — ear plugs designed to help ease the pain that comes with the sudden pressure change during takeoff. These are also great if you're driving to a destination at high altitude or if you're simply just trying to drown out the sound of a crying baby so you can sleep.
Check out the EarPlanes earplugs on TikTok!
Promising review: "Never fly without these! Before I found these, I endured excruciating pain in my ears upon descent and landing. Felt like a hot poker being driven into each ear. My ears would also be plugged up, and it would often take two to three days for them to resume their normal state of being. I insert them about an hour before landing, as the plane is making its slow descent. I'm comfortable, and the most discomfort I experience is a slight adjustment of pressure in my sinus. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." —K. Tombrella
Get three pairs from Amazon for $19.49.
16. A Kindle Paperwhite because when you think about the fact that you can download numerous books before your trip onto this lightweight e-reader that takes up less space than ONE book...well...it's kinda a no-brainer that you'd need to bring it on your vacay.
Check out the Kindle Paperwhite on TikTok!
I did it. I caved on October Prime Day and bought myself this Kindle Paperwhite, and boy am I glad I did. For starters, I always thought of myself as someone who preferred physical books over e-books. There's just something SO exciting to me about unboxing a book order or walking into a book store and spending way too much money. I even spent two years creating a rainbow library on my bookshelf in my apartment. BUT! After taking two vacations this year and realizing how annoying it is to pack physical books and moving somewhere that requires a long train ride to get to the city (aka increased boredom), I decided to just get myself a Kindle. For starters, I'm reading more on this Kindle in the past month than I have all year. It is incredibly lightweight (it fits into my small little BELT BAG WITH ROOM TO SPARE!!!), easy to use, and not to mention, a really great investment! I have three free months of Kinde Unlimited which means access to tons of great books for free, but the best is Libby! I just go on the Libby app from my phone, choose a Kindle book to check out through my local library, and boom, it's instantly delivered to my Amazon account to add to my Kindle library. It's safe to say I'm obsessed.
Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available with or without three months of Kindle Unlimited and ads, in 8 GB or 16 GB versions, as well as a kids version).
17. A travel belt to help free up a hand or some weight on your shoulder by allowing you to clip your personal bag to your suitcase and/or carry-on. Where has this been all my travel life?!
The travel belt is adjustable to 38 inches to fit most bags. The belt itself is vegan leather with elastic accents and a quick-release buckle.
Check out the Cincha Travel belt on TikTok!
Cincha Travel is a small business in California that develops adjustable travel belts made out of vegan leather. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase, which are used to reconnect separated migrant families. Plus, they were featured on Shark Tank where they made a deal with Barbara!
Promising review: "Love this! I am constantly struggling between holding my jacket and two carry-ons. This is the perfect solution! I can’t wait to start using it when I’m back to regular business travel." —Allison
Get it from Amazon (available in 17 styles) and Cincha Travel (available in 23 styles) for $39.99.
18. A waterproof, satin-lined Hairbrella that'll ensure your hair stays dry on your trip and your hands stay free to hold more important things (like a yummy snack or a fun souvenir).
Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that has been creating fashionable hats that protect natural hair.
Check out the Hairbrella rain hat on TikTok!
Promising review: "I traveled to London last month with a raincoat that did not have a hood, and I wanted something that would protect my head/hair/blowout without lugging an umbrella. This definitely did the trick. Two of the three days were rainy (some quite heavy), and my hair stayed totally dry. It stows nicely, too. I'm still learning how to adjust it while it's on my head (easier to adjust first and then put it on). Also, when I do have it tightened/pulled to the right place, the loop/slack from where I adjusted it sort of sticks out and gets in my peripheral vision. I wish the adjustment/clasp was less prominent. But, all in all, this is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their blowout fresh in the rain." —Miss Information
Get it from Amazon for $44 (available in nine colors).
19. A hydrating moisturizer if a few hours spent in a metal tube in the sky leaves your skin feeling dryer than the Sahara. Its formulated with rosemary, chamomile, and pansy extract as well as sunflower and sweet almond oils to deliver a delicious dose of hydration. Plus, its 2.5-ounce tube means you can bring it through security, no problem!
Check out the Weleda Skin Food moisturizer on TikTok!
Promising review: "I am a flight attendant, and this is my go-to hand cream! It is a little greasy when you first start rubbing it in, but it absorbs quickly, and that, along with the smell (a bit medicinal), dissipates before you know it. It doesn't take much of this at all. I rub a little on my tired feet at the end of the day as well and trust me, I have tired feet after being on them for 14-plus hours. This stuff works great for this as well. Win-win, Weleda!" —Lauren
Get it from Amazon for $18.25 (also available in a 1-ounce tube).
20. An airplane phone mount so you can watch your favorite downloaded shows/movies on your flight — because sometimes the airline doesn't offer your comfort characters on their entertainment menu or worse...there's no television at all.
Promising review: "I got it because, like most of us, I saw it on TikTok. I wasn't sure if this would be worth the hype, but OMG, it is so awesome. It will not only be extremely useful on the plane but also when recording content almost anywhere, so now we can carry this little light holder instead of an entire tripod. Great purchase. Worth the hype." —Maja
Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in three colors).
21. Some super cool Cadence leakproof containers to hold medication, skincare, and other liquids/creams. They're TSA-approved so you don't need to worry about buying travel-sized versions of products you don't even use, come in a bunch of lovely colors to mix and match, and they're magnetic so feel free to re-arrange them however you'd like!
Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon as a way to eliminate single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.
Check out the Cadence travel containers on TikTok!
My co-worker Abby Kass has these and loves them! Here's what she has to say about them: "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 $84 (available in eight colors).
22. An acupressure anti-nausea wristband that claims to ward off motion sickness and nausea, minus the drowsiness side effect found in most nausea medications.
For more info on how to use acupressure for nausea management, check out this guide from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Check out the Sea-Band nausea bands on TikTok!
Promising review: "I wished I had tried this a long time ago. I used it on a 13-hour drive. Once at Disney World, I wore them for every ride, and it was the first time I did not get nauseous or sick. I was amazed. This is a must-have if you get car sick or can’t ride rides at an amusement park." —Mimi145
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.53 (available in adult and children's sizes).
23. An anti-blister balm to apply before putting on your shoes so you can prevent those painful annoyances from even trying to happen — whether you're walking miles a day in a big city or dashing from ride to ride at a theme park, your feet will be happy you prepped them ahead of time.
This is made of allergen-free, plant-derived ingredients and infused with vitamins A and C!
Check out the BodyGlide anti-blister balm on TikTok!
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! I wore heels that always gave me blisters for eight hours, and I didn't get a single one when using this balm. It really worked! I plan on getting it again and again. I always have it in my bag at work, just in case. I did find it necessary to reapply if I took my shoes off and put them on again." —Donna
Get it from Amazon for $9.
24. A Gold Bond Friction Defense stick for swiping over areas prone to chafing and hopefully helping stop it in its tracks. There's nothing worse than a day of walking around a theme park ruined by that dreadful pain.
Check out the Gold Bond Friction Defense stick on TikTok!
Promising review: "I live in Florida and have thick thighs, and this product is a lifesaver! Even after 12 hours at a theme park in 100-degree weather, it held up great, and no chub rub afterward!" —Kira Frascella
Get it from Amazon for $8.97.
25. A set of water paint pads that'll keep any kiddos you're traveling with entertained and happy on the journey. Let's face it, bringing little ones on a plane when you're already restless enough yourself about flying is no easy feat.
Check out the Melissa & Doug Water Wow pad on TikTok!
Promising review: "These are amazing!! Got them for our 3.5-year-old boy and 1-year-old girl for long flights, and they far exceeded our expectations! Both kids love them, and it kept my 3.5-year-old busy for over an hour! Now we bring them with us to restaurants." —Marmar39
Get three pads from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four styles).
26. A Wallet Ninja — a card-sized tool that can be used as a bottle/can opener, a phone stand, a screwdriver, a fruit peeler, and more! It's gonna have you wondering how you ever got by on trips in the past without it! Just note that while this is TSA-approved, some reviewers said they did have to remove it from their bag and put it on the belt by itself to be safe!
Check out the Wallet Ninja on TikTok!
Promising review: "This is definitely helpful to have on hand! The Ninja is small and slim but punches above its weight class in terms of usefulness. The tools are all things you might find yourself searching through a drawer for and are useful in a pinch. You obviously aren't going to be able to construct a deck with anything on this credit-card-size device, but it fits comfortably in your wallet and will help you open a beer or tighten a screw. The coolest feature that I couldn't find on most other similar products was the credit card phone stand. It is great for planes and other travel applications (I haven't had trouble bringing this on a plane anywhere I have traveled, FYI)." —Mary
Get it from Amazon for $14.49 (also available in packs of two, three, and five).
27. A pack of compressed towelettes ready to expand with just water! These are a great option if you find yourself in a pickle in the airplane bathroom or if you or your little ones eat a messy snack/spill a sticky drink mid-flight.
Portawipes is a small business based in Wyoming that sells compressed toilet paper tablets.
Check out the Portawipes on TikTok!
Promising reviews: "I bought a bunch of these and stashed them all over in backpacks and vehicles. Didn’t really think about them until my kids made a mess waiting for a flight that was about to board. Just a little water and it’s basically a washcloth you throw away. Much tougher than I expected." —Fayrae
Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $13.98 (also available in packs of 10, 40, and 500).
28. A 4-in-1 makeup pen that's an eyeliner, brow liner, lip liner, and highlighter all in one fabulous little tool reminiscent of those retractable pens you may have used in your school days. What a great (and super fun way) to save space in your makeup bag!
This is cruelty- and paraben-free and vegan! Plus, it comes in recyclable packaging. Alleyoop is a woman-owned small biz selling a wonderful assortment of beauty products.
Check out the Alleyoop Pen Pal makeup pen on TikTok!
My colleague Genevieve Scarano loves this makeup pen! Here's her review:
"This little pen is a big help because I don't need to keep a mountain of cosmetics in my drawer *and* it makes quick touch-ups so easy. It comes with four (yes, not kidding here!) makeup products: an eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, and an eyeliner/eyebrow pencil. Just click each side down, apply to your eyes, lips, and face, and you'll be good to go. If you're going to be out and about, this tiny tool easily fits in a purse or pocket, so you can bring it with you and still have room for essentials. Plus, you won't have to worry if your eyeliner smudges, your lip color comes off, or your brows need a little TLC because this gem will be there when you need to reapply makeup again."
Get it from Alleyoop for $20 (available in three shades).
29. Plus, a Subtl beauty stack you can customize with up to eight cosmetics in one easy-to-travel-with stack. It also comes with a mirror lid, a base, and a mini brush.
Subtl Beauty is a small business that specializes in vegan, cruelty-free beauty products, including compact, customizable beauty stacks.
Check out the Subtl Beauty stack on TikTok!
Promising review: "I absolutely love how compact this product is. I have been pleasantly surprised at how natural the makeup feels and I love the natural look it provides. I originally purchased for traveling, but have been using it daily and love it!" —Paula Bowie
Get the Starter Stak from Subtl Beauty for $60 (available in 14 tones), or customize your own stack starting at $12 per layer.
30. A portable travel razor set that comes with a moisturizing balm, a water spray bottle, and two triple-blade razors tucked away into a case. All you have to do is twist the nozzle on the case to access each of these features.
Check out the Alleyoop portable travel razor on TikTok!
Promising review: "I love this product. I took it on a recent vacation and it really is a time saver. The moisturizer bar it comes with is sooo nice. I usually get a little itchy after shaving but the fact that you can rub in the excess product on the shaved area has helped with itch and ingrown hairs. Now that I'm not on vacation I use it right before I go the pool, I seriously take this thing everywhere." —Karlie Hanson
Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in pink and purple).
31. An Apple AirTag so you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing where your luggage is. That is very important.
Check out the Apple AirTag on TikTok!
Promising review: "These are a game changer for travel. I put one in each of my checked luggage bags for international travel. So great for peace of mind. I saw the movement from check-in to the plane, and the bags arrived when I landed. Even could track when I wanted to see where they were while waiting at baggage claim. Also, so easy to set up." —Robyn McNeill
Get it from Amazon for $24.
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.