My Top 10 In-Flight Travel Essentials

Are you getting ready to take off to your next travel destination? If so, I have some in-flight travel essentials that can make your life a little bit easier. Between itineraries and packing lists, it can be hard to remember everything. Especially when you need to triple-check that you have your credit cards and travel documents. But don’t worry, I got you covered! Here are some of my favorite travel accessories that I know you will love too. 

My Top 10 In-Flight Travel Essentials

1. Neck Pillow

I always, always bring a neck pillow. I’ve realized that now if I have a neck pillow, I can pass out when I’m tired so much quicker than if I don’t. I get the one that squishes up really small, so you don’t have to haul around a big boomerang the whole trip. I currently use the BCozzy neck Pillow from Amazon and actually love it! I love that it’s comfortable, can be adjusted, and then folds into a bag for easy carrying.

You can also try the popular Inflatable Travel Pillow. This is a good option for those who don’t want a pillow around their neck. The inflatable pillow allows you to lean forward on the tray table and sleep that way. It is designed with a Perfect 45°Angle, allowing your neck to lean forward naturally. This angle decreases the pressure of your cervical vertebra, enchanting comfort and deeper sleep—a win-win situation for your mind and body.

2. Scarf/Pashmina/Mini-Blanket

I love bringing a scarf or mini blanket like this and this one. They always crank up the cool air even if it’s a short flight! It’s so nice to know you have something in your bag to keep you warm, just in case. Scarves also double as padding for your DSLR camera if you happen to bring that on the plane as well.

Pashminas are a fashionable yet comfy option when flying. The wool is known to be incredibly warm, thanks to it being an insulator. This means you will be warm and cozy during your flight.

3. Refillable Water Bottle

I’m telling you, planes are made for dehydration. I always bring an empty water bottle to the airport and fill it once I get through security. Owalla Free Sip water bottles are great for keeping water cold or hot, and LifeStraw has a great filtered water bottle. I chug water on a plane to avoid feeling like complete shit when I land. I always request an aisle seat for this exact reason…so I can get up and go when I need to.

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If you do not have a lot of room, a collapsible water bottle can be life-changing. Mainly because when you are not using it you can pop it back down into a flat circle and slip it into your backpack. A great option for us travelers who are constantly on the go!

If you are taking a long flight and don’t want to keep asking for water, you can use Hydrator Packets. The Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier adds electrolytes to your water, keeping you hydrated for longer amounts of time. The non-GMO electrolyte drink can thank CTT, which delivers hydration to the bloodstream faster and more efficiently than water alone. They even come in yummy flavors, like passionfruit. 

4. Heavy Clothing

It’s best to wear your heaviest items on the plane so you have more room in your suitcase. Yes, everyone probably tells you to do this, but it’s worth the extra space in your checked bag. I always put my coat in the top compartment and take my boots off for the flight and pop them up there as well.

It’s best to wear your heaviest items on the plane so you have more room in your suitcase. Yes, everyone probably tells you to do this, but it’s worth the extra space in your checked bag. I always put my coat in the top compartment and take my boots off for the flight and pop them up there as well.

If you plan on wearing a fancy hat or have a large purse or backpack, wear it. Anything that takes up too much room in your carry-on can easily be stored under the seat. Don’t forget your comfiest layers either when packing for your next flight. Air Travel can be confusing when it comes to temperature since the planes can run really hot or cold. Wear that oversized hoodie so you can stay cozy on the plane. 

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5. Thick socks or compression socks

Again, maybe I’m just a weirdo, but it’s so nice to have socks like these when that cold air is accosting you the entire flight. You can also walk around if they are thick enough without worrying about getting gross stuff on the bottom of your feet.

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You can also throw compression socks in your carry-on bag. These socks are known to prevent blood clots, which is a common concern for those who fly often. Especially if you have a long flight or multiple connections, they help boost circulation in the lower part of your body while also keeping your feet warm.

6. Toiletry items that I swear by

It’s the little things in life. My lips and hands get super chapped in planes because of the air circulation. I love when I know I have chapstick and lotion for landing or part way thru the flight when I can’t stand the chappy feeling. You should also invest in healing lip balms. A great option for super chapped lips is Carmex, an ideal lip balm to wear when visiting drier areas, such as Arizona and Nevada. My favorite lotion for a flight is the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

It’s also nice to be able to wash your face easily with wipes, especially on a red-eye or international flight. Mints and gum are a no-brainer, especially if you take a little cat nap. I love the Doterra peppermint beadlets for making my breath fresh. I’ll also sometimes bring a Sephora facemask for a long-haul flight.

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Also, always pack your hand sanitizer. Even before the pandemic hit, I always kept a small travel-sized one with me. This great list of little toiletries can be thrown into a small makeup bag or even your carry-on when flying. 

7. Take care of your eyes and ears when flying

Be sure to pack your contact lens case and glasses, and this is if you have them. I have both, so I try to pack them if I’m taking a long flight. It’s awesome to change out of contacts to glasses if I’m about to slumber for a while. Nothing is worse than falling asleep mid-flight to find your eyes super dry after waking up. That is why I always pack travel-sized eye drops too. They make all different kinds, but I recommend the one for dry eyes when traveling.

If you plan to snooze or just shut off for a while, don’t forget your Eye Mask. This will help keep the cabin’s light out while also keeping your eyes comfortable. 

You should also invest in earplugs or noise-canceling headphones when flying, especially if you plan to sleep. Ear plugs can shut off the crazy noise in the aircraft.  

An eye mask and earplugs are just a few items that have saved me from preventing all-nighters when hopping countries. 

8. Electronics or books

I usually bring my Kindle or Ipad because I enjoy reading them, and they pack flat. I load up the iPad with my Spotify music and a bunch of games in case I don’t want to read. I also always pack my phone and charger, plus my MacBook Pro, when I’m traveling for work.

It is recommended to charge them in advance since a lot of aircraft still don’t offer charging stations. You could also pack a regular book too, just in case there are any issues or the E-reader dies. There have been too many times my flight has been delayed, and I use my power before even boarding. So being extra prepared can save you some sanity!

It is also fun to read a book about your destination prior to arriving there. This is a wonderful way to get excited about the trip while also learning about some local hotspots. Reading a book about travel will make your flight a bit more enjoyable. 

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9. Headphones

I always try and remember my headphones. These are great even if you don’t want to watch a movie/listen to music because they can act as earplugs to drown out the crying baby behind you.

While flight attendants normally give you complimentary headphones, they are usually pretty terrible. They can be fine for a short-haul flight, but if you plan on flying longer invest in noise-canceling headphones. It can help block out all of the loud sounds around you, so you feel like you are in your own little world. They can also amplify the sound of the movie or show you are watching, which is always a perk when flying!

Noise-canceling headphones are known to help prevent tinnitus while also reducing the pressure in your eardrum. I recommend listening to relaxing music or even a downloaded meditation when flying. This can help you zen out in the sky. 

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10. Snacks.

Maybe my most important one here. I always am hungry, and some airlines don’t even give you a single snack anymore! I usually try and pack myself a few healthy snacks since I know once I get to the airport, it’s mostly going to be junk. I like to pack a few Lara Bars, almonds, and a piece of fruit to get me through the flight.

You can even pack a sandwich or a full meal. Just make sure there is no liquid in it. This can save you plenty of money once you get to the airport. Subs, sandwiches, and even salads are just a few gotos that you can bring through security. An excellent way to save money while also curbing your hunger. 

I suggest purchasing gum or mints before the airport. Gum is known to help your ears when flying because it creates equilibrium in your ears. When you chew gum, your eustachian tube opens in your ears, and that allows the air with new pressure to reach your inner ear. So if your ears pop frequently, pick up some gum before heading to the airport. You will be glad you did when you see what they charge at the gate for a pack.

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I hope this list helps you pack for your next flight! What are your in-flight travel essentials at the moment? Please share them in the comments!

Did I get everything?

What else do you usually pack in your carry-on for in-flight travel?