Without a doubt, taking a flight is still the most convenient mode of transportation, but let's be honest, modern air travel kind of sucks. Thanks largely to the pandemic, it's only gotten worse in the last three years. On the list of humanity’s favorite pastimes, flying ranks just above listening to babies cry and just below eating a partially frozen chicken sandwich. Unfortunately, many flights feature both.
However, flying can be much less terrible if you're prepared with the right gear. If you’re fortunate enough to sit in first class, you're probably sitting comfy with a pre-flight bourbon, back rubs, and a complimentary amenity kit. For the rest of us plebs, however, we need to make our own. So recline your seat the full inch, put that tray table down, and check out this list of the best air travel accessories to pack for your next long flight.
Best travel cocktail kit
W&P Craft Cocktail Kit
One of — if not the — best air travel accessories is booze. Thankfully, alcohol flows freely on most flights. But if you’re looking to take your sky-high drinking to the next level, that requires a proper portable cocktail “bar.” Each of these Craft Cocktail Kits from W&P includes all the accouterments for making one of several classic beverages, from Moscow mules to margaritas and more. Our favorite is the old fashioned with cane sugar, premium aromatic bitters, linen coasters, and muddling spoons all in the tin. Just add liquor. They make a great travel gift and are even TSA-approved!
Best travel power bank
Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD
The only thing just as — if not more — essential as booze for air travel is making sure you never run out of juice for all your devices. Goal Zero's latest Sherpa 100PD is more than up to the task. With nearly 100Wh of power on tap, you can keep your smartphone, tablet, digital camera, and more topped up en route. For mobile photographers and videographers, it’ll even charge the best GoPro accessories for travel. Bonus: This battery bank boasts a solid 15W of wireless charging.
Best noise-canceling travel earbuds
OnePlus Buds Pro 2
Few things elevate any flight, especially a long-haul flight, like a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. The all-new Buds Pro 2 from OnePlus are our new go-to favorite. The design is comfortable enough to wear for hours, while the adaptive noise-cancellation tech can drown out up to 48dB of sound, effectively silencing crying babies, chatty seatmates, and droning airplane engine noise. Plus the included charging case allows for a whopping 39 total hours of playback time — more than enough to take you around the world and back in blissful silence.
Best travel shaver
Braun Series 9 Pro Shaver
After (or during) a long travel day, nothing makes you feel better and more human than a good shower and a shave. Braun's flagship Series 9 Pro is our go-to for travel-friendly shavers with a gentle yet effective shave. It's precise enough to use in-flight when you want to maximize your time once you get where you're going. Plus, we love the included charger case that keeps the Series 9 topped up for even the longest trips.
Best travel blanket
Tuft & Needle Anywhere Travel Blanket
Airplanes are notoriously cold. First-class passengers get dibs on lavish extras like pillows and hand-sewn alpaca wool comforters (so we've heard). Economy class passengers, on the other hand, might get lucky to score a blanket. But it’ll probably be the size of a cocktail napkin and about as warm.
Tuft & Needle's Anywhere Travel Blanket is a lightweight blanket with a quilted design that's soft, durable, and packs down small. A built-in loop allows for hanging on your rollaboard, and a sewn-on pouch allows you to fold the blanket into itself for easy portability. Plus, it’s machine washable and dryer-friendly, so you can give it a deep clean once you return home.
Best travel self-care kit
Fulton & Roark Total Package
Air travel is brutal on skin. Leave the discount products at home, and come prepared for your next flight with a proper self-care regimen. The Total Package from Fulton & Roark includes four essentials — solid fragrance, bar soap, aluminum-free deodorant, and their exclusive Formula 5 Oil.
The latter is one of this year's most versatile travel-friendly self-care products that can be used as a beard oil, a skin and scalp moisturizer, and even a low-hold hair styling product. This one kit will keep you feeling and smelling fresh, even after hours in Economy.
Best slip-on travel shoes
Xero Shoes Hana
When you're spending hours running through airports and crammed into an Economy class seat, taking care of your feet is critical. Xero Shoes Hana is a near-perfect travel shoe. At just eight ounces each (for a men's size 9), they're incredibly lightweight and flexible enough to be tucked and crammed into your carry-on without losing their shape.
The 5.5 mm rubber sole feels more like a sandal than a thick-soled shoe, guaranteeing a more natural feel on your feet. But, we especially love the simple, slip-on design that makes for easy-on and easy-off at airport security, on the plane, and once you reach your final destination. The best part? They're a steal at under $100.
Best travel power cable
Nomad Universal USB-C Kevlar Cable
We're all traveling with a whole lot of tech these days, and that means packing a whole lot of cables, too. Nomad Goods helps simplify the usual rat's nest of wires and cables with its Universal USB-C Cable. The streamlined design features USB-C, USB-A, and Micro USB adapter tips that can be easily swapped in and out as needed. So you can connect, charge, and power up virtually any modern device all with a single cable. Bonus: The Kevlar version features a double-braided outer sheath for extreme durability.
Best lightweight travel pillow
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow
If you're actually able to sleep on planes, first of all, god bless you. It's a skill this writer has yet to master. One of the best travel accessories for long flights (and even domestic short hops) for you is a comfortable travel pillow. Sea to Summit’s Aeros Ultralight Traveler Pillow is plush, lightweight, and packs down to about the size of your palm. The soft fabric provides a perfect shelf for resting your face while two oversized arms embrace and support your neck and head.
Best luggage tracker
Apple AirTag
If you tend to lose stuff easily, panic when something goes missing, or you simply like to keep tabs on all your items, including your luggage, then Apple's latest AirTag is a must-have travel accessory. Place them on everything from your keys to your backpack to see their location on your Find My network. We know all too well the anxiety that comes from the hustle and bustle of the airport. AirTags can help alleviate those feelings.
Best compression socks for travel
Swiftwick Aspire Twelve
Most people think compression socks are only for elite athletes or old folks. But if you travel far enough while sitting for extended periods of time, DVT blood clots can be a very real threat. Swiftwick’s Aspire Twelve compression socks provide just the right amount of support throughout the entire calf. The compression is strong enough to encourage blood flow and minimize swelling without feeling too restrictive. Plus, the thin, lightweight design and cushioning are comfortable for all-day wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the items listed above could be considered must-have travel accessories, so here’s a list of nice-to-have items when traveling via airplanes:
- Eye mask: Get better sleep on planes by blocking out the light.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated by bringing an empty bottle you can refill after security checks. Many airports have free filtered water stations.
- Tablet or e-reader: Download books, movies, and shows beforehand for offline entertainment. Consider glare-resistant screens for comfortable reading.
- Reusable shopping bag: Pack a foldable bag for unexpected purchases or souvenirs, avoiding flimsy plastic bags.
- Footrest: Improve circulation and reduce leg fatigue with an inflatable or portable footrest.
