The Ultimate In-flight Travel Essentials

By Travel + Leisure and Travel + Leisure Staff
August 21, 2017
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: Courtesy of Respective Brands
There is such a thing as a stress-free long-haul in economy — but experiencing it for yourself requires a carefully considered survival kit of stuff.

Here, we selected the types of items we wouldn’t fly without, then tried the top products in each category to find the pieces that pack easily and perform best.

Some you know and love, or you’ve at least seen them on drugstore shelves. The classics endure for a reason, after all. Others might seem a little weird (we’ll admit, we weren’t sold on the funny-looking neck pillow at first glance either), but we’re pretty sure will win you over.

Read on to find your new essentials for 30,000 feet, and check out the full line-up of 2017’s Ultimate Travel Essentials.
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1 of 10

Mack's Silicone Earplugs

Credit: Manfred Koh; Still Life Stylist: Judith Trezza with RJ Bennett Represents

If you want sweet, sweet silence, there's no beating the classics. These silicone plugs mold to your ear to seal out every last engine drone and infant wail. At that price point, it's worth keeping a set in every suitcase.

To buy: amazon.com, $3

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2 of 10

Bucky Ultralight Sleep Mask

Credit: Manfred Koh; Still Life Stylist: Judith Trezza with RJ Bennett Represents

Don't be fooled by dainty silk eye masks. What the Bucky lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in function: Molded cups keep pressure off your lids and prevent gaping by the bridge of your nose, and a velcro strap lets you adjust as it breaks in with wear. Not even the fiercest slivers of daylight can breach it.

To buy: amazon.com, $13

3 of 10

Cuyana Baby Alpaca Travel Set

Credit: Courtesy of Cuyana

A supersoft blanket and matching mask are the coziest, classiest way to nod off at 30,000 feet. Cuyana's chic set is plush but not too fussy or pretentious — just the kind of luxury we like best.

To buy: cuyana.com, $195

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Trtl Pillow

Credit: Courtesy of Trtl

Here's how testing the Trtl went: An editor would take one look at the offbeat fleece neckwrap (it's got a springy internal skeleton to support your head), beg to try something — anything! — else, and then return from their trip converted. If you want restful sleep on a transatlantic trip, no head-bobbing necessary, it's a must.

To buy: amazon.com, $30

5 of 10

Nomader

Credit: Courtesy of Nomader

Collapsible bottles tend to start collapsing right when you’re mid-sip. This one has a sturdy grip sleeve, so it keeps its shape. The cap is leak proof and the silicone is easy to roll up and store. Stick it in your backpack and fill it up once you’re past security.

To buy: amazon.com, $25

6 of 10

Flux Charger Plus

Credit: Courtesy of Flux Chargers

It's slimmer than a smartphone, but with 10,000 mAh of charging power and built-in micro-USB and lightning connecters, this portable battery has more than enough juice to keep multiple gadgets going strong.

To buy: amazon.com, $60

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7 of 10

Kindle Oasis

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

The Oasis is easily the best e-reader on the market today. It's lightweight and user-friendly, with page turn buttons, a touchscreen, and an adjustable backlight that's glowy, not harsh. And it'll last through even your longest flights: After 14 hours of reading, the Oasis still had a 75 percent charge.

To buy: amazon.com, $290

8 of 10

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

Credit: Courtesy of SK-II

SK-II’s masks live up to the hype, leaving skin soft and bright. Bonus: they tend to deter chatty seatmates.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $17

9 of 10

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Credit: Manfred Koh; Still Life Stylist: Judith Trezza with RJ Bennett Represents

Dab some on dry lips or use it to slick down unruly brows, soothe wind-chapped cheeks, or make calloused feet soft and sandal-ready.

To buy: target.com, $3

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10 of 10

Buly 1803 Pommade Concrète

Credit: Manfred Koh; Still Life Stylist: Judith Trezza with RJ Bennett Represents

This thick lotion’s delicate scent and painterly packaging are an instant mood-lifter during a long day of travel.

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $50

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By Travel + Leisure and Travel + Leisure Staff