8 Airplane Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

We all have our own personal list of airplane essentials—headphones, hand sanitizer, melatonin, and so on. But what about the essentials you never knew you needed? Check out these goodies that will make your next flight as easy as can be, so you can hit the ground (er, tarmac) running when you arrive. 

Airplane Foot Hammock

Courtesy of Amazon

Sick of constant readjusting, only to be uncomfortable no matter how you sit? This portable foot hammock is here to help. Anchor it on the tray table in front of you and adjust the straps to your liking. You can also use it to support the backs of your knees if you want to stretch your legs out full length.

AirFly

Courtesy of Amazon

In-flight entertainment is one of the best things about long flights, but forcing the free wired headphones handed out by the flight attendant into your ear can ruin the fun. The AirFly allows you to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the screen in front of you, so you can enjoy your movie without your ears paying the price.

Loops Quiet 2

Courtesy of Loop Earplugs

Speaking of sound, airplane noise is annoying and can even be detrimental to your health in some circumstances. Listening to music can help keep the noise out, but for those of us (like myself) who need complete quiet to sleep, ear plugs provide the best relief and these Loops Quiet Earplugs are the best on the market. Pro tip: Put these under your noise-cancelling headphones for total peace and quiet. 

Trtl Travel Pillow

Courtesy of Trtl

For the ultimate combination of practicality and packability, opt for the Trtl Travel Pillow. Its patented design, which wraps around your neck like a collar, holds your head and neck in proper alignment to reduce aches and pains. The hypoallergenic fabric is skin-friendly and machine-washable. It’s also super packable, meaning you can tuck it away in the back of your suitcase when you arrive and forget about it until it’s time to get back on a flight.

YIVIEW Sleep Mask

Courtesy of Amazon

Even if the person next to you is having a movie marathon, this eye mask will help you rest in peaceful darkness. The memory-foam material and eye cut-outs reduce the pressure on your face without compromising the mask’s light-blocking abilities. The strap is also fully adjustable, so it works for heads of all sizes.

SARISUN Travel Pillow for Airplanes

Courtesy of Amazon

If reducing your packing is a main priority, try this double-whammy head stabilizing eye mask. Rather than stabilizing your head from below, this device secures to your seatback and gently holds your head upright. The eye mask design has a similar design to the one mentioned above.

The Sleepy Tie

Courtesy of Sleepy Tie

For those of us with long hair, keeping our locks looking fresh is a priority, but getting our hair out of the way without inhibiting our comfort is also critical to make it through the flight. The Sleepy Tie offers the best of both worlds. The satin fabric reduces creasing, while the patented double scrunchie design secures your bun in place. The design allows you to pile your hair on top of your head, making it work perfectly with the eye mask and neck pillow of your choosing.

Tower 28 Daily Rescue Facial Spray

Courtesy of Tower 28

Care for your skin without transferring airplane germs from your hands to your face with the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. The main ingredient, hypochlorous acid, kills bacteria and reduces redness, while still being gentle enough for sensitive skin.

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