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Take off in comfort with these flight-crew-approved trip essentials, all on sale
From a cozy blanket and durable bags to a clever phone mount, professional globe-trotters recommend these must-haves.
It's official! Fall is here and that means the holiday traveling season is just around the corner. Since it's getting a little nippy outside, now may be the best time to take that end-of-year or family vacay somewhere warm and tropical. Let's just make sure you have everything you need before you head out the door. Got your passport and wallet? How about your toiletries? Are you checking a bag or will you be a carry-on traveler?
Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder and Drink Carrier
$14$16Save $2 with PrimePerilogics Universal In-Flight Phone Holder Mount
$10$14Save $4Bagail 8-Piece Packing Cube Set
$14$25Save $11Charmking Compression Socks, 8 Pairs
$15$32Save $17Bubm Double-Layer Electronic Accessories Organizer
$18$24Save $6Zero Grid Travel Wallet
$20$25Save $5Epicka Worldwide Travel Adapter
$20$25Save $5Hero Neck Passport Wallet and Travel Pouch
$23$30Save $7 with couponBagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag
$16$28Save $12 with couponEverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow
$26$35Save $9 with PrimeDagne Dover Ace Air Mesh Fanny Pack
$40$95Save $55Bcozzy Neck Pillow (Large)
$50$70Save $20Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-On
$144$170Save $26
Now that we've covered the basics, there may be a few items you haven't thought of grabbing. We're talking smart buys that seasoned travelers like flight crew members use on the regular. From a No. 1 bestselling travel pillow to a pilot-approved carry-on, a $14 cup holder that attaches to your bag and a $10 phone mount that lets you watch shows at eye level, these expert picks have us saying, "Why didn't I think of that?" Even better? They're all on sale. It doesn't matter if you're flying coach or first class — these products will make your trip as comfy as possible.
Ready for takeoff? Taxi down our list for the best flight crew-approved travel essentials. (Also, don't miss our tried-and-true picks for anxiety-free travel.)
Congrats — after standing in line for an unreasonable amount of time, you got your over-priced airport coffee. Feels like a win... until you realize you've run out of hands to hold it. This problem-solving caddy attaches to your carry-on luggage handle and has slots for two cups — so naturally, the flight attendants of the world use it religiously.
"I'm a flight attendant and I love this!" one wrote on Amazon. "I love the Velcro 'quick detachment.' It's the best! I had one before without the Velcro opening that just stretched over the handle and it was a pain. This one is great."
Having to endure a long flight with no in-flight entertainment is a bummer. (Of course, sometimes the entertainment that is available is also a bummer.) Here's your plan B: This phone holder lets you prop up your device to watch your favorite shows or movies, hands-free and at eye level. It easily attaches to your tray table or luggage handle, so it's a no-brainer, space-saving add-on.
"I'm a flight attendant and I commute by plane from Utah to New York and watch TV on my phone the whole time," one crew member wrote. "My hand was always hurting from holding my phone that whole time, and now I have this, and it's just the absolute perfect solution. Anyone who travels, especially by plane, should have one."
Travel experts and frequent fliers say packing cubes are one of the easiest ways to stay organized when you're bopping between locations. If you tend to overpack or always seem to forget something, they can keep everything tidy and easy to find. In addition to an array of bags in various sizes, this eight-piece set includes a toiletry bag, shoe bag and sock bag.
"I'm getting ready for flight attendant training and wanted to buy these to help me organize the many things I need to bring," wrote one reviewer. "What surprised me is that both pairs of high heels fit in the shoe bag."
Read more: The best compression packing cubes of 2024, tested and reviewed
Cabin pressure often causes feet to swell. It's smart to invest in compression socks to enhance blood circulation, and these top-selling socks come with over 59,000 five-star reviews. Right now, they're up to 45% off in some colors and sizes.
"Fight-attendant-approved!" said a five-star reviewer. "I ... suffer from swollen everything when I fly two, three or sometimes four flights per day. These socks are comparable to the ones that I've previously paid $30 a pair for! They wash well! Comfortable, and really keep my feet from getting tired and swollen throughout the day."
Another flight attendant started wearing these at a coworker's recommendation. "[A] senior crew member suggested I start wearing socks for longer flights/duty days and I'm glad I listened! My feet feel better and I recover faster! The nice designs are an added bonus that get compliments regularly."
Even when we want to kick back, few of us can travel without our tech — from your laptop and phone to your portable charger and tablet. That also means bringing along an array of cables and chargers. Flight attendants and frequent fliers say this double-layer electronic accessories organizer has room for everything, including a designated slot for an iPad.
"I am a flight attendant and I love this organizer!" one professional wrote. "I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork and hand sanitizer in here. It keeps me organized!"
One of my secrets to staying calm when traveling is to stay as organized as possible — and this compact, palm-sized passport wallet has just enough compartments to keep important documents within reach. It has slots for a passport, credit cards, a boarding pass and even a pen. Best of all, there's RFID blocking built in to protect sensitive personal data.
This passport wallet also comes with two recovery tags from ReturnMe, the world's largest lost and found company.
One pilot gave it a glowing review. "Got this to hold my important things I need to fly — certificate, medical [card] and passport," the travel pro wrote. "They also offer you a lost and found reward so if you lose it, it can be easily returned to you and the company provides you a reward."
Unless you plan to fully unplug for your overseas trip (this also includes your flat iron), you're going to need an outlet adapter. This one's super compact and easily converts those Euro plugs to allow you to use and charge your devices. It covers more than 150 countries and regions including the U.S., Australia and Europe. It even has five USB ports (four USB-A and one USB-C) to keep your gadgets and gizmos juiced up, giving you more bang for your buck.
"As a flight attendant, this is one of my travel must-haves," one reviewer wrote. "Having one adapter work virtually worldwide is so convenient as is being able to charge all your devices in one place."
If you prefer traveling hands-free, this is right up your alley. This multi-functional travel pouch is a passport holder and a wallet. It also has room for credit cards, cash, your phone, boarding passes and other valuables. RFID-blocking technology keeps your personal info secure too.
One retired flight attendant who still travels often swears by it. "I am still a traveler looking for products to be lighter for me," the former crew member wrote. "This one does just that. It has room to fit my passport, a credit card or two, and money."
This hanging toiletry bag strikes just the right balance between roomy and compact, and it has loads of convenient features that seasoned travelers love. In addition to the six built-in pockets and multiple slots, it comes with a detachable, transparent cosmetic bag that's TSA-approved, making a trip through security speedier.
Several flight attendants praise this well-designed bag for simplifying traveling with toiletries. "I am a flight attendant, and it holds everything!" this five-star reviewer wrote. "I absolutely love it! The zippers zip with ease and it is well thought out to meet all of your needs. I can't say enough about it."
If you're always chilly, this one's for you! Don't spend extra on an airplane blanket that may or may not be clean. This travel blanket is super soft (and cute) and keeps you warm without taking up too much space, so you won't bother your row-mates. It even folds up and turns into a portable pouch that you can clip to your carry-on when you disembark.
"I'm a flight attendant and this blanket is perfect for cold cabins," one professional traveler wrote. "Fits on my suitcase handle perfectly."
Dagne Dover is a sleeper travel accessory brand that those in the know swear by. This air mesh fanny pack is durable and intelligently designed with stealth travel-friendly pockets — plus, it fits an astonishing amount of stuff. When worn cross-body or around the waist, it gives convenient, hands-free access to your passport, wallet, keys and any essentials you want at your fingertips. Many of the 15 colors and styles are on sale.
One airline professional even said she's "obsessed" with this well-designed travel essential. "I wanted a fanny pack that I could wear as a crossbody and I love it," gushed the five-star fan. "I'm also a flight attendant, and it's great for going out and exploring or getting coffee in the gate area."
If you've ever tried to settle in for an in-flight snooze, you know it's a challenge. Flight crew members, who are experts at catch-as-catch-can cat naps (say that 10 times fast!), treasure a travel pillow that makes falling and staying asleep a bit easier.
One flight attendant said he uses this No. 1 bestselling pillow when heading home after exhausting international red-eyes. "This allows me to sleep and not wake up with a total neck ache," the crew member gushed.
Travelpro is among flight crew members' favorite luggage brands. From its lightweight build to its durable construction, this carry-on is one that pilots, in particular, use and praise.
"I like the two-wheel pull version that I have used for years as an airline pilot," one five-star reviewer on Amazon said. "My wife wanted this version with the four wheels. It worked very well over various surfaces."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.