Look, I’ve been on enough flights to know the difference between arriving at your destination feeling like a zombie versus actually being human. After countless red-eyes and intercontinental marathons, I’ve learned that the right travel accessories can literally save your sanity. So let me walk you through the 10 best travel accessories for flights that’ll make your next journey way more bearable.

These aren’t just random gadgets I found online. Every single item on this list has earned its spot in my carry-on through real-world testing at 30,000 feet. Ready to upgrade your flight game? Let’s get into it.

Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones

Honestly, this is the one accessory I’d grab if I could only take one thing on a flight. Noise-canceling headphones transform the entire flying experience. They block out crying babies, chatty seatmates, and that constant engine drone that makes you want to scream.

I personally use Apple AirPods Pro, but there are tons of great options out there. What matters most is active noise cancellation and long battery life. You want something that’ll last your entire flight without dying halfway through your favorite playlist. Plus, they’re perfect for drowning out airport chaos while you’re waiting to board.

Here’s the thing though: most airplane entertainment systems don’t support Bluetooth headphones. That’s where our next accessory comes in 🙂

Twelve South AirFly Pro

Ever wondered why airlines still use those terrible wired headphones? Me too. The AirFly Pro is basically a Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the airplane’s entertainment system and connects wirelessly to your headphones.

You just plug it into that headphone jack on the armrest, pair your wireless headphones to it, and boom—you’re watching movies with your own comfy headphones instead of those horrible airline ones. I’ve used mine on dozens of flights, and it’s never let me down. FYI, this little gadget costs around $55, and IMO, it’s worth every penny.

Travel Neck Pillow

I’ll be honest: I used to think neck pillows were overrated tourist accessories. Then I took a 14-hour flight without one and arrived with a neck so stiff I could barely turn my head for two days. Never again.

A quality travel neck pillow provides crucial support when you’re trying to sleep upright. Look for one with memory foam that actually contours to your neck. The cheap inflatable ones? Yeah, they’re lightweight, but they’re also about as comfortable as sleeping on a pool float.

The key is finding one that doesn’t take up too much space in your carry-on but still provides real support. Some even come with adjustable straps so they don’t slip off while you’re sleeping.

Compression Socks

If you’re over 30 (hello, fellow 80s babies!), listen up. Compression socks aren’t just for your grandparents anymore. They genuinely help with circulation during long flights and reduce that annoying leg swelling.

I started wearing them after a flight attendant friend told me horror stories about blood clots on long-haul flights. Now I never fly without them. They help with:

• Reducing leg pain and achiness
• Preventing swollen ankles and feet
• Improving blood circulation
• Lowering risk of deep vein thrombosis

Yeah, they’re not the sexiest accessory, but your legs will thank you when you land.

Eye Mask and Earplugs

Want to actually sleep on a plane? You’ll need to block out light and sound. Even with noise-canceling headphones, sometimes you want complete silence. That’s where a good eye mask and earplugs combo comes in clutch.

I swear by silk eye masks because they’re soft, breathable, and don’t mess up my face. Those cheap polyester ones from the airline? They make me sweat and leave weird marks. Invest in a decent one—you can get quality silk masks for around $20-25.

Pair it with foam earplugs, and you’ve created your own little sleep sanctuary, even in economy class. Pro tip: the combination of eye mask, earplugs, and neck pillow basically gives you privacy on an airplane. It’s the closest you’ll get to a cocoon at 35,000 feet.

Portable Power Bank

Your phone becomes everything when you travel: boarding pass, entertainment, camera, map, translator, and lifeline. A dead battery is not an option. That’s why a portable power bank is absolutely essential.

I use an Anker power bank because the brand just works reliably. Yes, it costs a bit more than cheaper alternatives, but the quality makes it worthwhile. Look for one with at least 10,000mAh capacity—that’ll give you multiple full charges for your phone.

Some newer models even have MagSafe compatibility for iPhones, which means they attach magnetically. No more fumbling with cables mid-flight. Just slap it on the back of your phone and keep scrolling.

Phone Holder for Airplane Seat

Here’s something that changed my flight experience completely: a phone holder that attaches to your tray table or seat back. Seriously, why hold your phone for hours when you don’t have to?

These adjustable grips fasten to the seat in front of you, giving you hands-free entertainment. Combined with the AirFly Pro I mentioned earlier, you can go completely wireless and hands-free while flying. It’s incredibly liberating, especially on long flights when your arms get tired.

Plus, if you need to get up to stretch or hit the restroom, your setup stays exactly where you left it. No need to reconfigure everything when you return.

Travel Tech Organizer

Cables, chargers, adapters, SD cards, dongles—tech accessories multiply faster than rabbits. A dedicated tech organizer pouch keeps everything in one spot and saves you from the nightmare of digging through your bag mid-flight.

I keep a separate set of chargers just for travel in my tech organizer. This way, I’m not constantly packing and unpacking the ones I use at home, which means nothing goes missing. Include these essentials:

• Phone charger and cable
• Headphone charging cable
• Power bank
• International travel adapters
• Extra SD cards (if you’re a photographer)

Having everything organized in one compact case is a total game-changer. Trust me on this one.

Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated on flights is crucial, but airplane air is drier than the Sahara Desert. A reusable water bottle solves this problem while also being eco-friendly and saving you money.

Here’s the trick: bring an empty bottle through security, then fill it up at a water fountain or ask flight attendants to fill it for you. You’ll drink way more water when you have your own bottle versus relying on those tiny cups they hand out every few hours.

Look for collapsible bottles if space is tight, or insulated ones if you want your water to stay cold. Either way, your body will thank you when you land feeling less like a raisin.

Packing Cubes

Okay, so packing cubes aren’t technically flight-specific, but hear me out. They make accessing stuff from your carry-on during the flight so much easier. No more unpacking half your bag to find that one thing buried at the bottom.

Packing cubes organize your carry-on into neat compartments. I use different cubes for different categories: one for electronics, one for toiletries, one for extra clothes. When I need something during the flight, I know exactly which cube to grab.

They also compress your stuff, creating more space in your bag. More space means you can bring more essentials or have room for souvenirs on the return trip. Win-win.

Making Every Flight Better

These 10 travel accessories for flights have genuinely transformed how I experience air travel. I’ve gone from dreading long flights to actually feeling comfortable and arriving at my destination ready to explore instead of needing a recovery day.

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials—noise-canceling headphones, a neck pillow, and a power bank—then add accessories as you discover what makes your flights more comfortable. Every traveler is different, so experiment to find what works best for you.

The investment in quality travel accessories pays off after just one or two flights. Better sleep, less stress, and arriving at your destination feeling like an actual human being? Priceless. Now go book that trip you’ve been dreaming about—your upgraded travel kit is ready 🙂