Top Airplane Travel Essentials: What to What to Pack for a Smooth Flight

About to take off? Whether you’re hopping on a quick domestic flight or gearing up for a long-haul international journey, having the right airplane travel essentials can make all the difference.

After flying across both the Atlantic and the Pacific multiple times, I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are the key items I always pack to make every flight a little easier and stress-free.

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Airport Essentials for a Smooth Check-In and Security Process

Getting through the airport quickly starts with organization and having the right items easily accessible. Here are a few things that make check-in and security a whole lot smoother.

Anti-theft Cross Body Bag

Make airport security and boarding a breeze by keeping your passport, ID, boarding pass, credit cards, and itinerary organized in one easily accessible place. I have an anti-theft purse with RFID-blocking features for added security and peace of mind.

While visiting Las Vegas years ago, a thief managed to cut the strap of my purse and walk off with it—without me even noticing. Since that day, I never travel without an anti-theft bag. My favorite? The Travelon Small Anti-Theft Crossbody bag. It’s so convenient that it has become my everyday purse, not just my travel one.

This compact, hands-free bag is packed with smart security features: locking zippers, a cut-resistant shoulder strap, slash-proof fabric, and built-in RFID protection to keep my personal info safe from digital pickpockets. All of my essentials fit inside—passport, credit cards, phone, pack of tissues, a pen, and reading glasses.

Reusable Water Bottle (Empty Through Security)

A reusable water bottle is high on my list of essential travel items. It’s a simple way to save money—especially in airports or tourist areas where bottled water can be surprisingly expensive. Staying hydrated on flights is especially important, since airplane cabins tend to be dry and dehydrating.

Reducing single-use plastic waste is also really important to me. And while I’m not entirely sure whether plastic bottles cause us to ingest microplastics, I figure—why take the risk?

I always carry my empty water bottle through airport security and then fill it up at the refill station on the other side. Many airports, train stations, and public places now offer free refill stations, making it convenient to top off your bottle while you’re on the go.

This 24 ounce Hydro Flask is my favorite travel bottle. It keeps water cold for hours, has a convenient flip-up straw, and—bonus—I’ve never had an issue with it leaking, even when it’s tossed into my travel bag.

Another big plus – it actually fits into my car’s cupholder, unlike some of the wider water bottles I’ve received as gifts.

TSA-Approved Travel Bottle Set

If you’re flying long-haul, a TSA approved travel bottle set is a smart move. This clear, zippered toiletry bag contains includes 4 travel bottles, 4 travel jars, 1 spray bottle, 2 spoons, 1 funnel, and a cleaning brush. I like the rounded shape of the bottles – it ensures that no cream gets trapped in the corners.

These compact containers meet the TSA’s liquid regulations, allowing you to carry essential toiletries—like skin care products, hand cream, toothpaste, or shampoo—in your carry-on bag without issues at security checkpoints.

Long flights can leave your skin dry, so having your favorite products on hand is a big plus. Reusable travel bottles are eco-friendly and prevent the need to buy overpriced travel-sized items at the airport. A well-organized set also keeps your liquids from leaking into your bag.

In-Flight Must-Haves for Comfort and Convenience

Long flights can be dry, cold, and louder than you’d expect. Here are items I always keep in my carry-on to help make the journey a little more relaxed from takeoff to landing.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Long flights aren’t exactly known for being quiet and peaceful. Once, on an overnight trip, I found myself stuck in front of two newly acquainted soccer superfans who spent hours excitedly comparing teams while the rest of us tried to get some sleep.

That’s why noise-canceling headphones are at the top of my in-flight essentials list. They make a huge difference when it comes to blocking out engine noise, chatty neighbors, and crying babies.

I love my Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones – they’ve saved my sanity more than once. In addition to helping with sleep, the sound quality is fantastic for listening to music or watching an in-flight movie. The headphones can plug directly into the plane’s entertainment system. No more cranking the movie volume just to hear dialogue over the engine roar.

Uninterrupted rest while traveling? Worth every ounce of carry-on space!

Earplugs

Noise – cancelling headphones a bit bulkier than you’d like, or maybe out of your price range? Earplugs are a great alternative for enjoying a bit of peace and quiet on a plane.

I’m a super light sleeper, so I always pack both noise-canceling headphones and earplugs. While the headphones are perfect for me when it comes to tuning out engine noise and chatter on the plane, I reach for my earplugs when sleeping in noisy hotels or lodges.

Over the years, I’ve tested a bunch of brands. Mack’s Silicone Putty Earplugs have become my personal favorite. They’re soft, moldable, and easy to reuse a few times before it’s time for a new pair.

As someone with smaller ears, I actually prefer Mack’s child-size version. For me, they’re more comfortable and stay in place better than the adult ones.

Neck Pillow

After testing countless travel pillows over the years, I finally found one that actually lets me sleep on a plane: the Cabeau Travel Neck Pillow.

What sets it apart is its flat back, which allows it to sit flush against the seat—keeping your head in better alignment and reducing that awkward forward tilt. The adjustable front strap keeps your head from nodding as you doze off.

The open-neck design feels much less confining than traditional wraparound pillows – helping me avoid that claustrophobic sensation I’ve felt when using more restrictive pillows.

Bonus: it comes with memory foam earplugs and a compact travel bag that compresses the pillow down to about a quarter of its full size, making it easy to stash in your carry-on.

Eye Mask

A good eye mask can make all of the difference on an overnight flight. It’s such a small item, but it can seriously improve your in-flight sleep. Between cabin lights and your neighbor’s glowing screen, it can be tough to get real rest without blocking out the light.

I’ve tried a few eye masks over the years. The Manta Slim sleep mask is the one that finally got it right. It feels lightweight and the eye cups block out the light without putting too much pressure around my eyes.

Of course, it’s tempting to make do with the cheap eye masks handed out courtesy of the airlines. For me, investing in a quality one that actually stays in place and feels comfortable is 100% worth it, especially if you want to arrive at your destination feeling somewhat human.

Compression Socks

If you’ve ever stepped off a long flight with puffy ankles or achy legs, compression socks might be your new best friend. They help improve circulation by applying gentle pressure to your legs, which can reduce swelling, and lower the risk of blood clots during long periods of sitting. They are especially helpful on flights over four hours long.

Compression socks can be surprisingly comfortable, even if you don’t have any circulation issues.

I like the Comrad compression sock brand. They provide moderate compression, making it possible to wear them all day without feeling like they’re restricting my circulation instead of helping it. You can find them in nylon or cotton.

E-Reader or Books

Even if your airline offers in-flight entertainment, it’s not always guaranteed to work—or hold your interest. I can’t imagine flying without bringing something good to read.

Personally, I’m one of those people who loves reading an actual book. There’s something about flipping real pages that just feels right—and I enjoy a break from screens. Luckily, many airports now feature free little libraries, where you can grab a book before your flight and donate it once you’re done. I’ve picked up some unexpected gems that way!

Plenty of travelers that I’ve talked to don’t want to lug hardcover books around. If that sounds like you, the trusty Kindle 16 GB is a great alternative. This light and compact model has an adjustable front light – perfect for those darkened hours in the plane where you don’t dare turn on your overhead light for fear of disturbing your fellow travelers.

One full charge can last up to six weeks and the storage holds thousands of books. Just be sure to download your reading material before boarding, in case Wi-Fi is spotty or overpriced midair. Bonus: with a subscription, you can access audiobooks and streaming content too.

Health and Hygiene Travel Essentials

Crowded airports and recycled airplane air can make it challenging to feel your best during and after a long flight. Here’s what I bring to stay refreshed and hopefully germ-free!

Disinfecting Wipes

Airplanes aren’t exactly the cleanest places— especially when you think about how many people have touched your seatbelt buckle and armrest before you. Not to mention the food that’s been all over your tray table! Airplane staffers don’t always have time to clean these areas, so bringing disinfecting wipes along is crucial for me.

Yes – I’m that person who wipes down my seat (especially the head rest!) arm rests, seat belt buckles and tray table before I even sit down. I also wipe off the call button and air vents, items that rarely get cleaned. There have even been a few times where I’ve needed to wipe grimy fingerprints off of my window.

I also do a once-over on my touchscreen before I use it. You never know when a sick passenger has been scrolling ahead of you. Just remember that you can mess up the screen’s function if your wipe is too wet.

Don’t even get me started on the airplane lavatory. While the bathrooms on a plane are cleaned and disinfected between flights, they certainly aren’t spotless while in the air. I wipe down the flush button and the exit latch upon entering. You may wash your hands thoroughly with soap before exiting the bathroom, but there’s no guarantee that the passengers before you did.

I’m a fan of Dude Wipes—they’re technically designed as flushable bathroom wipes, but I use them for cleaning surfaces. I also use them for wiping my hands. You can buy them scented or unscented. They contain vitamin-E and aloe, making them easy on your skin. Having a supply of Dude Wipes saves me from also having to carry hand sanitizer.

Disposable Toothbrushes

Waking up during a long flight can leave you feeling less than refreshed. Disposable toothbrushes are a simple, space-saving solution that lets you freshen up without the need for water or even toothpaste. Colgate Wisp mini toothbrushes are a great option that come pre-pasted and individually wrapped, making them perfect for a quick clean after meals or before landing.

An added bonus? You won’t have to use water in the airline lavatory, which isn’t the cleanest and definitely not recommended for brushing your teeth. With a disposable toothbrush, you can stay refreshed and hygienic without the hassle—just brush, toss, and get on with your journey. It’s a tiny item that makes a big difference in how you feel during and after your flight.

Eye Drops

Long travel days combined with the recycled air on planes can really take a toll on your eyes. I pack lubricating eye drops to help with irritation and discomfort.

I was introduced to Refresh Optive Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops by a fellow traveler, and they’ve been a staple in my carry-on ever since. They feel more hydrating and refreshing than the standard drops I used to carry.

While I normally try to avoid single-use items in my daily life, these small, individual vials are incredibly convenient while traveling—perfect for tossing in my carry-on.

Gadgets That Give You Peace of Mind

A few smart gadgets can go a long way in reducing travel stress. When it comes to keeping your belongings secure and organized, staying connected, these tools help you travel with a little more confidence—and a lot less worry.

TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

A reliable luggage lock is a must when you’re traveling. It helps protect your belongings from opportunistic theft, whether you’re at the airport, on public transportation, or staying in a hotel.

We always use TSA-approved locks, which can be opened by security agents using a universal master key. This means if your bag is selected for inspection, they can unlock it without damaging your suitcase or cutting the lock.

We opted for combination locks with three-digit combination, so we don’t have to carry a key around (or worry about losing one). These locks are versatile and work well on everything from checked or carry-on luggage to backpacks, briefcases, and even gym bags. Just don’t forget your combination!

Apple Air Tags

Apple AirTags can help keep track of your checked luggage. They are small, quarter-sized devices that send out a Bluetooth signal picked up by nearby Apple devices. (They won’t work with Android phones.)

All you have to do is connect the AirTag to your iPhone and drop it inside your suitcase (ideally in a zipped pocket or locked compartment to prevent theft). Then, if your bag takes an unexpected detour, you’ll be able to track it through the Find My app.

These little trackers earn their keep when something goes wrong. On a recent trip, one of our checked bags didn’t show up at the Kilimanjaro airport. Thanks to the AirTag, we saw that it was still sitting in Amsterdam. That information helped the baggage services team locate our suitcase and get it back on its way to us.

It’s a simple step that can offer serious peace of mind if your luggage goes missing!

Universal Travel Plug Adapter

Whether you’re heading straight to your destination or facing a long layover in an international airport, a travel plug adapter can bring you peace of mind. You’ll want to keep your phone, laptop, or e-reader charged during your journey—and outlets in airports or lounges abroad may not match your home country’s plug type.

We recommend a universal plug adapter with multiple plug options so you’re covered no matter where your flight path takes you. The Bestek Universal Travel Adapter, comes with four plug types and works across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. It’s compact, reliable, and essential if you’re flying internationally.

Portable Phone Power Bank

Airplane seats don’t always come with accessible charging ports—especially if you’re flying economy or on an older aircraft. Even when they do, they can be unreliable. A portable power bank ensures your phone stays charged throughout your journey whether you’re using it to listen to music, read, or navigate airport terminals during layovers. And fully charging your phone during your flight will reduce the chance of a dead battery while you’re enroute to your accommodations.

Choose a slim, travel-friendly model like the Anker Power Bank. Just remember to keep it in your carry-on, as airlines don’t allow lithium batteries in checked baggage.

Bonus Items to Make Air Travel Easier

It’s often the little extras that make the biggest difference. These bonus items can really help make your flight more comfortable and stress-free.

Extra Change of Clothes (In a Packing Cube)

One thing I always include in my carry-on is a packing cube with a full change of clothes. It might not seem essential – until your flight gets delayed, your checked bag decides to vacation elsewhere, or your seatmate spills their coffee. Even just a fresh shirt, underwear, and socks can make a long travel day (or an unexpected overnight stop) feel a lot more bearable.

Packing cubes are zippered containers that keep your clothing compact and organized, so you’re not digging through your bag mid-flight. I love our TravelWise packing cube set. The mesh tops make it easy to see what’s inside, especially during security checks, since agents can inspect your items without rummaging through all your clothes.

Sugar Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can be surprisingly helpful during air travel. One of the biggest benefits is that it helps relieve ear pressure during takeoff and landing as the cabin altitude changes.

Gum can also help combat that uncomfortable dry mouth feeling due to low humidity in airplanes. And it can be a life saver if brushing your teeth isn’t an option!

I typically choose Eclipse Sugar Free Spearmint gum. I like the minty taste, and the flavor tends to last longer than many of the other gums I’ve tried. Eclipse comes in a variety of packages. This compact box saves on packaging because the pieces are not individually wrapped.

Snacks

Airplane food can be hit or miss—and on some flights, it’s barely offered at all. Bringing your own healthy snacks helps you stay energized and avoid overly processed airline foods. You never know when you might be delayed on the tarmac or served something that you just don’t feel like eating.

Protein Trail Mix

We always carry some protein-rich snacks with us on long flights. We feel so much better than if we consume sugary snacks. One of our favorites is Power Up Trail Mix. It’s full of roasted almonds, raisins, roasted cashews, and pumpkin seeds.

Kind Bars

I’m that person that craves a bite of dark chocolate after eating a meal. Mini kind bars are the perfect size to satisfy my chocolate craving without reaching for candy. They’re just sweet enough, plus packed with nuts for protein and crunch.

Kind bars come in a variety of sizes and flavors. My absolute favorite are the Mini Dark Chocolate Kind Bars with Nuts and Sea Salt. What’s not to love? They satisfy both my chocolate and salt cravings, plus the nuts provide that good-for-you protein!

It’s true: good things come in small packages!

Popcorn

I tend to crave salty snacks when I’m on a plane. Smartfood Popcorn satisfies my craving – because it’s air popped and not terribly heavy. And it comes in snack-sized bags that are easy to manage on the plane.

Electrolyte Supplement

True confessions: I never use electrolyte supplements because I can’t quite overlook the funky taste. However, it just might be for you if you are particularly sensitive to dehydration and jet lag.

A friend of mine swears by FlyWell’s Travel Tonic. It comes in a single TSA-friendly packet. Just fill your water bottle with cold water and add the electrolyte powder.

This travel tonic is fortified with sodium, calcium, and potassium to help prevent dehydration. Magnesium and chamomile can help with travel anxiety and fatigue. It just might be the boost you need when adjusting to new time zones!

Travel Blanket

Once the lights dim and it’s time for everyone to sleep, the cabin always seems to get noticeably colder. Sure, airlines usually provide blankets on overnight flights—but in my experience, they’re often thin, scratchy, or both. And honestly, I always wonder just how clean they really are. Unless it’s sealed in plastic, I won’t even consider using one.

Bringing your own warmer, softer travel blanket can make a big difference in comfort -and you’ll be much more likely to actually get some rest.

Cited by Oprah as one of the best travel blankets out there, the Travelrest 4-in-1 Blanket is lightweight and cozy. It’s marketed as having four uses—a blanket, a pillow, a wearable poncho, and a body wrap. I’ll admit, I haven’t tested all of those. For me though, when it’s folded up, the blanket works perfectly as a lumbar support pillow

The blanket slips over your head like a poncho, so your shoulders stay covered and you’re not constantly tugging it back into place mid-flight. And it’s not a pain to pack. Its compact case has a built-in luggage strap, so it slips right over suitcase handles.

Pen

It sounds simple, but don’t forget to pack a pen in your carry-on. You’ll need one for filling out customs and immigration forms on international flights, and flight attendants don’t always have extras. It’s a small thing that can save you a surprising amount of hassle.

The Wrap-Up

So there you have it. From breezing through security to finally catching some sleep on a red-eye, these are the airplane travel essentials I rely on to stay organized, comfortable, and a little more sane while flying. I hope my favorites help make your next trip as stress-free as possible—from gate to landing.

Interested in a few more items that would be helpful on longer trips? Check out our post on Must-have Travel Items For Any Trip.

May your flight be on time, your seatmate quiet, and your snacks surprisingly good. Happy travels!