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Flight Attendants Swear By These 26 Travel Products (So You Know They’re Worth The Money)

Take it from the pros: You deserve to be comfy before, during, and after your trip through the skies.

Posted 3 hours ago

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by Ashley Schumacher BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping for over two years with an emphasis on home goods, parenting items and toys, beauty products, and anything that can make your day-to-day life run a little smoother.

We asked flight attendants in the BuzzFeed Community to tell us about all the best travel products, and here are their recommendations!

1. A collapsible water bottle with a straw and carry strap that doubles as a lil' water bottle lasso so it can take the least amount of space in your bag when not in use, but still hold a good amount of water when you need it to! Pretty much every flight attendant mentioned hydration as a MUST while frequently flying, so be sure to join their ranks and keep your skin and body nice and moisturized on the go.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I'm a flight attendant, so I'm always all over the place. I struggle to drink water when I'm on the road, but having this water bottle has helped a lot. It packs down and fits perfectly in my purse! An essential travel item for me!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in six colors and packs of two).

2. Some travel antibacterial wipes great for wiping down suspicious surfaces on the plane and off. You can't control every aspect of your travels, but you *can* make sure you don't eat off a grimy surface. (Ew.)

Amazon

Promising review: "As a flight attendant I always need wipes. These small packs are great for putting in your purse and having on the go. The bundle pack is a great value. " —SJ1326

Get 20 packs of 10 wipes each from Amazon for $18.40.

3. A tube of ultra-rich Weleda Skin Food proving once again that big results can come from small packages. A little goes a long way with this plant-based, nourishing body cream. Perfect for using on scratchy elbows, dry spots on your hands, and anywhere else that could use a quick dab of mega moisturizing superpowers. 

@weleda_usa / https://www.instagram.com/p/B18zKbzHkku/

I always have a tube of this on me, especially during travel. They also have a Welda Skin Food lip balm version that I also adore.

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and this is my go-to hand cream! It is a little greasy when you first start rubbing it in, but it absorbs quickly and that along with the smell (a bit medicinal) dissipates before you know it. It doesn't take much of this at all. I rub a little on my tired feet at the end of the day as well, and trust me I have tired feet after being on them for 14-plus hours. This stuff works great for this as well. Win-win, Weleda!" —Lauren

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

4. A handheld clothing steamer because it's basically a magic wand that you can wave at your clothes to avoid having to find the dreaded hotel iron and ironing board set. Bypass that nonsense altogether and get your travel clothes back to wrinkle-free status STAT. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant and this product is perfect for my trips! So much easier than an iron. It doesn’t leave creases and gets super hot. Very impressed. It’s small and easy to fit into your luggage." —angelina mullins

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two colors).

5. A Kindle Paperwhite so no matter where you are in the world, your TBR can be right there with you. This latest generation can hold thousands of books (and dozens of audiobooks!), has a no-glare screen with a controllable backlight for the *perfect* warmth and brightness for YOU, and runs up to 12 weeks on a single charge. No more having to decide between books while packing: You can take the lot!

Amazon

Psst. There's also a brand-newKindle Colorsoft for manga and graphic novel fans and a Scribe Colorsoft version if you want the ability to read and write ~in color~.

"E-readers are awesome to have a book with you on the go without taking up too much space." —michellee48b2133e7

Promising review: "I love my kindle. I've read so many books ever since purchasing it! It's so convenient to carry around and it's very lightweight, perfect for commutes and long travel. My other favorite thing is being able to decorate my kindle too!" —Jacqueline Nguyen 

Get it from Amazon for $199.99+ (available in three colors, with or without Kindle Unlimited, and with or without lockscreen ads)

6. A portable door lock for a little extra security, no matter where you're staying in the big, wide world. Reviewers love how easy it is to install (no tools!) and say it helps them sleep better, especially if they're traveling alone.

Amazon

"For security in a hotel room, Add-a-Lock. It’s a fantastic door stopper just in case. Trust me, once you’ve had someone walk in while you're undressing, it’s pretty hard to shake." —michellee48b2133e7

Promising review: "My best guy friend bought this for me, and I love it. I’m a flight attendant and am in hotels 4–5 nights a week. Sometimes the “locks” just don’t feel sturdy enough. This device gives me an extra layer of security and allows me to sleep at night. I keep it in my flight bag." —Emilia Duren

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

7. Some silicone earplugs literally designed to make your ears feel better on the plane. A lot of reviewers use them specifically for ascending and descending to keep them comfy while changing altitudes and then use their regular headphones while at cruising altitude, but you could totally keep these in the whole flight, too!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "As a flight attendant, I recommend that anybody who is a frequent traveler keep a pair of these in their bag. I have problems with my ears because I flew while congested, and use these all the time. If you have to fly while having a cold, you should use these just to avoid the pain and problems you could possibly have during descent." —Vanessa

Get them from Amazon for $18.95 (also available in multipacks). 

8. A Master Lock portable safe so no matter if there is a lockbox in your hotel room or not, you can ensure your stuff is secure, no matter what! Lots of reviewers use this to protect their valuables at the beach, too, so no matter what destination you have on your calendar, this handy gadget is a ~safe~ bet.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

BuzzFeed Deputy Editorial Director Elizabeth Lilly owns this, and says:

"Like most people (I hope?), I’m always a little iffy about taking a dip in the water at the beach and leaving my wallet and phone on the beach. So when I booked a 2.5-week Europe trip with LOTS of beaching involved, I bought one of these Master Lock safes that I’ve put in several stories. It was a bit bulky in my suitcase, but I left it unlocked and put some stuff in there so it wasn’t just dead space. It came in handy at a number of beach clubs, where my friend and I stashed our credit cards, cash, and case-less phones while we frolicked in the sea. Despite lots of people milling about our umbrella while we had our fun, we felt our stuff was completely safe and could concentrate on *just* having fun."

Promising review: "I'm a flight attendant and really recommend this! It's amazing to keep your things safe!" —Britany G

Get it from Amazon for $16.17+ (available in two colors and multipacks). 

9. A TSA-friendly toiletries set that will let you take *all* your fave skincare, haircare, and beauty products along without having to go out and buy special travel-sized versions if you're not feeling that.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "If it wasn’t for me forgetting them in the hotels, I wouldn’t have to buy more. This is my third set and I love these things! I’m a flight attendant and these are easy to fill, use, and pack!" —Raena Hill

Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in seven variations).

10. Or if you're not in need of containers, a clear TSA-approved toiletry bag so you can be easy-breezy as you glide through security with all your faves safely (and compliantly) ~in the bag~. 

Amazon

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and it's perfect for my international flights going through security. I love the handle, easy to pull out of my suitcase." —Kristi

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 10 colors).

11. And aCalpak hanging toiletry bag as nifty for travel as it is when you actually reach your destination. Pack once and then enjoy the fruits of your organizational packing labors by just hanging this up in the bathroom when you get to the hotel. 

Calpak

Promising review: "I have had hundreds of toilet kits in my years of travel, starting as a flight attendant to now a retired woman who loves to travel with her makeup, luxury shampoos and conditioners and other essentials. It all fits in this toiletry bag. I swim at the club three times a week and I hang it on my locker after my shower. Plus it zips up which will be nice for my trip to Europe next month. A great find and worth the money!" —Mary D. 

Get it from Calpak for $64 (available in 12 colors/patterns).

12. A portable charger that holds enough power to charge your phone more than once, meaning there's no reason for you to miss that once-in-a-lifetime shot of a pelican soaring over your cruise ship or the equally rare pic of your kids all getting along in the backseat because your phone died.

Anker

"A power bank! Bringing along too many cords and an international adapter is such a hassle that you sometimes leave it in the hotel room, so a power bank is my go-to power source. It’s light, compact, and can charge a lot of items on the go! I always carry mine during layovers." —fritziebeatricen

Promising review: "Very handy! I’m a flight attendant and travel a lot. This has come in handy on the airplane and in the airport. Perfect size and lightweight." —Rae

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in two colors).

13. A bendy travel pillow to give yourself the flexibility to lean against the window, bunch it up on the tray table, or just to have some extra lumbar support on those long-haul plane, train, and automobile rides.

Amazon

Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant and I travel with this pillow all the time! In hotel rooms I use it to support my neck, on the plane I use it to support my lumbar area. When I drive it helps my lower back. I love that it has a liner that can be removed to wash. I bought my boyfriend one too and it goes everywhere we do!" —Debbie

Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in four sizes and eight colors). 

14. Or a Trtl travel pillow if you want the ultimate minimalist travel pillow that supports your neck like a super gadget scarf. I've used one of these for years and, honest to goodness, have had some really RAD plane naps. Plus, they're not too bulky to throw in your personal item bag on the plane!

Amazon

Promising review: "As a flight attendant, I travel all the time. This makes getting stuck in a middle seat palatable. I’ve used this in cars, planes, trains, etc. It is great. My sister was so jealous on our last trip to Italy that she kept trying to steal it from me. Ordered her one for Christmas." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in four colors). 

15. An Amazon Fire TV Stick for frequent travelers *and* frequent streamers who don't want to miss out on the latest episode of The Pitt. (And who wants to watch on their tiny phone? NOT YOU.) Just plug into the hotel television's HDMI slot, and you're good to go!

Amazon

"To keep up with my TV bingeing, I love that I bought an Amazon Fire Stick. Just plug it into the TV and connect to the hotel Wi-Fi and you’re set to go. Almost all hotels have flat screens with HDMI ports now." —michellee48b2133e7

If you have Amazon Prime, it gives you access to endless TV shows and movies. This version lets you stream in ~4K~, which means you get a true HD picture.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

16. A weighted sleep mask to help block out the light, no matter what the window situation is like in your plane and — eventually — your hotel room. This may just help if you're trying to snag a quick daytime nap. 

Amazon

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and have a wacky work schedule. I frequently have to sleep during the day. These are SO comfortable and cool as well. I have ordered and tried out at least 10 eye masks off of Amazon and have found these to be the best. They are SO comfortable and do not have Velcro on the straps, for which I am thankful, because I usually sleep on my back and am sensitive to the thickness of eye masks that have the Velcro straps." —sw

Get one from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two colors).

17. A pair of Clarks heels that are basically the gold standard of polished, professional, and comfortable footwear. Got a meeting to catch right after your plane lands? Come prepared *and* without dreading your every step from the gate to your Uber in these go-tos. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

"Clarks shoes have been the best, hands down, for all-day footwear and comfortable heels!" —michellee48b2133e7

Promising review: "I've been wearing these heels every day for work as a flight attendant for the last year and a half. I do get them shined and polished in the airport every few months or so. They are by far my favorite pair of heels for work. I always get questions from other FAs asking if they are comfortable and my answer is always "after breaking them in for the first week or 2 so the leather stretches a bit, Yes!" If you are a flight attendant looking at these heels I will say to buy half a size larger than you normally would because you will swell with the constant elevation changes and just in general as the day goes on." —Ashton

Get these 3-inch Clarks from Amazon for $58.37+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, including half sizes and wide options, and three styles, although not all styles are available in all colors).

18. A pack of four hydrating skin mists, so no matter your desired vibe as you battle the dreaded dry and patchy skin in the air, you can spritz yourself back to perfectly moisturized and give yourself a little self-care moment at 30,000 feet.  

Amazon

"For skin hydration, I’m a fan of spritzing throughout flights (just bring your fave...I’m loving ones by Mario Badescu)." —melialexander

Promising reviews: "I got this for my daughter who is a flight attendant. It is so dry on the planes so these are refreshing and hydrating." —E. Gilmore

"I got this for traveling so my skin wouldn't dry out during airplane trips. My skin is naturally very dry and sensitive, and I have tried many different products to see what would keep me from breaking out. I originally got this two years ago, but I have repeatedly gone back to this product for everyday use even when I am not traveling because it helps keep my skin hydrated without breaking out from repeated use." —Calley Neef

Get a travel-friendly pack of four Mario Badescu sprays from Amazon for $22.

19. Some antibacterial hand soap paper sheets perfect for on-the-go hygiene. Whether you're halfway across the world or roadtripping a state over, it's never fun to find an empty soap dispenser, but now you can banish grimy hands with this ultra-packable solution.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "As a flight attendant, I find that using the soap on the plane and in the airport, destroy, chap, and dry out my hands and cuticles. This soap smells amazing, and feels clean and soft on my hands. This is a great gift for those who like to give your flight attendants gifts when you board, hint hint, we love travel items lol." —1SG JC

Get a 100-sheet pack from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in larger pack options and three scents as well as unscented).

20. A simple luggage strap that'll hold your sweater, your travel blanket, your handled water bottle, and just about anything else you can fit inside the handy clips. Don't make yourself feel ~strapped~ in the airport for extra hands: Pack this instead!

Amazon

Promising review: "Definitely what I needed for my luggage as a flight attendant. Very heavy duty and perfect for me. Works great with my extra luggage and lunch bag to hang on my suitcase. Thank you so much. Will definitely buy again." —Mary

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in five colors and multipacks).

21. An electronics organizer designed to help you keep your sanity on the go by not letting your cables and cords turn themselves into pretzel clumps. Pack all your chargers, flash drives, memory cards, and other technological nonsense in one convenient spot and say goodbye to pulling out a 5-pound wire tangle on the plane.

Amazon

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and I LOVE this organizer! I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork, and hand sanitizer in here. It keeps me organized! Definitely recommend to anyone who travels and needs to keep organized." —amazonislife

Get it from Amazon for $16.14+ (available in two sizes and four colors). 

22. A set of Sea Bands if motion sickness has brought you down all these traveling years, and enough is finally enough. These work by applying pressure to your wrist, which might just help with car sickness and nausea. Travel is stressful enough without wanting to gag at the thought of getting in a boat or car, so do yourself a favor and throw these in your cart so you can then throw them in your bag!

www.amazon.com

Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Promising review: "FLIGHT ATTENDANT APPROVED! They work. 100% of the time." —Jessica

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.79+ (available in six colors). 

23. A mini lightweight flat iron for ensuring you have perfectly coiffed hair without having to lug around big, bulky gadgets. And it's not much longer than a smartphone, so less packing space, to boot!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It also comes with a heat-resistant pouch for easy carrying!

Promising review: "This fits perfectly in my toiletries travel bag that I take with me as a flight attendant. Anything that comes in a small size and still works well is perfect for me." —Kathy S

Get it from Amazon for $17.39+ (available in three colors).

24. A lightweight travel wrap: It's a scarf, it's a blanket, it's a shawl, it's an in-a-pinch cushion for your tray table. Reviewers LOVE the versatility of this, and with 11 colors to choose from, you're sure to find your new perfect travel buddy.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "A flight attendant loaned me her wrap on an overnight flight as there were no blankets. I was amazed at how soft and warm it was. It’s so versatile and compact. I throw it in my handbag for a blanket at the movies. Easy to pack and use for travel. They make great gifts." —Sally Hammond

Get it from Amazon for $42+ (available in 11 colors).

25. An AirFly, a wireless transmitter that'll connect your AirPods to in-flight screens so you don't have to give up your comfortable headphone setup for the airline's questionable-quality wired alternatives.  

www.amazon.com

It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.

Promising review: "As a flight attendant I am on a plane several times a week. I have seen many passengers with this product and after hearing so many positive reviews from the passengers, I decided to purchase it for myself. This has been a wonderful purchase. It is good quality and very convenient for the plane entertainment system. Not only can it be used on the plane, but other applications as well. I do enjoy how easy it is to connect to my airpods. Also as a crew member we are always thinking of safety. No having the cord from the monitor and passenger seat makes it safer for the passenger. This has been such a positive purchase I am giving several of these for Christmas gifts." —IslandGirl

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in four styles and five colors).

26. Some no-vacuum space-saving bags because you deserve to take all your fave outfits on your trip *and* have room to bring souvenirs back. Just pack your clothes into the bags, zip, roll, and let yourself gloat about how much you fit into your carry-on trip across the ocean. You're welcome.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "As a frequent flyer (i'm a flight attendant) I love these bags." —Beth DeBord

"OMG!! Where have these been my whole life? Never knew they existed !! That's sad considering I'm an ex-flight attendant!! Seriously these can make your life so incredibly easy when traveling ...going to order more for storage of off season clothes as well as keeping moisture and moths away." —MeDeeLee21

Get an eight pack from Amazon for $17.28.

Still need to grab a few more things before your next trip? Let us help:

* Dust Off Your Suitcase And Make Sure You Didn’t Forget To Pack These 27 Useful Travel Products

* Things Sure To Come In Clutch If You’re Traveling With Pets

* Things That’ll Ensure You’re Never Bored If You’re Trapped On A Plane, Train, Bus, Or In A Car

* Travel Products That Make The Whole Airport And Plane Part A Bit Less Annoying

* Things That’ll Make Your Next Longggg Trip As Comfortable As Possible

Plus, finds from Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

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