1. A genius airplane window tray (if you're a window seat kind of traveler) that you can use to hold your drinks, headphones, etc. if you hate keeping the seat back tray down or want to use it for something else like setting up your laptop and playing The Sims 4. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

PS: This only works if you have full access to the window (rather than those seats where you get the weird halves of two windows between the rows in front and behind you). 

Promising review: "A friend recommended this to me as a vital travel companion now that I've returned to frequent flying. I initially thought of it as a novelty, but now that I've used it, it's a necessity. It keeps the workspace clear for my laptop, but it also organizes all the little pieces that can become so annoying to keep up with — glasses, earphones, etc. It got my seatmate's immediate attention, as well as a few other folks nearby. I suspect they'll have one soon. Watch for one soon in a window near you!" —Timothy G. Wolfe

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

2. An ultra-supportive neck pillow to make the whole "falling asleep while sitting upright" thing possible (and comfy). Is there any better way to pass the time on a plane than with a nice long nap? I don't think so. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am a terrible flyer who recently took the red-eye from Dubai to Chicago (15 hours). The Trtl Pillow was a mini lifesaver! I was able to comfortably rest my head on the support and felt warm enough to actually doze off...a rare accomplishment for this skittish flyer. The Velcro works wonderfully with regard to adjustment, and I liked wrapping the fabric around my mouth and nose. Sort of felt cozy...even if I did look like a ninja in a neck brace! Overall, this product has changed the way that I fly, and I am so thankful for this invention and the opportunity to support a small company with big ideas." —S.Viruly

Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in four colors and a breathable style).

3. Or an inflatable travel pillow with a genius design that provides support for your head and arms so dozing off while en route to your destination will be comfy as can be.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am a very frequent traveler and had lived through many 13+ hour flights prior to purchasing this pillow. After using it for the first time on my 13-hour flight to Tokyo, I will never fly without it again! It was comfortable not only for sleeping while leaning forward but also for leaning against the window on the larger international plane. If you're traveling with a companion, it is also very comfortable being used between two people. I especially love how there are holes for your arms, and they can be used at different angles/positions. It made for a very restful flight overall." —Elizabeth B

Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 

4. A Kindle Paperwhite to ensure your favorite reads and books on your TBR list are readily available midair without having to waste precious room in your carry-on/personal item lugging big novels.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

I did it. I caved on October Prime Day and bought myself this older model of the Kindle Paperwhite, and boy, am I glad I did. For starters, I always thought of myself as someone who preferred physical books over e-books. There's just something SO exciting to me about unboxing a book order or walking into a bookstore and spending way too much money. I even spent two years creating a rainbow library on my bookshelf in my apartment. BUT! After taking two vacations this year and realizing how annoying it is to pack physical books and move somewhere that requires a long train ride to get to the city (aka increased boredom), I decided to just get myself a Kindle. For starters, I'm reading more on this Kindle in the past month than I have all year. It is incredibly lightweight (it fits into my small little BELT BAG WITH ROOM TO SPARE!!!), easy to use, and not to mention a really great investment! I have three free months of Kindle Unlimited, which means access to tons of great books for free, but the best is Libby! I just go on the Libby app from my phone, choose a Kindle book to check out through my local library, and boom, it's instantly delivered to my Amazon account to add to my Kindle library. It's safe to say I'm obsessed. 

Get it from Amazon for $159.99+ (available in three colors and with or without ads).

5. An acupressure anti-nausea wristband that claims to ward off motion sickness and nausea, minus the drowsiness side effect found in most nausea medications.

www.amazon.com

For more info on how to use acupressure for nausea management, check out this guide from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 

Promising review: "These really work! I was skeptical, but they make a really big difference! I suddenly found myself getting really motion-sick on airplanes. Not wanting to medicate myself and be drowsy, I tried these, and they work fabulously! No motion sickness, and I actually felt much more calm because the pressure point is also an anti-anxiety pressure point. I won't travel without these!" —Paws

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53 (available in adult and children's sizes).

6. A pair of wireless earbuds with a cult following to make listening to your music, audiobooks, shows, and movies nice and crisp. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Bought these to use on a flight to Hawaii, and I didn't want to spend a bundle on them. They worked great. They have a good sound to them, and did a fair job of knocking out the airplane noise. They made it the entire flight without recharging. I'm very happy with this purchase." —Dane Hewitt

Get it from Amazon $18.98+ (available in five colors).

7. Or a pair of noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones because this super comfy over-the-ear option delivers great sound AND may just help drown out the crying baby a few rows back. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: “Great sound and comfort! Comfortable fit, noise-canceling works great. Recommend for air travel or whenever you want to escape from outside interruptions. Just flew to Europe and was able to keep headphones on with very little discomfort for the entire 12-hour flight.” —joanne gentile 

Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four colors).

8. An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you can connect your wireless earbuds to the airplane entertainment system. Watching your favorite shows/movies with clear sound is a heck of a lot better than the static that comes with the junk headphones the airline tries to sell you.

www.amazon.com

It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual. My colleague Chelsea Stuart used it on a European trip — check out her Twelve South AirFly Pro review.

Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009.

Promising review: "I loved being able to move around in my seat, eat, and stretch and not get bothered by a cord from my Bluetooth headphones to the video screen on the airplane. It's a game changer for sure. Battery lasted from Accra, Ghana all the way to Texas in the US — 18+ hours in the air! Buying a second one for my son for our next flight!" —Stephanie Schmidt

Get it from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in three styles and two colors).

9. A pair of compression socks for potentially bringing sweet relief to feet that tend to swell during air travel. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Read more about compression socks and swelling on long flights at Cleveland Clinic. 

Promising review: "Game changer. I bought these to wear on the plane. Usually, when I fly, my ankles are swollen for days. These socks kept swelling to a minimum. So glad I bought them." —MeganLucey

Get them from Amazon for $14.24+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and 15 styles).

Check out my colleague's Physix Gear compression socks review for more deets!

10. A pack of EarPlanes — earplugs designed to help ease the pain that comes with the sudden pressure change during takeoff. These are also great if you're driving to a destination at high altitude or if you're simply just trying to drown out the sound of a crying baby so you can sleep.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Never fly without these! Before I found these, I endured excruciating pain in my ears upon descent and landing. Felt like a hot poker being driven into each ear. My ears would also be plugged up, and it would often take two to three days for them to resume their normal state of being. I insert them about an hour before landing, as the plane is making its slow descent. I'm comfortable, and the most discomfort I experience is a slight adjustment of pressure in my sinus. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." —K. Tombrella

Get three pairs from Amazon for $19.85.

11. A seat-back organizer great if the thought of putting your personal belongings like glasses, drinking bottles, and tech items into the provided seat back pouch makes you squirm. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Definitely my new favorite purchase to make flying easier. Very easy to slip over the tray table, lots of pockets to keep things organized and at your fingertips. Material is stretchy but not thin, folds up very small, and can be stored in your backpack, purse, or briefcase without taking up a lot of space!! Great product to keep things handy mid-flight, and you don't have to use that icky seat-back pocket anymore!!" —Shirley Kinyon

Check out BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord’s Airplane Pockets review.

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

12. A contoured sleep mask you're gonna be really happy you have with you next time you're on a flight and it's too bright to attempt to take a nap because the person next to the window refuses to close it. How's that for planning ahead?

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Plus, it comes with a set of earplugs to block out all the noise around you!

Promising review: "I do a lot of traveling and many red-eye flights! Sleep is an important issue! My previous masks let in some light as well as put pressure against my closed eyes! This product has no light seepage, and my eyes are not in contact with the mask, which gives me total comfort! I highly recommend this product to anyone who travels frequently!" —Donna Smolinski

Get the set from Amazon for $22.99 (available in five colors and two styles).

13. A Nintendo Switch Lite, because trust us when we say you'll get so invested in building your perfect Animal Crossing island and befriending all of the adorable villagers, you'll forget you're even on a plane until the wheels hit the tarmac at your final destination.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This was the best purchase for someone who travels a lot. I am able to keep myself entertained on a plane and at the airport. Aside from that, it's a great portable console, and you can download lots of great Nintendo games on it. I had N64 and GameCube, and this is my first new Nintendo Console since those good old times, and I am happy and satisfied with my purchase." —Mike

Get it from Amazon for $196.99+ (available in three colors).

14. An inflatable footrest for making your next flight the comfiest one yet. So comfy, you might actually somewhat *enjoy* flying? PS: If you're traveling with kiddos, this can help turn their airplane seat into a bed. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This footrest pillow is essential for those who travel very long distances. It is not only uncomfortable but unhealthy to leave feet dangling down for many hours or days at a time while traveling. I purchased this pillow to situate between my airplane seat and the seat in front of mine. It is wonderful to be able to prop my feet up, with bent knees, while watching movies or sleeping. I regularly fly the same route that is about 30 hours (including layovers), and when I am unable to get a seat upfront, this footrest pillow keeps me more comfortable at the back of the plane." —Yvonne N

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

15. A phone mount so you can watch your favorite downloaded shows/movies on your flight — because sometimes the airline doesn't offer your comfort characters on their entertainment menu or worse...there's no television at all.

Amazon

Promising review: "If you travel a lot, buy this!! Even if you don't travel, this phone holder would be useful. My hubby and I fly fairly often and I'm always tired of holding my phone or figuring how to set it up during plane rides. This is a game changer for flights. Makes it so easy and convenient to watch movies or shows during trips. A few people even asked me where I got it from. Definitely recommend!" —Alex Norman

Get it from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in five colors and as a two-pack).

16. A freezable snack box because traveling when you are a picky eater (or traveling with one) or have allergies can be quite stressful. This lovely pouch makes it easy to bring your favorite snacks along with you. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This is a great solution for storing breast milk and keeping it cold! If you have to pump during your flight and don't want milk to go to waste, this pouch will come in handy!

Promising review: "Recently used this to travel on a flight where no meal was to be served. Followed instructions for freezing before using. I packed some ham, cheese sticks, and mayo packets. Everything was kept remarkably cold. Can't wait to use this again." —TexasGal

Get it from Amazon for $14.39+ (available in 15 colors and prints).

17. A set of water paint pads that'll keep any kiddos you're traveling with entertained and happy on the journey. Let's face it, bringing little ones on a plane when you're already restless enough yourself about flying is no easy feat.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are amazing!! Got them for our 3.5-year-old boy and 1-year-old girl for long flights, and they far exceeded our expectations! Both kids love them, and it kept my 3.5-year-old busy for over an hour! Now we bring them with us to restaurants." —Marmar39

Get three pads from Amazon for $23.99 (available in four different styles).

18. A pouch of travel game cards, including activities like hangman, tic-tac-toe, a blank for free draw, and more! It's great for turning into a mid-air family activity!

Ellesmere Home / Etsy

Ellesmere Home is a family-owned small biz based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina that sells personalized gifts, shirts, and home decor.

Promising review: "So adorable! Out of several similar travel game options, my kids liked this one best. The quality is amazing for the price." —Samantha Grace

Get it from Ellesmere Home on Etsy for $29. 

19. A travel blanket and pillow set that's truly a genius solution for cozying up en route to your next destination. All you have to do is unzip the pillow and remove the fleece blanket that neatly fits inside it when you're ready to snuggle up. Plus, you can either slide it over the handle of your carry-on OR use the included carabiner to clip it to your backpack or duffel. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

EverSnug is a small business that sells travel sleeping care kits.

Promising review: "This product in my opinion is worth it if you are traveling anywhere in the world. I just traveled to five different countries with it and I traveled by airplane, by bus, by train, and in every single one of my travels, this was a godsend. It is so good and so fluffy, and it’s good quality because it has been through a lot and it’s still in very good shape so I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a blanket that can potentially turn into a pillow. I highly recommend it if you’re traveling, it is a beautiful blanket and you will not be disappointed." —Kenlbel

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in seven colors).

20. Or a shawl wrap light enough to be worn as a scarf and cozy enough to enjoy as a blanket en route to your destination.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I travel a lot internationally, and so I love the duality of a scarf that's also a blanket. It does come with a pocket to put a hand heater pack into, but I never use that. It's very comfortable, not scratchy at all, and it's easy to wash. It's great to wear traveling or as an awesome big scarf. I use it all the time." —Laura

Get it from Amazon for $46 (available in nine colors).

21. A pack of compressed towelettes ready to expand with just water! These are a great option if you find yourself in a pickle in the airplane bathroom or if you or your little ones eat a messy snack/spill a sticky drink mid-flight.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Portawipes is a small business based in Wyoming that sells compressed toilet paper tablets.

Promising review: "I bought a bunch of these and stashed them all over in backpacks and vehicles. Didn’t really think about them until my kids made a mess waiting for a flight that was about to board. Just a little water and it’s basically a washcloth you throw away. Much tougher than I expected." —Fayrae

Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $14.97 (also available in other pack sizes).

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.