Browse links
US residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data.
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
They walked first, so you could ~fly~. ✈️
"People look at me like a freak when I wipe down the tray (outside, inside, and seat back!), armrests, buckles, window, air adjusters, but you better believe I don't get sick right after a flight! Some people don't know that they sometimes only have like 10 minutes between flights, and no one EVER cleans your seat or disinfects anything. Make sure you do!"—thekatherine
Lysol disinfecting wipes will remove the bacteria and viruses that the person before you (and the person before them) may have left on the seat as their child put their feet all over the TV screen.
Get it from Amazon for $3.72.
"Everyone knows that hotel shampoo is really sucky, and it often comes in small ass bottles, which sucks for people with unruly or long hair. Shampoo bars don't damage your hair as much as liquid shampoo, and can last for months on end. It's perfect for a long trip overseas or for a quick wash at home."—otakuthefangirl
Plus, shampoo bars are more eco-friendly! Over 1,000 people swear by this brand on Amazon for giving them soft, frizz-free hair.
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in eight scents).
"The best carry on suitcase I’ve ever had, with an amazing backpack that slides right on. And when a flight gets delayed, I have an ejectable battery that has 'charge' and 'quick charge.' I would recommend this bag to anyone!" —mareo
Fill the right side up with your clothes and then use the left side for items such as toiletries, shoes, and the middle for thinner items like laptops or tablets.
Get it from Away for $225 (available in 10 colors) and get the backpack from Away for $145 (available in navy, black, and grey).
"They fold up super compact compared to regular towels (but still are quite large when unfolded), so it is easy to pack in any size bag. They dry very quickly. They can be used as shower towels if you’d rather have your own towel than use a hotel, airbnb, or hostel towel, as a faster way to help dry your hair (for example, I’ll use accommodation-provided towels for my body and the microfiber towel for my hair). It's also helpful to have in beachy or sandy areas (for sitting on or drying off). I’ve found the sand comes off much more easily than a regular towel. It's also handy to have on hand for cleaning an unexpected mess or something like that!" —cristat
This one comes in a reusable and waterproof bag and has a loop so it's easy to dry. It absorbs a lot of water and folds up very small. Plus, it has over 1,000 five-star reviews reinforcing how great it is.
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six sizes and seven colors).
"It leaves a bit of a strong cinnamon smell that lingers for a while, but it is worth it." —jpowell617
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in two sizes).
"Compression socks will change your life. From long plane rides to very long days walking, they keep your feet and ankles happy. When I was younger I never had issues, but now I find any flight over 6 hours makes my ankles and feet puff up. Compression socks don’t let it happen!" —susieunderpants
This pair has almost 10,000 five-star reviews, so you know they have to be good. You can read our full review of the compression socks here.
Get them from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in sizes S/M, L/XL and in 18 colors).
"These pack way smaller than over-the-ear models, and they do an awesome job of minimizing airplane engine drone (or road noise, if you're traveling by car/bus)." —axj66
"Noise cancelling headphones drown out engine noise and help a ton when there’s a screaming child on the plane. I can’t go back to regular headphones now!" —torinicolet
Get them from Amazon for $249 (available for Apple and Samsung and Android devices).
"Water bottles are always so over priced in airports. After TSA you can refill your water bottle at a water fountain and get ice for free from any food stand! This is especially handy for long international flights that only give you a half water for the whole flight." —sonniel
This one collapses so it will take up less room in your carryon when you're not using it!
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in six colors).
"When I'm walking all day, I don't want chub rub. It also helps with preventing blisters in shoes.—hannahl463c651ca
Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm is made out of plant-derived ingredients that are allergen free. It's also vegan friendly and can be used in both dry and humid weather.
Get it from Amazon for $8+ (available in five sizes).
"This connects my AirPods to the seat back entertainment!" —sarahh419f3ba26
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
"Especially if you have long layovers. Airplanes are gross and can make me sweat, so about half an hour before I board the next flight, I change my underwear along with putting on scent-free deodorant and brushing my teeth so I know 100% I’m fresh. If it’s summer I also bring a fresh shirt. You may think you smell just fine because you showered the night before your flight, but airplanes will undo all of that really quick." —saraf46cbcaf4c
Get the briefs (left) from Aerie for $9.50 (available in sizes XXS-XXL and in five colors) or a similar five-pack of cotton briefs from Amazon for $21.99 (available in sizes S-XXL and in five color variations).
Get the boxers (right) from American Eagle for $15.95 (available in sizes XS-XXXL and in grey and blue) or a similar five-pack of boxer briefs from Amazon for $13.31 (available in sizes S-XXL and in five color variations).
"It's pricey, but I always carry on this backpack (has a cushy laptop sleeve that makes it easy to go thru security)." —Elizabeth Lilly
Get it from Incase for $39.95 (available in red and navy).
"These are incredible. They’re comfortable, keep their shape despite long flights and layovers, and look cute. I’ve worn them over and over again to travel and they’ve never let me down." —victoriaa4e44cbb18
Get them from Fabletics for $74.95 (available in sizes XXS-XL, Short, Regular, and Tall).
"I always feel super gross on airplanes, and it is inconvenient to keep going to the bathroom to wash your hands every time you want to eat. Plus, airplanes are super dirty!"—jpowell617
This hand sanitizer is vegan and cruelty free and includes essential oils and a misting to get an even clean all over your hands.
Get it from Urban Outfitters for $12 (available in four scents) or a similar three-pack from Amazon for $5.99.
"I cannot survive travel without my Anker charging port. I always need USB ports for my phone, watch, iPad, and headphones. I've had mine for four years and haven't had any issues." —annag467496824
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in black and white).
"My sister bought one for herself as a tool for her while she is on maternity leave and got me one for traveling! It’s so great on a quick domestic flight or long international ones when you fall asleep or had to do a walk on the plane. It’s awesome for your phone just be on you without putting it in your pockets, leaving on the seat pockets or in your carryon. It’s so easy to access to listen to your fave songs, watch your shows, or take a quick photo! Also, pro-tip—this is so clutch for Disney days!!!!"—anneuyc
Get it from XOUXOU for $28 (available in 21 phone models) or get a similar style from eilennaThelabel on Etsy for $17.42+ (available in 33 phone models).
"It is NOT worth trying to tough out your blisters if you’re going to be walking around a lot!" —juliac4749950b2
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $3.97.
"Global Entry (or TSA Pre if you don't do international trips) is worth it. It's nice to never stress about long security lines, plus the last thing you want to do after a long-haul flight is stand in that long ass Customs line. Even if you're only taking one or two trips a year, any of the trusted traveler programs are very worth it." —hcm517
Find out if you're eligible for Global Entry here.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.