Tag Archives: travel pillow

Whether you’re on board for 1 hour or 12 hours, You need to be comfortable. Carry on these essentials to make the flight as pleasant as possible. We’ve pulled together a list of the top essential items proven to make your flight a smooth and pleasant experience.

Start the Right Carry-On Bag for Your Flight

Start planning for your flight by selecting an antitheft convertible carry-on bag to carry your belongings. A convertible bag zips open and packs like a suitcase plus it has straps to wear as a backpack or day pack while you’re exploring your destination, so the bag is multi-functional.

carry on essential bag that converts to a backpack

Unzips and packs like a suitcase for ease of use, plus it has shoulder straps so the bag doubles as a day bag at your destination. Full suite of anti-theft features included.

Pack these essential items for both long and short flights

No matter how long y our flight is, you should have these items handy for your comfort. These low cost are worth the small investment for your future travels.

Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow for Airplanes and Travel

Get a good sleep while sitting up! Most travelers say they want to sleep to take a nap while in flight. Pillows for coach passengers are extremely hard to come by. If you can find one, how clean is it? Flight attendants report that some airlines don’t provide clean pillows for the next group of passengers. This pillow’s unique design prevents painful neck cramps and your head from falling forward or to the side. This pillow is made to support the chin, neck, and spine from every angle for a comfortable, pain-free flight. While this neck is supportive and comfortable it does take up a bit of room. Two solutions: consider a blow-up pillow or attach the pillow to the exterior handle of your carry-on bag.

1. 360-Degree Support Backed by Sleep Science
Airplane Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs
Stop the painful effects of changes in cabin pressure and eliminate uncomfortable “ear-popping” during flight. These earplugs are reusable, hygienic, and easy to use. Wear throughout the flight to reduce noise on board for a peaceful and comfortable journey.

Noise-canceling earplugs also reduce ear pain from cabin pressure changes.

Portable, Soft, Lightweight Travel Blanket

This portable, soft, lightweight travel blanket comes with a carry bag that’s about the size of a soda can, The material and design maximize warmth onboard and minimizes space needed in your carry-on bag. Bringing your own blanket makes sure you have one when you need it and that it is clean.

Cocoon essential travel blanket for carry on board flights

Packs small to the size of a soda can, and is a clean and convenient option for inflight comfort

RFIDsafe V150 Blocking Compact Organizer
Keep your travel documents, cash, and credit cards safe and secure with this compact, zippered organizer. It can hold 1-2 passports, an itinerary, boarding passes, train tickets, credit cards, ID’s, and a large cell phone (compare your phone dimensions). Detach the straps to use as a wallet or wear as a crossbody or wristlet. It’s RFID blocking, so your data and personal information are safe from scammers with RFID readers.

Protect your identity with RFID technology while staying organized. Detachable strap, pen holder and multiple slots for cards.

Device Holder for Airplanes

Watch your media hands-free now you don’t have to hold your phone for the entire movie. This is a two-in-one solution for air travel. It’s a stable drink holder for a can, cup, or bottle, plus a secure mount for your cell phone or tablet. The Airhook uses the tray table in its vertical and locked position as an anchor, rather than horizontally across your lap as a platform.

Holds phone or tablet, hooks onto the tray table for handsfree comfort while you watch your onboard movie

TSA-Approved Liquid Containers + Zip Top Bag

Pack your toiletries in your carry-on and pass through the TSA checkpoint with ease. The TSA requires all liquid carry-on items to be in travel bottles no larger than 3 ounces and carried in a one-quart clear plastic bag. This set includes four quality bottles and two jars to carry the liquid essentials you may need on your trip.

Travelon 1 quart toiletry bag for carry on

Carry-on items need to be in travel bottles no larger than 3 ounces and carried in a one-quart clear plastic bag. This set includes four quality bottles and two jars to carry the liquid essentials.

Compression Bags

You should always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed. Minimize the space these clothes take up in your carry-on by packing them in a compression bag. These TSA-compliant bags are also a solution for wet or dirty clothes on your return home.

Compression bags minimize the space clothes take up in carry-on luggage

Final Thought

Keep your carry-on or flight essentials together at home. We keep our flight essentials together with our carry-on bags so we don’t forget to pack any of them.

Sleeping onboard an aircraft is tough but following the advice of seasoned travelers on how to sleep on a plane is a good start to getting the rest you crave. Selecting the right seat can make a difference, some seats are better than others if you want to sleep. Read on to learn how to avoid noisy passengers and other annoyances of a red-eye flight. These are the top hints we found to ensure you get rest while en route.

1. Book Your Flight Just Right

The first choice is to pick a nonstop flight. If you must have a connection try to break it up into a long and short leg rather than two legs of the same length. You’ll have more time for uninterrupted sleep on the longer leg.

Regular airplane seats don’t recline much, you’ll need a few tricks to get the sleep you crave. Read on

2. Select Your Seat Wisely

Choose a window seat for less interruption from seat-mates who need to pass in front of you as they make their way to the aisle. If you sleep on your right side choose a seat on the right side of the plane. That way when you turn you’ll be facing the window not the traveler in the seat next to you. Same idea if you sleep on your left side, select a seat on the left side of the plane to maximize privacy. Back sleepers, either side of the aircraft is fine. For all try to select a seat not directly across from the galley or near the lavatories for maximum quiet.

When looking at the seat map pay attention if the bulkhead or exit row seats that offer more legroom also recline, many do not. Pass on the legroom they offer and opt for a seat that reclines. A reclining seat with less legroom is better for sleeping than a seat that doesn’t recline and offers more legroom.

3. Dress for Comfort and Sleep

Wear loose clothing for comfort. If you have to arrive wearing business attire, pack it in your carry-on and change just prior to arrival, you’ll look freshener. We recommend bringing a large wrap or shawl it can act a blanket (do this even in the summer when air conditioning can be particularly strong and uncomfortable) plus it looks fashionable draped around your neck. Men should opt for loose or stretchy pants. Many jeans today are made with a hint of lycra for comfort.

4. Bring Your Own Pillow

Airlines don’t have enough pillows on board for everyone, and the style they offer is not necessarily the best for sleeping while sitting upright. Fortunately, there are several styles of travel pillows, designed especially for sleeping on board so you’re sure to find one that’ll give you the support and comfort you need for sleeping in an airplane seat. We like inflatable neck pillows that help keep your head from flopping over to one side or onto your chest. If you’re concerned about the bulkiness of bringing your own pillow, select an inflatable one you only blow up when flying and then deflate to store in your carry on bag.

how to sleep on a plane self inflating travel pillow

Self Inflating Travel Pillow with Twist Valve

How to sleep on a plane inflatable neck pillow

Inflatable Neck Pillow Supports Head, Neck and Chin

5. Stay Warm

Cabin temps can fluctuate and you won’t be able to sleep if you’re cold, so bring your own blanket. The blankets on-board have usually been used by previous passengers and may be of questionable cleanliness. If you board late you may miss out on finding one altogether. This clever blanket rolls up to about the size of a soda can and can be stowed in your carry-on bag.

Blanket attaches to luggage, pocket + inflatable pillow

6. Use an Anti-Jet Lag Remedy

A homeopathic version (non-drug) is safe and yes, it really works. Avoid alcohol. Even if wine can make you sleepy while you’re earth-bound, in an aircraft it accelerates dehydration. You will only need this if you’re passing through multiple time zones and primarily going overseas.

7. Try a Sleep Aid

There are several over the counter options for you to consider to help you sleep on a flight. Dramamine, which helps with motion sickness can make you drowsy. Unisom and ZzzQuil are designed to help with insomnia so can help you sleep on a flight. Melatonin is a hormone. Discuss these sleep aids with your doctor for advice on which is best for you. Hint: Store your sleep aid in your toiletry bag at home so you don’t forget to pack it.

8. Block-out Noise

There are several alternatives for getting for blocking out sound. Earplugs are a good way to block-out unwanted noise, they’re small and inexpensive. If you like soothing music, make sure you pack your earbuds and phone/iPod. Noise-canceling headphones are a great investment for quiet on board too. The idea is to re-create the sleeping environment you enjoy when not flying. If you get earaches while flying due to the change in cabin pressure, you will need pressure reducing ear filters, they are different from noise-blocking earplugs!

9. Stop the Light

Light, like noise, is a sleep disrupter. The sudden opening of a window shade or the flashing light of a screen whether it is a seatback screen or a seatmates laptop can disrupt your slumber. The solution is an eye mask. Find one with formed with contours. The contour feature is a little formed cavity so your eyelids won’t touch the mask. The bonus for women is that this style doesn’t smear makeup. So you won’t wake up looking like a raccoon.

Molded Eye Mask for Men & Women + Ear Plugs

10. Buckle Up

To avoid being disturbed by the flight attendants during their safety checks make sure your seat belt is secured and visible (over the blanket.) That way the cabin attendants will pass you by.

Try out all or several of these suggestions for sleeping on a plane. A little pre-flight preparation can make your next flight pass quickly as you sleep peacefully and arrived refreshed at your destination.

FREQUENT FLYERS REGISTER FOR TSA PRECHECK AND GLOBAL ENTRY

Frequent flyers join both TSA Precheck and Global Entry because they know the trusted traveler programs save time for frequent travelers. TSA Precheck and Global Entry both provide a fast track through security. Anything that saves time and stress is always a huge benefit for frequent flyers.

FREQUENT FLYERS RACK UP LOYALTY AIR MILES

Frequent flyers always join the airline’s loyalty programs so they can fly free in their leisure time. More importantly, they can use those miles to earn free upgrades on flights. It’s always good to arrive at the airport early so you can talk to the airline personnel at the gate. Sometimes a smile helps put your name at the top of the gate agent’s list so you can get an upgrade when it becomes available. Some airlines have now taken the management of upgrades out of the gate agents hands by creating a digital list based on flyer seniority.

Airlines love their loyal passengers and the benefits of traveling as part of a loyalty program include getting the best seats, free food, free drinks, and ongoing attention throughout the flight. Flight attendants know via the passenger manifest who the frequent flyers are so that they can make sure they take of them

FREQUENT FLYERS ARE NICE TO FLIGHT ATTENDANTS

It’s amazing how far being nice can take you while traveling. Flight attendants have challenging and stressful jobs. However, if you’re very nice from the moment you enter the airplane, you might be bumped to an empty first-class seat or be offered a free drink when the flight attendant comes through with the cart. Bonuses oftentimes go to the nicest, most loyal passengers.

FREQUENT FLYERS GAIN AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS

There are several credit cards that give you airport lounge access. Those cards include the Platinum Card from American Express, the Diners Club Premier, United MileagePlus Club Card by Chase, and Citi Prestige Card by Citi. Oftentimes, frequent flyers can buy a day pass to an airline club to gain access. Frequent flyers are never afraid to walk into an airport lounge to ask about a day pass. The cost of a pass is off-set by the free food and drink offered in the lounge.

FREQUENT FLYERS HAVE COPIES OF PASSPORT, CREDIT CARDS & AIRLINE TICKETS

In case any of your belongings are stolen or lost, you need to have a backup copy of everything so you can get home again, especially your passport, credit cards, and airline tickets. This is a smart tip that frequent flyers do automatically because they don’t want to be stranded half-way around the world without a passport or ID. Having copies will help you sort everything out much faster and may save you any delays in your return flight home. If you don’t have a physical copy, take a cell phone photo of all your travel documents.

FREQUENT FLYERS CHOOSE AISLE SEATS

Frequent flyers love having a little bit of power in their row on the airplane and the aisle seat provides the freedom that a middle seat or window seat does not allow. No matter where you’re sitting on the plane, an aisle seat is always a reward unless it’s in the very last row of the airplane and the seat does not recline.

FREQUENT FLYERS USE ONLINE TOOLS

One of the best online tools for finding the best seat on an airplane is SeatGuru.com. It’s a valuable tool that shows the limitations in reclining seats, lack of windows, proximity to lavatories, and the amount of room for personal items. The site is FREE! It was created to help frequent travelers choose the best airline seats and in-flight amenities.

AwardWallet helps you track and monitor your reward programs and itineraries so you’re notified when your balances change and before your points expire. Frequent flyers love this popular online tool. The cost for a one-year membership for AwardWallet Plus is only $30.

AwardMapper is also a great tool that provides a map to help you search for hotels based on your membership loyalty program. It’s also FREE!

FREQUENT FLYERS OWN A TRAVEL PILLOW, BLANKET & EARPHONES

For health safety, frequent flyers always bring their own small travel pillow, travel blanket, and earphones on every trip. Being comfortable on every flight is a priority. By using their own travel items, frequent flyers ensure that they’re not going to be exposed to excessive bacteria or germs from other passengers. Learn this tip from the expert frequent flyers so you can be healthy during your entire trip.

FREQUENT FLYERS INVEST IN ANTI-THEFT GEAR & RFID BLOCKING GEAR

When you’re sleeping on the airplane, you want to safeguard your valuables in the overhead bin. The best way to do that is to invest in an anti-theft backpack with locking zippers or locking compartments.

The Anti-Theft Urban Backpack with RFID Protection featured below is a favorite for travelers because it has slash-resistant body panels and straps, locking compartments, and RFID blocking slots and pockets for identity theft protection.

Anti-theft travel gear will frustrate a thief because it takes longer to open. If they see a backpack with locking zippers or locking compartments, thieves will move on to the guy who has his wallet sticking out of his pocket instead.

Due to RFID scanners being used to steal your identity, it’s also smart to invest in backpacks, handbags, or wallets with RFID blocking material, pockets, or slots. Protect your identity by turning anything into RFID protection with RFID sleeves.

FREQUENT FLYERS USE HANDS-FREE TRAVEL ITEMS

To make everything easier in the airport, frequent flyers know that hands-free travel gear will save you time and trouble. Instead of juggling extra carry-on items and a handbag or backpack, consider reducing it to only a backpack and a hidden neck pouch or a crossbody handbag for easy access to your passport or ID.

The Anti-Theft Classic Light Convertible Crossbody Handbag and Waist Pack will make traveling easier and safer because it provides security, organization, and peace of mind. The bag is compact, but also big enough for all of your basics. It has slash-proof body panels and straps, locking compartments, and RFID blocking slots to protect your credit cards and passport.

FREQUENT FLYERS USE A HOTEL SAFE LOCK

“Trust No One” may be an old motto, but that’s true when it comes to hotel safes. You don’t know how many people have access to your hotel safe when you’re on day trips away from the hotel. The Milockie Hotel Safe Lock is very popular among frequent flyers. The Milockie Hotel Safe Lock is a visual deterrent and it physically prevents the safe from being opened by hotel staff or anyone else who has access to a master key or master code to the safe.

FREQUENT FLYERS ASK FOR TWO SNACKS

Be the passenger who smiles throughout the flight. When the flight attendant offers you a single cookie package OR a package of peanuts or pretzels politely ask, “Could I have both please?” They will probably give it to you if you’re nice and friendly. The same is true if you ask for a can of soda instead of a single cup plus a cup of water. Ask politely and always smile!