10 Essential Airplane Carry-On Accessories

Recently, we shared our Ultimate Airplane Carry-On Checklist with you guys. I thought I'd also talk to you about the specific travel accessories and products I personally love, and can highly recommend for your next flight. Let's face it, flying kinda sucks, especially long haul flights, so it's crucial that we at least try to make it as comfortable as we possibly can for ourselves. There are also some products I use to be more organized, that I think every traveler should have. Below are some of the accessories and items that I rely on to make a flight more bearable, or if it's even possible, enjoyable.

A Hard Case Carry-On Suitcase

This is an investment worth making, as a hard case carry-on suitcase will keep your items safe and secure. I highly recommend getting a suitcase that can lock, as theft on airplanes has become a big problem, and most of us fly with expensive valuables in our carry-on. I use the AWAY The Carry-On suitcase; a functional and stylish hard case suitcase. This suitcase is light and consists of two compartments. It also includes a combination lock, and has a built-in battery which can charge any USB device. (The battery can easily be removed if an airplane does not allow it in the cabin.) It comes in an array of colors, and there are also more sizes available, too.

Buy the AWAY The Carry-On suitcase ($225)

A Large Purse / A Backpack

When possible, I try to only fly with a large purse to avoid having to lug around a carry-on suitcase as well. I can higly recommend the large LONGCHAMP Le Pliage bags. (They come in many sizes and colors!) These bags are great for traveling, as they close securely with a zipper and an extra leather flap, and they fit SO MUCH. They're easy to squeeze under the seat in front of you on the plane, and they are made of water resistant nylon. Once at your destination, you can fold this bag into a small square, making it easy to store when you're not using it.

The Husband always travels with a backpack, and prefers the HERSCHEL SUPPLY Little America one. These bags are so spacious, and even though you can't lock it, the bags close securely.

Buy the LONGCHAMP Le Pliage bag ($145) or HERSCHEL SUPPLY Little America backpack ($100)

A Travel Document Organizer

I always cringe when I see people rummaging through their carry-on bags or purses, pulling out a passport from this pocket, a boarding pass from that pocket, or panicking when not being able to locate these important documents while traveling. The solution to your problem is a travel document organizer. I never travel without one, even if it's a short flight. You get many different organizers in shops and online, but I recommend one that can easily fit a passport (or two), boarding passes, a pen, one that has a compartment for money, multiple card slots and also some extra space for other travel documents like itineraries, bookings or important information. Also, make sure this travel organizer has a zipper that will secure all your documents and other valuables inside.

Buy the ZOPPEN travel document oganizer ($13.99)

A Clear Waterproof Toiletries Bag

I recommend getting a waterproof, clear toiletries bag. Use it for hygiene and beauty products and medication. Clear bags are more efficient for airplane travel, as you're less likely to be hassled going through security, and it's also easier to find smaller things in there on a dark airplane. These types of bags are easy to find online and in shops, and come in many different sizes and shapes. I love the clear carry-on toiletries bag by FLIGHT001.

Buy a FLIGHT001 F1 Clear Carry-On bag ($10)

A Convertible Neck Pillow

For long haul flights, comfort is key, so treat yourself with a comfy travel pillow. I can highly recommend the SAMSONITE Magic 2-in-1 travel pillow. This pillow is convertible and can be changed into a square, or a u-shape that fits around your neck. It can easily be attached to your carry-on bag or suitcase when you're not using it, or when walking around at the airport.

Buy the SAMSONITE Magic 2-in1 travel pillow ($19.99)

A Silk Sleep Mask

Another long haul must-have for me is a soft sleep mask. Some airlines will provide you with these, but often times they aren't that comfortable. I recommend getting a silk one, like the SLIP Slipsilk Pure Silk sleep mask, to make sure you get your beauty rest on the flight.

Buy the SLIP Slipsilk Pure Silk sleep mask ($45)

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Airplane headphones are the worst, so I always recommend you bring your own earphones, or better yet, noise cancelling headphones. Just remember to bring an airline headphone adapter, which allows you to use your headphones' single 3.5mm stereo jack with the double 3.5mm mono ports. If you're a frequent flyer, it's worth investing in the BOSE Quiet Comfort headphones.

Buy the BOSE Quiet Comfort 25 Noise Cancelling headphones ($169.99) and the airplane flight headphone adapter set ($5.99)

A Universal Adapter

You only have to travel abroad once to realize that you absolutely need a universal adapter plug. I never travel without one! Get one that is not too bulky, and that also includes a USB port. This 5-in-1 adapter by FLIGHT 001 is perfect, as it's color coded (which makes it super simple to use!).

Buy the FLIGHT 001 5-in-1 universal adapter plug ($35)

A Water Bottle

Everyone knows the importance of staying hydrated on a flight, but sometimes those little cups of water they pass out on the flight just doesn't cut it. Bring your own water bottle and fill it up at the airport terminal before boarding. That way you'll always have some water with you, and you don't have to get up to go get some in the galley. Maybe this one is not the most practical as it's glass, but I love the BKR water bottles, which comes in 500ml and 1Liter sizes.

Buy the BKR glass water bottle ($35)

A Book / An E-Reader

Last, but not least, I highly recommend packing a book. Any book. (Or an E-Reader if you have one!) You just never know what could happen on a flight, and you may be stuck on an airplane that has no TVs, or yours doesn't work, or you have to wait for a long time to board a flight, or there's a delay. Many situations can arise where you may have to keep yourself busy for while. A good e-reader I can recommend is the KINDLE, just make sure you download some e-books beforehand.

Buy the KINDLE e-reader ($79.99)

We hope you got some good ideas of airplane carry-on accessories that will maximize your in-flight comfort. Let us know what is one item you always take with you on the airplane to make your flight more comfortable.

Happy travels, friends!

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