Travel smart with the best flight crew-approved trip essentials — all on sale

Travelpro is among flight crew members’ favorite luggage brands. From its lightweight build to its durable construction, this carry-on is one that pilots in particular use and praise.

“I like the two-wheel pull version that I have used for years as an airline pilot,” one five-star reviewer on Amazon said. “My wife wanted this version with the four wheels. It worked very well over various surfaces.”

If you’ve ever tried to settle in for an in-flight snooze, you know that it’s a challenge. Flight crew members, who are experts at catch-as-catch-can cat naps (say that 10 times fast!), treasure a travel pillow that makes falling and staying asleep a bit easier. 

One flight attendant said he uses this No. 1 bestselling pillow when heading home after exhausting international red-eyes. “This allows me to sleep and not wake up with a total neck ache,” the crew member gushed.

Portable tech is a modern-day miracle — from your laptop and phone to your portable charger and tablet — but it means bringing along an array of cables. Flight attendants and frequent flyers say this double-layer electronic accessories organizer has room for everything, including a designated slot for an iPad.

“I am a flight attendant and I love this organizer!” one professional wrote. “I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork and hand sanitizer in here. It keeps me organized!”

Having to endure a long flight with no in-flight entertainment is a bummer. (Of course, sometimes the entertainment that is available is also a bummer). Here’s your plan B: This phone holder lets you prop up your device to watch your favorite shows or movies, hands-free and at eye level. It easily attaches to your tray table or luggage handle, so it’s a no-brainer, space-saving add-on. Flight crew members like it so much, they use it for travel and keep using it once they’re back home.

“As a commuting flight attendant, [this] comes in very handy!” one reviewer said. “At home, I like it propped up on the counter.”

This hanging toiletry bag strikes a balance of being roomy yet compact, and it has loads of convenience features that seasoned travelers love. In addition to the six built-in pockets and multiple slots, it comes with a detachable, transparent cosmetic bag that’s TSA-approved, making a trip through security much speedier. 

Several flight attendants praise this well-designed bag for simplifying traveling with toiletries. “I am a flight attendant, and it holds everything!” the five-star reviewer wrote. “I absolutely love it! The zippers zip with ease and it is well thought out to meet all of your needs. I can’t say enough about it.”

Travel experts and frequent flyers say packing cubes are one of the easiest ways to stay organized. If you tend to overpack or always seem to forget something, they can keep everything tidy and easy to find. In addition to an array of bags in various sizes, this eight-piece set includes a toiletry bag, a shoe bag and a sock bag.

“I’m getting ready for flight attendant training and wanted to buy these to help me organize the many things I need to bring,” wrote one reviewer. “What surprised me is that both pairs of high heels fit in the shoe bag.”

Unless you plan to fully unplug for your overseas trip (this also includes your flat iron), you’re going to need an outlet adapter. This one’s super compact and easily converts those Euro plugs to allow you to use and charge your devices. It even has two USB ports to keep your gadgets and gizmos juiced up, giving you more bang for your buck.

One flight attendant who travels to Brazil shared that, since buying this outlet adapter, she hasn’t had “any problems with [using her] flat iron, blow dryer or charger.”

When hundreds of flight attendants talk, we listen. That’s the case with this viral $34 jumpsuit. Tons of them say this is their go-to travel ‘fit since it’s stretchy, forgiving and comfortable.

“Myself and fellow flight attendants were featured in a travel magazine, all wearing this jumpsuit,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “It is a favorite among our flight attendant group when we are traveling. We call ourselves the sisterhood of the traveling jumpsuit!”

The reviewer added that she specifically loves it because “it’s comfortable, inexpensive [and an] easy one-piece” that’s a breeze to “dress up or dress down.”

Dagne Dover is a sleeper travel accessory brand that those in the know swear by. This air mesh fanny pack is durable and intelligently designed with stealth travel-friendly pockets — plus, it fits an astonishing amount of stuff. When worn cross-body or around the waist, it gives convenient, hands-free access to your passport, wallet, keys and any essentials you want at your fingertips. Choose from 18 colors.

One airline professional even said she’s “obsessed” with this well-designed travel essential. “I wanted a fanny pack that I could wear as a crossbody and I love it,” gushed a five-star fan. “I’m also a flight attendant, and it’s great for going out and exploring or getting coffee in the gate area.”

Flight attendants’ feet take a beating, so when it comes to comfortable shoes, we trust their opinion. Allbirds is already known for its comfy, foot-molding styles, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s Tree Breezers flats are popular among flight crew members.

“I’m a flight attendant and love to have a non-heel option for when I’m working long flights,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “It is great to slip on real quick to give my feet a break. They are breathable and so lightweight. It’s like wearing slipper socks.”

Cabin pressure causes lots of travelers’ feet to swell. It’s smart to invest in compression socks to enhance blood circulation, and these No. 1 bestselling socks come with over 57,000 five-star reviews.

“Fight attendant-approved!” said a five-star reviewer. “I … suffer from swollen everything when I fly two, three or sometimes four flights per day. These socks are comparable to the ones that I’ve previously paid $30 a pair for! They wash well! Comfortable, and really keep my feet from getting tired and swollen throughout the day.”

Another flight attendant started wearing these at a coworker’s recommendation. “[A] senior crewmember suggested I start wearing socks for longer flights/duty days and I’m glad I listened! My feet feel better and I recover faster! The nice designs are an added bonus that get compliments regularly.”

There’s nothing worse than buying an overpriced drink at the airport and not having anywhere to set it. This removable caddy attaches to your carry-on luggage handle and has slots for two cups — natch, the flight attendants of the world use it religiously.

“I’m a flight attendant and I love this one!” one wrote on Amazon. “I love the velcro ‘quick detachment.’ It’s the best! I had one before without the Velcro opening that just stretched over the handle and it was a pain! This one is great!”