I’m a Flight Attendant, and These 15 Life-changing Travel Items Will Make Your 2025 Trips the Best Yet

Flight attendants are experts at a few things: finding the best food at any destination, people watching, and finding travel accessories and gear that you should skip — and what’s worth the money instead. With 10 years as a flight attendant under my belt and millions of miles flown, I know how to identify travel products that will actually make a difference in the air. And, during 2024, I picked up some essential gear that I’ll be traveling with in 2025 — and so should you. 

Whether I score a seat in business class or I’m stuck back in economy, I always arrive refreshed, organized, and ready to hit the ground running thanks to these 15 game-changing travel essentials that are never leaving my bag. 

Ray-Ban Folding Wayfarer

Good sunglasses are a non-negotiable. The Ray-Bans Wayfarers became even more versatile when they made my favorite style, the folding version. Smaller than a pack of gum, these shades fit into a shirt pocket, crossbody purse, or a tiny zipper backpack pocket. With 100 percent UV protection and polarized lenses, they’ll protect your eyes all while keeping you looking stylish.

Veer Adventure Blanket

Even if your seat comes with a blanket, I still recommend this one because it’s much more comfortable. This blanket has me snoozing like a baby while everyone else is tangled in staticky fleece, and I love that it’s machine-washable. It has handy snaps that I click together to keep my feet covered and warm. If I need an extra layer while I’m out exploring, I can even snap it together to make a cape; I was in London recently, and it also came in handy as a picnic blanket in Hyde Park. It’s the perfect packable addition to my travel collection.

Zensah Compression Sleeves 

If I had to pick the one biggest game-changer on this list, it would be these compression sleeves.  You’re asking, how could that be? Think about the extra walking, unfamiliar sleeping accommodations, and cramped airplane seats all working together to make for miserable body aches and pains on your trip. Circulation is your best friend in helping alleviate everything that ails you; these compression sleeves are great as a preventative measure or to put on after a long day exploring. And here’s a next-level hack for you: if the air conditioning isn’t working in your room, run these sleeves under water and put them on wet. They help cool your whole body off in a matter of moments. Game-changer for sure!

Baggallini Backpack 

It seems there are millions of different travel backpacks out on the market. So what makes this Baggallini Backpack so special? Baggallini was started by flight attendants who had grown weary of carrying purses and luggage that were okay but not great. The entire line of darling and functional luggage maximizes space and keeps the most important items secure while still within reach. With tons of handy features like key lanyards, card slots, zippered pockets, and adjustable straps, this backpack has everything you need for ultimate convenience on your trip. I have both this backpack pictured and a slightly larger style. I’m the envy of the aisle when everyone else is fumbling for their accessories in their bulky personal items, while I’m already relaxed and settled in with everything I need.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Spinner 

In my first year of flying, I saw plenty of affordable hardside bags that you can find at the discount department store. Sure they’re cute, but I’d often see them with handles that don’t retract or broken wheels — an actual travel nightmare. But one thing that our airline’s highest mileage flyers had in common was using Briggs & Riley luggage.  Don’t let the price scare you: these bags are built to last. Like the Baggllini backpack, this carry-on has many genius features and a classic, timeless style that you won’t get tired of. The brand’s newest feature is a handy charging station on the back of the bag and an expansion system in case you do a little shopping on your trip and need more room. Briggs & Riley is so confident in its products, that it’ll fix anything that breaks, no questions asked and no proof of purchase required — impressive by any standard.

Auvon Weekly Pill Organizer 

On a list of travel game-changing products, you may be asking, why a travel pill organizer? Well, whether you’re 18 or 80, you’re likely taking at least a few supplements and multivitamins.  Crossing time zones often has me trying to remember when I last drank water and if I took my probiotic. I love that I can put the larger case in my carry-on bag and pull out the smaller daily container to put in my backpack for the plane. No need to take your big prescription bottles with you when this system will keep you organized.

JBL Over-ear Headphones

How many times have you sat next to someone searching the dirty airplane floor for their lost tiny earbud? It’s only a matter of time before it’s you, too, which is why over-the-ear headphones are worth it. These JBL Over-ear Headphones fold down small enough they don’t take up too much space in my bag. The best part, though, is they have over 75 hours of battery life, which is impressive by any standard. They will easily outlast the longest commercial flight, round trip included.  

Sunday Silks Eye Mask 

Eye masks are a dime a dozen, and I was happy with the cheap masks I purchased in the airport until I saw a passenger wearing this number. She woke up without a crease in her hair, nor a smudge to her mascara. Made of mulberry silk, the Sunday Silks sleep mask is soft and supple and easy on my skin and hair. I love all the colors it’s available in (but olive is my favorite). It’s worth every penny and will change travel for you forever — I guarantee it.

Trtl Travel Neck Pillow 

I was working a transcon, and after service, a gentleman pulled out this game-changing neck pillow — and I knew I had to have it. The passenger never slumped over and didn’t need to reposition the pillow even once. More of a neck wrap, this Trtl Travel Neck Pillow securely fastens around your neck and offers support from your shoulder up. There’s even a fastener on the carrying pouch so I can attach it to my backpack instead of taking up precious space inside.

Mario Badescu Travel Mist 

All that pressurized air onboard the plane does a number on our skin. This Mario Badescu travel mist set has been life-saving — or at least skin-saving. I’ve noticed my makeup stays fresh and I have less chapped lips upon landing — and I love the refreshing scents. This four-pack has individual two-ounce bottles, which are well under the TSA liquid restrictions. These mists double as an air freshener, too, when your seatmate doesn’t smell fresh as a daisy or when you just need a little mid-flight mood lifter. 

BevLedge Organization Station 

Necessity is the mother of invention — or desperation is, in this case. It seems with shrinking seat sizes, tray tables are getting smaller, too. I’m a window seat gal and was thrilled to find this genius invention that gives me extra space. The BevLedge folds completely flat for easy storage and then unfurls when you sit down to pop into the window to provide an extra spot for drinks and my phone — and I still have my entire tray table to watch movies or work on my tablet. (Be sure to check with your airline as each has its own policies about attaching items to the aircraft — and always comply with your flight crew’s instructions.)

Shabadeur Cashmere Blend Hooded Sweater and Pant Set

I’m not a big fan of wearing loungewear and athleisure on the plane, but I’ll make a big exception for anything in cashmere. A very classy-looking lady boarded the plane traveling for Thanksgiving wearing this beautiful herringbone set and instantly, I knew I had to have it. The soft cashmere held its shape beautifully on the long flight, and she looked cool and classy as she glided off the plane. I’m surprised at how flattering the fit is and have also worn the top separately with jeans on layovers.

Crest Scope Wisps

Do I even need to explain why these Crest Scope Wisps are essential? Dehydration and airport food aren’t ideal for oral hygiene. Just ask your friendly flight attendant for a cup of water and head to the restroom. Your seatmate will thank you, and you’ll be steps ahead of everyone in your party when you get to your destination.

Epicka Global Travel Adaptor 

No matter where I’m traveling, I know that I won’t be scrambling trying to find the right cords and plugs thanks to this easy all-in-one adaptor. It has every plug I could need no matter what country I’m in, and I can plug all of my devices into this one box because it has so many USB ports. I even use it domestically when I have one plug and multiple devices that need charging. 

OlarHike Packing Cubes

It’s stunning to me that there are still travelers out there who don’t use packing cubes. If that’s you, take this as a sign to finally invest in a set. The OlarHike packing cubes come in a range of sizes as well as a laundry bag, makeup bag, and shoe bag. I can pack twice as much into my carry-on when I use these packing cubes, and I love that I stay organized on my trip: it feels like I have an on-the-go dresser with me.

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