The best flight-crew-approved travel essentials for your next trip — all on sale

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!”

Travel is rarely as simple as grabbing a bag and heading out the door. Nowadays, you likely need to pack your laptop, tablet, earbuds and phone — and don’t forget the chargers. This case keeps all of the cables neatly organized with layers and a variety of compartments to make sure nothing gets tangled.

“This is perfect for all the cords and gadgets for a flight,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “It’s about the size of my hand, and even comes with a wristband. This is very lightweight, but really nice quality.”

If you don’t need a full packing cube set and you’re just looking for something to separate your shoes from the rest of your gear, these affordable nylon shoe bags are just what you need. They’re spacious enough to fit high heels and high-top sneakers, and at 55% off, you can’t go wrong. This is the lowest we’ve seen these — ever!

“I took my workout shoes, hiking boots and everyday casual shoes when traveling [to] Asia for several months last year and these were perfect to keep shoes clean, and also from rubbing up against your clean clothes in a suitcase,” one five-star reviewer wrote. 

Having to endure a long flight with no on-board 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.”

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.”

Our Deals Writer Britt Ross tapped her friend Emily, who has been a flight attendant for over 10 years, for travel recs and this nifty lock made her list. “Safety first, always,” she told us. Just place the metal part into the door strike, close the door and attach the red piece to the metal piece. No one will be able to enter from the outside, so you can rest easy knowing you’re safe and sound inside your hotel or Airbnb.

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 58,000 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.”

Speaking of what flight attendants prefer, this hard-sided Travelpro carry-on is what one crew member swears by when she’s not on the clock. It’s even been tested to fit in the overhead bins on most major domestic airlines (and passed with flying colors). 

“This suitcase is excellent. I am flight crew and use the soft side for work, but prefer this design for leisure,” the travel professional wrote. “It was packed to the rim, super light and sturdy.”

If you’ve ever tried to settle in for an in-flight snooze, you know it’s a challenge. Travelers say this 100% memory foam neck pillow is the closest they’ve gotten to sleeping on a real pillow while they’re on a plane. It even comes with a drawstring carrying bag.

“I’ve gone through several kinds of neck pillows and this is my favorite,” one flight crew member wrote. “I have a bad neck (arthritis and a reversed C-spine). I had to sleep with it once in a hotel because their pillows were dreadful and found it more comfortable! As a flight attendant, I recommend!”

You’re in a brand new place — possibly one where you don’t speak the language — that phone of yours better not run out of juice! A high-quality power bank can keep this nightmare at bay. This model from trusted tech brand Anker juices up the iPhone 12 up to two times on a single charge. Since it’s super slim, you can just slide it in your pocket or bag and it will barely take up any space.

“This was a savior when I was traveling, to charge my iPhone whose battery dies quickly when taking a lot of pictures. This is a must-have item. Slim and sleek, a bit heavy if you are walking all day but worth it,” wrote one shopper.

Travelpro has long been 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.”