A pilot says these 10 carry-on essentials make flying a first-class experience

"The number one item I'd pack is noise-cancelling headphones. Few things are more irritating than listening to loud conversations or baby screams on a flight," says Armitage. "This doesn't have to break the bank, as you can find a quality pair for $50 to $100." 

Earbuds are more portable than headphones, and these wireless noise-cancelling buds from Beats are among the most popular, with more than 57,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. They come with tips in three sizes for a snug fit. Transparency mode lets you switch off noise-cancelling to hear in-flight announcements or order a ginger ale. Choose from black, white or red to suit your jet-setting style. 

Related: The best noise-cancelling earbuds for 2025, tested and reviewed for your quiet-listening pleasure

The airplane cabin is a pressurized environment with very low humidity, which is why your peepers tend to dry out and get irritated. Armitage recommends using moisturizing eye drops to help you feel more comfortable while reading or watching videos. 

Biotrue drops are safe even for contact lens wearers. They contain hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture, electrolytes to maintain fluid balance and antioxidants to reduce inflammation. 

If you feel headachey or tired en route, you might be dehydrated. And while no one's saying you can't enjoy a nice in-flight snooze, staying hydrated is important. Armitage suggests electrolyte tablets, which hydrate you way faster and more effectively than water alone. 

These little pouches from Liquid I.V. are a No. 1 bestseller. Just ask your flight attendant for 16 ounces of water or mix one into your reusable water bottle. 

If sweet dreams are your preferred in-flight entertainment, invest in a quality sleep mask, says Armitage, but make sure it's soft — we're going for comfort, after all.

This one fits the bill, and it's generously sized so it won't put pressure on your delicate eye area while you doze off. It's thick and breathable and comes in 17 colors from black to bright yellow (and this cobalt blue, of course). It folds up into a matching carrying case that fits nicely in your kit. Would over 63,000 Amazon shoppers steer you wrong? 

Forget your regular reusable water bottle and try a collapsible one instead, recommends Armitage. Talk about traveling light!

This one — dubbed the "anti-bottle" — holds up to 34 ounces and folds up small for easy packing when you're done hydrating. It's BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, and it weighs next to nothing.

You may not classify a wallet as a comfort item, but Armitage does — and so does anyone whose trip has been upended by skimming, or remote credit-card theft, which is more common in busy places like airports.  

This RFID-blocking leather wallet easily fits into a fanny pack or purse, and it'll help you rest more easily during your flight, knowing you won't have any unwelcome surprises when you land. A No. 1 bestseller with over 83,000 five-star reviews, it's slim and holds the essentials while keeping everything protected and secure. Choose from dozens of colors. 

Did you know that most airplanes have HEPA filters that capture 99% of airborne germs and viruses? Still, touching surfaces and being close to other passengers can lead to easy transmission of colds, the flu and other bugs. 

Armitage recommends popping hand sanitizer in your comfort kit, and we recommend taking it a step further with these wipes, which offer a trifecta of benefits. The non-alcohol formula kills 99.9% of germs, and essential oils like sweet orange, bergamot, peppermint and eucalyptus provide on-the-go aromatherapy. Plus, the aloe keeps your hands soft. Made of plant fibers, they're also fully biodegradable. 

An airplane's humidity level can be as low as 10%, whereas typical indoor air is between 30% and 60%. No wonder your hands start cracking when you fly. Armitage says a moisturizing cream is a necessity in your comfort kit.

This heavy-duty, glycerin-based hand hydrator is both TSA-approved and unscented. More than 61,000 Amazon shoppers have given it a five-star review, and over 10,000 were bought in the past month.

Related: The 17 best anti-aging hand creams of 2025, according to dermatologists

Your face will also be desperate for moisture at 30,000 feet. A great face cream is a no-brainer, and Armitage includes this in his kit essentials. 

This winner from Kiehl's comes in a travel-sized tub and contains all the things that make for a stellar moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain hydration, a plant-based squalane emollient boosts your glow and ceramides keep your skin's barrier intact so you can arrive looking fresh and dewy.

Armitage understands the perils of dry, chapped lips — there's no comfort in that! Your smackers are different than other parts of your skin — they're thinner, have no oil glands and lose water faster, especially in a dry environment.  

This moisturizing balm comes in six flavors, including coconut, vanilla and mint, and it's made with all-natural essential oils, beeswax and vitamin E.