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Flight attendants, thank you for your service (and for these tried-and-true recs). 🫡

"Hydrate so much! I love to drink lots of water — bring your own bottle!" —melialexander

It's also easy to refill — the entire lid pops up, so you could even fit ice if you'd like! And it's dishwasher safe. 

Promising review: "This is the best water bottle! I purchased it for my trip to Europe and it didn't disappoint! As I traveled through various airports, I was able to get fresh water, avoiding the ridiculous prices for water at the airport! I also used it while touring during day in Europe. The fact that it collapsed made it very easy to carry and use. I had several people ask where I purchased it! I love it and would purchase again!" —DecorQueen03

Get it from Amazon for $37.60 (available in eight colors).

"Can’t trust that hotel water." —cecelial4d8a192cd

"Always have a refillable water bottle with you. You may need water before takeoff, but we are always struggling so much to have everyone put their bags away and close the door in time that it’s not a priority for us, so PLEASE bring and fill water before getting on the plane." —michellee48b2133e7

It's also leakproof, durable (reviewers mention it doesn't break when they drop it), and requires replacement filters every two months. 

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in two sizes and four colors, and in insulated stainless steel for $31.49).

And get a pack of three replacement filters for $7.67.

Promising review: "As a flight attendant, I always need wipes. These small packs are great for putting in your purse and having on the go. The bundle pack is a great value." —SJ1326

Get 10 packs of 20 wipes each from Amazon for $19.70 (also available in a version for sensitive skin for $22.99). 

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and this is my go-to hand cream! It is a little greasy when you first start rubbing it in, but it absorbs quickly and that along with the smell (a bit medicinal) dissipates before you know it. It doesn't take much of this at all. I rub a little on my tired feet at the end of the day as well, and trust me I have tired feet after being on them for 14-plus hours. This stuff works great for this as well. Win-win, Weleda!" —Lauren

Get it from Amazon for $16.14 (also available in a three-pack).

"SHEET MASKS for long flights. Flying dehydrates you and your skin will feel dry; sheet mask and a TON of water will do the trick." —kaylab4c9863587

With continued use, these can also help reduce the look of dark spots, fine lines, and acne! 

Promising review: "I wasn't expecting much, but got an entire miracle! I don’t write many reviews, but these are life-altering. I purchased these as a post-flight pick-me-up and hoped they’d take the flight dehydration down a notch... 20 minutes later, I had the smoothest, glowing, plumpest, even better than after a facial skin. What?!!?? Almost 24 hours later, my skin is still looking amazing. I’ve tried all the absurdly expensive masks with little results; these beat them all by a mile. I’m flabbergasted!!" —ellie 

"Less is MORE. Seriously, packing cubes and choosing clothes that can be mixed and matched go a long way!" —michellee48b2133e7

They also work great as a way to separate dirty and clean clothes. 

Promising review: "These are exactly what I wasn’t looking for and didn’t know I needed but I am SO HAPPY I stumbled upon them. I’m a flight attendant and these have helped compress two weeks worth of clothes in my bag, easily. I’m a big guy. My clothes aren’t small. If you’re petit I bet you could pack a month or more in these guys. Happy with my purchase!" —Michael A.

Get a set of five from Amazon for $27.99 (available in 15 colors and in an eight-pack). 

This mini steamer heats up in about 90 seconds and steams continuously for 15 minutes before needing to be refilled.

Promising review: "Great for frequent travelers! I’m a flight attendant and I’ve always disliked ironing since I’m always on the go at the last minute. Love this steamer because it’s quick and easy! Can take it with me in my suitcase." —Antoinette

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in blue, green, and soft green). 

"For saving some $$$ on coffee while on the road, I’ve bought a collapsible travel kettle from Amazon and a travel French press mug and made fresh coffee in my room. Just fill a sandwich bag up with the grinds you desire; I use a foldable flask by Vapur to hold the creamer I like. The kettle comes in different uses to make tea, oatmeal, and ramen as a backup food option." —michellee48b2133e7

Promising reviews (for the kettle): "As a flight attendant, I use this product on a regular basis every week to boil water for coffee, soup, etc. It is durable, heats water extremely fast and is very compact to pack in my luggage. I don’t travel without it." —Leigh Williams

(for the travel mug)"This product works well, especially if you're a flight attendant working long flights, and a coffee drinker. The slim design fits perfectly in suitcases, and clean up is easy. A great buy!" —cheryl conway

Get them both from Amazon — the kettle for $29.98 and the travel mug for $17.99+ (available in four colors and two sizes). 

"A sweater that goes with everything!" —kaylab4c9863587

Promising review:"Can I live in the cardigan?...I slept in it one night while traveling because the hotel room was a bit too chilly. So let’s say this purchase was worth it. Also the packaging it comes in looked nice and clean...Fits my long arms too!" —Jen

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in women's sizes S–3XL and 14 colors;  colors/patterns; if you need a larger size option, this similar style goes up to 5X).

"For security in a hotel room, Add-a-Lock. It’s a fantastic door stopper just in case. Trust me, once you’ve had someone walk in while you're undressing, it’s pretty hard to shake." —michellee48b2133e7

Promising review: "I'm a flight attendant and I go nowhere without this device. Especially in the hotels where the housekeepers just open the doors without knocking first. Also when guests are given the same room key by mistake or not and open the door while you are there. The BEST!" —Toozie

Compression socks may also help prevent deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot that starts in the legs and can be serious); to know if you're really at risk of that, however, you'll have to talk to your doctor. Read more about compression socks and swelling on flights at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising reviews: "The reason I got these socks was because I always get a terrible leg pain when I travel on 3.5-hours flights, so knowing that I was about to take 9+-hours-long flights I knew i needed to get something like this. Not only did I not get the pain on my left leg after the flights, but I also used them for our super long walks during our two-week vacation and it was noticeable how much longer it took me to get tired. They were so good that I had to share a pair with my husband and hand wash them every night." —Amazon Customer

"As a flight attendant, I love these. It helps a lot." —Amazon Customer

Get a pack of six pairs of varying patterns from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in sizes S/M and L/XL, and 36 color/pattern combos; if you need a larger size option, this similar style goes up to size 6XL). 

Btw, It is recommended not to reuse after two flights because pollen, dust, and moisture reduce effectiveness. 

Promising review: "Earplanes are a must for me to equalize the pressure in my ears in order to avoid pain prior to landing. I always take a spare pair and put them in a safe place in case I lose one or both. They’re great! I recommend them to anyone getting off the plane that was experiencing pain. They make them for children as well. For babies, have a bottle ready prior to pressurization of the cabin for landing... Swallowing action may alleviate some of the pressure they feel. Former flight attendant, Retired speech-language pathologist." —Sunny

Get a pack of three pairs from Amazon for $18.95 (also sold individually and in five- and ten-packs).

EzPacking is a family-owned small business based in San Diego! The cubes were designed by Monica, a mother of three, and the company is now run by her son Solomon and his wife Tami. 

Promising reviews: "I am a flight attendant, and it's perfect for my international flights going through security. I love the handle, easy to pull out of my suitcase." —Kristi

"Everything I needed fit perfectly, and I had no issues with TSA/China security. So far, I have been through MSP, IAD, NKG, and PEK airports using this pack already, and it's a life-changer! I will never again have to worry about having to scramble to buy baggies just for liquids, and it is much more durable." —Courtney Swanson

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 colors).

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly swears by these, and says: "I own and love this set! it includes the zippered bag, four soft silicone bottles with leakproof caps, three compact jars, an two toothbrush caps. I've used this set on more than five trips and and for trips when I don't require body wash or shampoo (like to visit my parents) I use the extra room in the bag to shove in all my beauty products and daily contacts. Plus! It comes with labels that stay on the containers really well despite my thoroughly washing these containers between trips. I bought this set in spring 2019 and have, admittedly, lost a container or two. But the ones that I've held onto over dozens of trips have all held up well!" 

Promising review: "If it wasn’t for me forgetting them in the hotels, I wouldn’t have to buy more. This is my third set and I love these things! I’m a flight attendant and these are easy to fill, use, and pack!" —Raena Hill

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven variations).

"A power bank! Bringing along too many cords and an international adapter is such a hassle that you sometimes leave it in the hotel room, so a power bank is my go-to power source. It’s light, compact, and can charge a lot of items on the go! I always carry mine during layovers." —fritziebeatricen

This charger holds up to four charges for the iPhone 17 Pro, 3.5 charges for the Samsung S25, 2.2 charges for the iPad mini, and 23 charges for the AirPods Pro. It also has a built-in flashlight! 

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three colors, and in a super mini version for $32.99) 

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Ciera Velarde loves this! She says: "I've used this for the past few years and swear by it! Before this, I always found traditional neck pillows uncomfortable and would end up ditching them halfway through the flight and getting frustrated. The Trtl pillow is adjustable — you wrap the pillow around your neck and secure it with Velcro, and if you find it's too loose, just make it a bit tighter! I've truly never slept better on a plane than with this pillow." 

Promising review: "As a flight attendant for a major airline I have heard from passengers how much they like this pillow. So I ordered it...I LOVE IT. I lost my U-shaped memory foam pillow recently so I thought I would give this a try. It's smaller than a U-shape pillow and easy to pack up. Lots of fun colors to match your outfits. But most of all it works. It's cheap enough to give it a try...so just do it." —Franny

Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in four colors).

While weighted eye masks have even less evidence than blankets do and very well may be placebo, they’re a similar concept to weighted blankets. You can read more about what weighted blankets help with and how from Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and have a wacky work schedule. I frequently have to sleep during the day. These are SO comfortable and cool as well. I have ordered and tried out at least 10 eye masks off of Amazon and have found these to be the best. They are SO comfortable and do not have Velcro on the straps, for which I am thankful, because I usually sleep on my back and am sensitive to the thickness of eye masks that have the Velcro straps." —sw

Get one from Amazon for $14.99 (available in black and gray). 

The wallet includes a passport holder slot, two clear plastic slots, four card slots, a bigger slot for boarding passes, and two SIM slots. If you want a passport holder without as many slots, they also have one with a simpler design. 

Promising review: "Flight attendant approved! I go EVERYWHERE with my passport, and so having it protected in this case has kept it from getting worn out. Nice and slim, perfect size, and it helps me to stay organized with the different card slots. Bought one for my mom as a gift and she loves it too! Great quality and after two years looks good as new." —Lorie Cooper

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two styles, 39 colors, and as a two-pack). 

"To keep up with my TV bingeing, I love that I bought an Amazon Fire Stick. Just plug it into the TV and connect to the hotel Wi-Fi and you’re set to go. Almost all hotels have flat screens with HDMI ports now." —michellee48b2133e7

"E-readers are awesome to have a book with you on the go without taking up too much space." —michellee48b2133e7

This is the latest version of the Kindle, which has 25% faster page turns, higher contrast ratio, a glare-free display, is waterproof, and has a super long battery life. It's also compatible with Libby, so you can support your local library! 

Get it from Amazon for $159.99 (available in three colors, with or without three months of Kindle Unlimited, and with or without lock screen ads). 

"Clarks shoes have been the best, hands-down, for all-day footwear and comfortable heels!" —michellee48b2133e7

Promising review: "I've been wearing these heels every day for work as a flight attendant for the last year and a half. I do get them shined and polished in the airport every few months or so. They are by far my favorite pair of heels for work. I always get questions from other FAs asking if they are comfortable and my answer is always "after breaking them in for the first week or 2 so the leather stretches a bit, Yes!"

If you are a flight attendant looking at these heels I will say to buy half a size larger than you normally would because you will swell with the constant elevation changes and just in general as the day goes on." —Ashton

Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, including half sizes and wide options, and three colors, although not all sizes are available in all colors).

"For skin hydration, I’m a fan of spritzing throughout flights (just bring your fave...I’m loving ones by Mario Badescu)." —melialexander

The pink has rose water, the green has cucumber and green tea, the purple has lavender and chamomile, and the orange has orange blossom and sage. 

Promising review: "I got this for my daughter, who is a flight attendant. It is so dry on the planes, so these are refreshing and hydrating." —E. Gilmore

Get a travel-friendly pack of four from Amazon for $22 (also available in larger sizes in three- and four-packs). 

It also has a convenient "window" on the side so you can see how much of the scent you have left. Btw, you could even use these for things like setting spray or hairspray!

Promising review: "As an international crew member, you want to have your act together, and this is one of the products we use to get through security while complying with rules and regulations, no matter where in the world you are. It works, it doesn't leak, if you don't have the Travelo, you don't have your act together." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $19.40+ (available in five colors; also available as a three-pack). 

You'll want to pull the sheet out of the container *before* you get your hands wet, though! 

Promising review: "Love them. So convenient. I give them as presents to my friends I fly with. Being a flight attendant in these changing times you never know what to expect at the hotels. Soap on the go." —Mona

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $6.99 (also sold individually and in a six-pack). 

Yes, you can bring food through security! Although to bring big water bottles or ice packs, you have to freeze them and make sure they stay frozen solid the entire time you go through the checkpoint (so if you plan to do this for a vacation, be sure to have a way to freeze them for your way home).

Promising review: "I use this bag for work all the time and LOVE it. I’m a flight attendant, so I pack for several days at a time. It gives plenty of space for all the food I need for three days, plus room for ice. The top dry storage is very spacious and fits all sorts of stuff. I love the removable lining, makes it very easy to wash. I’ve never had the bag leak. It keeps the ice cold easily overnight and throughout the day. Mix this bag with the Hot Logic Mini and you’ve got the perfect kit for all your meals." —Lindy

Get it from Amazon for $79.85 (optional protection plans available). 

Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant and travel A LOT! This is a game changer! Folds up super small in the cute bag they provide and really makes a difference when on those long flights. The people in front of me had no idea I was using it. Thanks for the great product!!!" —sarah rubin

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "Definitely what I needed for my luggage as a flight attendant. Very heavy duty and perfect for me. Works great with my extra luggage and lunch bag to hang on my suitcase. Thank you so much. Will definitely buy again." —Mary

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in five colors and two-packs).

Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and I LOVE this organizer! I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork, and hand sanitizer in here. It keeps me organized! Definitely recommend to anyone who travels and needs to keep organized." —amazonislife

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in four colors and two sizes).

Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Note: both bands should be worn at once to help alleviate symptoms, and they may be uncomfortable for those with larger wrists. 

Promising review: "FLIGHT ATTENDANT APPROVED! They work. 100% of the time." —Jessica

"I followed the instructions and placed it about three fingers' width below my palm, and it works! For this price, I cannot believe I waited this long. It's a plus that it is decent-looking and can be part of your outfit. I get pretty bad motion sickness, especially on boats and planes. Sometimes I would even forgo vacations because I don't want to deal with the nausea on the plane. This past vacation, I was going on a 20+ hour flight AND a boat tour. I was realllyyyy dreading it. Put me on an idle boat and it's game over. BUT! This time I had these magical wrist bands. I wore it for the whole flight and the whole boat tour. I wore it on these bumpy car rides up and down the mountains. The boat even idled on the water for like an hour for the sun to set. I felt ....fine?? I was AMAZED. I feel like I can live!! My family can benefit from more vacations now!" —tl

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.53 (available in six colors)

And to double-down on the nausea relief, travelers love this Allclair inhaler!

It also comes with a heat-resistant pouch for easy carrying!

Promising review: "This fits perfectly in my toiletries travel bag that I take with me as a flight attendant. Anything that comes in a small size and still works well is perfect for me." —Kathy S

Get it from Amazon for $15.11+ (available in three colors).

* Travel Products That’ll Have Your Trip Companions Saying, “Woah, They’re A Pro”

* Products You Need If You Absolutely Refuse To Check Your Luggage

* If You’re Taking On The Challenge Of Traveling With Kids, Here Are 28 Helpful Products You’ll Want

* Flight Attendants Swear By These 27 Travel Products (So You Know They're Worth The Money)

* Versatile Travel Pieces That Are Perfect For When You’ve Committed To Packing Light

* Products For Anyone Traveling To A Warm Destination In The Near Future

* Products Reviewers Say They Never Travel Without

Plus, compression socks, travel bags, cosmetic bags, pet carriers, and travel-ready sandals.

Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity. Not all products were recommended by Community users.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Natalie Brown, a mom, Senior Editor on the BuzzFeed Shopping team, and BuzzFeeder since 2015, is constantly on the lookout for smart, genuinely effective problem-solvers, especially anything cleaning, home, parenting, fashion, and skincare related.

Divinia Tarin is a resident writer on the BuzzFeed Shopping team who covers a variety of topics, including travel, home, beauty, gift guides, and anything that’ll add just a bit of whimsy into people’s lives.