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!”

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.”

Unless you plan to fully unplug for your overseas trip, you’re going to need an outlet adapter. This one’s super compact and easily converts to a Euro plug to allow you to use and charge your devices. It even has two USB ports to keep your traveling tech juiced up.

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.”

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

“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.”

If you prefer traveling hands-free, this is right up your alley. This multi-functional travel pouch is a passport holder and a wallet. It also has room for credit cards, cash, your phone, boarding passes and other valuables. It features RFID-blocking technology to keep your personal info secure, too.

This retired flight attendant who still travels non-professionally was on the hunt for a lightweight product to keep their stuff safe and secure. “This one does just that,” they reported. “It has room to fit my passport, a credit card or two, and money.”

This super-roomy, 21st-century dopp kit strikes just the right balance between roomy and compact, and it has loads of convenient 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 simpler and speedier. 

Several travel pros have sung its praises. “I am a flight attendant, and it holds everything!” said one five-star rave. “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.”

If you’ve ever tried to settle in for an in-flight snooze, you know 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 bestseller when heading home after exhausting international red-eyes: “This allows me to sleep and not wake up with a total neck ache.” 

Dagne Dover is a sleeper travel accessory brand beloved by those in the know. 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 the 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.”

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.”