Airline seats feel more cramped as the years go by, and nosy seat neighbors seem interested in your life story just as you're about to drift off. For long-haul flights, it takes real preparation to arrive at your destination rested and unscathed. Whether or not you can spring for a business class upgrade, we've tracked down nine air travel upgrades to help your flight feel restorative and even spa-like, transporting you to that nebulous 'better place.' Here are essentials for comfort, sleep and entertainment worth packing so your long-haul flight flies by.
Get More Comfortable
Fitrell Compression Socks, Pack of Three – $14.99 (originally $26.99) at Amazon. Swap your usual fuzzy socks for these breathable and moisture-wicking compression socks, treating your feet and calves to much-needed support. 'This type of footwear is designed to help with joint and muscle stiffness and avoid any blood pooling in your feet – all of which can happen if you sit still for too long on a plane,' according to travel expert Lydia Mansel.
Relispo Self-inflating Travel Seat Cushion – $26.99 at Amazon. For a little extra plushness, this cushion with an inflatable air and foam construction is a top choice. 'As a frequent traveler, it's nice to have a compact cushion I can take with me,' says tester Adam Doud of this compact option that packs seamlessly into the water bottle holder of his backpack.
Abib Mild pH Balancing Face Mask, 10-Pack – from $24 (originally $40) at Abib or $30.78 at Amazon. The cabin's ventilation depletes skin of moisture. Bring it back with this hydrating face mask coated in albumin and made from bamboo fabric, which Filter commissioning editor Karen Yuan says comes loaded 'with a ton of serum' worth repurposing as a cooling balm the next morning. 'After a long, drying flight, the pH-balancing face masks never fail to help rehydrate my skin,' she says.
Women's Forever Fleece Relaxed Crew Sweatshirt – $24.97 (originally $89) at Athleta. Choosing what to wear involves 'travel math' – space in carry-on, extra layers for over-air conditioned cabins. Mansel picked this plane staple: 'I tend to stick with sweats and loungewear in solid, neutral colors, like the Forever Fleece Relaxed Crew Sweatshirt from Athleta,' she says of the sweatshirt that transcends trends and climates.
Get More Entertained
Sunday Club Newspaper – $12 at Sunday Club. There's something distinguished about cracking open a newspaper when settling into your seat. But Sunday Club isn't typical; Filter contributor Paige Triola likes to treat herself to its pages of 'cleverly created puzzles and beautiful illustrations commissioned from independent artists' for an analog escape.
Twelve South AirFly SE – from $26.24 (originally $34.99) at The Container Store or $33 at Amazon. This wireless adapter allows you to connect Bluetooth headphones to an in-flight entertainment system and stream audio to two pairs simultaneously. 'It's especially handy for families,' says contributor Sal Vaglica, 'allowing kids to watch the same movie without sharing earbuds.'
Get More Sleep
Trtl Travel Pillow – from $43.99 (originally $54.99) at Trtl or $59.99 at Amazon. This Filter-vetted travel pillow makes restorative hours within reach. Its allure lies in its neatly packable silhouette, but it shines in providing 'a very particular type of support, bracing the neck as the wearer rests their head to one side,' says contributor Pete Wise after testing over a dozen options.
Mzoo Luxury Sleep Mask – $29.99 (originally $31.99) at Amazon. This mask comfortably blocks out daylight and other passengers' reading lights. 'Unlike many of the other masks I tested, it didn't budge all night long,' says reviewer Juno DeMelo. 'The eye cups are surrounded by foam padding that is so soft, I could barely feel any pressure around the perimeter of my eye sockets.'
Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Canceling Earbuds – from $27.99 (originally $39.99) at Amazon or $29.99 at Walmart. These earbuds use adaptive noise-cancelling technology to minimize ambient sounds. Their charging case extends battery life up to 45 hours and operates as a phone stand for hands-free viewing.
