Economy travel is not for the faint of heart. If you’re flying business or first class, feel free to keep reading—if only to laugh at the Spartan accommodations the rest of us endure in the peasant section. If you’ve ever found yourself trapped in the middle seat between a screaming toddler and someone enjoying a homemade tuna sandwich at 35,000 feet, this guide won’t fix your situation. I can, however, recommend a few travel essentials that will make the experience considerably more bearable.

Plane Essentials to Ease the Pain of Economy

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Stay Comfy

Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock

If you are reading this and you are over the age of 30, your knees are probably unhappy during longer flight times. If you are over the age of 40, your knees are likely unhappy constantly, in which case you will greatly benefit from a foot hammock. I am short so my feet don’t touch the ground, which absolutely kills my knees during international flights or longer domestic travel. The foot hammock has been a game changer. I recommend this product to all of my close friends that have upcoming trips. The hammock clips around the tray table and you can lean back with your feet up while sipping your complimentary beverage. $24 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4gdg12O

TRTL Pillow

The TRTL is the best neck pillow I have used. There is a plastic support within the cloth that keeps your head in an upright comfortable position while sitting. The cloth then wraps around your neck and is secured with Velcro, like a snug little sleepy scarf. I especially like that the pillow folds nicely and comes with a cover- both of which are machine washable. I’m not a germ freak but planes are pretty gross so neck pillows that are dragged around and can’t be washed are not ideal. $60 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4qiBAml

Kitsch Contour Satin Sleep Mask

The Kitsch Contour Satin Sleep Mask is just what you need (coupled with the foot hammock and the neck pillow) to begin drifting off into the wine filled oblivion until you arrive at your destination. The mask feels glorious, my only complaints are that it does not come with a cover bag and it is hand-wash only (which I never listen to and wash on a delicate cycle in a linen bag, but I am feral and cannot recommend). $24 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4xqBYS3

Loop Experience 2 Ear Plugs

Sleeping is the only way that I survive long flights, which means I have to drown out the sounds of screaming babies and adults speaking at unreasonable decibels. If you want to be comatose throughout your flight, I highly recommend a pair of these bad boys. $35 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4wHjM6D

Bubble Guts and Other Weird Shit Your Body Does

I remember the days when a shot of vodka after any strange cuisine would do the trick and now, I need omeprazole if the sauce on my pizza is too robust. That being said, I highly recommend having a med kit for the plane in case your bowels get turbulence.

Real Vitamins Travel Medicine Kit

The Real Vitamins Travel Kit includes all of the essentials, such as Pepto (my personal go-to) and Advil as well as antacids. For $18 it is an affordable precaution. https://amzn.to/4wGVIkd

MFASCO 7 in 1 Travel Medicine Kit

The MFASCO has a bit more of a selection if you anticipate your body going into shock while traveling. The kit is $10 if you don’t want to spend the majority of the flight in the closet-size bathroom. https://amzn.to/4wHj21l

So Fresh and So Clean Clean

Megababe Shower Sheets

I always feel particularly gross marinating in the recycled air of my fellow travelers, so I enjoy a nice wipe down as often as possible. Megababe Shower Sheets have a nice scent and they are individually wrapped so you can put some in your carry on and in your checked luggage, if you please. $12 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4hgrDDp

Dude Wipes On-the Go Mint Chill

I am a big fan of Dude Wipes. They are also individually wrapped and have a nice minty scent that almost makes it feel like I’m somewhat clean. They can be a bit tingly so proceed with caution. $9 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4w69sDV

Sunday Fridays Mini Jet Lag Mask

Because the air in the cabin of a plane is extremely dry, a face mask is never a bad idea if you want to arrive looking refreshed and not like the Crypt Keeper. Sunday Fridays has the mini Jet Lag Mask to keep skin plump and refreshed during long flights. $26 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3TABVEA

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Face Mist

If you are looking to have a complete spa day at 35,000 feet you might as well add a facial mist to your mid-flight skincare routine. The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Face Mist is a nice way to feel refreshed during long flights and keep skin dewy. $21 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3RUGQzE

Keep Your Shit Together

FYY Electronic Organizer

I try to stay as organized as possible when traveling to avoid any unnecessary Cortisol spikes and what I often misplace most often is chargers to each and every electronic that I have. The FYY Organizer is small, waterproof, and keeps everything in one place. $9 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4gdehXk

I hope the essentials help alleviate the suffering that is air travel. May you rest easy throughout the flight, with your moist skin and calm tummy.