As a travel writer, I love tapping into what fellow jetsetters swear by, so I decided to play a little game in the group chat. With a crew of friends who travel as much as I do (we’ve journeyed together to places like Mykonos, Nashville, and Puerto Vallarta), I knew they’d have some great insights. I kicked things off with one simple question: “What’s the one thing you absolutely need on a flight?” It didn’t take long for us to agree that a good eye mask and a reliable portable charger are non-negotiables. After all, we’ve all experienced the struggle of being unable to sleep because someone has the reading light on, or finding ourselves stuck on a flight with no outlet in sight.

From there, the conversation spiraled into a lively debate over underrated travel essentials — each friend trying to convince the others to add their must-have items to their carts. Spoiler alert: it worked. If someone didn’t have it, they were ordering it right then and there. Keep reading to discover the 14 travel products my friends swear by, and prices start at just $6. Big thanks to my crew for educating me on these necessities; I hope you find them just as helpful as I did!

Klearlook Airplane Phone Holder

One of the most common items in our chat was the Klearlook Airplane Phone Holder. Whether you’re taking a long-haul flight or just a quick trip, this holder is a lifesaver. As my friend Lindsey Pollack, who is on a flight at least twice a month, said, “Being able to watch TV hands-free makes such a difference so I can relax and do other things, like cozy up with snacks or a drink.” The holder attaches securely to the tray table, mimicking the experience of a seatback screen but with the bonus of being able to binge your favorite downloaded shows. 

Avantree Cord Organizer

Cord clutter is a universal travel headache. Pollack swears by these Velcro organizers, which she uses to keep everything tidy — from her phone charger to her camera cable. “They come in different sizes and fit all my cords,” she explained. This got nods of agreement from the rest of us, all of whom have experienced the frustration of untangling tech mid-flight.

Qlur 30-ounce Water Bottle

Alex Feinstein was the first to suggest packing a reusable water bottle for the airport. “Nothing’s worse than paying triple the price for a bottle of water at the airport,” she joked. Not only will bringing your own bottle save you some money, but it’ll also keep you motivated to stay hydrated during flights, especially with how dry airplane cabins can be. 

Yixian Travel Pill Organizer

Rachel Schultz introduced us to the Yixian Travel Pill Organizer, a compact case that keeps all your medications sorted in one place. “It’s small enough to keep in my carry-on,” she pointed out, adding that the labeled compartments take the guesswork out of packing. Others chimed in, agreeing that having easy access to pills or vitamins is a small but crucial part of staying comfortable in-flight.

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer

For those of us who tend to overpack electronics, the Fyy Travel Cable Organizer is a lifesaver. Schultz, who brings a mountain of chargers, was quick to recommend it. “It keeps everything organized and untangled,” she noted, describing how she uses it for AirPods, phone chargers, a Kindle charger, and more. After hearing about her experience, the rest of us were sold on how this organizer makes traveling with tech less stressful.

Mrsdy Travel Toiletry Bottles

Schultz also mentioned the Mrsdy Travel Toiletry Bottles, highlighting how the soft, squeezable material makes them perfect for a packed toiletry bag. “They’re small but hold a lot, and they don’t leak,” she explained. We agreed that nothing ruins a flight like a shampoo spilling all over your bag, so these leak-proof bottles are a win. Plus, you can now easily pack your favorite toiletries while staying within the 3.4 oz limit.

Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask

Another friend Sammie Golin, who’s notorious for being the first to fall asleep on any flight, swears by the Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask. “The eye pockets are incredibly comfortable, and it blocks out all the light,” she said. Several of us didn’t waste a second before adding it to our carts, eager to elevate our in-flight sleep game on our next trip. Plus, it’s currently 31 percent off and has over 74,000 five-star ratings.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Rachel Hornig chimed in with her love for Aquaphor Healing Ointment, saying, “I don’t go anywhere without it. It keeps my lips moisturized on the go.” Everyone agreed that having something so versatile for dry skin or chapped lips is a travel essential — especially for those long-haul flights when the air gets particularly dry.

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Olivia Hornik swears by the Bagsmart Toiletry Bag, and I immediately jumped in with, “I have this too!” As she went on describing it, everyone else was sold. “It has a pocket for everything, and it folds up perfectly to fit in my luggage,” she explained. The built-in hook makes it easy to hang, while the multiple compartments keep everything from toothbrushes to makeup neatly organized. Once she raved about the clear pockets that prevent spills, several of us realized how much it could streamline our own packing routines.

Veger Portable Charger

Portable chargers are a travel necessity, but Olivia’s pick, the Veger Portable Charger, stands out. “It’s compact, lasts forever, and can charge multiple devices at once,” she mentioned. We were all convinced, especially when she mentioned her boyfriend’s mom ordered one for everyone in the family after seeing how well it worked.

Teamoy Travel Storage Bag

Olivia also recommended the Teamoy Travel Storage Bag for organizing her Dyson hair attachments. “It makes it so easy to travel with, and I even have room for extra hair products,” she noted. Those of us with travel-sized hair dryers or styling tools gave it a thumbs-up, knowing how chaotic packing attachments can be. This storage bag promises a much smoother experience.

JBL Go 3 Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

A compact speaker is a must for traveling, and Olivia said the JBL Go 3 Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker is worth it. “It’s small, easy to use, and the sound is crisp,” she added. Whether you’re heading to the beach or setting up in a cozy cabin, we all agreed this speaker would be a perfect addition to any trip.

Biodance Bio-collagen Real Deep Mask

Stefani Ozer raved about the Biodance Bio Collagen Mask, which she used on her flight to Australia. “I woke up glowing,” she said, and we couldn’t help but feel a little jealous. After hearing how hydrated and refreshed her skin was after a long-haul flight, we all agreed this would be a great addition to our in-flight skincare routines. Plus, it’s the No. 1 best seller for facial masks on Amazon and is currently on sale. 

Tylenol PM Extra Strength 

Charli Eisen, the first to respond in the group chat, immediately shared the Tylenol PM Extra Strength, explaining that, “It helps me fall asleep easily and wake up feeling refreshed.” Those of us who struggle to sleep on planes or get jet-lagged immediately took note, especially if you aren’t feeling well, as it helps you wake up feeling refreshed.

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