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I am flying over the Aegean Sea. Around me, economy class is in commotion. Babies are crying. Flight attendants are passing out cups of Diet Coke and tomato juice. The “Big Bang Theory” is flickering on seatback screens. But me? I am in a deep slumber, dreaming of fluffy sheep frolicking in grassy fields.
I didn’t always sleep this soundly on airplanes. But after becoming a digital nomad, red-eye flights (and overnight buses, the red-eye flight’s cheaper cousin) became my norm. After a few too many nights spent tossing in my seat and shivering beneath sad airplane blankets, I realized that I needed to force myself to learn how to sleep on a plane — or face countless cranky mornings.
In my quest to make my overnight flights more comfortable, I stumbled upon a few essentials that have ended up drastically improving my red-eye experience. And since we don’t gatekeep at RetailMeNot, I’ve decided to share all these favorite travel products of mine, all of which fit on a carry-on bag and will help maximize those Z’s while flying.
Trtl Travel Neck Pillow
Image: AmazonMuch has been written about the best travel pillows, with many of my fellow traveler editors favoring the Trtl Travel Neck Pillow for its supportive, neck-brace-like design. Having recently tried the fabled pillow, I’m a Trtl pillow convert myself. The bendy, plastic brace is ideal if you tend to lean your head to the side when sleeping upright. Its most compelling selling point though is its tiny, packable size: It took up about as much carry-on space as a paperback book.
Price: $64.99 at Amazon
Runner Up: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Image: AmazonI’ll add the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow as a close runner-up to the Trtl. The Ostrich is comparatively snugglier, and wearing it around my neck feels like being enveloped in a squishy hug. Unlike the Trtl, the Ostrichpillow lets you transition easily into different positions, shifting your head to the left, right and center. You can even shake things up by using it as a cushion and leaning your head against your tray table.
Price: $69 at Amazon
DROWSY Silk Sleep Mask
Image: DrowsyEven the dimmest overnight flight cabins tend to be punctuated by overhead lamps, phones and seatback screens. A solid blackout sleep mask is essential for tricking your brain into sleep mode. I’m a fan of the ultra-luxurious Drowsy sleep mask, which envelops your face in cloud-like padding while protecting your skin and hair from friction and damage. It even (reportedly) keeps moisture levels locked in, which is a blessing when sleeping at high altitudes in recycled, dry air.
Price: $79 at Amazon
basicConcepts Memory Foam Airplane Foot Hammock
Image: AmazonTikTok turned me onto this one. At first, I was skeptical, but TikTok’s recommendation ended up prevailing. I recently tested the goofy-looking foot sling on a seven-hour flight from São Paulo to Panama City, during which the foot hammock was a welcome reprieve for my swollen, achy, travel-worn feet. The hammock hooks around your tray table in front of you and can be adjusted for longer legs. At a mere $14.99, it’s an easy, wallet-friendly upgrade that’ll help tremendously while sitting in a cramped economy seat.
Price: $14.49 at Amazon
Soundcore Space One Noise Cancelling Headphones
Image: AmazonOn red-eye flights, I recommend using noise-canceling headphones rather than earbuds, which have a pesky habit of falling out of your ears when you nod off to one side. The Soundcore Space One headphones are surprisingly high quality given their low price point. It not only has an impressive battery life but also boasts a noise cancellation strong enough to block out ambient airplane sounds. Plus, thee cushioned earpads are comfy enough to wear for long-haul trips.
Price: $99 at Amazon
PAVILIA Travel Blanket Pillow
Image: AmazonI can’t tell you how many nights I spent on frosty, overly air-conditioned overnight buses, huddling beneath a towel for warmth. The PAVILIA blanket is a boon for travelers who run cold like me: It’s uber soft and warm and folds neatly into a 12 x 11-inch bag. Bonus? The bag can double as a pillow.
Price: $23.99 at Amazon
Cozy Earth Women’s Ultra-Soft Jogger Set
Image: AmazonIt’s an age-old dilemma: You need to be comfortable on a long-haul flight, but you also want to look presentable as you walk down the aisle. A matching crew-and-jogger set from Cozy Earth could be the answer. The set is made of ultra-soft, temperature-regulating bamboo fabric to keep you comfortable while the fit is tailored to make you looked put together.
Crewneck: $130 at Amazon
Jogger: $165 at Amazon
The post I’ve Taken Countless Red-Eye Flights — These Are the Carry-On Essentials I Can’t Sleep Without appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
