The 12 Best Flight Attendant-approved Travel Essentials to Gift Your Favorite Jet-setter — From $15

Holiday shopping can be stressful when looking for the perfect gift for a frequent traveler. However, there’s one source of inspiration you should look to: flight attendants. Since their job requires them to spend hours in the sky, it’s no surprise that they’ve gained expertise on the best products to pack to make long flights more enjoyable — so we’ve compiled a list of flight attendant favorites from Amazon to make your holiday gift shopping experience as smooth as can be. 

Whether you’re prepared to make a large purchase like a suitcase, or shopping for smaller items like Apple AirTags or a personal safety device, keep reading to find the 12 travel essentials you can’t go wrong with gifting this year as flight attendants love them. There’s something for every price point starting at just $15, and with options this good, you may even be tempted to pick up something for yourself along the way.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Lightweight Underseat Carry-on

With more than 3,800 five-star ratings at Amazon, this flight attendant-adored underseat carry-on is the perfect piece of luggage for keeping your in-flight essentials close by during your journey, and it’s even on sale for just $80 right now. The compact bag boasts a multitude of pockets for storing spare clothes, toiletries, and long-haul flight entertainment, while the lightweight design makes it easy to carry and slide under the seats of most commercial airlines.

In fact, one flight attendant raved that it’s the “perfect size” to bring into the cabin as it fits everything from their electronics to a cozy layer. If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for a frequent traveler in your life, this functional bag is an excellent choice.

Apple AirTag 4-pack

If there’s one piece of technology that flight attendants can’t get enough of, it’s an Apple AirTag — and that’s exactly why it makes for an excellent gift add-on during the holiday season. The tiny tracker simply needs to be tucked into the pocket of your suitcase, and from there, you’ll be able to follow its exact location via the “Find My” app on your iPhone.

One airline worker revealed that they “put one in my flight attendant bag whenever I have to check it” and it proved to be “super easy to use and definitely worth the money.” As an added bonus, this set of four is on sale for just $73 right now, so you can add one to your wallet, keys, and purse.

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

This best-selling safety device is a brilliant stocking stuffer or smaller gift for loved ones this holiday season, and after earning a stamp of approval from flight attendants, you can trust it’s especially useful for traveling. The compact alarm simply hooks onto your keychain, and when the pin is pulled it emits a blaring noise that scares away would-be threats while drawing attention to your situation.

It even provides peace of mind to solo travelers, with one flight attendant sharing that the alarm “is loud” and the “strobe light is bright,” leaving them feeling “so much better” about going out at night. 

Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow

A comfortable neck pillow will effortlessly transform long flights for the better, so if someone you love has a big trip on the horizon, it’s worth investing in this genius option from Trtl for the holidays. Now on sale for $46, this lightweight and packable pillow will be a worthwhile addition to any personal item since it’s easily adjustable to support the head and neck no matter what position you’re sleeping in. It’s designed to effectively reduce the aches and pains that come from sleeping at odd angles, and it’s even machine washable at the end of the trip.

Just take it from this long-time flight attendant, who dubbed this pillow “a game-changer” thanks to its portability and the “great comfort” it provides.

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

On the hunt for a supportive pair of sneakers to pack (or gift) for active, walking-heavy vacations? Well, look no further than this cushy pair from Dr. Scholl’s; it boasts orthotic-grade insoles and slip-resistant outsoles and is sustainably made with exteriors crafted from recycled bottles. These simple and well-cushioned sneakers are adored by travelers for their minimalist, no-fuss design — and one flight attendant even noted that they have “searched high and low for comfortable shoes for exploring [during] layovers” and these have proven to be “the best.” They’re comfortable, “look so cute with any outfit,” and even require no break-in time.

Bagail 8-set Packing Cubes

It goes without saying that packing cubes are one of the best hacks for making room for everything you might need in your suitcase, so if you’re shopping for any frequent travelers in your life this holiday season, you’ll want to snatch up this set of eight from Bagail while it’s on sale for only $15. It includes four packing cubes of varying sizes as well as a toiletry bag, sock bag, shoe bag, and a dirty laundry pouch, so it’s really no wonder why flight attendants can’t get enough.

One flight attendant in training shared that they were especially impressed with this set since they were able to fit two pairs of heels into the provided shoe bag, touting the “spacious” design as the primary selling point of this organizational hack.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-on

Gifting a suitcase is always a practical and thoughtful choice, and with more than 10,300 five-star ratings, you can’t go wrong with this expandable softside carry-on from Travelpro. The lightweight suitcase is shockingly spacious which will help avoid checked bag fees, and four smooth roller wheels will help to navigate through the airport with ease.

It’s even a fan-favorite of frequent fliers, as one flight attendant dubbed it the “best lightweight suitcase” with upgraded zippers and pocket space from the last iteration. In fact, they even mentioned that the previous model lasted them six years despite regularly flying “around the world,” so it’s certainly an investment that will stand the test of time.

Iniu Portable Charger

Tech-savvy travelers will undoubtedly love to receive a long-lasting portable charger this season, and there’s no better selection than this top-rated option from Iniu. Featuring three convenient USB ports, this rapid-charging device is equipped to power up your phone, tablet, and even Bluetooth headphones at once, effectively keeping you entertained throughout the duration of your travels.

It’s lightweight, slim enough to fit into virtually any pocket, and even dubbed by one flight attendant as the “best portable charger” they’ve “ever had.” They raved that it’s “super fast” and “holds enough charge to do my phone and my iPad a couple of times each.” In short, it’s the best way to avoid relying on the highly sought-after airport charging ports — and it’s only $18.

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Currently on sale for a whopping 45 percent off, this simple and stylish crossbody bag is a timeless gift for your favorite traveler — and even flight attendants swear by it. The thoughtful design boasts five points of protection against theft (from slash-proof straps to lockable pockets), and the spacious construction makes it the perfect purse for a day of sightseeing without leaving out anything you might want to bring along.

One flight attendant noted that while using it they “never worry about someone getting credit card info or stealing my purse” thanks to the RFID-blocking exterior, and they even noted that it has “lots of compartments” and is “super durable.”

PrettyGarden Women’s Loose Off-Shoulder Jumpsuit

When in doubt, a comfy airport outfit makes for the perfect holiday gift, and this flattering and ultra-soft jumpsuit from Prettygarden is an unbeatable selection at only $35 with a special on-site coupon. The stretchy fabric is especially useful for avoiding the unpleasant sensation of rigid materials digging into your skin while sitting for long periods of time, and it’s even earned more than 36,300 five-star ratings — a testament to its flattering and comfy fit.

Just take it from this flight attendant who revealed that this outfit was “beyond perfect” for wearing in-flight while remaining easy to dress up and down while not at work. They even liked it so much that they shared they’ll be “ordering another.”

AceMining Portable Door Lock

Travel safety should never be overlooked, so if you’re racking your brain for some thoughtful additions to your gift this year, this portable door lock is a brilliant selection. It’s easy to use as you simply close the metal attachment between the door and its frame and slide the red plate inside, and soon you’ll be able to sleep peacefully knowing no intruders will be able to enter your hotel room or Airbnb.

One flight attendant who often stays in hotels alone shared that it gives them an “extra layer of security and allows me to sleep at night,” even adding that it’s become a mainstay in their suitcase. Best of all, it’s only $15. 

EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow

Getting proper rest on lengthy flights can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, but this blanket and pillow duo will make things easier, securing its spot as a thoughtful holiday gift. Now on sale for $29, this travel essential is a high-quality alternative to flimsy airline-issued blankets, promising to keep you warm while in the air.

When it’s not in use, the blanket simply zips back into the pillow and slides over the handle of your suitcase for easy transportation, plus it’s available in nine gorgeous colors. Even flight attendants swear by it, with one raving that it’s “perfect for cold cabins” and “fits on my suitcase handle perfectly.”

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