I Survived a 17-hour Flight With Zero In-flight Entertainment—Now I Never Board Without This $10 Travel Hack

A 17-hour flight is brutal enough, but nothing prepares you for that dreaded announcement that the entertainment screens aren’t working. I recently experienced this on a flight from Los Angeles to Sydney. Sure, I had my phone to connect to the in-flight app, but between the cords needed to keep it charged and the general discomfort of being on a long-haul flight in economy, holding up my device for hours on end and craning my neck into an even more awkward position was just not feasible. While most of us on the plane were in this same unexpected predicament, a passenger nearby didn’t seem to be sharing in our misery thanks to a compact gadget propped up their phone to the perfect viewing height.

The magnetic phone holder was so simple yet so clever. Attached to their tray table, they sat back and relaxed (as much as one can in economy), watching movies and TV hands-free. Even during turbulence, their phone stayed perfectly in place. Following that flight, the first thing I did when I landed was look it up and place an order. To my surprise, it was only $10—and possibly the best $10 I’ve ever spent.

Ugreen Airplane Phone Holder

I’ve since used the phone holder on three flights, and even had fellow passengers stop to ask about it. Beyond being a lifesaver when the in-flight entertainment fails, it’s equally useful on shorter domestic routes where there are no seatback screens at all. It attaches easily to your tray table (or any surface under an inch thick), and thanks to its anti-slip silicone grip, it stays put no matter how bumpy the ride.

Another plus is how small and portable it is. Even with its 360-degree rotation, the accessory weighs just 4 ounces and measures 3.34 by 1.65 inches (for comparison, the smallest iPhone 17 weighs 6.24 ounces and is 5.89 by 1.81 inches in size). The last thing you want is to pack an unnecessary gadget that takes up precious carry-on space (even I had second thoughts), but this one is so compact that it can even fit comfortably in your pocket.

Ugreen Airplane Phone Holder

I’ve also come to love and appreciate just how versatile it is beyond the airplane. Ahead of a flight departing from LAX, I was trying to repack my bag, and I spilled my drink, all while my mom was trying to FaceTime me. I pulled out the holder and clipped it to the handle of my roller bag, which allowed me to take the call hands-free while I reorganized my things (and myself). Many reviewers share the same sentiment, using it in their kitchens, offices, and everywhere in between. It’s just one of those accessories that solves a problem you didn’t even realize you had until you try it.

This particular model uses MagSafe technology, which makes it compatible with Apple cellphones, including the latest iPhone 17. For Android users (or anyone who wants to use it with gaming consoles like a Nintendo Switch or an iPad), inexpensive MagSafe rings like these can be added to the back of your devices for easy compatibility. Alternatively, a clamp-style version offers similar experiences for non-MagSafe items.

Ugreen Airplane Phone Holder

However you use it, this tiny travel essential proves that sometimes the smallest gadgets make the biggest difference at 35,000 feet. Shop more Amazon essentials that will make both short- and long-haul flights comfier than ever below.

Shop More Flight Accessories on Amazon

3D Cooling Eye Sleep Mask

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Twelve South AirFly Wireless Adapter

Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Rest

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

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