by
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.
Last year was notorious for travellers. From appalling summer delays to snow-covered cancellations in the southwest, passengers on short and long flights have been subjected to a host of travel hassles. Well-stocked luggage and toiletry bags, portable chargers and on-the-go entertainment have become must-haves for jet-setters stranded in airports.
“The fact that we [needed] gearing up for holiday travel – holidays that should be positively drenched in eager anticipation – shows you how wrong the industry is right now, and it’s a sad situation for people who crave (and deserve ) respite,” Ben Kaufman, marketing and communications director for semi-private airline JSX, says The Hollywood Reporter.
Despite the headlines, more Americans are considering international travel in 2023, according to CNBC. Reopening borders, removal of COVID testing requirements and flexible remote working hours are prompting travelers to book flights overseas, especially to Asia-Pacific countries, CNBC reports.
Related: The best travel accessories for long-haul flights
Kaufman’s best travel tip? “Don’t book a ticket on an airline that leaves you wanting more. Book on an airline that brings you joy. Why expose yourself to the crowds, queues and hassle of crowded airport terminals and cramped aircraft when you can fly with JSX? Private terminals, no waiting times, free cocktails, business class legroom and peace of mind – these are the benefits of flying private at a much more affordable price and within reach of the public,” adds- he.
To meet the needs of ski resort regulars, Kaufman says the company has added routes such as Gunnison/Crested Butte, Rifle/Aspen, and Denver/Boulder (Rocky Mountain Airport). “Since most winter gear flies free, the journey to the slopes really couldn’t be simpler,” he says.
For those looking for warm winter getaways, JSX offers flights to Miami and recently launched service to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The public hop-on hop-off jet charter service will also offer free Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi on all of its 30-seat Embraer aircraft by the end of March.
The state of air travel is also improving in 2023. Experts predict that air fares will decrease and seat availability will increase, and fewer flight cancellations are also expected.
Whether you’re planning a wellness retreat or planning your spring and summer adventures, we’ve rounded up some of the best air travel accessories to make your trip as smooth as possible. Many of our picks also travel well on road trips – keep reading for our must-haves for your next flight.
Sunany inflatable footrest
Stay comfortable with an inflatable footrest to help stimulate blood circulation and improve your posture in flight.
Amazon
Sunany Inflatable Footrest Pillow
ProCase Hard Travel Tech Organizer
Save yourself the headache of untangling your cords and organize your tech essentials in an organizer like this one from ProCase. It has three storage sections with multiple compartments and zippered pockets, allowing you to separate cables, plugs, headphones and many other essentials of your digital nomads.
Amazon
ProCase Hard Travel Tech Organizer
Apple Air Tag
If there’s one thing many travelers have learned in 2022, it’s that lost luggage can upset your plans. A smart tracker, like Apple’s AirTag, can help you keep tabs on your belongings if they don’t arrive at their final destination on time. Just be sure to download the AirTag app and check that your equipment is in working order beforehand.
Amazon
Apple Air Tag
Bose QuietComfort II noise canceling Bluetooth headphones
Designed for seamless listening and personalized noise cancellation, the new Bose QuietComfort II Bluetooth headphones fit comfortably and securely, no matter your ear size. They adapt to your environment (like noisy airplane cabins) and you can pair them with up to seven devices so you can easily switch between your phone or tablet without reconnecting.
Amazon
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Bluetooth in-ear headphones
Backpack Tumi Traveler Celina
The stylish Celina backpack from Tumi (available in other colors) is made of durable water and stain resistant nylon and fits a 16 inch bag. laptop, so it’s ideal for commuters. Both the exterior and interior feature plenty of zippered compartments, pockets, and other design touches (such as a key leash, side water bottle pockets, card holders, and more) so all your technical and travel accessories are perfectly organised. The lightweight tote also includes Tumi’s free tracker so you can keep track of your bag if it’s lost or stolen.
Tumi
Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit
This seven-piece travel adapter kit includes two plugs and sockets for the United States, Europe, China, Australia, and Japan, as well as two USB ports.
Any pro advice from Kaufman? “Don’t forget to make sure you have all your charging cables and international adapters if needed. At JSX, each seat has access to three-prong outlets, but on some carriers only USB charging is available, if seat power is even offered. Don’t get caught paying double for a power cord at the airport or turning on an uncharged device – it can make a long flight even longer.
Amazon
Ceptics World Travel Adapter Kit
Royce & Rocket The Castle Hand Luggage
No one wants to pack their bags thinking about flight delays – but in case you have a travel problem, we love the Royce & Rocket’s Castle carry-on which has a built-in shelving system. In case you literally need to live out of your suitcase, this rolling luggage also expands two inches so you can bring back more memories (or pack quickly) from your dream destinations. Quiet 360-degree spinner wheels, hidden interior pockets, and a three-tier trolley handle round out its thoughtful design touches, and the luggage is also backed by a 10-year warranty.
Related: The Best Luggage Brands for Every Type of Adventure
Royce and rocket
Royce and Rocket the castle carry-on
Cabeau Evolution S3 Cervical Pillow
If you plan on sleeping in the air, Cabeau’s Evolution S3 memory foam neck pillow is one of the more comfortable options. The seat strap and raised sides prevent your head from rolling forward (or onto your seat neighbor) and straining your neck, and the design helps support spinal alignment. We love that it folds up into a compact case that can be attached to your backpack to save space.
Cabeau
Cabeau Evolution S3 Cervical Pillow
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
“A comfortable pair of headphones can make a huge difference in your travel experience,” says Kaufman. “Whether you’re browsing through a new podcast, catching up with Netflix at 35,000 feet, or just honing in on a few tunes, finding the earphones that make you most comfortable – whether in-ear or on-ear. the head – is a must.”
We’re fans of Sony’s WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones, which are as comfortable as a cloud on the ears and provide excellent noise cancellation on noisy flights. Boasting up to 30 hours of battery life (charge for three minutes for three hours of listening), they feature an automatic noise canceling optimizer that adapts to the noise level of your environment, calls hands-free with accurate voice pickup and instant play/pause. . You can also connect to your flight’s onboard entertainment system with the included audio cable.
Amazon
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Cashmere Wrap from Mongolia Quince
Whether you’re on a short or long flight, some planes get cold. Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Scarf measures 86 x 25.5 inches and doubles as a travel blanket.
Quince
Cashmere Wrap from Mongolia Quince
Monos Metro Strap
Roomy enough for your wallet, smartphone and other essentials, yet compact enough to travel light, Mono’s Metro Sling is made from water-repellent nylon and features stylish vegan leather details. Inside, find interior storage pockets and an integrated key carabiner; outside there is a hidden full-length back pocket to keep your phone, passport and cash safe.
Monos
Monos Metro Strap
Comrad combed cotton socks
These comfortable and stylish socks are kind to your feet and to Mother Earth. Comrad uses recycled cotton for these compression socks, which come in a variety of colors and help relieve swelling and stimulate circulation. They’re also great for post-workout recovery and the contoured, stretchy design makes them easy to put on and take off. (Brie Larson and Karlie Kloss are said to have worn the brand.)
comrade
Pack of 3 pairs of Comrad mid-calf socks in combed cotton
Dagne Dover Essentials Pouch Wallet
Dagne Dover’s Essentials Clutch Wallet is three versatile bags in one, making it easy to access your smartphone or credit card when you’re at the airport or on the plane. It can be used as a bracelet, crossbody bag, or oversized wallet, and it’s made with vegan leather and durable coated canvas.
Dagne Dover
Dagne Dover Essentials Clutch Wallet (reg. $145)
