Use a Smart Bag As Your Carry-On

Smart bags include features that can come in handy on a long plane journey, including built-in device charging, GPS tracking, app-operated electronic locks, and wireless connectivity. You’ll typically replace your standard carry-on with a smart bag, so select one that conforms to the relevant size limitations.

Since smart bags typically include built-in device charging, you may not need to pack a separate power bank. If you pack a power bank anyway, keep in mind that airlines limit how much battery capacity you can bring in a carry-on, so don’t go over that without obtaining explicit permission from the airline ahead of time.

If you opt for a more significant smart bag that you’ll need to check, remember that the TSA places strict limits on lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage. Some smart bags are powered by AA or AAA batteries to get around that limitation. Smart bags powered that way don’t have built-in charging, but they can include other useful features like built-in electronic scales, GPS tracking, and electronic locks.

Enjoy Peace and Quiet With Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Wireless noise-canceling headphones or earbuds shut out the outside world on a long flight. They’re pretty indispensable, with uses that range from listening to music from your phone, watching videos on your iPad, or even hooking into the plane’s in-flight entertainment system with the help of an adapter.

Headphones with cups covering your ears and in-ear earbuds, like AirPods Pro, are the best for flights because they prevent the most sound leakage and avoid annoying your neighbors. The downside is that wireless headphones and earbuds only last so long between charges. And noise cancellation requires additional power. Still, we consider noise-canceling headphones one of the most essential parts of any traveling kit.

Stash Wired Earbuds as a Backup

Packing a backup pair of wired headphones or earbuds is an easy solution to power-drained wireless headphones.

Most wired headphones take up too much space to pack as a backup, but foldable headphones are slightly more reasonable, and wired earbuds are compact enough to slip into your pocket.

Try an Airplane Bluetooth Adapter

If you like taking advantage of in-flight entertainment options, consider packing an airplane-compatible Bluetooth adapter.

These adapters include a 3.5mm audio jack and a Bluetooth transmitter, so you can plug into the audio port of your armrest or seatback entertainment center and then pair your Bluetooth wireless headphones or earbuds. The result is that you can lean back and relax without worrying about tangled cords. You can also use these with portable game systems and gym equipment.

We like the Twelve South AirFly SE because it’s easy to use, has a flexible audio connector, and charges via USB-C, so you probably don’t need to pack an extra cable. There are various other options, so pick one compatible with your wireless headphones.

Keep Tabs on Your Gear With a Device Organizer

Sure, you can toss all your travel gadgets in a backpack or carry on and hope for the best, but why do that to yourself? Consider making a list of all your gear instead, and then pick out a device organizer that will allow you to store everything in a nice and orderly manner.

Some device organizers even come with built-in batteries for charging devices, so keep that in mind if you plan on packing a separate power bank.

Power Up With a Flexible Travel Charger

Space is limited, so you may consider picking up a portable charger that will work with all or most of your devices. Instead of packing all your chargers, consolidating them into one will save a lot of space and lighten your load.

If you’re traveling internationally, you can save yourself a lot of headaches by selecting a portable charger that works with all the electrical systems in each country you plan on visiting.

Simplify Your Life With a Multi-Charging Cable

A good multi-charging cable can simplify your traveling experience and save you from scrambling to find a charging cable at the duty-free store.

Pick a multi-charging cable with all the connections you’ll need to power all your devices, pair it with a travel charger, and you’ll be able to charge everything without digging through a mess of cables at the bottom of your carry-on.

Charge Mid-Air With a Portable Power Bank

All of your travel gadgets require power, and you won’t always be able to find a power outlet. Airlines place limits on flying with batteries, and they don’t allow lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage, so keep that in mind when selecting a power bank.

It would be best if you generally stuck to power banks that provide no more than 27,000 mAh or 100 Wh. You may be able to pack two slightly larger batteries if you get special permission from the airline but don’t count on it.

We like the Omnicharge Omni 20+ for long flights because it’s very compact, provides wired and Qi wireless charging, charges via USB-C, and even has a built-in inverter. It also slides in under the airline limits with 20,000 mAh of stored power. If that’s out of your price range, pick one that stays within the airline’s limitations.

Catch Up On Your Reading With a Kindle

Why pack physical books that occupy valuable real estate in your carry-on when you can bring several books in a device that takes up less space than a single paperback?

The Kindle Paperwhite is the obvious choice here since it’s lightweight, has plenty of storage space, and includes a built-in reading light, but any e-reader will accomplish the same basic task. If you go for a Kindle, consider checking out Kindle Unlimited for a low-cost way to boost your vacation reading list.

Pack a Tablet for Entertainment and Productivity

Tablets are remarkably flexible devices that don’t take up much space, making them great for long flights and layovers. They’re more compact than laptops and useful for both productivity and entertainment. You can use a tablet to listen to music or audiobooks, read ebooks, play games, catch up on email, browse the internet, or join a voice or video call if Wi-Fi is available.

The iPad Mini and iPad Air are both great options for travel since they’re compact and relatively low-cost (you might want to go with an iPad Pro if you’re looking to get some work done). An inexpensive Android tablet or Kindle Fire if you’re operating on a tighter budget.

Get Comfy With an Airplane Tablet Holder

Tablets are great for entertainment on long flights, but they aren’t always comfortable to use in the cramped environs of a typical airplane seat. Instead of trying to awkwardly prop your tablet up on the tray table or your lab, consider a tablet holder that hangs off the back of the seat in front of you.

This isn’t useful if you find yourself in a bulkhead seat, but it makes for comfier viewing in other circumstances.

Listen to Audiobooks from Audible

Audiobooks provide great entertainment on a long flight. You don’t have to stop listening when it’s time to debark, hike to a connecting flight, or pick up your luggage.

In most cases, you won’t need to pack any additional hardware, as you can listen to audiobooks on your phone or tablet, and some Kindle e-readers even work with Audible. That last option is the best of both worlds since it lets you swap seamlessly between reading and listening whenever you want.

Store Music on Your Tablet or Phone for Offline Listening

Wi-Fi isn’t always available in planes and airports, so you may want to stock up on some music before you leave home. Streaming services with offline modes include Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited.

By loading up your phone at home, you’ll never have to worry about whether or not you’re burning through your precious mobile data every time you hit play.

Pack a Portable Game System For More Entertainment Options

We recommend the Nintendo Switch for console gamers and the Steam Deck for PC gamers.

The Nintendo Switch is a little smaller, weighs a bit less, and includes built-in options for both single and multiplayer games.

The Steam Deck is bulkier and has less battery life, but it offers a lot more flexibility and even has a full Linux desktop mode that might let you leave your laptop at home.

Stay Cool With a Mini Handheld Fan

A mini handheld fan can be a lifesaver if you’re traveling anywhere remotely warm. While you can typically rely on the built-in air once you’re seated on your plane, mini handheld fans are great for cooling off while waiting to board.

Look for a fan with a built-in rechargeable battery to keep it powered up as needed.

Track Your Luggage with GPS or Bluetooth

The best way to make sure your luggage doesn’t get lost is to pick up a luggage tracker. GPS luggage trackers are more precise but typically require a monthly subscription. Some GPS trackers have substantial batteries, too, and the FAA rules state that lithium batteries in luggage trackers can’t exceed 0.3 grams in weight or 2.7 Wh in capacity.

The other option is to use something more commonly used as a car key tracker, like Apple AirTags or Tile Pro, Slim, and Stickers. They’re less expensive to purchase, and they also don’t require a subscription. The downside is that they aren’t as precise and rely on the proximity of other devices connected to the tracking system.