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The best flight-crew-approved travel essentials for your next trip — all on sale

Save big on these picks from professional globe-trotters, starting at just $10.

pastel packing cubes, brown carry-on suitcase, tech cable organizer
Travel smarter, not harder with these packing cubes, compression socks and other faves from the aces of the airport. (Amazon)

If you've got a trip coming up — are you ready for it? And no, we're not talking about your itinerary or packing list (because I'm sure you've nailed both). It's the travel gear that takes you from one place to the next, like packing cubes and luggage, that sets the tone for your trip.

Quick overview
  • Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

    $12$16
    Save $4 with Prime
  • FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch

    $10$13
    Save $3
  • Yamiu Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags, Set of 4

    $10$22
    Save $12
  • Miikare Airplane Travel Essentials Phone Holder

    $11$18
    Save $7 with coupon
  • Bagail 8-Piece Packing Cube Set

    $15$25
    Save $10 with coupon
  • AceMining Travel Door Lock

    $12$21
    Save $9
  • Charmking Compression Socks, 8 pairs

    $18$32
    Save $14 with coupon
  • Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Carry-On

    $127$170
    Save $43 with coupon
  • Napfun Neck Pillow

    $15$22
    Save $7
  • Anker Power Bank (PowerCore 10K)

    $20$28
    Save $8
  • Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-On

    $127$170
    Save $43 with coupon
See 6 more

Although you probably have quite a few trips under your belt, no one knows travel quite like the people who do it for a living: flight attendants and pilots. Right now, you can score some serious savings on the travel gear these professional jet-setters use when they hit the skies. Ready for takeoff? Taxi down our list for a bunch of flight crew-approved travel essentials.

There's nothing worse than buying an overpriced drink at the airport and not having anywhere to set it. This removable caddy attaches to your carry-on luggage handle and has slots for two cups — natch, the flight attendants of the world use it religiously.

"I'm a flight attendant and I love this one!" one wrote on Amazon. "I love the velcro 'quick detachment.' It's the best! I had one before without the Velcro opening that just stretched over the handle and it was a pain! This one is great!"

Save $4 with Prime
$12 at Amazon

Travel is rarely as simple as grabbing a bag and heading out the door. Nowadays, you likely need to pack your laptop, tablet, earbuds and phone — and don't forget the chargers. This case keeps all of the cables neatly organized with layers and a variety of compartments to make sure nothing gets tangled.

"This is perfect for all the cords and gadgets for a flight," one five-star reviewer wrote. "It's about the size of my hand, and even comes with a wristband. This is very lightweight, but really nice quality."

$10 at Amazon

If you don't need a full packing cube set and you're just looking for something to separate your shoes from the rest of your gear, these affordable nylon shoe bags are just what you need. They're spacious enough to fit high heels and high-top sneakers, and at 55% off, you can't go wrong. This is the lowest we've seen these — ever!

"I took my workout shoes, hiking boots and everyday casual shoes when traveling [to] Asia for several months last year and these were perfect to keep shoes clean, and also from rubbing up against your clean clothes in a suitcase," one five-star reviewer wrote

$10 at Amazon

Having to endure a long flight with no on-board entertainment is a bummer. (Of course, sometimes the entertainment that is available is also a bummer.) Here's your plan B: This phone holder lets you prop up your device to watch your favorite shows or movies, hands-free and at eye level. It easily attaches to your tray table or luggage handle, so it's a no-brainer, space-saving add-on. Flight crew members like it so much, they use it for travel and keep using it once they're back home.

"As a commuting flight attendant, [this] comes in very handy!" one reviewer said. "At home, I like it propped up on the counter."

Save $7 with coupon
$11 at Amazon

Travel experts and frequent flyers say packing cubes are one of the easiest ways to stay organized. If you tend to overpack or always seem to forget something, they can keep everything tidy and easy to find. In addition to an array of bags in various sizes, this eight-piece set includes a toiletry bag, a shoe bag and a sock bag.

"I'm getting ready for flight attendant training and wanted to buy these to help me organize the many things I need to bring," wrote one reviewer. "What surprised me is that both pairs of high heels fit in the shoe bag."

Save $10 with coupon
$15 at Amazon

Our Deals Writer Britt Ross tapped her friend Emily, who has been a flight attendant for over 10 years, for travel recs and this nifty lock made her list. "Safety first, always," she told us. Just place the metal part into the door strike, close the door and attach the red piece to the metal piece. No one will be able to enter from the outside, so you can rest easy knowing you're safe and sound inside your hotel or Airbnb.

$12 at Amazon

Cabin pressure causes lots of travelers' feet to swell. It's smart to invest in compression socks to enhance blood circulation, and these No. 1 bestselling socks come with over 58,000 five-star reviews.

"Fight attendant-approved!" said a five-star reviewer. "I ... suffer from swollen everything when I fly two, three or sometimes four flights per day. These socks are comparable to the ones that I've previously paid $30 a pair for! They wash well! Comfortable, and really keep my feet from getting tired and swollen throughout the day."

Another flight attendant started wearing these at a coworker's recommendation. "[A] senior crewmember suggested I start wearing socks for longer flights/duty days and I'm glad I listened! My feet feel better and I recover faster! The nice designs are an added bonus that get compliments regularly."

Save $14 with coupon
$18 at Amazon

Speaking of what flight attendants prefer, this hard-sided Travelpro carry-on is what one crew member swears by when she's not on the clock. It's even been tested to fit in the overhead bins on most major domestic airlines (and passed with flying colors). 

"This suitcase is excellent. I am flight crew and use the soft side for work, but prefer this design for leisure," the travel professional wrote. "It was packed to the rim, super light and sturdy."

Save $43 with coupon
$127 at Amazon

If you've ever tried to settle in for an in-flight snooze, you know it's a challenge. Travelers say this 100% memory foam neck pillow is the closest they've gotten to sleeping on a real pillow while they're on a plane. It even comes with a drawstring carrying bag.

"I've gone through several kinds of neck pillows and this is my favorite," one flight crew member wrote. "I have a bad neck (arthritis and a reversed C-spine). I had to sleep with it once in a hotel because their pillows were dreadful and found it more comfortable! As a flight attendant, I recommend!"

$15 at Amazon

You're in a brand new place — possibly one where you don't speak the language — that phone of yours better not run out of juice! A high-quality power bank can keep this nightmare at bay. This model from trusted tech brand Anker juices up the iPhone 12 up to two times on a single charge. Since it's super slim, you can just slide it in your pocket or bag and it will barely take up any space.

"This was a savior when I was traveling, to charge my iPhone whose battery dies quickly when taking a lot of pictures. This is a must-have item. Slim and sleek, a bit heavy if you are walking all day but worth it," wrote one shopper.

$20 at Amazon

Travelpro has long been among flight crew members' favorite luggage brands. From its lightweight build to its durable construction, this carry-on is one that pilots in particular use and praise.

"I like the two-wheel pull version that I have used for years as an airline pilot," one five-star reviewer on Amazon said. "My wife wanted this version with the four wheels. It worked very well over various surfaces."

Save $43 with coupon
$127 at Amazon

If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.