I am a seasoned traveler. Over the last 2 decades, I have traveled to most corners of the world in bog standard economy class. Having flown dozens of 9+ hour flights, I have experienced enough highs and lows of airplanes to last a lifetime.

The highs have been oh so high - the unbridled joy of being bumped off a full flight and into first class on one departing a few hours later, to the unexpected relief at having a spare seat or even a clear row to stretch out on. More often, however, long haul flights have been a slog; a test in preparation and patience. Long delays once on the airplane; being trapped in a dreaded middle seat with splaying strangers on either side; flying long haul alone with 2 year old twins; and developing the flu shortly before boarding a 12 hour flight are but some of the challenges I have encountered.

While one can't prepare for all eventualities, preparation is key and can ameliorate or resolve some airplane challenges. It is with this in mind that I've developed a list of highly useful airplane accessories for 2026. Read on to find out what I recommend and why.

Loop ear plugs.

Whether it's the hum of the plane itself, regular announcements, the couple beside you nattering on or the toddler behind watching cartoons without headphones, airplanes are loud. While over ear headphones are helpful if you're planning a movie marathon, loop earplugs are far more comfortable and versatile - they block out the din and create a quiet calm, immediately lowering my airplane anxiety. A worthwhile investment given how useful they are at home - they will forever be on my list of great gifts for new parents.

Find them here *

2. A bum bag / fanny pack is essential when moving though an airport, especially when one has things-they-cannot-lose that need to be to hand, like a mobile phone, passport and boarding passes. It can easily be worn alongside a backpack, and is so much easier to access than having to take a backpack on and off or rummage through luggage or a handbag for these items. I normally also keep a small zipped bag inside with sanitiser, lip balm, hand cream and tissues, then have everything to hand when going on the plane.

For those worried about aesthetics, I've found 2 elevated options (nicer than mass produced options and more unique than the viral Uniqlo bum bag!), perfect for airplanes, travel and everyday use. The colour options for this Ospray version are gorgeous, while the sturdy and classic Fjallraven design will see you through many a trip.

Ospray bum bag

Fjallraven classic black or dawn blue

3. Ok ok, so for this recommendation you will need to suspend your instinct to care about how you look in social situations. Stay with me. Ordinary eye masks are generally rubbish - they let light in, and even if they don't you still need a pillow to support your neck. I am always astonished at the number of people I see hauling unwieldy pillows at the airport, collecting germs along the way.

This product attaches to the headrest of your seat, and serves as both a blackout eye mask and head support. It eliminates head-bobbing and thus the need for a pillow, and rolls up into a neat drawstring bag. I have been on a few long and difficult flights where this has blocked out the lights and noise of the plane, providing an opportunity to rest and recharge or sleep.

Get it here

4. Luggage tags, I hear you asking? So basic. Alas many people don't have suitable luggage tags, and untagged bags - especially those loaded onto the wrong flight or lost at a connecting airport - may prove impossible to find. This article was enough to scare me into ordering new luggage tags. I like these as they are sturdy, have space for all contact details while not putting it on full display, and won't break the bank.

Available here

5. On more than one occasion I have had a blood sugar crash, followed swiftly by a mood crash and anxiety spiral mid long haul flight. Never again! There are so many things you cannot control about airplane food - when it will be served, whether you special meal order will arrive, and what you will be served. The meals I have had have ranged from delicious (even by non airplane standards) to inedible (I'm looking at you, Air Canada). I have been served a vegan meal that consisted almost entirely of raw vegetable sticks, and meat when I am a vegetarian. I now pack a bag of snacks, protein bars, a piece of fresh fruit etc so that no matter what happens I am not leaving everything to the fate of the airplane chef. This bag is cute enough to use in the car, buggy or backpack as well.

Get the snack bag here

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Top airplane accessories for 2026