10 TikTok Travel Essentials Loved by Flight Attendants

Flight attendants, by nature, are highly experienced travelers and are therefore packed with untapped knowledge on how to make your time in the sky (and on the road) even more enjoyable. Luckily, many of them turned to TikTok to share their treasure trove of tips and tricks for optimized packaging — and we took notes.

We dove into flight attendants’ TikTok to find out exactly what they bring to the table by prioritizing comfort, functionality, and safety, and many of their top picks are available on Amazon. From supportive travel pillows and cushions to portable locks and even a compact humidifier for dry nights, these are the 10 products airline workers won’t travel without — all under $50.

Clarks Calla Ease Loafer Flat

Comfortable shoes are essential for long days of travel, and no one knows this to be true more than flight attendants. If you’re looking for a slightly more stylish option than your favorite pair of running shoes, take it from an airline employee on TikTok that these comfy loafers from Clarks are a top-notch selection for spending a lot of time standing, thanks to foam – cushioned insoles, long-lasting 100% leather exterior and thick, resistant soles. Plus, you can now score these shoes for up to 58% off in one of four neutral colors.

Zzrui Upgraded Portable Door Stop Wedge Alarm

Whether you’re staying at a hotel alone or with a group of friends, it never hurts to come prepared with additional security measures, and flight attendants swear this portable door wedge alarm is just what you need to feel safe. Just turn it on and place the device against the door before bed, and if any pressure is applied, it will make a high-pitched noise to scare off intruders. One flight attendant shared that he prefers to use one for the main door to his room and one for potential adjoining rooms.

HotLogic Mini Portable Electric Lunch Box

It’s no secret that food at airports isn’t necessarily top quality. To avoid paying for overpriced food, flight attendants on TikTok praise the HotLogic lunch box, a portable oven that heats pre-packaged meals or dinners. You can easily store it in your carry-on luggage or hotel room without having to resort to a cheap microwave that doesn’t heat your food evenly. And not only has it earned the seal of approval from countless airline employees, but it’s also racked up more than 32,800 five-star reviews on Amazon after travelers revealed it “changed” their “food life on a scale.”

AceMining Portable Lock

This best-selling security device has been featured in several TikToks from flight attendants who swear by the added protection it offers hotel room doors, and at just $15, it’s a no-brainer addition to your carry-on bag the next time you travel. . The compact lock is easy to use: simply close the door around the metal fixture and insert the second piece into the frame once the door is closed. Not only does this act as added security, but it also keeps out cleaning service if you want to sleep a little longer in the morning. It’s durable, packable and suitable for a wide range of doors – as long as they open inwards.

Jisulife Mini Portable Humidifier

Air travel can be incredibly drying to your skin (especially during long-haul flights), but this portable humidifier is here to transform your next hotel stay—and flight attendants swear by it. The slim, compact device offers up to seven hours of use thanks to its rechargeable battery and adds moisture to the air instantly when placed in any glass of water. It’s quiet, easy to use, and a game-changer for both your skin and sinuses.

Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter

Gone are the days of using airline-issued headphones with the help of the flight attendant-approved AirFly wireless Bluetooth transmitter. This pocket-sized device can be attached to your airplane seat and connects to up to two pairs of wireless headphones at the same time, eliminating unnecessary cable clutter and letting you watch a movie with your seatmate. You can easily control the volume directly from the device and it even has over 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. It’s no wonder flight attendants like longer flights when they’re off duty.

Tessan Power Range

There are usually a finite number of outlets available in any hotel room, so a TikTok flight attendant recommended this compact power strip as a simple solution to ensure every device has access to a charge. They shared that they love being able to “plug everything in one place” so they don’t have to “worry about finding plugs all over the room.” And with three outlets and three USB ports, everything from your laptop to your e-reader can stay fully charged at all times. Additionally, the extension cord provides easy access to hard-to-reach outlets.

J Pillow Travel pillow

Nothing makes sleeping on a flight more difficult than having your head continually hang, which is why flight attendants point to the thoughtfully designed J-Pillow as their favorite trick for restful sleep. This pillow secures to the back of your neck like a traditional travel pillow, while under-chin support adds another layer of comfort and security for longer trips. It keeps your head, neck and chin well cushioned so you don’t wake up with discomfort or stiffness when you touch the ground. Plus, it comes with a handy case that can be clipped into your luggage or stored in your carry-on luggage.

Ergonomic Innovations Donut Cushion

Sitting for long hours during an international flight will never truly be comfortable, but one flight attendant promises this memory foam donut pillow is the best way to upgrade your experience without spending too much on a first-class ticket. This best-selling pillow is designed to relieve pressure from your tailbone and back, resulting in a significantly more enjoyable day of travel. The donut shape evenly distributes body weight, reducing the need for in-flight adjustments, and it’s so light you’ll barely notice it in your carry-on luggage. You might not be able to use it during takeoff, but once you’re up high, this pillow will make even the firmest plane seats feel comfortable.

Gasince Portable Mini Fan

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$10

No matter the time of year, you should always be prepared for the possibility that your plane cabin may be much hotter than you would like. That’s why flight attendants suggest always bringing a small portable fan on your trips—in particular, this rechargeable option that comes with a stable base that sits nicely on the tray. The portable device has up to 13 hours of battery life on a single charge, so you can use it overnight in warm hotel rooms. Plus, you can choose between three speeds to keep you comfortable on the go.

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