We’ve taken hundreds of flights over the years. Some were amazing. Others? Not so much.
After a few too many red-eyes with clanging dishes, crying toddlers, and flickering cabin lights, we decided enough was enough.
We got serious about what to bring when flying to make the experience easier, more comfortable, and even kind of enjoyable.
Now, these three items are always in our carry-on. You probably already have the first two. But the third one is a game changer most people don’t even know exists.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
This was the first upgrade we made and it changed everything.
Noise-canceling headphones help block out the chaos of the cabin. We use them for watching movies, listening to music, or just creating a quiet bubble while we read or listen to music and relax.
Matt prefers the in-ear AirPods ear buds. Lisa prefers over-the-ear headphones.
They go in or on right after the safety demo and don’t come off until landing unless we are talking to each other or sleeping (see below for sleep gear!).
Whether it’s crying babies, loud talkers, or endless announcements in 2 or 3 languages, these headphones make it all fade into the background.
If you’re wondering what to bring when flying to make the flight more peaceful, this is our top pick.
A Real Sleep Kit: Wax Earplugs and an Eyeshade
Foam earplugs never worked for us. They fall out, they hurt, and they barely block any noise.
Then we discovered wax earplugs. They mold to your ears, stay in place, and actually block out sound.
Paired with a soft, blackout eyeshade, they’ve helped us sleep through everything from turbulence to food service.
We don’t board a long-haul flight without this combo anymore.
It’s a simple upgrade, but it makes sleeping in on a plane possible.
When you’re building your list of what to bring when flying, especially overnight, don’t skip this.
Bluetooth Adapter for In-Flight Screens
We love our own headphones. They’re comfortable and sound great. So why would we ever use the scratchy airline ones that fall out every few minutes?
That’s where the Bluetooth adapter comes in.
It plugs into the airplane’s seatback screen and connects to your wireless headphones.
No cords, no frustration, just good sound.
It’s tiny, TSA-friendly, and works on most flights. Most people don’t even know this gadget exists, but once you use it, you’ll never fly without it again.
Final Thought
Flying doesn’t have to be miserable.
With the right gear in your carry-on, it gets a whole lot better.
These three items are always in our bag now. They help us sleep, stay calm, and actually enjoy the flight.
If you’re trying to figure out what to bring when flying, start with these. They’ve made every flight since feel easier and more comfortable.
Follow Us!
Follow us on the socials for smart, real-world travel tips based on what we’ve actually learned out there.:
TikTok
Facebook
Instagram