Everything You Need for a Smooth Flight
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Make sure you're comfortable on your next flight by snagging the perfect travel pillow, noise-canceling headphones, and tasty treats.
Image: New Africa
It’s officially vacation season, and while we’ve got everything we need for a perfect getaway right here in town, that isn’t stopping Houstonians from leaving their beloved city and landing in airports across the globe. Before you head to the skies, make sure your carry-on is stocked with everything you’ll need for a perfect flight.
If you’re flying this summer, you’ll probably want a travel pillow to help you catch some shut-eye and maybe a pair of extra powerful noise-canceling headphones that will block out chatty passengers. No matter your destination, we’ve gathered the essentials that will take your flight to the next level without a first-class upgrade.
Extra Sugar-Free Gum
$1.69

Image: Courtesy photo
When it comes to the most uncomfortable parts of any plane journey, stiff seats and limited leg room are no competition for the popping air pressure in our ears. That’s why your carry-on should always be equipped with this pack of sugar-free gum to help alleviate the pain.
Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes Travel Pack
$1.79

Image: Target
Most airlines disinfect thoroughly between each flight, but it never hurts to make sure yourself with this travel pack of antibacterial wipes from Target. As a bonus, you’ll always be prepared for any accidental messes or spills.
Moroccan Rose Travel Size Deodorant Local
$4

Image: Asch Building
Listen, no one said cramming a ton of people into one plane for hours was going to smell good. Do your part by using this Moroccan Rose Deodorant from Asch Building, which will leave you smelling crisp and sweet, like a freshly watered garden rose.
Buy NowBBQ Roasted Corn Snack Local
$10

Image: Manready Mercantile
Avoid overpriced airport snacks with Rolling Thunder Snack Company’s BBQ roasted corn, sold at Manready Mercantile. Delicious and easy to eat, these tasty kernels will remind you of home no matter where you’re going with their smoky BBQ flavor.
Turbulence, David Szalay Local
$15

Image: Blue Willow Bookshop
Make the flight fly by faster by immersing yourself in a good book. Our pick is Turbulence, a short novel that takes place on 12 different flights around the world, but Blue Willow Bookshop’s shelves have plenty of other options to occupy your next excursion.
Natrol Melatonin Fast Dissolve Tablets
$15.48

Image: Amazon
Catch some shut-eye on red-eye flights with Natrol’s fast-dissolving melatonin tablets. Easy to take and strawberry flavored, these tablets will have you counting sheep in no time, so you’ll be ready to take on the day when you land.
Anker 313 Power Bank
$21.99

Image: Anker
With everything going on at the airport, opportunities to charge your phone can get a little rare. That’s why you’re going to want the Anker 313 power bank—slim, durable, and universally compatible, it’s the perfect travel buddy for your chargeable tech.
Cruz Sunnies Local
$28

Image: Emerson Rose
If your seatmate refuses to shut the cabin window, you’re going to want a pair of these Cruz Sunnies from Emerson Rose. Chic and simple with 100% UV protection, they’ll dim the sun’s rays and can even make the bright airplane lighting more bearable.
Light Travel Pillow
$45

Image: Ostrich Pillow
Don’t let its unique shape fool you—Ostrich Pillow is the travel pillow to end all travel pillows. In fact, its circular shape means you can position it anywhere you want on your neck or head, ensuring a comfortable fit that’s customizable to how you sleep.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
$349.99

Image: Best Buy
Rated the best noise-canceling headphones of 2022, these headphones will block out everything from loud seatmates to crying babies. Press play on your downloaded movie, or listen to your favorite playlist—no matter what, the sound will be clear and, most importantly, uninterrupted.