We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide.

These products + repeating the mantra, "I saved hundreds of dollars sitting here," should do the trick.

Limited leg room, narrow seats, lack of head support, constant noise, and next to no recline... the cons of economy go on, but for many of us, first-class just isn't in the budget. While we can't *literally* make more room for ourselves, there are some clever products out there that make the experience more tolerable. Ahead, we've got purpose-designed travel hoodies, noise-blocking over-ear headphones, hydrating skincare sets, inflatable foot rests, compression socks, anti-bobblehead pillows, and more. 

A Trtl travel hoodie with a slew of purposeful design details, including a zippered pocket for important documents, lower armholes so it's easier to put on and take off in tight spaces, and a triple-layered "Hush Hood" for noise reduction. That last one really comes in clutch, and helps you ensure some quality shut-eye, even if you're seated right next to the bathroom where there's a constant line of people making small talk. 

PS: This comes from the makers of the uber-popular Trtl travel pillow, which features a unique, scarf-like design. 

Get it from Trtl for $69.99 (originally $140; available in women's and men's sizes S–XXL and in two colors).

A pair of Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones with next-level noise cancellation so you can shut your eyes, turn on a podcast, and forget you're stuck in the middle seat. Of course, when meal time rolls around, you can switch from "Quiet mode" to "Aware mode" so you can hear the flight attendants asking if you want chicken or pasta. Oh, and they also have up to 30 HOURS of playtime, so if you fall asleep with something playing, you won't kill the battery. 

Promising review: "I was so excited to receive these bad boys! As a long-time fan of Bose, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Gen 2 headphones and they did not disappoint. First off, the sleek design is beautiful, and I love how easily the earpieces fold for storage. I recently wore them on two flights, and wow, I’m impressed. They were incredibly comfortable the entire time. Over-the-ear headphones usually leave my ears sore after long use, but with these, I actually fell asleep wearing them and had no discomfort at all! The noise cancelling is truly top-notch: it completely blocks out the world around you. I also appreciate the included carrying case, which makes traveling super convenient. And best of all? The USB-C cable! Those are surprisingly hard to come by these days, and honestly, it was a big selling point for me. Overall, the Bose Gen 2 headphones live up to the name and reputation. If you’re looking for comfort, quality, and great design, I highly recommend them!" —Krucifixo

Get them from Amazon for $425+ (available in five colors).

A seat-back organizer that slides over the tray table so you don't have to touch any icky surfaces or dig around in that communal pocket of crumbs looking for your misplaced passport. It's machine washable, so after your flight, you can toss it in the wash and then use it again!

PS: The genius Airplane Pocket is a small biz! Check out a TikTok of the Airplane Pockets tray table cover in action. 

Here's what BuzzFeeder Emma Lord has to say: 

"I used this on a round-trip from NYC to Tokyo, both with connecting flights in Canada, and cannot sing its praises enough. It fit all four of the different tray tables I used it on and was so ridiculously handy for keeping track of all my littler odds and ends like AirPods, the plane's headphones, earplugs, a sleep mask, a book, gum, a scrunchie, and little snacks. The hanging end of it easily tucked into the built-in sleeve of the seat in front of me for takeoff and when other passengers needed to scoot past me in my aisle seat. Usually, I feel like a hot mess and get frustrated rooting around in the grimy sleeve for my stuff, and this was such a refreshing solution! Several flight attendants even asked where I got it to buy one for themselves!" 

Promising review: "Every time I whip this thing out, someone leans across the aisle, asks what it is, and then makes a note to buy one when they get home. On a long-haul flight, it's simply a must for organizing your reading materials, headphones, sanitizing wipes, etc. My favorite use for this thing is when I've fallen deep asleep along the way, only to wake up in a fog and in a rush to deplane. Instead of having to hastily dig things out of the seat back pocket, I just slip the entire thing off of the tray table, pop it in my bag, and worry about sorting things out when I get to where I'm going — safe in the knowledge that I didn't leave anything behind. Love it!" —justinglen

A nifty universal phone mount so you can pass your high-altitude hours *finally* catching up on the latest season of Love is Blind. Your budget seat might not have come with its own built-in screen, but this works just as well. 

PS: You can also clamp it onto your suitcase to watch stuff while you wait to board. 

Promising review: "I bought this gadget about six months ago for a multi-leg, ultra-long-haul trip, and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel, too! Work-wise, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer. At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far, it still feels solid, and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" —Earendil

Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in three colors).

An AirSlyng — a blanket system that cradles your upper body and keeps you warm thanks to its fleece interior. You can hook it around your headrest to prevent slouching and bobbing, or just wear it around your neck for gentle support. Either way, it'll keep your arms nice and warm so you don't have to choose between covering your shoulders or feet with the laughably tiny airline blanket. 

Promising reviews: "This worked perfectly for my international flights. Not only did it keep my arms relaxed, but it also kept me warm without having to pull the blanket all the way up and leaving my feet uncovered. I look forward to using it in future flights." —MC24

"This thing is like a warm hug without being confining. It's small to pack and keeps the chill off your arms. It's super hard to describe how or why it's so comfy... but it definitely makes you feel more supported when trying to sleep upright. It is very well made, with thick, elastic spandex. It is a definite yes for me." —K Mendonca

A combination 3D eye mask/travel pillow to prevent dreaded bobblehead on your next flight. If you've ever jerked yourself out of sleep with an involuntary twitch, this will be a lifesaver!

This contraption provides 360-degree support thanks to a wraparound design and clips that connect it to your seat's headrest. 

Promising review: "Just took a 15-hour flight with this travel pillow, and this was the best travel pillow by far. I've used inflatable and memory foam neck pillows before; the major problem is that they don't secure your head and torso, so either your muscles have to hold up your body, or your head and torso will end up swinging around, and both are disruptive to sleep. With this travel pillow, my muscles can relax, and the padded eye mask will hold up my head and torso. One minor downside is that the pillow needs to be mounted on your seat's headrest; if someone bumps your seat, it can be disruptive, but this rarely happens. Its size and weight are also much less than memory foam neck pillows, and I don't have to bring an extra eye mask, so it is very travel-friendly." —Sky

Get it from Amazon for $19.54+ (available in nine colors).

A smart drink holder — for my fellow window-only travelers — so you don't have to deal with those tiny airplane tray tables you always end up knocking around with your knees. This tray not only has room for two drinks, but slots that can be used for your phone, headphones, and glasses, as well. 

Heads up — you can only use this if you're sitting in a seat that has access to a full window!

Promising review: "I used this for the first time on a 737. It was fabulous! It didn't intrude into my sitting space nearly as much as I expected. Because the actual window is recessed from the side wall, it only sticks out from the side wall about an inch. If you're considering this, you likely fly enough to know that seats aren't always aligned with the windows. If your window happens to be right beside your seat or the seat in front of you, this won't be of much use. But because it doesn't jut out as much as I thought, you can use it in more situations than I expected. And when you can use it, it's great! I love not having to have my entire tray table down just to hold a 3-inch cup. My only suggestion would be to add a place to hold trash until the flight attendant picks it up. This is very small, very lightweight, and very useful. I'll be taking it on every flight from here on." —JBC

A Cabeau inflatable seat cushion to take tension off your tailbone because whew, boy, airplane seats are not designed for comfort. The pillow is easily inflatable and can be adjusted to your desired firmness, and when you're done, it folds up for easy storage in your carry-on. 

PS: When you're not traveling, it's also great for office chairs, stadium seats, bleachers, etc. 

Promising review: "I purchased this for flying. Every airline's economy seats cause horrible back, hip, and leg pain when I fly. This purchase was a shot in the dark for something that would help. Surprisingly, it does! I’ve used it for domestic and international travel, and I’m so glad I bought it. The firmness is adjustable. It deflates to make it easy to tuck in a backpack or suitcase without taking a lot of space or weight." —KB

Some — relatively speaking 😂 — cute compression socks to help with circulation so your legs don't have to be any more uncomfortable than they already are. These offer moderate compression with 15–20mmHg. 

Promising review: "Nice socks! I purchased these for an overseas trip. I like the feel of them. The fabric is nice and soft, neither too thick nor too thin. The socks are a good length for me, and I like the color. The socks come with instructions for putting them on/taking them off. Also, directions on how to 'acclimate' to them by wearing them for shorter periods of time. They are very comfortable/supportive, stay in place while walking around, and hug the right places (calves and foot arch). They also came with a small travel pouch, which will be helpful for my upcoming travels. I definitely recommend these compression socks." —L Alexander

Get them from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three sizes and eight colors).

Or — if your flight is short so you're going to ultimate comfort — a pair of Barefoot Dreams socks that reviewers say are so luxurious, they're "the most heavenly pair of socks your toes and feet will ever touch in your lifetime."

Promising review: "The perfect sock for home and travel. These are the softest socks in the world! Especially for the price, you really can't get a better experience than these socks. Anything by Barefoot Dreams is soft, but the socks really highlight how incredible the fabric is. Great quality. Have not experienced holes or anything like that, and they keep my feet warm. They also have great stretch — I am a woman size 8, and the same size fits a man's size 11." —A2112

Get them from Amazon for $13.45+ (available in two sizes and nine colors).

A Summer Fridays' Jet Lag Essentials Hydration Set with everything you need to keep your skin moisturized, despite the fact that you're stuck in a pressurized tin can with recycled air for the next eight hours. You've got mini versions of their bestselling mask, serum, and mist, plus some eye masks you can use in the last hour or so to look fresh for deplaning. 

What's included: 1 oz Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist, 0.33 oz Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum, 0.7 oz Jet Lag Mask, and one pair of Jet Lag Eye Patches. 

Promising review: "I travel internationally for work a ton, like 15-hour flights, and this set is magic for my face both mid-trip, and once I’ve landed. I could live without the mist, but the serum and mask (which I use like a moisturizer) are great. It’s small enough to fit in my backpack so I can use it in the lounge bathroom to freshen up mid-way through a long travel day." —silkyink

Some noise-reducing in-flight earplugs that naturally regulate air pressure in your ears, so you don't have to deal with popping or pain during takeoff and landing. 

Promising review: "Never fly without these! Before I found these, I endured excruciating pain in my ears upon descent and landing. Felt like a hot poker being driven into each ear. My ears would also be plugged up, and it would often take two to three days for them to resume their normal state of being. I insert them about an hour before landing, as the plane is making its slow descent. I'm comfortable, and the only discomfort I experience is a slight pressure change in my sinuses. NO PAIN. NO TEARS." —K. Tombrella

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $7.89+ (available in packs of 1, 3, and 10).

A 2-in-1 travel blanket and pillow sure to make your transatlantic flight much more bearable — especially if you're the type to sleep against the window or on your tray table. 

Promising review: "I bought this product before taking a six-hour flight, and it was a lifesaver. The pillow has a strap behind it to put it on your luggage so that it doesn't have to be carried. Very convenient when traveling. The blanket kept me warm on the plane, and when the blanket is folded into a pillow, it is also comfortable. Would definitely recommend." —Robynn

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in eight colors). 

A foot hammock so you can make the most of your limited legroom and avoid the dreaded pins and needles that come along with cramped quarters. 

Promising review: "This is an amazing product. It's so simple but works incredibly well to prevent swelling and pressure on legs while flying. I just flew the first leg of an international flight and used it, and I am on a layover now and had to pause to write this review. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! It easily attached to the tray table, and I adjusted it to my desired height. It is like a hammock for your feet. You just prop them up inside the thing/swing/hammock — which is very cushiony — and your feet are hoisted up comfortably. DEFINITELY A MUST-HAVE ON ALL MY FLIGHTS NOW. This thing is great!!" —Queen

Or an inflatable foot rest that adjusts to three different heights, so you don't have to sit in the exact same position for eight straight hours, even if your economy seat has limited space. 

Promising review: "This foot rest pillow is essential for those who travel very long distances. It is not only uncomfortable but unhealthy to leave feet dangling down for many hours or days at a time while traveling. I purchased this pillow to sit between my airplane seat and the seat in front of mine. It is wonderful to be able to prop my feet up, with bent knees, while watching movies or sleeping. I regularly fly the same route that is about 30 hours (including layovers), and when I am unable to get a seat upfront, this foot rest pillow keeps me more comfortable at the back of the plane." —Yvonne N

Get it from Amazon for $21.96+ (available in four colors and two-packs). 

A supportive and adjustable travel pillow because booking a red-eye flight + a basic economy ticket saved you mad $$$, but you're not about to sacrifice any sleep. There's even a snap strap attached that lets you hook it to your backpack, luggage, or purse for hands-free carrying.

Promising review: "We just flew across the country twice and loved using this travel pillow. It wasn't too hot around our necks and kept our heads supported while we slept on the plane. I wore mine during the entire flight, even when awake. I was able to comfortably read and watch a movie on my tablet while wearing the pillow. Rotating the pillow around your neck adjusts the thickness, so you can customize the fit and support. I have bought lots of different travel pillows, and in my opinion, this one is the best!" —LW

Get it from Amazon for $44.97+ (available in five sizes and in 11 colors/designs).

A TSA-friendly Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray that uses just three workhorse ingredients — good ol' H2O, sodium chloride, and hypochlorous acid — to put redness, acne, and dullness in their place. 🥊 That way, you step off your flight with skin that isn't any worse for wear. 

Tower 28 is a Santa Monica-based beauty brand specializing in non-toxic, non-irritating vegan and cruelty-free makeup and skincare. Amy Liu, the founder and CEO, worked for 15+ years as a beauty exec before leaving to create products that would suit her sensitive eczema-prone skin.

Promising review: "I always pack this Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray when I travel or fly. The recycled airplane air usually leaves my face red, tight, and irritated. A few sprays of this, mid-flight or after landing, instantly calm everything down. It’s super gentle, fragrance-free, and never stings, even when my skin is dry or stressed. I love that it’s just hypochlorous acid and water, so I don’t have to worry about reactions or breakouts while I’m away from home. The fine mist feels refreshing, and it actually helps keep my skin clear after long travel days or hotel changes. The bottle size is TSA-friendly, and it’s become a must-have in my carry-on. If you have sensitive skin or just want something to keep your face happy on airplanes, this spray is worth it!" —Holly Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes).

A Bluetooth-enabled sleep mask if falling asleep mid-flight is not your forte. Slip this baby on, turn on your favorite thunderstorm simulator, and it's like you never left home.

Promising review: "This is the best thing I have ordered in a long time! I work nights and recently took a travel position. Staying in hotels is fun until your neighbor is loud or the highway traffic is horrible. The speakers on this are quality! The only thing I heard was the rain and thunder from my app. The rain was so clear sounding I could easily visualize each drop hitting the ground. I was about to fall asleep when the thunder kicked in and seriously scared me to pieces! Highly recommend!" —Dana Harris

Get it from Amazon for $22.58+ (available in four colors).

An inflatable airplane bed for kids that not only gives them a place to peacefully nap, but also prevents toys and snacks from going here, there, and everywhere.

The bed — which comes from the small, woman-run biz Flyaway Designs — comes in a portable bag, and a pump is included. It takes only 90 seconds to inflate and even less to deflate! And — an important note from the manufacturer — "It meets the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA’s) strict guidelines for in-flight comfort devices."

Promising review: "This bed proved to be everything stated in the description. We flew premium economy on a 17-hour flight from SFO to SIN, and this product provided a sturdy, flat bed for our toddler across the entire pitch from our seat to the next. It was his first flight ever, and he slept comfortably about 10 hours or so (on the return trip as well). The product is also super easy/quick to inflate and deflate. Would highly recommend it." —Sunil N.

A compact Old Fashioned kit with everything you need to craft your own cocktail — sans the whiskey, that is. Once you snag that from a flight attendant, your personal bar is in business!

This Old Fashioned cocktail kit includes real bitters, lemon zest, sugar cubes, a bar muddler spoon, and a handwoven cocktail napkin. The only things it doesn't come with are whiskey and ice!

Promising review: "I used this on a three-hour flight yesterday and had the closest thing you can get to a perfect Old Fashioned in an airplane. The flight attendant was confused at first when I asked for an extra glass, but after I explained, she was fascinated and actually watched me make the drink! She said it looked like a chemistry experiment. I highly recommend, even if it's just to start a conversation on a flight." —Briana Sircy Wright

* Travel Products That’ll Have Your Trip Companions Saying, “Woah, They’re A Pro”

* Products You Need If You Absolutely Refuse To Check Your Luggage

* If You’re Taking On The Challenge Of Traveling With Kids, Here Are 28 Helpful Products You’ll Want

* Flight Attendants Swear By These 27 Travel Products (So You Know They're Worth The Money)

* Versatile Travel Pieces That Are Perfect For When You’ve Committed To Packing Light

* Products For Anyone Traveling To A Warm Destination In The Near Future

* Products Reviewers Say They Never Travel Without

Plus, compression socks, travel bags, cosmetic bags, pet carriers, and travel-ready sandals.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Chelsea Stuart is a Market Editor on the BuzzFeed Shopping team who covers a little bit of everything, including home decor, travel, fashion, skincare, and pet products. She previously worked as a Travel Writer at Jetsetter, a TripAdvisor Company, and as a Senior Commerce Editor at DotDash, focusing on brands including TripSavvy and MyDomaine. 

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.