I'm a pilot - these 10 carry-on essentials make flying a first-class experience
The summer holiday season has officially landed, and so has the annual rush through crowded airports and cramped plane cabins as millions of jetsetters take off for a much-needed break.
Seasoned flyers will know the excitement of the journey often comes with a host of all-too-familiar discomforts at 35,000 feet: dry skin, dehydration, jet lag, and head and body aches.
Many of these issues are largely caused by a combination of dry cabin air, low pressure, recycled air, and shared surfaces - so, what exactly does one need to survive flying in a confined space at high altitude for an extended period of time?
Duke Armitage, pilot and aviation enthusiast, revealed to Yahoo! Shopping the must-have items passengers should use to arrive at their destination looking fresh and feeling well-rested.
Brimming with essentials, the expert's 'comfort kit' includes everything from pilot-approved skincare and tech to hydration boosters.
Read on to discover Duke's top ten picks for an upgraded flight experience...
Beats Studio Beats
Noise is one of the biggest disruptors of in-flight comfort, and a good pair of earbuds can make all the difference.
Armitage advised travellers to invest in compact, wireless earbuds such as Beats Studio Buds, which deliver impressive sound quality and active noise cancellation without the bulk of traditional headphones.
With more than 57,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, they're praised for their secure fit, customisable ear tip sizes, and user-friendly transparency mode - which allows you to quickly tune in to announcements or chat with flight attendants.
Available in red, black or white to match your travel vibe.
£69.00 Shop
Systane Preservative-Free Eye Drops
The ultra-dry air in airplane cabins - which can often be drier than the Sahara - can leave your eyes red, itchy, and irritated, especially on longer flights.
These Systane Eye Drops are preservative-free and designed to entrap water to promote greater hydration, lubrication and provide prolonged, long-lasting symptom relief.
It also allows restoration of the damaged cells in the ocular surface.
£14.99 Shop
Humantra Lychee Electrolyte and Antioxidant Drink Mix
Air travel is notorious for causing dehydration, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and a general feeling of sluggishness.
Humantra's plant-based, sugar-free electrolyte and antioxidant drink mix is formulated to ease these symptoms with the help of all six essential electrolytes and 100% natural ingredients in a 20-serving pack.
It's a completely clean, artificial-free formula that hydrates four times more effectively than water alone. Naturally sweetened with Stevia leaf extract, which means no aftertaste, no sugar crash and no harm to your gut health.
£28.00 Shop
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Soothing Hand Cream
Cabin air is a recipe for dry, cracked skin — especially on hands exposed to repeated washing and sanitiser use.
La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Soothing Hand Cream is a cult favorite among those who need deep hydration without the grease or scent.
Its 4% Niacinamide and 30% Glycerine formula draws moisture into the skin and creates a protective barrier to lock it in.
TSA-sized at 50ml, and highly effective, it's the go-to cream for travelers who want to avoid post-flight flakiness.
£9.00 Shop
Mavogel Cotton Sleep Mask
Whether you're on a red-eye flight, or just want to tune out the bright cabin lights, a good sleep mask is essential.
This Mavogel mask is made of soft cotton and features a patented nose wire design that blocks out light without applying pressure to your eyes.
Its wide band keeps it in place without pulling your hair, and it folds into a compact pouch that tucks easily into any carry-on.
With over 63,000 glowing Amazon reviews, it's a budget-friendly sleep solution travelers swear by.
£9.49 Shop
Aloh Sweet Orange Bergamot + Aloe Sanitizing Hand Wipes - 3 Pack
Even with HEPA filters in place, airplanes are still germ hotspots, especially on high-touch surfaces like tray tables, armrests, and seat belts.
These alcohol-free hand wipes kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria while moisturising your skin with aloe and essential oils.
The refreshing scent blend - including sweet orange, bergamot, eucalyptus, and peppermint - adds a calming aromatherapy boost, perfect for easing in-flight anxiety.
Plus, the biodegradable plant-fibre wipes are a more sustainable alternative to traditional sanitisers.
£27.99 Shop
Vapur Collapsible Wide Mouth Anti-Bottle
Staying hydrated in-flight is crucial, but lugging around a bulky water bottle isn't ideal when space is tight.
The Vapur Anti-Bottle is a lightweight, foldable, and flexible water container that holds up to one litre, but flattens when empty.
It's BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and has a wide mouth for easy refilling at airport water stations.
A built-in clip makes it easy to attach to a bag or seat pocket - perfect for sipping throughout your flight without sacrificing precious carry-on space.
£11.50 Shop
Buffway Slim RFID-Blocking Leather Wallet
Knowing your personal data is protected can give you serious peace of mind whilst travelling.
This sleek, minimalist wallet features built-in RFID-blocking technology to protect your cards from digital skimming - a growing concern in crowded airports.
It's thin enough to fit in your front pocket, passport holder, or travel pouch, and comes in dozens of colours and finishes, from classic black to bold metallics.
Over 83,000 five-star ratings have praised its practicality.
£36.66 Shop
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
If there's one thing your skin needs mid-flight, it's moisture - and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream delivers it in spades.
This lightweight yet deeply hydrating formula includes squalane (a plant-based emollient), glacial glycoprotein for skin barrier support, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.
It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Available in a TSA-friendly 28ml travel tub, it's a must for keeping your face soft, hydrated, and photo-ready when you land.
£18.00 Shop
Cliganic USDA Organic Lip Balm 6-Pack
Lips are especially vulnerable to cabin air, since they lack oil glands and lose moisture faster than other parts of your skin.
Cliganic's organic lip balms are made with beeswax, vitamin E, and essential oils to protect and hydrate.
This six-pack comes in a variety of natural flavours - including coconut, mint, citrus, and vanilla - so you can stash one in every bag or share with loved ones.
With clean ingredients and no artificial additives, it's a gentle and effective solution for dry, chapped lips.
£0.00 Shop
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