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I'm a Frequent Flier, and This Is Secretly the Best Place to Sit on the Plane—and It's Not First Class
That said, flying bulkhead requires a bit of strategy. You must be deliberate about what you'll want within easy reach and come prepared to build your comfort zone, especially since you often won't have a seatback screen or a handy spot to stash your belongings. Over time, I've perfected my go-to setup, from the lightweight wearable bag I keep my essentials in to the sleep mask and noise-canceling earbuds that help me truly relax into that coveted legroom. Here's exactly what I pack (and how I use it) to make the bulkhead seat feel like the best seat on the plane.
If I'm flying in a bulkhead seat, I plan ahead to take advantage of the extra legroom—the main perk of this seating, which often means trying to snag as much quality sleep as possible. The Manta Pro is the sleep mask I use at home and on every trip, and Travel + Leisure editors voted it their No. 1 favorite sleep mask roundup. It offers a full blackout experience with zero pressure on your eyes and even comes with its own zippered carrying case and matching earplugs to boot.
I love how it fits snugly without being too tight (thanks to a fully adjustable velcro strap and eye cups), and the breathable design keeps me from overheating in stuffy cabins. It's a splurge compared to alternatives, but easily the best eye mask I've ever used. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, more than 65,000 Amazon shoppers have given the Mzoo Eye Mask, $29, a five-star rating.
One major drawback of the bulkhead row is the lack of underseat storage, meaning carry-ons must go in the overhead bin for takeoff and landing. That's why having a smart way to keep essentials close is key—enter the fanny pack or crossbody. I rely on this small-but-mighty Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody, which I either keep on my lap or by my side during the flight.
It fits all my must-haves—phone, earbuds, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and passport—while the sleek neoprene material feels durable and chic. The adjustable strap easily switches between fanny-pack and shoulder bag styles. I've taken it everywhere, and it's held up beautifully every time. Fortunately for travelers, plenty of equally functional and spacious bags exist: Athleta's Diem Crossbody Bag, on sale for $42, Amazon's top-rated Maxtop Crossbody Belt Bag, $15, and even Quince's Italian Leather Handwoven Mini Satchel.
With all that glorious bulkhead legroom, I like to get creative, starting with a DIY footrest. While you can buy inflatable options, I prefer a lightweight, packable duffel for its versatility. This one from Eddie Bauer folds flat in your suitcase, then can be easily filled with soft items like sweaters or travel blankets to create a comfy perch for your feet on long flights. It's roomy enough to double as a carry-on or an extra bag for souvenirs, and the water-repellent fabric plus separate compartment make it ideal for stashing dirty laundry or wet swimsuits once you land.
Flying in the bulkhead row means you'll need to be extra intentional about what stays within arm's reach. Enter this overachieving set of mesh zipper pouches. It includes 24 bags in eight sizes, so you can organize your in-flight essentials by category—tech, skincare, snacks, and medications—before you even board. I stash the must-haves in my crossbody or seatback pocket and leave the rest in the overhead bin. They also double as packing cubes and are surprisingly clutch for everyday use (think cords, kids' stuff, or on-the-go organizing).
Whether it's crying babies or galley clatter, bulkhead seats are prime real estate for mid-flight noise, which is why I never fly without some kind of audio buffer. These sleepbuds, which are on sale thanks to a nifty on-site coupon, are my gold standard. They block noise like over-ear headphones, but in a way that's actually comfortable to sleep in. No slipping out mid-nap, no digging through the dark to find a missing pod.
I use them solo with their built-in soundscapes or pair them with the Calm app for sleep stories. They're tiny, powerful, and have completely changed how I rest in the air. If you're on the lookout for sleep-friendly earbuds that do double duty, travelers also love the Soundcore by Anker A20i True Wireless Earbuds, $30, for their comfy fit, nine-hour battery life, and impressive noise cancellation.
One downside of the bulkhead row? No seatback screen. The fix: a compact tablet like the iPad Mini, preloaded with movies, books, shows, and games. It's light enough to hold for hours but big enough to actually enjoy your screen time (pair it with this portable tablet stand and you won't even notice you're missing a TV). I also download the airline's app ahead of time to access its in-flight entertainment—many carriers let you stream straight to your own device with onboard Wi-Fi. It's the ultimate boredom blocker that barely takes up space in your carry-on.
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Forbes
26 minutes ago
- Forbes
14 Of The Best Travel Snacks To Fuel Your Family's Next Adventure
Mixed salty snacks. Flat lay table scene on a rustic wood background. As summer break winds down, we have a few more weeks to fit in some family travel before returning to the school year. While the 4th of July is typically the most famed travel day, 83% of people said they plan to drive to their summer vacation destination, a cost-effective choice that allows for more flexibility. In fact, 54% said they will drive instead of fly due to the increasing cost of airfare, according to a survey conducted by Gas Station TV. Whether you're looking for something sweet, savory, healthy, or picky-eater approved, we've rounded up 14 tasty snacks to fuel your family's next adventure. 1. Albanese True to Fruit Exotic Fruit Gummy Bears Albanese True to Fruit Gummies Many claim to be the best fruit snack or gummy, but Alabense is far above the rest. If you follow me on social media, you'll know that every trip, whether it's a flight or a road trip, starts with a snack haul, and Albanese gummies are always in my cart! I remember the first time I tried them, it was on a long flight, and they instantly became my go-to snack. They're soft, the perfect amount of gumminess, and just plain ole' delicious! 2. Sargento Shareables Snack Tray Sargento Shareables Sargento, known for its delicious cheese, offers a convenient solution for your on-the-go days. Simply toss a few of these snack trays in your cooler, and you're all set for a day of adventure. Who can resist a savory cheese and cracker moment? 3. Made Good Granola Bites Made Good Strawberry Granola Minis These granola bites come in a convenient resealable bag, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking. I am not a huge breakfast person when I am traveling, but I like to have something. These granola bites are a staple in my house and always in my bag. They're chewy with the perfect hint of sweetness and flavor. 4. Justin's Almond Butter Justin's Maple Almond Butter My youngest niece, a picky eater, has found her match with these nut butter pouches. The beauty of these pouches lies in their versatility. Whether she's eating it alone, spreading it on a cracker, or dipping apple slices, she's in control of her snack time. 5. Stellar Pretzel Braids Stellar Maui Monk Pretzel Braids We may all be familiar with Stellar Pretzels, as it's offered as a snack option by some airlines. They offer bold flavors, such as Dijon Mustard, without being overpowering. One bite, and you'll be back for more. 6. Tru Fru Snacks TruFru Strawberries Prepare to indulge in a delightful treat. The fruit is fresh, and the chocolate used for dipping is velvety smooth. Whether you choose white chocolate, dark chocolate, or both, each bite is a journey into pure satisfaction. Trust me, you'll find yourself sampling all the flavors. 7. Jack Links Beef Jerky Jack Links Duo Jerky Packs How many times have we had to juggle multiple packs of our favorite jerky flavors to mix into one bag? The struggle is over with Jack Links Duo. Each pack offers two flavors, providing a convenient solution that saves you time and brings joy to your taste buds with every bite. You won't be able to pick a favorite, the duos are just too good! 8. Zarbee's Triple Action Hydration Electrolyte Drink Zarbee's Hydration Electrolyte Drink Pouches Encouraging children to drink water can be challenging. We love these drink pouches because they allow the tiny ones to easily grab one for a self-serve option, keeping them hydrated. These pouches are not just convenient, but also loved by picky eaters due to their delicious and natural flavors. Anything that is picky-eater approved is 10/10 in our house! She loves both the Strawberry Lemonade and Lemon Lime pouches. 9. Effie's Homemade Biscuits Effie's Homemade Biscuits These little treats are somewhere between a cookie and a cracker, but definitely pack the flavor. The corn, yes, corn, biscuits are a pleasant surprise. They're easy to toss in everyone's snack bag and are a good source of nutrition on the go! 10. Sprinkles Cupcake Cups Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake Cups Every road trip needs a little something sweet. These bite-sized pieces of joy, with their convenient packaging, combine the flavors of cupcakes with the taste of rich chocolate. However, it's not too overwhelming or overindulgent. The Red Velvet and Birthday Cake flavors are exceptionally delicious! 11. That's It Mini Fruit Bars And Crunchables That's It Snack Options Healthy snacks help maintain a good balance and reinforce healthy eating habits. The mini fruit bars and crunchables, packed with essential nutrients, are great for the whole family to enjoy, especially the little ones! 12. Belgian Boys Breakfast All Day Belgian Boys Breakfast All Day These snack packs are a lifesaver for those hectic mornings when you need breakfast on the go. They come with a small wedge of cheese, mini buttered waffles, and dried fruit, making it a convenient and satisfying meal. 13. Heirloom Pipcorn Mini Popcorn Pipcorn Variety Pack Don't forget to pack an extra bag or two of this popcorn for your trip. Its mini size and truffle flavor make it a tasty and irresistible snack. One bag won't be enough for a road trip, so make sure you're prepared with extra snacks! 14. Unreal Snacks Variety Of Unreal Snacks Another notch for healthy snacks that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Unreal makes the candy we like, without the additives and yucky stuff we don't need. Think of them as a healthier alternative to treats like M&M's and Snickers. Don't Skip The Rest Stop Eats Even if you come prepared with a car full of snacks, sometimes you just want something hot and fresh. 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For breakfast lovers, their mid-tier meal deal is the perfect choice. It's all about convenience-choose between a breakfast sandwich, add a hash brown, and any 16oz BANG, Ghost, C4 energy product, medium-sized coffee, or any size Polar Pop. No need to worry about what to eat in the morning, they've got you covered. Lastly, the $5 meal deal includes two slices of pizza or a personal pizza and a 20 oz soda product or any size Polar Pop. How To Store Your Travel Snacks Igloo Trailmate 70 Quart Cooler We store our snacks in various ways, depending on the type of adventure. For road trips, we opt for coolers. The Igloo Trailmate, our trusted companion, makes these trips a breeze. It's not just for road trips, but also for beach or park days, thanks to its all-terrain wheels. It features two built-in bottle openers, a butler's shelf, an interior food basket, side storage, and cup holders. And, it can fit 112 cans! We love how we can split the internal space for beverages, fruit trays, deli meats, and other perishables, making it a convenient and easy-to-use storage solution for any outdoor activity. Igloo KoolTunes Cooler With Built-In Speaker Our larger cooler, always ready in the trunk, is our refill station. In the backseat, we have a smaller cooler that's perfect for drinks, perishables, and group meals. It's a practical solution that keeps us reassured and prepared. For this, we use the Igloo KoolTunes, a versatile addition that doubles as a portable speaker. It's not just for beach days, hikes, or lake outings; it's for feeling ready for anything. The kids also travel with their backpacks filled with anything they may need during our travels, including snacks they don't want to share. We use a few things to help them keep their snacks close, depending on their needs. Whiskware Snack Containers Whiskware Snack Containers are a parent's dream, fitting perfectly in cup holders or bags, customizable, and each one features perfectly portioned jars to keep kids' favorite snacks handy for the whole ride. And when the journey is over, toss them into the dishwasher to ensure they're squeaky clean for the next use, giving you peace of mind about your child's snack time hygiene. I was able to select containers that matched my crew's personalities and interests, such as Disney Princesses, Toy Story, or their favorite color schemes. Owala FreeSip Series Speaking of, we matched our favorite containers to Owala tumblers. Additionally, their line of FreeSip and FreeSip Twist bottles makes it easy to manage drinks on the go: no spills, no leaks, no fuss, no mess. The Triple-layered, vacuum-insulated stainless steel keeps drinks cold for 24 hours. It's just what you need moving about on a hot summer day. AllHaula Insulated Dry Pouch 5L For snacks or bites that don't quite fit into containers, we rely on the All Haula Insulated Dry Pouches. These versatile pouches fit easily into any backpack or on the side of the All Haula Cooler. Despite their compact size, they can hold a surprising amount. Plus, they're a breeze to clean, ensuring you stay organized even in the face of leaks or spills.

Travel Weekly
an hour ago
- Travel Weekly
All aboard! Demand for rail travel picks up steam
With rail travel bookings surging both this year and next, tour operators are adding itineraries and product. Railbookers has seen a 35% jump in year-over-year bookings for 2025 and a 51% increase for 2026 compared to the same time last year. The operator also owns Amtrak Vacations, which has seen a 15% increase in 2025 bookings year over year. The rail specialists are not the only ones observing a spike in demand for train travel. Intrepid Travel added six itineraries to its rail travel collection in July after unveiling the tours last year and seeing a 24% increase in bookings so far this year. Intrepid Travel expanded its rail itineraries in July after seeing increased interest in the travel style over the last year. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Intrepid Travel G Adventures debuted a rail collection in April that features itineraries with more than 50% of travel by train. G Adventures director of product Sean Benner said the collection was receiving a "ton of engagement" and that G already has plans to expand rail offerings due to the popularity. "We've seen [with] the tours that have been tagged as rail collection, the sales are going up on those," Benner said. "It is a trend that we've been aware of, and it's exciting to see the engagement that we're getting out of it." Tour operators and travel advisors cited various factors fueling demand to ride the rails, from new product to social media to nostalgia for the slower travel of the past. "We've found that it really appeals to travelers looking for more thoughtful, immersive journeys that reduce their environmental impact," said Intrepid spokesperson Hannah Choat. "While sustainability plays a role, the appeal of rail today is equally about pace, presence and deeper connection." Angela Walker, the vice president of operations at The Society of International Railway Travelers, said social media and nostalgia has fueled increased interest in rail travel. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Angela Walker Angela Walker, vice president of operations for The Society of International Railway Travelers, a travel agency that specializes in luxury rail travel, also said slow travel is a major draw for clients opting for luxury rail itineraries. Travelers enjoy the time spent on trains meeting other passengers, enjoying cocktails while watching the scenery go by and indulging in multicourse meals, she said. "It is about the journey as well as the destination," Walker said. That was echoed by Benner, who said that slow, immersive travel and rail journeys go hand in hand. Rail travel differs from country to country, he added, providing a different experience based on the destination and a unique glimpse into the lives of locals. "You're traveling with commuters who are going to work every day," Benner said of G Adventures' itineraries. And he added that the experience "hits perfectly to our sort of ethos, the grassroots of community travel and being there with the community and experiencing it as a local." A passenger train in Poland, with the Tatra Mountains in the background. Photo Credit: Courtesy of G Adventures New trains, vintage experiences Social media is also driving the trend, operators said. Take the iconic bullet trains in Japan or sleeper trains in India, for example. Those types of experiences, frequently shared on social media, can fuel desire to visit those destinations, Benner said. Walker said that with social media picking up on the travel style, it appears to be in "the zeitgeist a little bit more than it used to be." She also credited the premiere of new luxury trains this year as enticing travelers to get onboard. Belmond launched its Britannic Explorer in England and Wales earlier this month, while La Dolce Vita Orient Express made its debut in Italy in April along with the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express in China, Walker said. "It doesn't happen very often that a new train comes along, much less three," she said. Though business at the Society of International Railway Travelers has remained steady, Walker said clients are skewing younger. Luxury rail is no longer only for retirees, she said, adding that she sees more Gen X and millennial clients. Walker said nostalgia is also a factor, pointing to the personal connection many travelers have with rail travel, whether it's a family member's connection to the railroad or a childhood fascination with trains. Luxury train itineraries will sometimes feature a night when passengers dress in 1920s-inspired outfits, a nod to a heyday of rail travel. Jackie DeAntonis, a Scott Dunn private travel manager, agreed and said the allure of the throwback experience proves to be a motivator for rail travelers. "Our guests love the idea of dressing up for a glamorous dinner onboard and connecting with fellow travelers," she said. "But even more important than the glamour is the opportunity rail travel affords them to explore lesser-known regions and experience magical moments."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
An Airline Worker Is Telling Travelers To Stop This One Luggage Tag Habit That's Fueling A Scam
If you're anything like me, one of the first things you want to do when you get out of baggage claim is rip off the ugly sticker luggage tag from your checked-in bag, or, let's be real, the carry-on you were forced to check in because there isn't enough space in overhead bins on the plane. Now, most of the time I rip them off when I get home or to my hotel. But, there have been lots of times I have ripped it off at the airport while waiting for my bus, car, or train to come pick me up, and apparently that is a big NO-NO. Recently, in the r/delta subreddit, u/Limp_Jeweler_2026, who says they work for Delta, explained why you should always remove your luggage tags at home because of a growing scam. Saying, "Good evening, everyone. I am a Delta baggage claims manager, and I just wanted to let everyone know to please start discarding your bag tags at home. We are getting an influx of fraudulent claims being submitted for 'missing items' as these people are observing who is removing their luggage tags in the claim areas and using your information to submit claims for reimbursement." They went on to add, "From my own personal experience in currently dealing with this, it is causing issues with reimbursing the real people if they submit a legitimate claim. So please be careful and don't take your tags off at the airport. They can steal enough information from that to use your travel itinerary to get paid." People in the comments were grateful for the advice: "Scams, fraud, and fuck around and find out are at an all-time high. This person is looking out for you!!! Do not scroll past this advice." —FormalTemporary2494 "Never would have occurred to me, but THANK YOU, OP!" —3ebgirl4eva "Japan had secured bag tag disposal receptacles near the secured exit of baggage claim. This explains why." —Longjumping-Usual-35 While others had even more advice about what to do with luggage tags: "I take my tags off as soon as I get my bag and stuff the tags inside my personal item. I believe my priority/business class tag had me targeted by a pickpocket many years ago." —06031eec "Just adding to this: Also, don't throw these away in your hotel room either. As a former hotel employee, there have been a few instances of fraud using bag tags found at hotels, too. Be vigilant!" —Pristine-Director716 "Not even bag tags, printed boarding passes as well. Next time you show up to your seat and someone else is there, don't be surprised, lol." —TRex2025 "Do one better. SHRED your bag tags and printed boarding passes as soon as you can after getting to your destination." —Helpful_Hovercraft25 You can read the original thread on Reddit. Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity. Are you someone who always tosses your luggage tags as soon as you get your bags at the airport? Are there other travel safety habits you follow that surprise you when others don't? Tell us in the comments below (anonymously) — you might be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed post!