9 Travel Essentials to Bring on Your Next Flight

I don’t throw around the term “essentials” too often—I think it’s overused. But in some cases, the word is a perfect fit. The more we fly, the more we discover that a few carefully chosen items packed in our carry-on make all the difference in the comfort of our in-flight experience. Here is a list of nine travel essentials you’ll wonder how you lived without (and now you don’t have to).

9 Things to Bring on Your Next Flight

A Rolling Bag In Taxi Yellow

LOJEL, a Japanese luggage brand that’s been around since the 80s, opened its first-ever North American flagship store in Kitsilano a few months ago. It’s known for its durable, stylish and enviro-friendly sensibilities. And in this gorgeous stop-traffic shade, I not only covet the carry-on bag, but the mama- and papa- bear sizes too.

The Evolution in Neck Support

I have permanently ditched those U-shaped neck pillows at the airport and upgraded to this Trtl travel pillow. The soft fabric wraps around your neck and is secured with Velcro; you’ll be nodding off in no time. Something about the real neck and head support it provides allows you to relax enough to actually catch some sleep on that red-eye.

Oral Care On-the-Go

Now, I do not suggest you whip this reusable toothpick out while buckled into your seat on the plane—that’s the equivalent of flossing in public to me—but it’s the perfect quick clean-up tool to use in the restroom when it’s awkward to brush on a long flight. Stimmie is a Canadian female-owned brand, which I love, and the soft rubber tip is a throwback to the old dental tools that stimulate gums too. Pro tip: keep one in your handbag.

Keep Your Supplements Organized

Canadian brand Loba has an organizer that looks nice enough to keep on your kitchen counter, and it reminds you when to take your vitamins, supplements and other meds by linking with Wi-Fi. The travel-focused kits contain multiple dispensers you can fill up and throw in your carry-on bag: no more lugging around bulky bottles and second-guessing if ou took your ashwagandha that day.

A Scarf that Doubles as a Blanket

Flights can be freezing. I absolutely must travel with a large scarf that can keep my neck and shoulders cozy, and one that is also big enough to cover my whole body should I need to grab some Z’s in the clouds. Fraas is a 140-year-old scarf brand from Germany, and this Cashmink oversize scarf in a happy colour combo works for me year ‘round.

A Spray Sani Your Seatmates Will Love

Every time I fly, I have no hesitation using and offering a spritz of hand sanitizer to my seatmates. This refreshing Dr. Bronner Peppermint organic hand sanitizer smells clean (without being too strong)—a bit on your hands, on your tray table and you’re set.

The Ideal Hands-Free Bag

Espe’s Abby sling is that just-right hands-free bag, with outside zippered pockets for easy passport grabs. The neutral camel shade works with everything and, wearing it cross body is smart for safety.

Roll-Ons in Your Carry-On

Natural medicine can be useful for anything that might bring you some discomfort while you travel, including indigestion, headaches  and good old-fashioned stress (remember that the next time you sprint through the airport for that connecting flight). Saje’s Safe Pocket Farmacy Physical Edition contains small sizes that slip into this self-contained clutch and take up little room in your bag.

Keep Tabs on Your Checked Bag

Apple AirTags are smart little location trackers that work with Apple’s Find My network. Slip one into your checked luggage, and if it doesn’t arrive at the carousel when you do, you can find out exactly where it is. Genius.