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After packing for your trip, checking your baggage, and finally making it through security, there’s only one thing left to do: get some shut-eye. After all, airports are high-stress places and you need to save all the energy you can for your trip. To help you make the most of your in-flight nap, we’ve compiled a list of sleep necessities.
1. A cashmere stole or blanket scarf for warmth
Leave your throw blanket at home and take a Uniqlo stole with you.
There’s nothing better than curling up with a warm blanket when your eyelids start to feel heavy. But when you’re traveling, getting cozy isn’t as simple as grabbing your favorite throw and heading to the couch. We found the next best things, though: a 100 percent cashmere stole that can keep you warm in your window seat, and a blanket scarf that is stylish when draped around your neck or worn as a shawl, but that can unfold into a heat-retaining blanket with its warm fabric.
Get the Cashmere Stole at Uniqlo for $39.99 Get the 2-Way Checked Stole at Uniqlo for $9.90
2. A neck pillow for support
A good nap requires a comfortable pillow, like this one from Huzi.
If you’ve ever woken up with a kink in your neck, you know it’s enough to ruin a long day of traveling. To help you sleep comfortably, we recommend the Huzi Infinity Pillow, which our tester calls a “game-changer.” It’s super plush, machine-washable, and it keeps your head from bobbing to the side without being too restrictive. No more sore neck!
Get the Huzi Infinity Pillow on Amazon for $39.90
3. Noise-canceling headphones to tune out fellow passengers
Our favorite Sony noise-canceling headphones block out any chatter from fellow passengers.
If you love listening to music or a podcast to relax yourself into sleep, you’re probably planning to bring a pair of headphones on your flight. Our favorite noise-canceling headphones block out a variety of sounds at varying decibel levels. In short, you can control how much of the plane humming or passenger chattering you want to hear.
Get the Sony WH-1000XM3 on Amazon for $278
4. Compression socks for ample circulation
Keep your feet happy with Physix compression socks.
To avoid swelling in your feet or legs while flying, and to keep your circulation from decreasing, consider wearing a pair of compression socks on your next flight. After testing, we recommend our Best Value pick, Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks, which use nylon and spandex and offer 20 to 30 mmHg of compression. Their moderate amount of compression makes them feel tight, but not confining.
Get the Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks on Amazon starting at $9.95
5. A sleep mask to keep the light out
Don't let the light creep in and ruin your sleep.
If you’re sensitive to light when you’re trying to sleep, a sleep mask will be your best friend. After testing the best eye masks, we found a few excellent choices. If you prefer a silk mask, the Alaska Bear Eye Mask sits comfortably on the face and extends low to keep light from creeping in from the base. If you prefer a contoured sleep mask that doesn’t put any pressure on your eyes and works like blackout curtains, you’ll love the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask.
Get the Alaska Bear Eye Mask on Amazon for $9.99 Get the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask on Amazon for $11.95
6. Ear plugs for when you want total silence
A pair of Hearos Xtreme earplugs grants you total silence.
If you like the idea of noise-canceling headphones, but only really want them to block out noise and not to listen to music, a pair of ear plugs may be of better use. The Hearos Ear Plugs came out on top of our testing because they successfully block out sound without feeling uncomfortable to your ears. Plus, you can snag 14 pairs in a package to always have them on hand.
Get the Hearos Ear Plugs on Amazon for $12.91
7. Shoe-like slippers for the ultimate flying hack
You'll never want to take off these cozy UGG slippers.
Theory: It’s way harder to sleep if your feet are freezing or squished. You can’t control the temperature in the airplane, but you can plan to be as warm as possible despite chilly temps. These UGG slippers keep your feet warm with a wool lining, and you can sport them while heading in and out of the airport because of their rubber sole and water-resistant suede exterior. Who knew flying could be so cozy?