12 Amazon Essentials for Staying Cool While Flying

In my humble opinion, there are few travel experiences less pleasant than overheating during a flight. It doesn’t matter how long that flight is — if the feeble air conditioning isn’t doing its job, we have a problem. After a recent flight back from New Mexico where we effectively traveled in an oven for a plane, I immediately began researching how I could avoid that all-encompassing heat in the future, and it’s safe to say that my search was fruitful.

From the most obvious solutions (yes, a portable fan is always a good idea), to more thought-out hacks (we’re looking at you, cooling clothes), I’ve rounded up the 12 travel essentials you need to stay cool from the airport to a longhaul flight this summer — and everything is under $45 at Amazon. There’s no reason to make the long hours sitting in one place more unpleasant than they need to be.

Jisulife Handheld Mini 3-in-1 Fan

Keeping a portable fan handy is one of the best ways to ensure that the weak air conditioning on your flight won’t cause you to overheat, and with an impressive battery life of up to 19 hours, this pocket-sized fan from Jisulife is an obvious choice. The compact design can easily be slipped into your personal item to remain accessible when you need it most, and it conveniently unfolds to a 90-degree angle so you can prop it onto your tray table to stay cool throughout the duration of your flight. Best of all, it even works as a portable charger and a flashlight if you’re in a pinch.

Easyeah Cooling Patches

If you incurred a particularly nasty sunburn during vacation and are worried about the radiating heat on your way home, these simple cooling patches are an excellent remedy and even a great option if you’re prone to running hot while traveling. Just stick the lightweight patch to any area you tend to feel the warmest, and the brand claims you’ll be able to enjoy up to eight hours of cooling — perfect for a longhaul flight. Each patch is even infused with mint extract and contains a cooling gel that will feel divine when coming off of a tropical vacation.

FrSara Neck Fan

It’s well-known that the loading bridge leading down into a flight can quickly heat up, and with arms full of luggage, you may not have the space to hold onto a portable fan, as well. Thankfully, this slim neck fan is a genius solution for not only sightseeing, but long flights as well, as it allows you to rest easily without worrying about holding a fan or potentially having it fall over. This fan holds a charge for up to 16 hours while even offering three different speeds so you can feel cool from every angle, and it’s so quiet that you won’t have to worry about disturbing your seatmate. Plus, it’s now on sale for 40 percent off.

Arctic Cool Women’s V-neck Instant Cooling Short Sleeve Shirt

While you can of course stock up on accessories that will contribute to your overall in-flight comfort, the clothes you choose to wear while traveling also have a significant impact on your temperature. With that in mind, this cooling, moisture-wicking top will be a major asset for summer adventures. Not only can it be worn on the trails and during active days out and about, it’s also well-suited to be styled with your airport outfit. The lightweight shape won’t weigh you down, and the thoughtfully designed fabric disperses heat to achieve a more comfortable body temperature.

Ueu Women’s Casual Loose Wide Leg Pants

A lightweight, airy pair of pants will do wonders for keeping your body temperature low while in the air, and with more than 6,700 five-star ratings at Amazon, this pair from Ueu certainly does the trick. A relaxed blend of polyester and spandex won’t squeeze or cling to your skin, and the buttery-soft material is just icing on the cake. It certainly doesn’t hurt that they’re incredibly flattering, and it’s likely they will become your go-to during more than just travel days.

Owala FreeSip Twist Insulated Water Bottle

Being prepared by having water on-hand will be a lifesaver during especially toasty flights, and this slim water bottle from Owala effortlessly fits within the side pocket of your backpack or personal item so you can stay hydrated and cool all flight long. The 24-ounce bottle is travel-friendly and features a built-in straw so you don’t have to worry about spilling while trying to take a sip during turbulence, and it’s even insulated in order to keep your water cold for up to 24 hours.

Liquid I.V Hydration Multiplier

Now, if you’re looking to level-up your hydration (and in turn, cool your body down), packing Liquid I.V or another electrolyte mix is a sneaky hack that will hardly take up any space while making a world of difference. Adding one stick of Liquid I.V to your water hydrates the body faster than drinking plain water, per the brand. Plus, it features five essential vitamins to keep you feeling great against the stress of travel. In the summer months, this is a must.

Hanes Cooling Mesh T-shirt Bra

Too-tight, rigid undergarments only stand to make your travels more uncomfortable — unless they’re made from cooling material, that is. This wireless mesh bra from Hanes is a genius addition to your travel arsenal during the summer months to regulate your temperature from the base, and with seven neutral and bright colors to choose from, it’s cute and functional, as well. From an active day of sightseeing to an international flight, this breathable bra is a no-brainer, and at $14, you won’t feel bad about snagging more than one.

Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water Soothing Facial Mist

It may seem simple, but a refreshing spritz of a chilly face mist can be one of the quickest ways to feel more comfortable on a too-hot flight. Seeing as more than 9,100 customers at Amazon trust it, so do we. This gentle spray works to soothe anything from sunburns to general irritation, so naturally it’s an asset for warm summer travel days as well. Best of all, it’s only $8. Trust us, your dry, parched skin will thank you for it. 

Sukeen Breathable Chilly Towel

These best-selling cooling towels are a clever, packable hack for combatting the summer heat while traveling. Whether you choose to drape one around your neck or place it against your bare legs, you’re guaranteed instant relief without dripping all over your seatmate. The towels come in their own compact bags for storage, and all you have to do is soak one in the bathroom sink then wring it out for the ultra-absorbent material to cling to the cool temperature, instantly alleviating discomfort. From the gym to in-flight use, these towels are a summer essential. 

Columbia Women’s Freezer Tank Dress

If you prefer to travel in a more put-together outfit but still want to prioritize maintaining a comfortable temperature, the Columbia Freezer Tank Dress is just the piece for the job — and it’s currently on sale for $45 right now. Made from a breathable polyester and elastane material, this unique fabric releases heat in reaction to sweat, wicking away moisture while keeping you cool. It even leaves your arms and legs free and exposed, so you can reap the most benefits of your portable fan during your next flight. Did we mention it has pockets?

Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandals

Stuffing your feet into thick socks and tight shoes is a surefire way to get a good sweat going during your next flight, which is exactly why we recommend snagging a pair of lightweight sandals instead. These airy Teva’s allow your feet the space to breathe without sabotaging your carefully crafted airport outfit, while adjustable hook-and-loop straps provide a comfortable fit without rubbing or chafing. They’re even designed with molded EVA midsoles featuring arch support to keep you both cool and comfortable during travel days, long flights, sightseeing tours, and beyond.

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