15 Window Seat Travel Hacks for Your Next Flight

If you haven’t seen it, in an interview, Nicki Minaj is asked by Stephen Colbert if she is a window or aisle seat person. “Dur, window,” she unabashedly replied. “Who would pick an aisle?” He explains the aisle’s magic power is having easy access to the bathroom, and not having to crawl over anyone to get to it. “I don’t fly in those types of planes,” she says with a wink. Iconic. 

Sadly, I do fly in those types of planes, but I’m still with Minaj on being a die-hard window seat flier. Why? Because rest and being unbothered are important to me, and everyone knows you’re most able to get cocooned in the window seat against the wall of the plane, where you can comfortably lean. Not only that, but you also get the view—dreamy clouds like stretched cotton, sunrises at 30,000 feet, and even the quiet awe of seeing the curve of the Earth if you're lucky. 

Yes, the aisle seat has its perks, but I’ll take peace, perspective, and a free headrest over bladder freedom any day (though I do make the occasional exception if a flight is over 10 hours). And as someone who has traveled nearly 95,000 miles in the air already, I’ll tell you that having the right items can make your window experience even better. Here, the 15 travel essentials I always pack and are sure to make you Team Window Seat for life. 

Best Window Seat Travel Essential Deals

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Pillow

The Dot&Dot Twist Travel Pillow is a must in general, but this one is perfect for window people for several reasons. One, it can be twisted and maneuvered to fit into those (sometimes weird or disproportionately wide) gaps between your seat and the wall; leaning never felt so good. You can also use it for back support if you want to use another pillow (i.e., the one they sometimes give you on the flight) to rest your head. It comes with a breathable, washable cover so you can chuck it into the wash post-travel day, and it has a snap close so you can easily attach it to your bag.

Athleta Pranayama Long Wrap

A cozy wrap is going to save you on a plane every time, especially when near (god forbid) a cold window. This one from Athleta is ultra-soft, has plenty of fabric to wrap yourself in like a burrito, and doubles as a blanket, scarf, or even a neck pillow in a pinch. Bonus: it folds flat and fits easily in a tote.

Sony WH-CH720N Noise-canceling Headphones

You won’t catch me anywhere on a flight without my Sony noise-canceling headphones. Even on the rare occasions I have to wear the airline earbuds for the entertainment, I place these over them and filter out the ambient noise, snores, and baby cries. When you're tucked into a window seat, you want to stay in your own little world—and these help you do just that.

Hydro Flask Reusable Water Bottle

A water bottle like Hydro Flask's 24-ounce wide-mouth flex straw version is a must on a plane, but for window seats, it’s a must. Not only will you avoid having to wave down the flight attendant for H2O, but you’ll also be able to nap without fear of missing your hydration supply. You need to strategically pick a bottle that’s on the skinnier side (don’t go for wide ones) because fitting it in the seat back pocket is crucial. 

Cuyana Toiletry Bag Set

Having a chic little toiletry bag within arm's reach is key for the window seat, so you don't have to dig under your seat mid-flight. Use the big one for beauty items to keep in your bag, and use the small one for essentials to keep in your seatback pocket. Think: Face spray, lip balm, mints, a sleeping pill (should you need), eye masks, and more. I also like to keep a granola bar in there for the dire days. 

Slip Silk Welcome Aboard Contour Sleep Mask

When you're by the window, you’re more likely to get hit with early sunbeams—and no, the shade doesn’t always help. This contoured Slip silk eye mask blocks out all light without squishing your eyes (so you can blink freely) and stays put through naps and turbulence. It’s pure luxury and makes your snooze infinitely more comfortable.

Dr. Motion Compression Socks

Sitting still for hours at the window can do a number on your circulation. These budget-friendly compression socks help prevent swelling and discomfort without looking overly “medical.” Plus, they’re cushioned for extra comfort and come in tons of cute patterns.

Vrurc Portable Charger

The last thing you want is to get settled into the window seat, buried under a blanket, and realize the power outlet near your seat doesn’t work, and not only that, but your phone’s about to die. This top-rated Vrurc portable charger is compact, lightweight, and can juice up your phone and your tablet at the same time. Window seat isolation, powered.

Funlake Airplane Foot Hammock and Foot Rest

Once you’ve set up your window cocoon, this foot hammock takes things to first-class levels of comfort. It hangs from your tray table and gives your legs a place to rest—no awkward slouching or trying to shift position 10 times an hour. The optional foot rest helps us shorties, as well—no using your bag to rest your feet on (and squishing your shit in the process). 

Rocutus Portable Slippers

The first thing I do when I hit my seat? Take off my shoes—but respectfully. These compact, non-skid slippers are perfect for staying cozy and clean while still being able to move around if you absolutely must get up. Plus, they’re super inexpensive and fit neatly in your bag.

Anrabess Oversized Hoodie

This Anrabess hoodie is basically a wearable blanket; it's ideal for snuggling into the window wall and forgetting the world exists. The oversized fit is roomy enough for layering, and the hood doubles as a mini blackout shade. I can even fit a pillow in there (should I want—and usually I want). 

Ontyzz Inflatable Seat Cushion

Window seats can mean long stretches of sitting since you don’t have direct access to the aisle, and airplane seats aren’t known for ergonomic genius. If you're not trying to disturb the whole row, this inflatable seat cushion helps distribute pressure evenly and reduce that dead-leg feeling, especially on long-haul flights. Deflate it post-flight and tuck it away for next time.

Amazon Kindle

There's something romantic about reading next to a window mid-flight, and an Amazon Kindle e-reader makes it easy. It’s lightweight, fits in a small pouch, and can hold thousands of books, so you never run out of something to read — even on those 14-hour marathon flights. It’s also perfect for when there’s just nothing on the in-flight entertainment you want to watch, or even worse, when in-flight entertainment exists only on your phone… the horror.

Loop Ear Plugs

If you’re a light sleeper (or just want to disappear into your own quiet world), these Loop earplugs are discreet, comfortable, and incredibly effective for reducing noise without full noise cancellation. They're perfect for when the headphones come off, but you still want silence.

The Honest Company Sanitizing Wipes 

Let’s be real: the window wall, tray table, and armrests? Germ magnets. These plant-based sanitizing wipes are alcohol-based, unscented, and TSA-approved. I use them the second I sit down, so I can lean against the wall and touch the window with zero worries.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.