12 Standby Flight Travel Essentials for Any Trip

While I don’t consider myself to be an expert when it comes to flying standby, I have learned a lot over the years. The most important thing to understand is that when it comes to packing, less is better. It is best to just have a carry-on suitcase along with your purse or backpack. That way, your luggage is always with you and you won’t have to waste time or energy tracking it down with airport personnel. Take it from me — I once made this mistake and it was more of a hassle than it was worth. Now, I’m a lot more selective about what I choose to pack.

Though it has seldom happened, occasionally luck would shine and I would end up in the business section. It is always important to have an outfit with you that is dressier. If you end up being bumped into business class, you can quickly change and be ready to fly. 

Here are 12 products that will make your standby time a little more peaceful.

Nomatic Method Carry-on Suitcase

This is a newer product on the market, and it’s provided a great upgrade to my luggage collection. It rolls smoothly and easily in any direction, has a TSA-approved lock, and plenty of room inside. The mesh zippered pockets hold all my clothes, books, a scarf, and other miscellaneous items in place nicely.  

Scarlett Chase Brigid Ballet Flats

I always wear some padded ballet flats to supplement the long wait times that standby flights bring. The compact, flat shoes feature an arch-cradling foam footbed, and are easily stored in an exterior pocket. Handcrafted in Italy, if these aren’t in your budget, I also have a pair of these $19 foldable flats from Amazon in black and gray.

Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer Pack

At one ounce per bottle, these are the ideal size for travel and feature a convenient, leak-proof mist formula that won’t leave a thick film on your hands like some sanitizers tend to. I enjoy the lavender scent, but the vanilla is nice, too. This trio pack is rounded out by a rainwater-scented mist. 

Loop Quiet Earplugs

These tiny, yet mighty, earplugs are a must for long flights (and long pre-flight waiting). When I want to decompress, I put these in while waiting to board. They are comfortable enough to wear while sleeping on longer flights, too. Choose from a range of options that offer different levels of noise-blocking. No matter what, your earplugs will come with a convenient carrying case.

Hxlgmd Carry-on Backpack

I use this as a personal item to replace my purse. I secure my 15.6-inch laptop in the interior padded compartment while a water bottle or two nestles into the large exterior mesh pocket. The size is TSA-approved, and the roller belt easily hooks onto my suitcase handle for ease. There is also a subtle power cord slit on the side, so I can easily charge my phone through a power bank without having to carry both items around by hand. This also includes a drawstring shoe bag and clear toiletries bag, complete with travel bottles. It’s a great deal for under $40. 

Frye Melissa Leather Wristlet

This wristlet from Offero is my go-to wallet when traveling, but you can also get a similar one from Frye at Amazon. It’s big enough to hold a passport, boarding pass, some cash, medical cards, and credit cards. Both 100 percent leather options are small enough to fit in the exterior pocket of most carry-on suitcases or backpacks, and the wrist strap makes it easy to carry around. 

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

My suitcase handle serves a more fun purpose when it can also house a drink. The front of this cup holder has space for a coffee and my water bottle, the backside features a pocket for my wristlet or my phone. I like to store my power bank and phone in the back pocket for a hands-free charging experience. When not in use, the handy gadget folds down to a flat, compact size that’s easily stored in an exterior bag pocket. 

Theraice Sleep Mask with Cooling Gel

If I’ve been waiting for an extremely long time for a flight, I might use this for a few minutes. After hours of screen time or even reading, this gel-infused mask relaxes my eyes a bit. Whether I’m trying to sleep on a long flight or just chilling out as I wait to board, this blackout mask is one of my most favorite travel products.

Trtl Travel Neck and Head Pillow

This is always in my carry-on, even on short trips, and trust me when I say that it feels much comfier than it looks. Its compact, flat-lying shape makes it a breeze to store and the support it provides is immeasurable. It has a hook that I put on my carry-on or personal item so I never have to reach far for it. 

Blavor Solar Power Charger

I always keep this power bank from Patriot charged and ready for travel. It allows me to charge three electronic devices at once and in a fast amount of time. While it is solar-charged, I opt to charge it on my laptop while waiting for a flight, ensuring it is fully charged before takeoff time. You can also get a similar option from Amazon, which is now on sale for just $25. 

Soundcore Anker Life Noise-canceling Headphones

I listen to music all the time. My go-to headphones belong to Soundcore. They feature comfy ear cups, which is why I prefer them to earbuds on long flights. They’re great at blocking out background noises. With 60 hours of playtime, they can outlast any lengthy wait at airports.

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer

I love to stay organized. This small pouch is big on storage, keeping my many cords separated. I put a power bank or two in the deep pockets next to zip drives I might need in the different compartments. The zippered pouch and wrist strap provide a sense of security and convenience, available in 19 color options.

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