15 Amazon Travel Essentials for Carry-on Bags

It’s the time of year when every frequent traveler opens the app of their preferred airline and excitedly checks the progress of their status. Are they just a few miles short of making that top-tier status? Or have they safely secured elite benefits already? Thankfully, I am in the latter category, having flown over 60,000 miles already this year between a mix of domestic and international flights, business and leisure trips, and premium and economy cabins. Suffice it to say, I know a thing or two about packing a carry-on bag. 

Because I’ve put in what feels like just as many hours scrolling Amazon as I have in the air, I’ve tested and researched the retailer’s best travel essentials to keep in your carry-on bag at all times—plus a few worthy luggage picks, too. Whether I’m heading straight from the cabin to a conference room or happy hour, here are 15 Amazon favorites, from eye masks to portable chargers, that I keep ready to go in my bag that you can buy now—and be ready to hit that platinum status when opportunity calls.

Best Amazon Deals Overall 

FoldenAirplane Phone Holder

Hear me out: This is the single best phone or tablet holder to take on a flight with you. Yes, it’s a single piece of moldable, foldable silicone, but that’s the genius. It packs flat in your carry-on, taking up essentially no space, but thanks to its reinforced core, it will bend and stay in position to hold your phone, tablet, or e-reader. It can rest on your tray, lap, or, in my favorite use case, tucked into the seatback in front of you, turning any airplane seat into a personal theater. No more suction cups, zip-top bags, or carefully-perched gadgets needed when you have this. 

Mzoo Luxury Sleep Eye Mask

For long-haul travel, grabbing some shut-eye can help stave off jet lag. Even on short flights, a power nap can be a wonderful way to spend your time in the air. I used to rely on the giveaway sleep masks you sometimes get in upgraded cabins, until I was gifted this Mzoo mask that’s made for side-sleepers, and it changed the quality of my sleep at 30,000 feet in the air. It doubles as a great gift for travelers, too. 

MFish 4-in-1 Coiled Universal Charging Cable

While most of the newest tech has come around to USB-C as the universal power cord, not everything is there yet. Airplanes can be especially fraught, which seem to have just gotten up to the USB-A standard. Be prepared to charge anything you have without added bloat with this 4-in-1 cable, coupling the speed and stability of USB-C with attached but easily swapped Lightning and USB-A heads. To save even more space, I especially like this coiled version, which is as sturdy and compact as it is fast and compatible.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

There is nothing like the comfort, ease of use, and sound quality of Apple AirPods, and the Pro 3 version that was released earlier this year is the best of them all. I had the Pro 2 AirPods for nearly three years without any issue, but recently bought the newest ones to enjoy some of Apple’s upgraded features. These have powerful noise cancellation, hi-fi sound, and clarity with mind-boggling battery life—up to 8 hours. They even automatically pause if you doze off for a bit while in the air (and are so comfortable, you won’t even know they’re in while you’re sleeping). I never board without them. 

Troubador Caboodle Case, $69

If you’re like me, you want to be prepared to work on a flight. To be sure I’m ready, I always keep a case filled with my needed cords, dongles, fobs, and plugs at the ready, and the Troubador Caboodle case is the best I’ve tested. It fits your power supplies, headphones, camera, mouse, and even the extra lip balm while staying sturdy, upright, and zippered for protection. But it’s not bulky or heavy; its usefulness lies in its simplicity and easy-to-grab design.

Anker Prime Power Bank

No one likes a dead phone on the go. The powerful 65-watt power bank can keep your tech charged, whether it’s plugged into a wall or on its own. Plus, it has an LCD display that saves you from not knowing how much is left or forgetting to charge it before you leave for the day. Anker is a quality brand for power accessories, with a 24-month warranty and glowing five-star reviews on Amazon.

Yeti Crossroads Duffel 40L, $200

On single-bag trips, when a roller isn’t quite right, an old-school duffel bag is your best carry-on. But old-school doesn’t mean without upgrades, and the Yeti Crossroads Duffle has them aplenty. It’s as tough as you’d expect from the brand, with a minimalist look and generous pockets. The 40L size is TSA-carry-on approved, and its straps are sturdy no matter how packed it gets. 

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Seat-back entertainment has come a long way, as has in-flight WiFi for watching on your own device. But be prepared for any situation—including dead zones and broken screens—with an eReader. The best, in my opinion, is still the Kindle Paperwhite, which is slim, bright, comfortable to hold, and easy to use. It holds a charge for weeks and works no matter the internet connectivity. Pro tip: get the Kids version for an ad-free experience, with a funky case too—all for less than the normal version. 

Yeti Yonder 25 oz. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated in the air is one of the most important ways to stay healthy while you travel. Cabin air is notoriously dry, and if you wait for drink service to fill up, you could be caught waiting longer than you’d ever want to stay thirsty. I swear by my Yeti Yonder water bottle, which is the perfect size to fit in cup holders, but with the capacity to last you most of the flight. It’s nearly indestructible but lightweight, and the cap is so secure I’ve never had a leak, no matter at what angle it ends up.

Weatherman Travel Umbrella

Part of being prepared is having the right things in your carry-on just in case, but not letting those items take up too much space. An umbrella is a professional traveler’s hack, but cheap ones don’t protect you that well, and are often oversized when shut for the coverage that they could provide when unfurled. The Weatherman Mini is not just compact when closed; it’s also surprisingly big when open and sturdy in storm winds. It’s also reflective, UV-protective, and operates via a one-touch button. It’s my favorite to keep handy when I’m headed somewhere damp. 

Sunski Ventanas

Similar to umbrellas, you could get by with cheap sunglasses, but you’d be let down easily when you’re in need of serious sun protection. Sunski has long been my Goldilocks of eyewear, hitting the sweet spot of economical, polarized, lightweight, and stylish. I love the Esteros, which blend classic aviator vibes with lightweight, modern construction, but the similarly cool Ventanas are available on Amazon and are easy to keep in your carry-on should the sun be shining or the snow reflective when you land. 

Cutter & Buck Adapt Hybrid Full-Zip

Living in the northeast, I bring a raincoat almost anywhere I go. My go-to is actually a golf jacket, the Zero Restriction Power Torque Full-zip, which is comfortable and waterproof while still being lightweight and flexible for lots of movement. The Cutter & Buck Adapt Hybrid Full-zip is a great alternative on Amazon—it’s minimalist and functional, with smart design features like an anti-chafe chin cuff, waterproof zippers, and a packable pocktt for low-volume storage on sunny days.

Adidas Men’s Ultimate365 Elevated Hoodie

Modern air-travel style leaves a lot to be desired, but a comfortable, minimalist, and understated hoodie helps you stay comfortable, stylish, and warm in flight. My favorite is the lightweight and refined Higgins 2.0 from Radmor. Because of its golf heritage, it flexes and breathes, perfect for the tight quarters on a plane (and a quick 18 holes when you land). A solid option on Amazon is the Adidas Ultimate365 Elevated Hoodie, which shares the golf-inspired smart design and comfort.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars

I am a die-hard Chucks fan and never leave home without a pair on my feet or in my bag. They’re the original sneakers that can be dressed up or down no matter the occasion or location. They’re also surprisingly popular gym shoes, being the favorite of many power lifters for when the hotel gym is calling. I have fallen for the Chuck Taylor All-Star CX EXP2, which are crafted with extra-comfort insoles and slick design updates, but there is nothing like the classic when it comes to affordability and versatility across the world.

Wandrd Prvke Backpack 21L

If you’re checking your clothes in a larger bag, or even bringing a roller like the storied Away Carry-On with you, you’d be remiss not to make your personal item a backpack full of your must-be-accessible gear. This bag from Wandrd is the perfect size and weight to keep your stuff organized and safe, but comfortable enough to wear for long-haul travel. Inspired by photographers, it has easy pockets, strong ties, and comfortable straps with handles and a luggage trolley sleeve, so it can be worn, carried, or strapped onto your roller. 

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