8 Amazon Comfort Hacks for International Flights

Anyone who has previously taken a long-haul flight knows how uncomfortable the long hours of sitting can be, particularly if you haven’t packed anything to make your journey easier. While there’s always the option to grin and bear it, we’re of the opinion that international travel doesn’t need to be something to dread. With that in mind, we’ve created a list of the eight things to do as soon as you board your flight to guarantee that the trip will be exponentially more comfortable—and even enjoyable.

Beginning with wiping down your seatback tray table and culminating with setting up a memory foam footrest to provide yourself with much-needed extra legroom, these steps are a foolproof way to make sitting in coach feel like luxury. Best of all, everything you need to make your next long flight a dream is available at Amazon for $50 or less, so you can save the big purchases for the trip itself.

Step 1: Wipe Down Your Tray Table

How: Purell Premoistened Sanitizing Wipes

Despite the best efforts of the flight crew, it’s no secret that tray tables and seatback pockets are the germiest locations on any plane (the bathroom aside, of course). So, you’ll instantly find peace of mind in wiping down all available surfaces as soon as you board and settle into your seat, and these highly-rated Purell wipes are an excellent solution since they come in individually wrapped packets that make them perfect for travel. Currently on sale for just $10, this box of 100 wipes will cleanse both your hands and your personal space, allowing you to truly relax during your flight.

Step 2: Break Out the Neck Pillow

How: Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Maximizing your sleeping potential during a long-haul flight is the best way to ensure that you land feeling rested and ready to take on your trip, but that’s difficult to achieve when your head is left to bob around without any support. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a neck pillow at the ready for lengthier flights, and this memory foam option from Dot&Dot is a clear winner, as it can be repositioned into a number of shapes to keep your head cushioned whether you’re in the window seat or the aisle. It’s fitted with a handy snap that will help you secure it to your backpack for easy access as soon as you board your flight, and right now, it’s on sale for just $20.

Step 3: Cozy Up in a Foldable Blanket

How: Pavilia Travel Blanket and Pillow

The temperature within the airplane cabin is notoriously fickle, so if you’re stuck with an icy cold flight—which, let’s admit it, is far better than too hot—you’ll want to come prepared with a cozy blanket that you can tuck yourself in and get some shut eye without relying on flimsy airline-issued blankets. This packable duo features a silky, soft, plush blanket and pillow that practically ensure sound sleep while flying internationally. When not in use, the blanket folds directly into the pillow and can be attached to your suitcase handle with a convenient clip, and with this in tow, you’re guaranteed to be the envy of your seatmates.

Step 4: Put on a Pair of Foldable Slippers

How: Xihalook House Slippers

It’s widely agreed that sneakers and other supportive shoes are the best options to wear through TSA and around the airport as a whole, but once you board your flight, comfort should still be a top priority. Instead of becoming that traveler and going barefoot on the plane, slip on these foldable slippers instead, which hardly take up any space in your suitcase and will instantly transform your flight into a first-class experience. Insulated with a microfleece lining and a polar fleece exterior, these cozy slippers are the key to easing into your journey while still keeping your feet covered for the benefit of your neighbors. They even come in 34 adorable colors and patterns and are on sale for 30 percent off right now.

Step 5: Slip on a Plane Seat Pocket Organizer

How: Airplane Pockets Tray Table Cover

After wiping down your tray table and setting up with a cozy blanket and pillow, it’s now time to prepare your seatback pocket for your in-flight entertainment. Since it’s widely recognized that this area of the plane doesn’t often get much love from cleaners, this genius tech organizer is the best alternative, hooking onto your tray table and providing pockets for your tablet, phone, headphones, and more. It’s lightweight, making it an excellent travel companion. Plus, it will alleviate the stress of your seatback pocket overflowing with belongings since everything has its place.

Step 6: Pull Out Your Seat Cushion

How: Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Seat Cushion

If you often struggle to get comfortable in your plane seat (and really, who doesn’t), this pilot-approved memory foam cushion is a genius hack for making longer journeys more enjoyable for just $50. The supportive seat has earned thousands of five-star ratings from impressed shoppers—including several pilots, one of whom noted that this cushion “rolls up” to “fit into my suitcase,” and is “comfortable, supportive, and priced right.” It works wonders for alleviating tailbone and back pain while simultaneously relieving pressure on your sitbones for a more enjoyable long-haul flight. It’s the easiest way to upgrade your seat without the accompanying price tag.

Step 7: Plug in a Bluetooth Headphone Connector

How: Gmcell Bluetooth Transmitter

Staying entertained during your flight is the key to getting through longer trips, and if you’re flying internationally, there’s a good chance you’ll have a screen affixed to the back of the seat in front of you. However, if you’re tired of shoving uncomfortable, airline-issued headphones into your ears that churn out low-quality audio for the entirety of your flight, picking up a Bluetooth audio converter is a must. This simple transmitter plugs into the headphone jack on your screen and connects to your favorite noise-canceling headphones to drown out the sounds of other passengers while allowing for hours of entertainment with your own personal earbuds. Plus, it’s compact, portable, and so easy to use.

Step 8: Set up a Foot Hammock

How: Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock

Keeping proper circulation can be a difficult task during lengthier flights, especially if you’re seated in coach with minimal legroom to stretch. If this is the case, setting up a foot hammock should be one of the first steps you take to improve your overall in-flight comfort. This memory foam option from Basic Concepts is even flight attendant-approved. The packable device loops over your seatback tray table, instantly elevating your legs, relieving pressure from your hips, and creating a more relaxed and comfortable long-haul flight experience. The adjustable straps mean it can be used for travelers at a wide range of heights, and best of all, it’s just $15.

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