14 Travel Essentials for Sleeping on Airplanes

I may be a champion sleeper at home (a nap hates to see me coming), but put me on a plane, and I’m suddenly booted to last place. Between the persistent fear of lost luggage, the buzzing excitement for what awaits at my destination, and just the inability to get comfortable in those claustrophobic airplane seats, there are a lot of factors that play against me when it comes to sleeping peacefully in the air. 

After spending too many redeye flights wide awake and struggling to stay energized even in the most breathtaking locations, I’ve finally gotten my act together and compiled a list of must-have travel essentials that make mid-flight snoozes a breeze. Now I never travel without my Blissy Sleep Mask to mimic a dark bedroom (even at 42,000 feet in the air), or an Ostrichpillow Neck Pillow for comfortable stabilization of my neck. Using any (or all) of the below products can completely transform the way you sleep on flights, and prices start at just $13.  

Best Travel Essentials for Sleeping on Planes

Blissy Sleep Mask

Wherever I go, my Blissy Sleep Mask goes too. I’ve noticed the most positive change in my sleep after embracing the sleep-mask lifestyle, so whipping one out for some mid-flight shuteye has become second nature. This eye mask completely blocks out light, eliminating distraction from my neighbors’ reading light or blinding window glare. It even comes with a matching travel pouch, making it easy to toss in my personal item without risking exposure to germs. Not to mention the silk fabric makes me feel very luxurious, even at the back of the cabin, ensuring peak relaxation.  

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

I used my Ostrichpillow for the first time this summer on a flight to Italy, and it made the nine-hour ride feel like two. Travel + Leisure crowned this travel pillow as “best overall” in our review, specifically noting how the wraparound design prevents head bobbing while optimizing comfort and support from any angle. I definitely felt the impact of these qualities during my long flight, as I was seamlessly able to find a comfortable fit for my head and doze off—something that has always been hard to come by with symmetrical U-shaped travel pillows I’ve tried. 

Aritzia Cozy Sweatfleece Perfect Hoodie

The most crucial way to fall asleep on a plane is by wearing clothes that feel as cozy as pajamas, and Aritizia loungewear absolutely delivers that sensation with their Sweatfleece collection. This hoodie in particular is made with premium midweight fleece, known for boasting a cloud-nine plush feel that will never leave you feeling too hot or too cold—aka the perfect layer to add to your airport outfit. The drapey hood is what I especially love about this sweatshirt, as it comfortably envelopes my head and keeps me feeling cozy on flights, as if I were burying my face in my bedroom comforter.  

Aritzia Cozy Sweatfleece Mega Straight Sweatpant

Anyone at T+L will tell you that matching sets are the perfect way to dress comfortably on the plane while also looking put together, so I like to pair my Aritzia hoodie with its matching Sweatfleece Mega Straight Sweatpant for flights I know I’ll need some sleep on. The roomy silhouette mimics my favorite oversized pajamas, minus the I-just-rolled-out-of-bed look, and the wide-leg cut adds both flexibility and a surprisingly polished appearance even in the deepest of slumbers. 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Lathering my lips in Laneige has become a non-negotiable step in my bedtime routine, meaning the only way I can fall asleep on a plane is by bringing one with me. This sleep mask keeps my lips feeling hydrated, moisturized, and incredibly soft—even against that bone-dry cabin air. A quick swipe of this refreshing mask instantly makes me feel more comfortable and settled, which is a cue for my body to start drifting off. 

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Another crucial step in my bedtime routine is using hand lotion, which is a small yet essential moment of comfort I can’t sacrifice in the air. This mini L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream adheres to TSA’s liquid requirements and is small enough to keep in your pocket or personal item for easy access. Massaging a dollop of lotion on my hands in the air triggers my body to wind down to sleep mode, plus it’s another simple way to stay comfortable against the dehydrating cabin air.     

Apple AirPods 4

I love using white noise in my wind-down routine, and I was never able to fully create the same relaxing sensation on a plane until I got noise-cancelling AirPods. These earbuds provide detailed clarity without the unwanted noise—meaning I can effortlessly block out conversations around me and fall asleep to my favorite white noise soundtrack. Apple products are rarely on sale, so if you have a long-haul flight coming up, I recommend snagging these while they’re $80 off.  

Charmcast Portable Charger

Since I am dependent on white noise to fall asleep, the only way to ensure I’ll be able to use my phone to play it is to pack a portable charger. Keeping my device fully charged allows me to stream soothing sounds from takeoff to landing without worrying about my battery dying, and this Charmcast Portable Charger is ultra slim and lightweight for easy portability and uninterrupted white noise from no matter where I am.

Birkenstock Soft Footbed Clog

If airports didn’t require endless walking and carry-on restrictions weren’t a thing, I would happily pack a pair of slippers for the plane to instantly reach sleep mode. However, since that (sadly) isn’t the case, I’ve been on the hunt for a comfortable walking shoe that’s just as easy to wear while sleeping. Behold: Birkenstock’s Boston Clogs, which have lived on my feet since I got them last year. Not only are they the ultimate travel shoe for fall, but they’re made with a cushioning footbed and exceptional support to take me from gate to gate—along with a much-needed mid-flight nap in between.   

Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Rest

Feeling fully relaxed in those barely-cushioned, no-elbow-room airplane seats feels like a sport. If you’re like me, and all it will take to reach optimal comfort is just being able to kick your feet out and close your eyes, purchasing an airplane footrest is a necessity. A fellow notorious non-sleeper on flights said in a review that this product was the only thing that did the trick, even after trying other sleep remedies like melatonin and earplugs. Simply wrap the strap around the seat tray in front of you, and adjust it to the desired length. 

Bluehills Travel Blanket Pillow

Before I started traveling with a travel blanket, I used to wrap myself in the sweatshirt or scarf I packed in my carry-on. Now at under $30, it’s the perfect opportunity to stop making the mistakes I did and buy yourself (or the frequent traveler in your life) a top-quality travel blanket for effortless sleep. This one from Bluehills also folds up as a pillow, so you’ll never be deprived of a comfortable place to put your head or a way to snuggle up in those small cabins ever again.

Loop Dream Earplugs

Between crackling snack bags, crying babies, and mixed cabin chatter, I always found it impossible to block out distracting sounds when trying to sleep on an airplane. However, the days of my noise sensitivity have long gone since I got Loop Dream Earplugs. These earbuds have been a game-changer for long-haul flights where sleeping is a must, but you just can’t shake the unwanted noise. I also love how the foam silicone tips follow your ears’ natural shape, allowing you to almost forget you’re wearing them and sleep peacefully without distractions.

Away Bigger Carry-on

I’ll admit, I suffer from separation anxiety when parting with my luggage. Especially when my carry-on is taken at the gate last minute, my mind is always assuming the worst, which results in restless sleep on the plane. The only luggage that has been able to relieve this stress is Away, thanks to their insanely durable hardside luggage and reliable TSA-accepted combination lock that ensures my belongings stay secure. Knowing the brand recently became available on Amazon, now’s the time to scour for deals on the editor-loved bags.  

Lemme Sleep Gummies

I go back and forth between taking melatonin or not to sleep on a flight, because of the risk of it not working and leaving me feeling groggy and unhappy at my destination. However, the only form of the sleep-inducing hormone that I’ve been able to take and successfully snooze is Lemme Sleep Gummies. Each serving combines 5mg of melatonin with a blend of chamomile, lavender, and elderberry to help you doze off seamlessly and not feel overtired upon waking. I like to take two of these 30 minutes before I want to fall asleep, and let the gummies do the rest. 

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