As a frequent flyer who’s logged over a million miles across five continents, I’ve discovered a few key items that significantly enhance my travel experience. These five essentials, both physical and digital, are now permanent fixtures in my travel bag, transforming even economy flights into something a little more enjoyable.
Flighty: The Ultimate Flight Companion
Live activities from the Flighty app on the iPhoneFlighty app displaying live flight information.
Tired of sifting through emails for flight details, gate changes, and baggage claim information? Flighty is the answer. This iPhone app acts as your personal flight assistant, seamlessly syncing with your calendar (and TripIt Pro) to provide real-time flight updates, gate changes, baggage carousel information, and even connection details.
A route map and information on the Flighty appFlighty app showing route map and flight details.
Beyond basic tracking, Flighty offers insightful data like historical flight information for specific routes, your total air miles logged, details about your aircraft, and even tracking of the plane’s previous flights to anticipate potential delays.
The flighty app on the iPhoneFlighty app interface on iPhone.
Flighty empowers travelers with airline and pilot-level data, ensuring access to timely and reliable information. Download the free version or upgrade to Flighty Pro for enhanced features.
Twelve South AirFly: Upgrade Your In-Flight Entertainment
Hands connecting the Twelve South AirFly Pro to a airplaneConnecting Twelve South AirFly Pro to an airplane’s headphone jack.
Ditch the subpar airline headphones and enjoy in-flight entertainment with your own. The Twelve South AirFly Duo and AirFly Pro seamlessly connect your wireless headphones to any 3.5mm headphone jack. Both models allow for audio sharing with two sets of headphones simultaneously. The AirFly Pro also features an Rx mode, enabling connectivity with older car stereos.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones: Superior Sound and Portability
Sony WH-1000XM4.Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones.
When it comes to travel headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 reigns supreme. Offering exceptional noise cancellation, impressive battery life, and a foldable design for ultimate portability, these headphones are ideal for frequent flyers. The included carrying case, 3.5mm audio cable, and two-prong adapter enhance their versatility.
Nomad 65W Dual USB-C Charger with Apple Watch Puck: Power Up On-the-Go
The 65W dual USB-C charger with Apple Watch puck by NomadNomad 65W dual USB-C charger with Apple Watch puck.
This charger from Nomad is a game-changer for multi-device travelers. Featuring two USB-C ports with a combined 65W output and an integrated Apple Watch charger capable of fast-charging the Apple Watch Series 10, this compact device ensures all your gadgets stay powered up, even on the plane.
Apple TV 4K: Entertainment Anywhere
The rear of Apple TV 4K.Rear view of Apple TV 4K.
While unconventional, traveling with an Apple TV 4K guarantees access to your personal entertainment library wherever you go. Its seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, even with hotel login portals, makes it incredibly convenient. Avoid paying for hotel movie rentals and enjoy your own content effortlessly.
These five travel essentials elevate the flying experience, offering convenience, entertainment, and peace of mind for every journey.