{"id":11752,"date":"2026-01-26T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/?p=11752"},"modified":"2026-01-28T21:43:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T21:43:09","slug":"the-best-carry%e2%80%91on-travel-essentials-to-upgrade-your-economy-flight-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/26\/the-best-carry%e2%80%91on-travel-essentials-to-upgrade-your-economy-flight-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"The best carry\u2011on travel essentials to upgrade your economy flight experience"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\"Items\t<\/div>
You might not have the budget for first class, but these items will help. (Picture: Metro\/Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest, flying in economy<\/a> isn\u2019t exactly known for its luxury, but it does get us from A to B safely. But who says a little ingenuity can\u2019t turn a tight seat and a plastic tray table into something almost first class? <\/p>\n

With the right travel essentials in your carry-on, even the longest haul can feel more comfortable, stylish, and a lot more enjoyable. From small upgrades that make a big difference to a spa treatment above the clouds, these clever must-haves will have you wondering how you ever flew without them. <\/p>\n

These are the travel essentials to add to your carry-on that promise to elevate your economy experience.<\/p>\n

Shop The Best Travel Essentials:<\/h2>\n
\n
\"Navy<\/a><\/p>\n

Trtl Travel Pillow<\/h2>\n

Trying to get a good sleep on a plane is a challenge most face, and if we are lucky enough to catch some z\u2019s, it comes with the awkward neck pain. <\/p>\n

This nifty pillow from Trtl will become your go-to,as it\u2019s been specially designed to support and hold your head and neck in a comfortable position. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to pack down to the size of a book, therefore not taking up unnecessary space, and it\u2019s super lightweight. <\/p>\n

The outer layer is made from a soft fleece, so it won't irritate your skin and make it feel like you\u2019re sleeping on one of the clouds outside.<\/p>\n

Buy Now for \u00a349.99<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tBest of Metro Deals\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Get exclusive\u00a0discounts\u00a0with\u00a0Metro Deals<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 save on getaways and spa days.\u00a0Powered by Wowcher<\/p>\n

Bannatyne Spa<\/strong>
Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco \u2014\u00a0save up to 57%\u00a0off.<\/p>\n

Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

Other deals<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mystery Escape<\/strong>
Hotel stay with return flights from as low as \u00a392pp \u2014 save on worldwide holiday packages.<\/p>\n

Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n

Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)<\/strong>
4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights \u2014 save up to 58%.<\/p>\n

Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n

UK Getaway<\/strong>
4* Radisson Blu Durham stay with breakfast, spa access & late checkout \u2014 save 60% off.<\/p>\n

Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n

Drive Supercars<\/strong>
 3\u201312 lap supercar driving experiences from \u00a316.99 \u2014 save up to 65%. <\/p>\n

Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\"Pink<\/a><\/p>\n

Drowsy Sunset Pink Silk Sleep Mask<\/h2>\n

Your sleep pillow is sorted, but then what about the light that\u2019s blinding you through the other passenger's window that they won't close? <\/p>\n

A sleep mask is your solution. <\/p>\n

This silk option from Drowsy has the seal of approval not only for its light-blocking properties, but it\u2019s made from a luxe silk that doesn\u2019t make you feel as though you\u2019re being suffocated, and its block shape and adjustable length make it fit perfectly on any face.<\/p>\n

Buy Now for \u00a355.20 (was \u00a369)<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Phone<\/a><\/p>\n

Airplane Phone Holder<\/h2>\n

Holding your phone for the duration of the flight is not ideal while trying to catch up on your favourite show. <\/p>\n

Yes, you can balance it on the tray table, but then you get a nasty neck ache. <\/p>\n

This gadget removes that annoyance and any pain by fitting on the top of a closed table, making it feel like you have your very own TV screen. <\/p>\n

It can also be used on the likes of kitchen cabinets, desks, trains, and more, so you\u2019ll get maximum use out of it.<\/p>\n

Buy Now for \u00a39.99 (was \u00a311.49)<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Packets<\/a><\/p>\n

Patchology On The Fly Kit<\/h2>\n

Why not give yourself a pamper that will help keep your complexion hydrated with this brilliant beauty kit that will not only replenish and nourish the skin, but will have you relaxed in no time. <\/p>\n

Consisting of a 2 Hydrate Sheet Masks, a Flashpatch Hydrating Lip Gel, a Flashpatch Rejuvenating Eye Gel, and even a special Flashpatch Restoring Night Eye Gel for those evening flights. <\/p>\n

Simply put on a meditation sounds playlist and you\u2019ll be transported to the spa in no time.<\/p>\n

Buy Now for \u00a317.60<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"White<\/a><\/p>\n

Twelve South Airfly SE Bluetooth Transmitter<\/h2>\n

The headphones provided on the plane aren\u2019t the most comfortable, and don\u2019t deliver that clear sound we\u2019re used to from our earbuds, plus, getting tangled up in the wire is never fun. <\/p>\n

Well, this excellent Bluetooth device removes all of that by allowing you to connect your everyday wireless headphones to the screen, easy peasy. <\/p>\n

Plug it into the audio jack, connect, and voila.<\/p>\n

Buy Now for \u00a339.99<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Borg<\/a><\/p>\n

Next Neutral Borg Ballet Slippers<\/h2>\n

Once above the clouds and it\u2019s safe to remove your footwear, if you\u2019re someone who likes to do this, then why not be a little extra and intensify your comfort with a pair of slippers?<\/p>\n

This pair from Next are brilliant to provide your feet with a cosy experience, and they fold up to nothing to store in your hand luggage.<\/p>\n

Buy Now for \u00a318<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Pale<\/a><\/p>\n

Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs<\/h2>\n

If you like to drown out the noise of the plane without listening to music or watching something, then these earplugs are a great investment. <\/p>\n

Helping to improve focus and create a calmer atmosphere for travelling and sleep, Loops Quiet 2 earplugs provide powerful noise reduction to muffle the sounds around you.<\/p>\n

Buy Now for \u00a319.95<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Beige<\/a><\/p>\n

NEOM Caming Pen<\/h2>\n

Infused with essential oils including lavender, chamomile and sweet orange, this small yet mighty pen will create a zen atmosphere in no time. <\/p>\n

Simply use the rollerball to apply the product on your pulse points, such as wrists, behind the ears and on your neck. Then sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.<\/p>\n

Buy Now for \u00a320<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Mini<\/a><\/p>\n

Curaprox Travel Toothbrush<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re indulging in an in-flight meal, no one wants stinky breath or unwanted depositories of food between their teeth, so the next time you\u2019re popping to the loo, take this amazing travel toothbrush kit from Curaprox with you to refresh that gorgeous smile. <\/p>\n

It comes with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and even a flosser for between teeth.<\/p>\n

Buy Now for \u00a311.50<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter <\/a>and Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Share your views in the comments below<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arrow<\/title><span class=\"mor-link\" data-track-module=\"mor-link_article\">MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/01\/21\/wowchers-mystery-holiday-deal-lets-travel-less-without-knowing-going-26308445\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\">Wowcher\u2019s mystery holiday deal lets you travel for less – without knowing where you\u2019re going<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\"><title>Arrow<\/title><span class=\"mor-link\" data-track-module=\"mor-link_article\">MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/01\/06\/shoppers-rush-snap-boots-20-viral-beauty-box-packed-55-skincare-26011768\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\">Shoppers rush to snap up Boots’ \u00a320 viral beauty box packed with over \u00a355 of skincare<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\"><title>Arrow<\/title><span class=\"mor-link\" data-track-module=\"mor-link_article\">MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/01\/12\/beauty-pies-new-routine-promises-plumper-glowier-skin-without-overwhelm-26179711\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\">Beauty Pie\u2019s new routine promises plumper, glowier skin without the ‘overwhelm’<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<section id=\"share-buttons-bottom\" class=\"share-buttons share-buttons-bottom\"><a class=\"metro-button share-bar-comments\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"#metro-comments-container\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span><title>Comment now<\/title><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"share-bar-comments__label\">Comments<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><a class=\"metro-button share-bar-preferred-source\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/metro.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<span><title>Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google<\/title><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"share-bar-preferred-source__label\">Add as preferred source<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You might not have the budget for first class, but these items will help. (Picture: Metro\/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Let\u2019s be honest, flying in economy isn\u2019t exactly known for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11754,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11752"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11752"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11752\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11765,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11752\/revisions\/11765"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11754"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11752"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11752"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11752"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}