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My 10 Travel Essentials I Actually Use - Mom Tested for Flights with Kids
10
items I live in Woods Cross and fly from SLC a few times a year with my family. These are the Amazon products I really bought with my own money and pack every time - no sponsorship, just what fits in my carry-on and saves me at airports.
Sections
3
Flight Comfort & Sleep
Packing & Organization
On-the-Go Essentials
Flight Comfort & Sleep
Long flights from SLC with kids are no joke. These are the things that help me actually rest on the plane and keep my little ones entertained without holding their tablets for hours. Small items, big difference.
Why I love it: My neck doesn't hurt after a 3-hour flight anymore. So much better than a bulky U-shaped pillow, I wear it like a scarf and my kids don't laugh at me.
Trtl Pillow - Scientifically Proven Neck Support Travel Pillow for Airplanes - Lightweight and Machine Washable - Ergonomic Design for Traveling on Cars and Trains - Black
Why I love it: Blocks all the airplane light and I can listen to music without earbuds hurting. I use it at home too when I need 20 min of mom quiet time.
Deal for Prime Members: LC-dolida Sleep Headphones, 3D Sleep Mask Bluetooth Wireless Music Eye Mask, Sleeping Headphones for Side Sleepers Sleep Mask with Bluetooth Headphones Ultra-Thin Stereo Speakers Perfect for Sleeping
Why I love it: Clips to the tray table and holds my phone at eye level. My kids watch movies without holding the tablet for 2 hours.
Perilogics Universal Airplane Phone Holder Mount, Plane Travel Essentials | in Flight Phone Stand, Hands Free, Dual 360° Rotatio, Must Haves Airplane Travel Accessory, (2‑Pack, Black/Lavender)
Packing & Organization
I learned to pack carry-on only after too many lost bags. This system keeps our passports, toiletries and clothes organized so I don't dig through everything at TSA or at the hotel. Mom hack: one cube per person.
Why I love it: I pack my whole family in a carry-on with these. One cube per kid, one for me. I see everything without unpacking the whole suitcase at the hotel.
BAGSMART 6 Set Packing Cubes for Travel with Fillable Neck Pillow, Shoe Bag | Cruise Ship Travel Essentials, Premium Luggage Organizers for Suitcase, Ultimate Budget Airline Hack, 100% Personal Item Safe
Why I love it: Keeps 2 passports, boarding passes and credit cards in one place. I don't panic at TSA anymore searching for papers with kids in line.
Travel Document Holder RFID Blocking Passport Organizer Family Multi Pocket | Waterproof Document Bag & Airports Travel Vacations Business Trips
Why I love it: Leak-proof little pods for shampoo and cream. TSA-approved and cute, I finally don't have to put shampoo in Ziploc bags.
Deal for Prime Members: Cadence Capsules - Basic Skincare Set, Petal - Three Small Containers with Magnetic Lids - 100% Leak Proof & TSA Approved for Travel and Carry On, Minimalist & Stackable (0.56 oz Each)
Why I love it: Saved me $100 in overweight fees at SLC airport. Tiny and I weigh bags in my living room before leaving.
travel inspira Rechargeable Luggage Scale, Stainless Steel, Red, Large Backlit LCD Display, 110lb/50kg Capacity, Portable
On-the-Go Essentials
These are the items that stay in my bag the whole trip. From airport layovers to hotel rooms, they save battery, money and stress. Everything I reach for first when we travel.
Why I love it: Charges my phone and my kids' iPads 4 times. I don't fight for outlets at the airport anymore. A must for travel days.
Deal for Prime Members: Anker Power Bank, 20,000mAh Travel Essential, Built-in USB-C Cable(Black) | 3-Port 87W Max Fast Charging Battery Pack, for MacBook, iPhone 16 / 15 Series, Samsung, Switch, and More
Why I love it: Wipes clean, lots of pockets and fits everything upright. I can see my makeup and kids' toothbrushes at once in hotel bathrooms.
CODVELA Clear Toiletry Bag, TSA Approved Makeup Bag, 3 Pack, Beige | Quart-Size Clear Cosmetic Bag for Women, Travel Toiletry Pouch with Water-Resistant PVC, Smooth Zipper for Makeup, Sunscreen
Why I love it: Keeps water cold for 12 hours during layovers and doesn't spill in my bag. I fill it after security and save money not buying airport bottles.
YETI Rambler 26 oz Straw Cup, Vacuum Insulated, Stainless Steel with Straw Lid