Flight Attendants Reveal Their 12 Favorite Travel Essentials in Amazon’s Fourth of July Sale
Stock up and travel like the pros this summer with deals on tech, beauty, and more.
Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland
Stressed about packing for summer travel plans that are coming up ASAP? Here’s the good news: You don’t have to wait until Prime Day 2024 to save big on some genius travel essentials for leveling up your packing game. Because right now, you can shop the massive Amazon Fourth of July Sale that includes discounts on some of the best travel essentials, from beauty to tech items (not to mention, there are plenty of exclusive deals for Prime members, too!).
But these aren’t any ordinary travel gadget deals: They’re all top recommendations straight from flight attendants, the undisputed experts when it comes to smart, efficient packing. We asked the pros to share their top picks for go-to travel products that are on sale at Amazon right now, all for under $50, and they did not disappoint. Find must-haves like a compact pill organizer and comfy sandals, as well as travel little luxuries like a facial mist spray and handheld cooling fan.
Formano Air Conditioner Fan
Amazon
$25
Buy on Amazon
You may be inclined to judge tourists who walk around with handheld fans — but you should also know they’re probably more comfortable than you are out in the heat and humidity. And, even the pros swear by them. Mark Di Carlo, an EWR-based flight attendant, calls a handheld cooling fan a “must-have,” especially while wearing a three-piece suit as a uniform. “[It’s] small enough for my pocket and provides instant relief on those sweltering days,” he says. “It will always accompany me on my layover walks.”
Jargau 3-in-1 Charging Station
Amazon
$22
Buy on Amazon
“When I first started as a flight attendant, I had a huge bag of cords,” explains TJ Kizuka, a San Francisco-based flight attendant. Any experienced traveler knows that a bag of jumbled cords is a no-no for efficient packing. So instead, he swapped that system for this much more practical tool, a three-in-one charging station. “I can charge my phone, Apple Watch, and AirPods with one simple device that is so compact it makes packing a breeze,” he says. It also acts as a charging phone stand, perfect if you want to watch a movie while boosting your battery.
Ubeesize Phone Tripod
Amazon
$15
Buy on Amazon
This lightweight tripod is about the cost of an airport cocktail right now, and it can seriously improve your travel photos. “On my last trip to Tahiti, I went out on my own several times and wanted to up my selfie game with all the amazing sights,” Kizuka says. “This travel tripod is compact and has flexible legs that can grip onto oddly shaped things like signposts and fences so I can get that epic selfie.”
What’s more is that it comes with a Bluetooth remote, so you can set up your shot, get in place, and press the button when you’re ready to say “Cheese!” It’s also easy to rotate so you can capture photos vertically or horizontally.
Termichy Baby Formula Dispenser
Amazon
$12
Buy on Amazon
This kind of dispenser, which is designed for taking baby formula on the go, is actually a great tool for staying fit while on the road, Kizuka says. He hits the gym on layovers whenever he can and needs a spill-proof and security-friendly way to bring along protein powder and pre-workout powders. “[A] baby formula dispenser is great because it’s compact,” he says. Holding up to 8.8 ounces of powder, this one features a strap so it’s easy to carry, plus it has a lid with a silicone ring to prevent spilling.
FYY Daily Pill Organizer
Amazon
$9
Buy on Amazon
If you travel with prescription medicines, or even just over-the-counter remedies for everyday travel maladies, a pill organizer is key to keeping everything clean and at the ready when you need it. Jenn Lujan, a Solvang, California-based flight attendant with Alaska Airlines, likes this affordable version. “It can hold numerous pills, but has a slender and light design,” she says. ”I don’t have to refill it very often, although I travel frequently. And it’s a bit more modern and cooler than the versions my grandparents used to use."
Mario Badescu Facial Spray
Amazon
$14
Buy on Amazon
This refreshing facial spray with aloe, cucumber, and green tea is hydrating and fragrant for a travel pick-me-up any time — whether during a day in transit or at your destination before heading out the door. “This fine mist moisturizing spray makes me feel so much better after a day full of sun,” says Hannah Bickert, a Southern California-based flight attendant. This deal includes two 4-ounce bottles, so keep that in mind when flying as you’ll either have to move it to smaller spray bottles or put it in your checked bag.
Kedera Denim Jacket
Amazon
$39
Buy on Amazon
Clothing staples don’t have to be blah or boring: This pearl-emblazoned denim jacket allows you to make a statement while still matching everything in your suitcase. “This fun denim jacket adds something special to even the most basic looks,” Bickert says. It’s definitely worth a spot in your carry-on — and the combination of the cotton blend fabric and oversized fit means that it’s comfy enough to wear on the plane, too.
Burskit Clear Pouch
Amazon
$8
Buy on Amazon
Clear pouches aren’t just useful for whisking toiletries through TSA checkpoints. They’re also great for easy at-a-glance viewing of all different types of items, from jewelry to — you guessed it — snacks. This clear bag with a tassel zipper pull is emblazoned with glittery letters spelling out “snacks,” but fill it with whatever you need. “You know when your family can never find anything without your help?” Bickert says. “Problem solved.”
Liquid I.V. Hydration Packets
Amazon
$67
Buy on Amazon
Time and time again, flight attendants have told us they swear by electrolyte packets to help them stay hydrated during their travels because of the dry air in airplane cabins. They’re also great to have on hand for whenever festivities are in order — such as the Fourth of July holiday weekend. “Be sure to get enough to hand out at the barbecue where everyone’s telling themselves they’ll only have one beer,” Bickert says.
Reef Women’s Cushioned Court Sandals
Amazon
$31
Buy on Amazon
Portland-based flight attendant Shanna Ramos says these comfy, supportive Reef sandals are perfect — and perfectly versatile — for packing. “These are great for walking or the beach or pool. Love the arch, and they don't weigh much,” she says, adding that they’re in her suitcase “at all times.” They’re made of vegan leather and feature a cushioned foam base for ultimate comfort and durability.
Naicha 16-piece Travel Toiletry Container Set and Bag
Amazon
$9
Buy on Amazon
Flight attendants know a thing or two about efficient packing as well as TSA requirements. The 16 pouches in this travel toiletry set are all refillable for bringing along those favorite products without having to check a bag — or spend extra for marked-up travel-size products. “I love them because I can take all my favorites when I put them in smaller containers since I only use a carry-on,” Ramos says. This set also includes labels so you can clearly identify what’s inside each tube, as well as a funnel for easy filling and a clear bag to put everything inside.
NeoTech Ice Bag
Amazon
$10
Buy on Amazon
“Going out to eat on all my layovers is too expensive and not always healthy, so I do a lot of food prep,” Kizuka says. To that end, here’s a trick he learned from a senior flight attendant that makes all the difference: “Ice bags are perfect to keep your food cold and are easy to fill up at our layover hotels,” he says. “They can also be used for first aid in a pinch, and you don’t have to have a freezer full of traditional ice packs when you’re at home.”
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