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Flying economy can be notoriously uncomfortable and misery-inducing. There isn't a ton you can do about the size of your seat or the social rules around who gets the armrest, but if you stash a few niceties in your carry-on, it can make the whole experience feel a touch more pleasant. 

We asked Insider editors who cover travel and product reviews what they pack for flights when they're seated in economy to make the trips more bearable. Their suggestions won't overload your bag, and they just might help you forget you're on a plane. At least for a second.

Yep, I'm that person on the plane blowing up a footrest right after takeoff. I love to put my feet up, but I'm way too tall for one of those foot slings I see people using on flights. This inflatable footrest has three levels and can be used as either a footrest or a straight up travel bed for kiddos. It elevates my feet off the floor a bit, and it collapses down to fit easily in a jacket pocket when not in use. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

If you're like me and run hot, a portable fan is a must for a comfortable long plane ride. I like this little one because it folds away compactly, can be placed on your seat tray, and has a backup battery bank for charging your devices. I recently ran it for close to 12 hours on a hot day before it died, so it should provide a nice breeze through most flights on one charge. And I'm not alone in my love for this little fan — Insider contributor Carly Caramanna recently sung its praises for travel, too. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Drunk Elephant The Littles Night Out

There's no better time to work on your skincare routine than when you're stuck on a plane with nowhere to go. I love Drunk Elephant's minis, which come in sets and include travel-sized versions of everything you need for a complete skincare routine — from cleanser to night serum. Take some time post the aforementioned sheet mask, and lather on the serums. Your skin will thank you after a long, dehydrating flight. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

EnergyCell Pilot 4GS Portable Charger

Not all economy seats have power outlets, which is why I always carry a portable power pack when I travel. Mine is part of my Away Carry-On, so it stows neatly under the handle of my bag when not in use. If charged properly, it can keep all my electronics going during even the longest of long-haul flights. This is another travel essential that Insider contributor Carly Caramanna and I agree on.—Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Whether it's a short jaunt or 13-hour flight, the first thing I do is to put my feet into a pair of cozy slippers. I feel comfortable immediately, and I don't have to put shoes back on — or worse, trek in my socks — when I need to go to the lavatory. Any cheap variant with good cushioning should suffice, but these let me walk off the plane and straight to my final destination. —Les Shu, deputy editor

I used to be a solidly anti-neck pillow person, but then my doctor turned me on to the J-Pillow, and I'm now quite unabashed about traveling with it. It takes a bit to get used to, but it provides a comfy spot to rest your head and, crucially, neck support that helps prevent the dreaded head bob. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes

I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to wipe down my face, neck, armpits, etc. during and after a long-haul flight. They make me feel a little more human and a little more alive, and all the scents are quite refreshing. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Farmacy Coconut Gel Sheet Mask

I always treat myself to a face mask or two on long flights. Now, I'm not opposed to looking silly to my fellow passengers, but I have my limits. I learned the hard way that charcoal, gold, and animal-themed face masks all elicit stares from your seatmates and passers-by. Farmacy's sheet masks are a top pick in our buying guide, and they're low on the public embarrassment factor. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

I can't believe I ever willingly relied on airline headphones to watch movies on flights. I once thought noise-canceling headphones wouldn't make that much of a difference, and the airline's headphones would be easier since they were guaranteed to work with their systems. I was so wrong. And my husband knew it. When he gifted me noise-canceling headphones for flying I couldn't believe I hadn't been using them the whole time. Has the plane really been that loud without them this whole time?! —Emily Hochberg, senior travel editor

Face mists are an absolute essential for me when flying. A cool, refreshing spray makes me feel a hundred times better, even when I'm stuck on the crappiest seat on the crappiest plane. Evian's is scent-free, has a superfine mist, and is small and lightweight enough to fit in any bag. —Sally Kaplan, executive editor

Now that I'm a parent of a toddler, I know that there's no real way to make the flight more comfortable for me. I no longer have the luxury of curling up with a comfy blanket and turning on a movie and just watching it. It's all about keeping my child occupied while we get from point A to point B. For my family, that means bringing an iPad onboard downloaded with as much "Bluey," "CoComelon," and "Encanto" content as possible. I will never, ever fly without it. It keeps her busy and that is what keeps me comfortable and at ease on flights these days. That and lots and lots of snacks. —Emily Hochberg, senior travel editor

I once spent almost an entire flight to Europe playing a Regency romance-themed phone game (then kept playing when I couldn't sleep thanks to jet lag). I love the Nintendo Switch because it's so portable, and I don't have to worry about draining my phone battery. If you love single-player mystery games, "Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot: The First Cases" is hours of sleuthing. Or challenge your traveling companion to some "Mario Kart." Either way, the time will fly by (no pun intended). —Jenny McGrath, senior reporter 

L.L.Bean Wicked Plush Throw

Not every flight provides blankets, and they're not always the most comfortable, anyway. In our guide to the best throw blankets, the L.L.Bean Wicked Plush is our top choice for a fleece option. The 50-by-60-inch size is good for one person and shouldn't take up your entire carry-on bag. It's exceptionally soft and lightweight. It should protect you from the plane's air conditioning without overheating you. It's also machine washable, so you can properly clean it when you're home from your trip. —Jenny McGrath, senior reporter

Saxx Droptemp Cooling Cotton Boxer Briefs

For many men, there's nothing worse than the "swamp ass" feeling from sitting in a tight seat for too long. I combat this by wearing underwear from Saxx. This pair is made from a moisture-wicking material, but what I like most is its pouch design that allows for comfort and breathing room down below. —Les Shu, deputy editor

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

This sleep mask (an Insider Reviews favorite) is not only affordable, it's extremely comfortable. It's the only one I've tried that I can wear even in the summer because it's so lightweight. But it still manages to block a good amount of light. If you're trying to get in sync with your destination's time zone or just have an early-morning flight, it should help you get some shut-eye. —Jenny McGrath, senior reporter

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle

Do not underestimate the importance of bringing your own water bottle to the airport! You can take it through security empty and then fill it up before you board the plane. I love my Hydro Flask because the metal interior feels much cleaner than plastic, it keeps my water frosty cold for hours, and it fits a whopping 32 ounces of water. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap

This is a splurge for sure, but what's more luxurious than cashmere? I find dressing for airplane travel to be really tough because I'm usually either too hot or too cold, so I prefer to dress in lighter layers and use this indulgent wrap to keep cozy without getting too warm. I've had it for a few years, and it has held up exceptionally well. I'll never be able to go back to a rough airplane blanket again. —Emily Hochberg, senior travel editor

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