Blankets with sleeves, reading glasses with a built-in light and a convenient scale to weigh luggage are among the ideas that make flying more enjoyable.
December 20, 2009
By Terry Gardner
Until short security lines and turbulence-free skies come gift-wrapped, here are some holiday gifts and a few stocking stuffers that can lessen the stress of your frequent flier. Most cost less than $35.
For help with this list, I consulted Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, Joe Brancatelli, who produces the JoeSentMe newsletter for business travelers, product developer Phil Baker, consumer writer Christopher Elliott, Matt Daimler of SeatGuru and George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog.
Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale
- What it is: A scale small enough to pack and strong enough to weigh up to 100 pounds. A new ergonomic version moves the digital scale into the grip and is positioned horizontally rather than vertically.
- Benefits: This topped most lists. Even carriers that check a bag or two for free charge you for overweight bags, and once you're at the airport, you can be slapped with hundreds of dollars in excess-weight fees. The Balanzza's flexibility in measuring in pounds or kilograms makes it ideal for the international traveler.
- Cost: $17.75
- Where to buy:Amazon
Joby Gorillapod or Gorillamobile
- What it is: A compact, lightweight tripod with flexible, wrapable legs to secure a camera or mini video camera to almost any surface for self-portraits and other creative shots
- Benefits: "I've tested other mini-tripods, and this one just does the job without getting in the way of your art," Elliott says. Daimler likes Gorillamobile because a flier can "attach your device to the seat back in front of you and avoid a stiff neck while watching your favorite movie or TV show."
- Costs: $21.95 to $29.95 (SLR and iPhone models cost $39.95)
- Where to buy:Joby
The Travel Slanket
- What it is: A blanket with sleeves (58 inches by 66 inches for travel)
- Benefits: Most airline blankets are too short to cover you. Banas says the Slanket offers greater comfort, letting travelers "sleep, work, watch movies, wander the cabin, and eat your in-flight meal, all without leaving your Slanket."
- Cost: $24.99
- Where to buy:Theslanket.com
Eurosocks TravelSox compression socks
- What they do: The socks' patented design is said to help stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling while you're sitting in cramped quarters for extended periods. Coolmax helps wick away perspiration.
- Benefits: Banas recommends this comfortable defense against deep vein thrombosis.
- Cost: $29.85
- Where to buy:Magellans, Eurosocks and Amazon
Brookstone's lighted eyeglasses
- What they do: Reading eyeglasses that shine a light exactly where you look. Magnification available.
- Benefits: A great solution for reading in the low light of an airplane cabin.
- Cost: $29.95
- Where to buy:Brookstone
Lights Out Sleep Mask
- What it does: This form-fitting sleep mask is designed to encourage Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep by allowing complete eye movement while blocking out even peripheral light.
- Benefits: Banas recommends this for getting some shut eye on a red-eye or long international flights.
- Cost: $10.85
- Where to buy:Magellans
The Clear Bag System
- What it is: This toiletry system for men and women is Transportation Security Administration compliant that contains pump bottles for liquids.
- Benefits: Brancatelli says it's the "best toiletries kit I know given the snoopy nature of the TSA. And much sturdier than a Ziploc bag."
- Cost: $24.50 to $32.19
- Where to buy: ClearBagSystem
The 150 Country Travel Adapter
- What it does: This pocket-size adapter has a built-in surge protector, an AC outlet and two USB ports.
- Benefits: Brancatelli says it "works on every electrical system/wall plug I've seen anywhere in the world." You can power or charge three devices simultaneously in more than 150 countries.
- Cost: $34.95
- Where to buy:Hammacher Schlemmer
Skooba Design's Netbook Neo-Sleeve
- What it is: A 6.4-ounce form-fitting, cushy neoprene sleeve protects a netbook with a screen up to 10.1 inches. It includes a front pocket for the power cord, a thumb drive pocket and a removable shoulder strap.
- Benefits: Good quality and stylish design.
- Cost: $19.95
- Where to buy:Skoobadesign
TravelTow Rotating Luggage Handle
- What it does: The handle attaches to any roll-aboard and can rotate 360 degrees to position your hand naturally, whether you're strolling or dashing to your flight's departure gate.
- Benefits: Daimler says it prevents rolling luggage from falling over as you pull it behind you.
- Cost: $9.95
- Where to buy:Tamperseal.com
Suggested traveler stocking stuffers:
LaCie key USB drive for storage in a key-shaped device, $21.99 to $34.99
Kensington Portable Power Outlet lets you power up to five devices, $24.99
Tide stain remover sticks, Amazon or grocery stores, about $4 each
Vapur, eco-friendly, PBA-free, "fold-and-go" water bottle, $8.95
Silk Underwear top ($23.95 from WinterSilks). Hobica says this layering item is "indispensable -- washes and dries fast on the road and takes up little space in the suitcase."
MagicJack, $39.95, for free international calls. Your digital or analog telephone plugs into one end of magicJack while its USB plug connects to your computer for voice-over-Internet protocol (VOIP) calls.
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