**5 Travel Gadgets That Regular Flyers Rely On**
Catching flights can be enjoyable, but it can also become exhausting and hectic without proper preparation. Having the appropriate tools can enhance your flying experience, ensuring you arrive at your destination refreshed and eager to start your adventures. However, with many travel gadgets available that promise ease and efficiency, determining which ones are genuinely beneficial and worth the investment can be challenging.
We have conducted the necessary research to uncover the top gadgets for travel, as recommended by experienced frequent flyers who are familiar with the nuances of navigating airports. While the list could be extensive, we have narrowed it down to five must-haves that are easily accessible, compact enough for your carry-on, and will serve you well for years. These gadgets are highly praised by travelers on social platforms like YouTube and commerce sites like Amazon. Naturally, they are all completely safe and allowed in both checked baggage and carry-ons. So, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, alone or with companions, consider making these smart travel gadgets your allies for a seamless travel experience.
**1. AirFly SE Bluetooth Transmitter**
One of the most frustrating issues during flights, particularly on lengthy journeys, is using the mediocre airline headphones or bringing your own wired earphones to connect to the in-flight entertainment. Fortunately, there’s a greatly praised gadget by frequent flyers that effectively addresses this dilemma. The AirFly SE by Twelve South transforms any headphone jack into a Bluetooth transmitter. You can plug it into the headphone jack on your screen and then connect your AirPods or other wireless headphones to access the entertainment system.
Travelers on forums like Reddit frequently recommend the AirFly SE, which has received 4.3 stars out of 5 on Amazon based on over 15,000 reviews. One user noted how user-friendly the device is and how it enhances her flying experience, while another highlighted its necessity for long flights due to its ability to maintain a charge for over 16 hours.
Available for only $35, the AirFly SE allows for one pair of headphones to connect, while the upgraded AirFly Pro accommodates two pairs. If you are traveling with someone, you can both enjoy audio from the same source. This premium model is priced at $54.99 and comes highly recommended by luxury travel expert Tom Cahalan of Dorsia Travel, who praised its seamless capability in allowing him to utilize his wireless headphones during flights.
**2. Sony XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones**
A transformative travel accessory that comes highly endorsed by frequent travelers is a robust pair of noise-canceling headphones, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 being a top contender that surpasses competitors. If you’ve ever attempted to sleep, work, or simply enjoy a movie while surrounded by engine noise, crying infants, or talkative passengers, you understand the immense value that effective noise cancellation offers.
The XM5s feature sophisticated noise cancellation that intelligently adapts to your surroundings, effectively diminishing the drone of the airplane while still allowing important voices or announcements to come through when necessary. On Amazon, one user reported that the ANC effectively blocked out nearly everything in various environments, including flights, coffee shops, and bustling offices. Another user praised the comfortable snug fit, perfect for long flights or work durations. They also provide up to 30 hours of battery life, with rapid charging that yields 3 hours of playback from just 3 minutes of charging.
These headphones have achieved an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from over 11,000 reviews on Amazon. Priced around $399, they are an investment, but one that will serve you well and be a reliable travel companion on all your journeys. The audio equipment authority, Moon Audio, has listed the Sony WH-1000XM5 among the finest ANC headphones for air travel. Additionally, travelers on Reddit have characterized them as revolutionary and the ultimate travel headphones.
**3. Data Blockers**
Though the complimentary charging stations at airports are handy, they carry risks as they might be equipped with malware used by hackers to extract your personal data when you connect your device. To combat this, a prominent travel expert and frequent flyer, Laurie, recently recommended a set of affordable data blockers in a YouTube video on her channel Travel Tips by Laurie. These gadgets safeguard your data when you connect your phone to a public USB port. Laurie highlights how this compact device, priced at just $11.99 per set, can significantly impact your urgent phone charging needs, especially during international trips or layovers.
While these data blockers have yet to receive many user reviews, they hold an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon. One reviewer expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of the data-blocking capabilities.
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