7 Pilot-approved Travel Tips for Comfortable Flights

Who better to ask for in-flight comfort tips than the folks who spend the most time in the air: pilots. Pilots may have a different routine for their time in the cockpit, but when it comes to being a passenger—perhaps at the end of a long day of flying routes—they’re ready to get comfortable and relax. I spoke with Patrick Arnzen, a former airline pilot, pilot examiner, and CEO of Thrust Flight, a flight training organization, to get his pilot-approved flying tips.

Arnzen shared his top suggestions and travel products that he usually only shares with his friends—including what to prioritize during your travels for comfort and good health. As a travel writer, I’ll be looking to add these products to my own travel writer carry-on kit. Here’s what pilot Patrick Arnzen says makes his passenger flights more comfortable.

Best Pilot-approved Flight Essentials

Compression Socks

Comrad Knee-high Compression Socks

“Everyone’s number one priority should be circulation,” says Arnzen. Compression socks are essential, especially if you’re prone to swelling when sitting, he says. These popular Comrad compression socks are a top Travel + Leisure tested pick for evenly distributed compression and bonus moisture-wicking properties. I also am always impressed by my Bombas compression socks, which I wear when I travel (and the Merino wool pair I wear while skiing). To help your circulation, you should also avoid constricting clothes. “If your clothes are too tight, you increase your risk of swelling or even deep vein thrombosis on long flights,” Arnzen adds. So maybe skip tight-fitting jeans for that long haul flight and reach for comfy, loose joggers instead. 

The Right Bag

Flight Outfitters Unisex Bush Pilot Folio Flight Bag

“If you walk through an airport, you’ll see every pilot with a very similar bag design,” Arnzen says. “That’s because they are built to keep everything organized and ready to take out at a moment’s notice.” Arnzen suggests the brand Flight Outfitters for bags designed specifically with pilots in mind. He specifically loves the Bush Pilot Duffel Bag, but the line of luggage has an assortment of styles, including this shoulder bag that slips over your luggage handle. “An organized, structured bag keeps me from digging through a bottomless backpack.”

High Protein Snacks

While it’s tempting to rely solely on airport food, Arnzen says he packs his own snacks that will prevent him from hitting that low sugar wall, especially when delayed at the airport. “I always pack a few healthy snacks in my bag. Nuts, protein bars, [basically] something that can handle being jostled are ideal,” he says. With satiating protein and fiber, edamame is a great on-the-go snack. Or if you crave something sweet in the sky, but don’t want the glycemic crash, give Olyra breakfast bars a try. Although you may want to pack fresh fruit, only do so on domestic flights (and remember that fruit can sometimes get messy). “If you’re traveling internationally, leave the fruits at home or eat them before arrival,” Arnzen says, as customs will likely confiscate them.

A Good Book

Amazon Kindle 16 GB

“When I’m a passenger, I swap out my [pilot] charts and headsets for chargers, snacks, and a good book,” Arnzen says. Even though most flights have seat-back entertainment, a book can be a good tool for calming the mind and slowing down racing thoughts. And, you never know when an airplane’s entertainment system or WiFi could be down, leaving you without anything to pass the time. Having a book in your bag or an e-reader, like an Amazon Kindle, packed with library books or digital reads, can be a lifesaver.

Water Bottle

Yeti Rambler 26 oz Bottle

“One of the biggest challenges when you’re up in the air is dehydration, so keep your water bottle handy and full,” Arnzen says. He specifically recommends the same bottle I use, the Yeti Rambler. I love that the mouthpiece is always covered and protected from germs at the airport. Speaking of hydration, Arzne also suggested passengers steer clear of alcohol before and during the flight. “It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in how sharp and comfortable you feel during and after a travel day.”

Comfortable Close-toed Shoes

New Balance Unisex 990 V6 Sneakers

“I’ve learned the value of lightweight and supportive shoes,” says Arnzen, who always flies with a closed-toe shoe. “You want to be able to move comfortably and fast.” Consider these comfortable New Balance sneakers, which are cushioned and have a propulsive heel to help drive you forward. The top-rated sneaker is unisex and comes in 10 different colors. Shoppers recommend these shoes for their quality; one repeat buyer says, “I keep coming back to the New Balance 990 shoe again and again because it’s the only sneaker I’ve owned in the last 10 or more years that lasts.”

Noise-cancelling Headphones

“I never go anywhere without my noise-canceling headset,” Arnzen says. “Blocking out the noise of the aircraft and cabin helps me relax, and good rest is the ultimate travel hack.” Pilots use special noise-cancelling headphones when in the cockpit, like the Bose A30. But, because these models can cost over $1,000 and have features that regular passengers don’t need (like a headset or dual input), there are other options to consider. For a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones that will last, look to brands like Bose, Bang & Olufsen, and Bowers & Wilkins. When you fly, pack headphones that connect via auxiliary jack or bring a Bluetooth transmitter that connects your wireless headphones to the seatback entertainment.

More Pilot-approved Flying Essentials:

Iniu Portable Charger

Everlasting Comfort Doctor-recommended Memory Foam Seat Cushion

Apple AirTag

Tomtoc Electronics Organizer Travel Case

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

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