Take it from someone who’s already flown 95,000 miles this year.
If you haven’t seen it, in an
interview
, Nicki Minaj is asked by Stephen Colbert if she is a window or aisle seat person. “Dur, window,” she unabashedly replied. “Who would pick an aisle?” He explains the aisle’s magic power is having easy access to the bathroom, and not having to crawl over anyone to get to it. “I don’t fly in those types of planes,” she says with a wink.
Iconic
.
Sadly, I
do
fly in those types of planes, but I’m still with Minaj on being a die-hard window seat flier. Why? Because rest and being unbothered are important to me, and everyone knows you’re most able to
get cocooned in the window seat
against the wall of the plane, where you can comfortably lean. Not only that, but you also get the view—dreamy clouds like stretched cotton, sunrises at 30,000 feet, and even the quiet awe of seeing the curve of the Earth if you’re lucky.
Yes,
the aisle seat has its perks
, but I’d prefer tranquility, insight, and an unrestricted reclining position over easier access to bathroom facilities anytime (although I might bend my rules for flights longer than 10 hours). Given that I’ve logged almost 95,000 miles of flying experience so far, let me assure you that
having the right items
Can enhance your journey experience significantly. Below are the 15 travel necessities I consistently carry, which will surely turn you into a lifelong member of Team Window Seat forever.
Top Travel Essentials for the Perfect Window Seat Experience
-
Best travel pillow:
Twist Memory Foam Pillow
, $25 (originally $40) -
Comfiest layer:
Athleta Pranayama Long Wrap
, $50 (originally $99) -
Best headphones:
Sony WH-CH720N Noise-canceling Headphones
, $98 (originally $150) -
Lightning-fast speed:
Vrurc Portable Charger
, $20 (originally $30) -
Rare deal:
Hydro Flask 24-Ounce Insulated Wide-Mouth Flexible Straw Water Bottle
, $30 (originally $40)
Related:
I Travel All Over Europe With My 70-year-old Mom, and We Won’t Go Anywhere Without These 12 Essentials
Dot¨ Twist Memory Foam Pillow
$40
$25
Buy on Amazon
The
Dot¨ Twist Travel Pillow
It’s essential overall, yet this particular model is ideal for travelers who sit next to windows due to multiple advantages. Firstly, it can be adjusted and positioned to fill the often awkward spaces between your seating area and the airplane wall, making relaxation much more comfortable. Additionally, you have the option of using it as lumbar support while utilizing another cushion, such as the airline-provided one, for neck comfort. The product features a removable, machine-washable cover, allowing easy cleaning after trips. Moreover, it includes a snap closure mechanism that makes attaching it to your luggage simple and convenient.
Athleta Pranayama Long Wrap
$99
$50
Buy on athleta.gap.com
A warm shawl will always come to your rescue on an airplane, particularly when seated close to (heaven forbid) a chilly window seat.
one from Athleta
is ultra-soft, has plenty of fabric to wrap yourself in like a burrito, and doubles as a blanket, scarf, or even a neck pillow in a pinch. Bonus: it folds flat and fits easily in a tote.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise-canceling Headphones
$150
$98
Buy on Amazon
You won’t find me boarding a plane without my
Sony noise-canceling headphones
On those infrequent times when I must use the airline-provided earbuds for entertainment purposes, I put my headphones over them to block out background noises like snoring and crying babies. If you’re seated by the window, you often prefer to remain in your personal bubble—these headphones allow you to achieve exactly that.
Hydro Flask Reusable Beverage Container
$40
Buy on hydroflask.com
$40
$30
Buy on Amazon
A water bottle like
The 24-ounce wide-mouth flexible straw edition of Hydro Flask
Is essential when flying, particularly for those seated at the windowside; this ensures you won’t have to flag down a flight attendant every time you need water. Additionally, with an appropriately sized bottle close at hand, napping becomes more convenient as you won’t worry about waking up dehydrated. Choose a narrow bottle over wider options since slipping it into the compartment within the seatback is key.
Cuyana Toiletry Bag Set
$168
Buy on cuyana.com
Having
a chic little toiletry bag
within arm’s reach is key for the window seat, so you don’t have to dig under your seat mid-flight. Use the big one for beauty items to keep in your bag, and use the small one for essentials to keep in your seatback pocket. Think: Face spray, lip balm, mints, a sleeping pill (should you need), eye masks, and more. I also like to keep a granola bar in there for the dire days.
Slide Silk Hello On Board Contour Sleep Mask
$66
Buy on slip.com
If you’re seated near the window, you’re more prone to encounter early morning sunlight—and unfortunately, the curtains aren’t guaranteed to provide protection.
shaped Silk slip eye mask
blocks out all light
without
Squinting your eyes (to allow for free blinking) and remains stable during naps and turbulences. It’s sheer comfort and makes your rest far more pleasant.
Dr. Motion Compression Socks
$10
Buy on drmotionsocks.com
$40
Buy on Amazon
Spending hours seated motionless by the window can significantly affect your blood flow.
budget-friendly compression socks
Help reduce swelling and discomfort without appearing too “medical.” Additionally, these cushions offer extra comfort and are available in many adorable designs.
Vrurc Portable Charger
$30
$20
Buy on Amazon
The last thing you’d want is to settle into the window seat, wrap yourself up in a blanket, and then discover that the power outlet next to your seat isn’t functioning—on top of which, your phone is nearly out of battery.
top-rated Vrurc portable charger
is compact, lightweight, and can juice up your phone and your tablet at the same time. Window seat isolation, powered.
Funlake Airplane Travel Foot Hammock and Leg Support
$20
Buy on Amazon
After you’ve created your window nest, this
foot hammock
raises the bar for ultimate comfort. This accessory attaches to your tray table and provides a spot for your legs to relax—eliminating the need for uncomfortable hunching or constantly readjusting every few minutes. Additionally, the available footrest caters specifically to those with shorter stature—it prevents you from having to use your luggage underfoot (thus avoiding compressing your belongings).
Rocutus Portable Slippers
$12
Buy on Amazon
The moment I sit down, the first thing I do is slip off my shoes—but
respectfully
. These
compact, non-skid slippers
are ideal for keeping snug and tidy without sacrificing mobility when you really need to.
must
stand up. Besides, they’re incredibly affordable and can easily fit into your bag.
Anrabess Oversized Hoodie
$40
$37
Buy on Amazon
This
Anrabess hoodie
It essentially functions as a portable blanket; perfect for curling up at your window seat and losing yourself to the world. Its generous cut provides ample space for additional layers, and the attached hood acts like a small blackout curtain. I manage to squeeze in a pillow too (if I choose to—and most often, I do).
Ontyzz Inflatable Seat Cushion
$14
Buy on Amazon
Window seats can mean long stretches of sitting since you don’t have direct access to the aisle, and airplane seats aren’t known for ergonomic genius. If you’re not trying to disturb the whole row, this
inflatable seat cushion
helps distribute pressure evenly and reduce that dead-leg feeling, especially on long-haul flights. Deflate it post-flight and tuck it away for next time.
Amazon Kindle
$110
Buy on Amazon
It’s quite enchanting to read beside a window during a flight, and an
Amazon Kindle e-reader
It simplifies things. The device is light, compact enough to fit into a tiny bag, and has the capacity to store thousands of books, ensuring you always have reading material—perfect for lengthy 14-hour flights. Plus, it’s ideal whenever the inflight entertainment fails to captivate you, or worst case scenario, when such amenities are accessible solely via your smartphone… an absolute nightmare.
Loop Ear Plugs
$28
$21
Buy on Amazon
If you’re a light sleeper (or simply wish to retreat into your personal tranquil space), these
Loop earplugs
These options are subtle, comfy, and highly efficient at minimizing sound without offering complete noise cancelation. They’re ideal for those moments when you take your headphones off yet desire peace and quiet.
The Honest Co Sanitizer Wipes
$6
Buy on Amazon
Let’s face it: the window walls, tray tables, and armrests? They’re basically germ magnets.
plant-based sanitizing wipes
They are alcohol-based, unscented, and meet TSA approval. I use them as soon as I’m seated, allowing me to rest my head against the wall and press up to the window without any concerns.
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