Essentials for a Long Flight: 3 Gadgets to Pack


To some, the prospect of long flights might seem like exciting opportunities for high-skies adventure. To others, it’s just another exercise of patience, given the limited personal space. Either way, if you want flights to feel shorter, plan to stay occupied; smartphones, tablets, and laptops make excellent entertainment accomplices.

There are a few essential gadgets that everyone should consider to get the most out of devices. And the best part of these must-have picks? They’re portable enough to tuck away in pockets and can be used every day.

Phiaton 900 Legacy Digital Hybrid Headphones

No matter the activity, the dull roar of airplane engines and low muttering of nearby conversations can be distracting. Even if you don’t plan on playing a game, listening to music, or watching a movie, treat yourself to your headphones/earphones’ active noise cancellation (ANC) feature to diminish ambient sounds and create a better bubble of hush. The Phiaton 900 Legacy is a great choice for cutting edge ANC; your ears and head will thank you later.

These versatile, Bluetooth 5.1 wireless headphones give you amazing sound performance while taking up little space in your travel bag with the included carrying case. They feature industry leading 43 hours of battery life which means you can take the 2 longest flights back to back and still have leftover battery! 

For noise cancellation, the 900 Legacy features dual (exterior and interior) microphones that can create accurate anti-noise to counter the commonly found disturbances found in planes. If you prefer earbuds, Phiaton’s BT 120 NC is the perfect alternative, offering great noise cancellation and up to 8 hours of battery life.

Anker PowerCore+ Portable Charger

If you’re not packing power, don’t expect electronics to last the long haul. While digital music and books may only sip at energy, games and movies will drain devices quicker than you think. If there’s one type of portable battery to get, it’s an Anker PowerCore+. These are one of few available that can charge the latest gear using a USB-C connection, such as the Apple MacBook, iPads, Google Pixels, Samsung Galaxy devices, and more.

The Anker PowerCore+ portable chargers are offered in battery capacities ranging up to 26,800 mAh, often featuring extra USB ports to simultaneously charge multiple devices at once. While this may sound excessive to some, consider being stuck on a long airplane or car ride without access to a power outlet. A portable charger can keep a family’s smartphones, tablets, and even laptops topped off until the destination has been reached.

GorillaPod GripTight Stand

Fatigue happens, even to the most endurance-trained of us. Arms and hands eventually get tired from having to hold devices in place – give yourself a break and let a GorillaPod do the heavy lifting instead. These gadget tripods are great for supporting electronics in creative ways, and while most GorillaPod models are geared toward cameras, the GripTight series pairs best with smartphones and tablets.

GorillaPod’s GripTight Stand combines a tripod body along with a removable, adjustable device grip (available in different sizes). Unlike your typical tripod that props up on a flat surface, a GorillaPod features flexible legs that can attach to chairs, trays, poles, armrests, headrests, you name it. Once the legs are secure, just insert your smartphone/tablet into the grip, adjust the viewing angle, and you’re set.

By Stan Goodner

Updated March 22, 2021

Recommended Reads:

Finding the Best Headphones for Travel: 3 Must-Have Features

What is Noise-Cancellation

Finding Comfortable Earphones: 3 Pairs You’ll Love to Wear


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