Top Travel Gadgets for Your Next Flight

Traveling can be a crazy, hectic chaotic experience – and that is on the good days.  Technology is always looking for ways to make life easier.  Now it has focused its attention on the air travel experience.

Over the last few years there have been a number of products that are designed to make your travel experience easier, more comfortable or just more tolerable.  Although none of the companies have invented the product to remove delays or cancellations, some of the products can make the glitches in your travel a little less troublesome.  Here are just a few of the best gadgets to take your next flight to the next level.

1.    The laptop.  This is almost a requirement for business travelers, but even vacation travelers are getting in on the game.  The MacBook Air is probably the best choice (as it looks so cool and is very light and easy to store) if you really need to save space – but don’t expect to use a CD/DVD or keep a charge for very long.

2.    The mobile phone.  Anyone that does a lot of traveling would be wise to invest in a smart phone.  The Apple iPhone offers some great software making it easy to use, and there are plenty of travel programs to download as well.  Be sure that you have your airline’s phone number, hotel’s phone number and other important travel phone numbers programmed into your phone.  You can make quick arrangements in case of a flight delay or cancellation (and hopefully avoid penalties or canceled reservations).

3.    Noise reduction headphones.  You need something to block the noise coming from a crowded cabin or jet engines.  The Bose QuiteComfort will offer one of the best experiences available on the market.  These headphones were specifically designed for air travel.  Not only do they give you a clearer sound, but they also keep your noise away from your neighbor.

4.    A Travel toothbrush.  The Ohso Pocket Toothbrush is not your ordinary travel toothbrush.  It combines the toothpaste and brush in one handy container making it the perfect travel companion.  The gadget is filled with most any traditional toothpaste (from the tube) and is ready to go.  There are also replacement heads for when the bristles on your toothbrush wear out.

5.    A book - specifically an electronic reader like the Kindle.  You can load up to 200 books, do word searches, create bookmarks and so much more.  If you find that you don’t have the book that you need then you can connect to the store and download a number of books while you are on the road.  Although you do have to pay for books that you download, many offer free sample chapters so that you can determine if it’s an investment worth making.

6.    The Clear Card is relatively new and is not used in all the airports around the United States (only 20 to date).  But it does give the card holder the ability to go to the front of the security line where it is used. Getting a card requires applying online AND visiting an enrollment center, but it does usually allow you to get through security much quicker than ever before.

7.    WiFi locator.  These devices can be used to locate a signal for your laptop and keep you from having to open and shut your laptop repeatedly.  The handy device fits easily in your pocket and is not a bulky addition to your travel bags.

8.    Privacy filter.  These handy little screen attachments keep nosy neighbors from reading your laptop screen while you work.  The filters offer more freedom to work while you travel without the worry of what others may be getting from your work.

9.    The Knee Defender is a small and controversial device that offers a big impact to your flying experience.  Snap these guards in place and they will stop the reclining seat in front of you so that you knees don’t have to.  The Knee Defender is designed to be used while the tray is down and so the FAA regulations allow the devices as long as it is being used according to design.

10.    Travel pillow.  The airlines are cutting their costs in every possible way so know you get to pay for their little pillows.  It would be wiser to invest in your own travel pillow.  These handy companions will make your flight a little more comfortable and are a huge value when you consider having to purchase an airline pillow for each flight.

There is enough hassle involved in air travel.  Take away some of the frustrations and aggravation bay packing a few of these great travel gadgets for your next trip.  Put them in your carry on luggage (preferably the one that you will store under your seat) so that you can access them with ease during your flight.  Bringing a little extra convenience and comfort with you will make your experience one to remember – for the good times.