9 Things You Do That Annoy Your Travel Companion

Let’s be honest: even the strongest travel partnerships can be tested somewhere between boarding group chaos and flight delays. Whether you’re jetting off with your partner, best friend, sibling, or coworker, it’s shockingly easy to become “that person” on a trip — you know, the one who hogs chargers, fiddles with the overhead vent to unleash arctic-level breezes, or knocks elbows every time they dig through the seat-back pocket.

Part of traveling with someone means you’re spending more time together than usual, and little annoyances can stack up quickly when you’re sharing tight quarters at 35,000 feet. That’s why it pays to come prepared with a few small fixes that make a big difference, like packing a portable charger to avoid a dead phone or a neck pillow to prevent the dreaded head bob. Even better, these are affordable Amazon finds, so you can stock up without dipping into your actual travel budget. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best (and surprisingly relationship-saving) in-flight essentials to pack for the sake of your travel companion — because nothing derails a dream trip faster than mid-flight squabbles over the armrest or the glaring overhead light.

Habit: Always Having a Low Phone Battery

A special kind of panic sets in when your travel buddy’s phone is perpetually teetering at two percent — especially when it’s the keeper of your boarding passes, dinner plans, and hotel directions. Skip the scramble for unreliable plane outlets or passive-aggressive charger handoffs with a portable power bank you can count on. No more hoping the plane’s USB port works or relying on someone else’s battery life to save the day.

Bring instead: Charmarst Portable Charger

Slim and lightweight, this high-speed power bank slips easily into your carry-on or even your back pocket. It’s equipped with four built-in cables that cover just about every type of device, from iPhones to Androids and even iPads. You can charge up to six gadgets at once, perfect for juicing up your headphones, Kindle, and phone — all at the same time. With more than 7,000 five-star ratings and a 33 percent discount, it’s a smart travel upgrade to keep your devices alive from gate to landing.

Habit: Losing Everything in the Seat Pocket

You know the one: the passenger who practically performs a full excavation every time they need lip balm or a charging cable. The constant rummaging and awkward elbow jabs can quickly lead to frustration. Avoid this mid-flight scavenger hunt (and the discomfort of disrupted space) by investing in a smart, organized solution: a seat pocket organizer that keeps everything neatly in place, reducing the need for frantic digging and helping you stay comfortable in your confined space. 

Bring instead: Airplane Pockets Seat Organizer

This clever insert slides right into the seat-back pocket, transforming it into a well-organized area for your phone, headphones, snacks, and even a pen for custom forms. Say goodbye to fumbling around or irritating your seatmate when you need to grab something mid-flight. The organizer also helps prevent items from slipping deep into the pocket, ensuring you won’t leave anything behind when it’s time to deplane. Plus, with everything neatly visible and contained, your in-flight space will stay clutter-free.

Habit: Waking Everyone Up With the Overhead Light

Flipping on the bright cabin light mid-flight is a surefire way to test your seatmate’s patience. If you need to squeeze in a few pages of your book, opt for a personal reading lamp instead of flooding the entire row with glare. Whether you’re reading, journaling, or doing a crossword, avoid lighting up the whole row by packing a personal reading light that won’t blind or disturb your seatmate. Bonus: this also comes in handy if you’re a night owl and your hotel buddy crashes early.

Bring Instead: Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light

This hands-free, rechargeable reading light rests comfortably around your neck and has three color modes and six brightness levels. It’s bright enough to light your page, but with its narrow beam design, it won’t disturb your seatmate (or your partner back at the hotel). One happy reviewer raved, “I don’t disturb my husband with the lamp anymore. Works much better than the light that attaches to a book.” Another added, “You hardly feel it around your neck, even though it is very sturdy.” Plus, it lasts up to 80 hours on a single charge.

Habit: Starting a Temperature Tug-of-war

Few things spark silent feuds faster than the battle over the row’s air vent. If you tend to run cold mid-flight and find yourself tempted to meddle with the shared airflow, do your seatmate a favor and come prepared with your own cozy layers. Not only will you stay warm, but you’ll also spare your travel companion from wondering why they’re suddenly sweating.

Bring Instead: Trendy Queen Women’s Oversized Hoodie

This butter-soft hoodie is the ultimate travel accessory: breathable yet warm, and roomy enough for layering without looking sloppy. It’s available in nearly every color you could want, so you can snag one to match your travel palette. One shopper, who wore it on a flight to Tokyo, raved that it’s “soft, comfortable, and oversized,” adding, “It’s the best hoodie I own — I’m already ordering more colors.” Lightweight but cozy, this layer means you can skip fiddling with the air vent and keep the cabin climate drama-free. 

Habit: Constantly Making Everyone Get Up

If you’re a window seat loyalist like me, you know the pain: finally working up the courage to ask your aisle seatmate to let you out, only to realize you left your essentials tucked away in the seat pocket. Enter a hands-free belt bag — the hero accessory that keeps your must-haves within reach, whether it’s lip balm, tampons, or a travel toothbrush for a quick mid-flight refresh. 

Bring Instead: Pander Belt Bag

Don’t let the compact size fool you — this belt bag has room for all your in-flight essentials, and the water-resistant design, plus the adjustable strap make it as functional as it is comfortable. Shoppers love it for both flights and city wandering alike. One raved, “It worked perfectly for vacation. It stayed in place and held exactly what I needed, from the airport to walking around New York.” Bonus: the mesh pockets keep everything organized, so you don’t have to fumble for your lip balm mid-flight.  

Habit: Being the In-air Fidgeter (aka the Leg Shaker)

If you’re someone who can’t sit still on a flight — constantly shifting, stretching, or crossing and uncrossing your legs — you’re not alone. Hours in a cramped seat can make anyone restless — even flight attendants, who recommend traveling with a portable foot hammock. This little contraption hooks onto the tray table to give your legs a more natural, elevated position. It’s an easy way to make your seat feel (almost) like a recliner, helping you get more comfortable and maybe even doze off instead of fidgeting through the flight.

Bring Instead: Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock

Lightweight and foldable, this footrest is a game-changer for long flights. It helps reduce leg strain and swelling by elevating your feet, and makes it easier to shift positions without constantly disturbing your seatmate. One traveler raved, “We purchased these for a very long 30-plus hour string of flights from The U.S. to Asia. It really made the trip much more comfortable for both my husband and [me].” Multiple shoppers also mentioned it eases lower back pressure, which is a huge bonus. 

Habit: Holding Up the Row Because You Took Your Shoes Off

The age-old debate: to slip off your shoes during the flight or keep them firmly laced? While it’s understandable to want to kick back, a better (and far more considerate) option is to wear soft, breathable slip-ons you can keep on or easily slide off at your seat, or you can also opt for a pair of compression socks to ensure your feet and ankles stay comfy and eliminating the need to take your shoes off altogether. Trust us, your seatmates — and your travel companion — will appreciate it. It’s a great way to start your trip out on the right foot (pun intended).

Bring Instead: HomeTop Duzzy Loafer Slippers

These memory foam slippers are like a first-class upgrade for your feet. Lightweight and cushy, they won’t hog space in your carry-on bag, and they slip on and off effortlessly when nature calls mid-flight. One traveler said, “The first thing I do for a flight is take off my shoes and put on these slippers.” They also added, “They don’t take up much room in my bag.” And at just $15, no more passive-aggressive comments from your travel partner about putting your shoes back on. 

Bring Instead: Charmking Compression Socks

Look, we get it: swollen feet mid-flight are the worst. But instead of peeling off your shoes mid-flight (and risking side-eyes from your travel buddy), slip on a pair of the Charmking Compression Socks before you board. These breathable, knee-high socks boost circulation and help ward off that telltale puffiness, keeping you comfortable and considerate of your seatmate. They’re the No. 1 best-seller in Women’s Compression Knee-high Socks, with over 55,000 five-star ratings. One traveler even shared, “I had absolutely no swelling in my legs and feet after a full day of travel.” With these in your carry-on you can keep your shoes on and avoid any unwelcome foot reveals — a win for everyone in your row. 

Habit: Letting your head bob when you’re dozing off

There’s no faster way to annoy your travel companion than by turning your nap into an accidental game of human whack-a-mole. Spare them the awkward elbow nudges by keeping your head upright with a supportive travel pillow. Plus, it’ll be more comfortable for you and your neck. 

Bring Instead: Napfun Neck Pillow

As Amazon’s No. 1 best-selling travel pillow, this pick can let you snooze comfortably without becoming a human wrecking ball to your seatmate. What’s more, it helps you avoid those stiff, awkward wakeups mid-flight Made with cooling fabric and plush memory foam, it supports your head whether you lean back or to the side without making things get too toasty. Bonus: it compresses down to a third of its size and comes with a handy travel pouch. One shopper called it “the best airplane pillow I’ve ever bought” after surviving a 20-hour trip with it in tow.

Habit: Always Needing a Drink Refill

We get it: airplane air is dry, and staying hydrated is essential. But, nothing’s more annoying than repeatedly interrupting your travel buddy’s in-flight peace for more water. Instead of relying on the flight attendants to keep refilling your little plastic cup, bring your own water bottle and sip away without bothering your neighbor. This will help you avoid the overcharged water bottles you’re always forced to buy at the airport by bringing your own. Just fill it up before your flight at one of the water stations around the terminal or ask the crew to top you off when you board. Either way, you’ll have easier access to water, whether its in flight or when you’re at your destination.

Bring Instead: Owala 24-ounce Water Bottle

As the No. 1 best seller in Home and Kitchen on Amazon and close to 60,000 five-star reviews, we can confidently recommend this reusable water bottle for travel. It has double-wall insulation to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and it’s completely leakproof. So, you no longer need to settle for lukewarm plane water and instead have ice-cold water at your fingertips. 

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