I’m a Plus-size Traveler, and These Are the 15 Essentials That Make Flights Easier for Me — From $11

As a plus-size travel journalist, I often take several trips per month, and I need to be fully present and engaged at each place I visit. That can be easier said than done after long flights with challenging situations. After all, there are a lot of potential stressors involved in flying as a plus-size person, and I try to balance this by making travel as comfortable and pleasant as possible for myself with these game-changing travel essentials.

I’ve had a lot of issues come up over the years as a plus-size frequent flier. That includes tray tables that won’t come down all the way because of the space my body takes up, chafing, feeling cramped into a too-small airplane seat, and rudeness from other passengers (which is rare but does happen). All these accessories were chosen because they make things easier and more comfortable — or help prevent problems before they start. Keep reading for my travel must-haves, including compression socks, a seat belt extender, a handheld fan, and more, starting at just $11.

Skechers Hands-free Slip-in Sneakers

For me, comfortable shoes are an essential part of staying happy and feeling good during flights of any length, and it doesn’t get much comfier than these sneakers. Sometimes it seems like I’m not even wearing shoes as I stretch my legs during a flight. Also, you can take these slip-in shoes off easily and quickly put them back on if you want to wear cozy slippers during a long flight.

Vera Bradley Cotton Campus Backpack

As a plus-size traveler, I find that I must be careful about which backpacks I carry. Some can look and feel awkward if they’re not designed to fit a variety of sizes. On top of that, I’m picky because I love fun designs and colors, like this green paisley one. I’ve found that the right travel backpack for my body is the campus backpack from Vera Bradley. It has plenty of room for things like my large laptop if I want to store it there during a flight, and it also has room for my journal, pens, headphones, and other travel accessories. It’s also adjustable so I can easily take it on and off my shoulders when boarding a flight.

Jefdiee Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow

Depending on the space available, sometimes I am not able to use the tray table at mealtime. There simply isn’t room because so many airplane seats are not designed with plus-size bodies in mind. However, with airlines being increasingly able to accommodate my vegan diet, I hate to miss out on an in-flight meal. This footrest pillow helps sturdy my legs so I can balance my meal tray on them and still enjoy dinner even if I can’t use the tray table at my seat. Beyond that, it helps me stay comfortable on a long flight, and I can easily deflate It if I no longer want to use it.

Nanquan Adjustable Airplane Seat Belt Extender

Asking for a seat belt extender is usually easy for me these days, but when I first started traveling multiple times per month, I was scared to ask. In fact, on my first flight, I couldn’t bring myself to ask for one and sat there crying. A flight attendant friend filled me in on the fact that flight attendants are used to being asked for extenders on almost every flight. You have every right to make the request, and most flight attendants are very discreet about handing them out. However, if you’d like to avoid asking altogether, you can bring your own seat belt extender.

I brought this one on many trips and never had any issues. Technically, the airlines might insist you use theirs, but I never had any flight attendants comment when I brought along my own extender. This option is easy to carry and comes with a pouch so you can easily grab it on the go. It can accommodate nearly any size since it expands your seat belt anywhere from an additional seven inches to 31 inches.

Sondur Inflatable Airplane Seat Cushion

It can be painful for me to sit on a plane for hours at a time. This inflatable seat cushion always provides relief and helps me stay comfortable even on long-haul flights. I especially appreciate that it’s adjustable so I can choose the firmness level that provides the best support for me. Plus, it deflates after a flight so it’s easy to pack.

Handfan Handheld Misting Fan

When traveling during the spring and summer, it can be hard for me to stay cool. I can overheat easily when rushing through the airport or even with the windows down on a road trip. Therefore, this handheld fan is an ideal travel companion during the hotter months. I can use it to spray water on my face, then the high-powered, three-speed fan can cool me down in moments. It’s pretty powerful, too. It can spray water consistently for over half an hour when you have fully charged batteries and a full tank of water.

Body Glide for Her Anti-chafe Balm

If you’ve ever experienced painful chafing during your travels, you know it’s not something you ever want to experience twice. This balm is easy to apply nearly anywhere I have experienced chafing, and it works wonders. It’s easy to apply and feels good once it’s on. Also, I appreciate that it’s vegan and never tested on animals — two must-have requirements for me in any product.

Doctor’s Select Plus-size Compression Socks

After I learned from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that long flights can increase one’s risk of getting a potentially deadly blood clot, I made it a point to wear compression socks on every flight I take that is over four hours. I’ve tried out several different brands and types of compression socks, and I’ve found these to be both effective and comfortable. In addition to wearing these compression socks on every long flight, I try to get up at least once per hour and move around during each flight.

Bidet Buddy LuxeJet V2 Portable Bidet

After I tried a bidet in a hotel in Europe, it was hard to go back to just using toilet paper. A bidet provides a cleaner, more refreshed feeling. So, I got this portable bidet that’s much more affordable than a traditional one. It fits easily into a backpack or larger purse, and it can be used throughout the entire trip, from the plane to the hotel room.

Pavilia Hooded Plush Robe

One thing I can always count on during my travels is that the bathrobe left in my hotel room will probably be too small for me. That may seem like a privileged problem, but I always felt left out when I couldn’t fit into a robe that was left for me to wear. This has also happened at spas. When I found this ultra-soft robe and discovered it was easy to pack on every trip, I found myself looking forward to lounging in my hotel room in a comfortable robe. After a relaxing shower or bath, I didn’t have to feel left out because I had a soft, plush robe that was just my size.

Elite Trend Oversized Microfiber Beach Towel

I can usually get beach towels from a hotel, but they don’t always feel comfortable or designed for my body. Also, sometimes I travel to beachy destinations but don’t stay directly on the beach. No matter what the situation, I like having my own plush beach towel that feels comfortable for me to sit on and enjoy. This one is easy to pack and feels good against my skin.

Cabeau Fold ‘N Go Travel Blanket

One way I’m proactive about my own comfort during travel is to bring my own blanket. Yes, sometimes the airlines will leave a blanket in my seat if I get upgrades or am on a long-haul flight. That’s not certain, and it’s even less likely that the blanket will be comfortable. Sometimes airline-issued blankets feel too small, too, but this Cabeau blanket measures 36 inches by 60 inches, so I can wrap it around me and stay warm and cozy.

This travel blanket is extremely comfortable since it’s made of super-soft French microfiber, and sometimes I’ll use it for head support if I need a nap. As someone who is very cautious about germs on airplanes, I love that this blanket is easily washable so I can start every trip with a clean, fresh blanket.

Tripped Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes

Like it or not, I’ve come to accept that plus-size clothes take up more room in a suitcase. Since I’m often traveling for at least two weeks at a time, I want to fit as many clothes as possible in both checked luggage and carry-on pieces. These packing cubes help me maximize space in my suitcases, and they also make it easier to stay organized. I can put all sweaters in one bag and pants in another, keeping things more organized. That makes packing and unpacking so much less stressful.

Vera Bradley Hardside Underseat Suitcase

This small Vera Bradley suitcase easily fits under the seat in front of me on a flight, and that’s one of the reasons I love it. Not only does this hardshell suitcase protect my laptop, but it also empowers me to keep my accessories within easy reach throughout any flight. It also comes with an interior pocket where you can store a charger and a cord that connects to an exterior charging port, making it easy to charge my phone throughout my flight, too.

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-ear Headphones

I love wearing these noise-canceling headphones on a flight, as they help block out obnoxious noises. Also, they help transport me to another place if I need a mental escape on a long flight. Music and podcasts come through crystal clear. I have the light green color, which is calming to me, but they come in a variety of colors such as purple, orange, pink, sky blue, midnight, space gray, and silver.

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