I CARRY THIS
ENTRY$49.99
MEE audio Connect Air
Plugs into the seatback jack and sends the movie to your own headphones. I haven't flown without it since.
Shop at MEE audioThe Carry-On Setup.
The best carry-on travel gear for men, from a guy who's taken a few hundred flights. Six things in my bag, each with three ways in. Start wherever your budget is.
6 SETS18 PICKS7 I CARRY
I CARRY THIS I bought it and use it.
SENT TO TEST A brand sent it. It still had to earn the spot.
No pick on this page is paid.
No. 01 · In-flight audio
Best airplane Bluetooth adapter
Most people don't know this exists. Stop settling for airline earbuds.
ELEVATED$59.99
Twelve South AirFly Pro 2
Connects two pairs of headphones at once, so two people can watch the same screen.
Shop at Twelve SouthSPLURGE$69.99
AirFly Pro 2 Deluxe
The same AirFly, with every adapter in one case. You never think about it again.
Shop at Twelve SouthNo. 02 · Carry-on
Best carry-on luggage
The bag decides the whole trip. Sized for the bin, built to look right at the hotel.
ENTRY$160
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21"
What the crew rolls through every airport. Light, expandable, lifetime warranty.
Shop at TravelproI CARRY THIS
ELEVATED$469.99
NOMATIC Carry-On Classic
The bag I roll onto every plane. Organized inside, sharp everywhere else.
Shop at NOMATICSPLURGE$990
RIMOWA Essential Cabin
The one to save for. Built to be kept for a very long time.
Shop at RIMOWANo. 03 · Packing cubes
Best packing cubes
The difference between living out of a bag and living out of a mess.
ENTRY$20
Amazon Essentials 4-Piece Set
Four sizes, low price. The fastest way to learn how you like to pack.
Shop at AmazonI CARRY THIS
ELEVATED$45
Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set
The cubes I use. Almost no weight, and they keep a carry-on in order all trip.
Shop at OspreySPLURGE$120
Peak Design Packing Cubes
Clean lines and sizes designed to work together. For the man who cares how his bag looks open.
Shop at Peak DesignNo. 04 · Headphones
Best headphones for flying
A cabin is loud for hours. What you wear on your head matters more than the seat.
ENTRY$19
Apple EarPods
Never underestimate the backup pair. They don't need charging and take up no room.
Shop at AppleI CARRY THIS
ELEVATED$249
Apple AirPods Pro 3
My everyday pair. The noise cancelling handles a cabin, and the case disappears in a pocket.
Shop at AppleI CARRY THIS
SPLURGE$449
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
For a long-haul, I want over-ears. I've worn Bose for years, and it's still the name I trust to shut out an engine.
Shop at BoseNo. 05 · Charger
Best travel charging station
Hotel nightstands have one outlet. Plan for that.
I CARRY THIS
ENTRY$25
Anker 335 3-in-1 Station
The one that travels with me. Folds flat and charges phone, watch and earbuds from one plug.
Shop at AmazonELEVATED$99.99
Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Qi2
Faster magnetic charging that snaps into place and folds flat. Adapter included.
Shop at BelkinSPLURGE$149.95
mophie Roam 3-in-1
Built for the trip: travel case, 40W charger, international plugs. The whole kit.
Shop at mophieNo. 06 · Travel pillow
Best travel pillow
Sleep on the plane and you land a different man.
ENTRY$39.99
Cabeau Evolution S3
The classic shape done properly. Memory foam, with straps that stop your head dropping.
Shop at CabeauI CARRY THIS
ELEVATED$54.99
trtl Travel Pillow
Doesn't look like a travel pillow, and that's the point. Wraps your neck with support built in. The one I use.
Shop at trtlSPLURGE$69
Ostrichpillow Go
Memory foam that holds its shape, with its own bag. The most support you can carry.
Shop at OstrichpillowQuestions I get
Carry-on questions.
Can you use AirPods with a plane's entertainment screen?
Yes, with a Bluetooth transmitter like the MEE audio Connect Air, which plugs into the seatback jack. Some newer planes have Bluetooth built in.
What size carry-on fits in the overhead bin?
Most U.S. airlines allow about 22 × 14 × 9 inches, wheels and handles included. Check your airline before you buy; some are stricter.
Are packing cubes worth it?
For a carry-on, yes. They keep a week of clothes in order and make unpacking at the hotel a two-minute job.
Do you need noise-cancelling headphones to fly?
Need, no. But a cabin stays loud for hours, and noise cancelling is the upgrade you'll notice most on a long flight.