Amenity Kit DIY

Creating your own in-flight amenity kit can elevate your experience no matter where you are sitting on the plane.

Overview

Normally, when you fly in a premium cabin, you are handed a small bag with a few goodies such as lotions, a toothbrush, eye mask, earplugs, and maybe even socks if you are lucky. It is a nice part of the premium experience. Sometimes, it feels cheap or underwhelming.

Creating your own means you can put your own personal twist on it. If you love Kiehl’s products, you can fill it with them. It is your kit to design.

Comfort is rarely given. It is built.

The Container

I personally use a miniature Away case that United used to hand out in their Polaris cabin. Low key, I grabbed a few off a flight that people had left behind.

What you are looking for is a small bag that has enough space for your cables and everything else you want to bring. You want it to be small enough that it is easy to pull out and does not take up too much space. Think of this as a bag you pull out from your carry-on, like a dopp kit or makeup bag.

If you have to dig for it mid-flight, you packed it wrong.

Lotions & Potions

I will not dictate which brand of lotion you should use. I just know that having something for your face, hands, and lips makes a massive difference after a long flight.

You will be surprised how refreshing it feels to put lotion on your face after eight hours in dry cabin air. It is not quite a shower, but it is better than doing nothing. I like to fill my own containers so I can bring my favorite brands with me.

Face Cleaning Wipes

You board the plane after indulging in a few airport lounge drinks. You have been moving all day, airport air is doing its worst, and you have not showered since the morning. This is when a cleansing wipe earns its place in the kit.

Freshening up with a quick face wipe will do wonders for how you feel. You can substitute a makeup removal wipe. Grab something that comes in single-use packs for the best longevity.

Cabin air is not your friend. Plan accordingly.

Sleep Aid

Just go grab some melatonin, or use whatever sleep aid works best for you within reason. You do not need a link.

Chargers

Pack the cables and adapters you need to keep your electronics charged during the trip. Move them from your checked bag into your amenity kit or personal item. Do not get caught buying a wildly overpriced cable at the airport.

A battery case or portable charger is also worth having, especially on longer travel days.

Airplane tech is somehow stuck in the past, so grabbing a cable that has both USB-B and USB-C adaptability will come through at least once.

The airport is the most expensive place to remember what you forgot.

Eye Mask

A standard item in most airline amenity kits, but I have flown enough to prefer bringing my own. It is another expensive airport purchase you can avoid by packing ahead.

It is worth skipping airplane breakfast for another 30 minutes of sleep if the mask helps keep the cabin lights away.

Travel Socks

I will be honest, I felt very old buying compression socks. They do a nice job though, especially on long flights. You can learn the science behind why this is important somewhere else.

Slippers

The upgrade from the travel shoe is the travel slipper. You get to be comfortable without becoming the person walking around the airplane in just socks. Do not be that person.

Hearing Protection

There are a few ways to handle this. AirPods Pro are my go-to, especially with an AirFly. Over-ear noise-canceling headphones are also a great option, and I still like having a backup pair of earplugs in the bag.

Silence is one of the best upgrades in economy.

AirFly

Yes, it is worth it. I now fly with an AirFly and AirPods as my preferred setup. It lasts through even the longest flights and limits the number of cables between you and the screen in front of you.

You also do not have to wait for the flight attendants to bring headphones. If you do not want an AirFly, at least bring your own earbuds and the correct adapter.

Neck Pillow

If you had asked me three years ago, I would have said you would never catch me with a neck pillow. Then I got older, bought one, and now I write a travel blog telling you they are worth it.

Grab one before you leave or pay double at the airport. Not required if you are in a lie-flat seat.

The worse the seat, the more this matters.

Part of Traveling Well

A good amenity kit can brighten the whole flight. Build your own to improve the experience, even if you are getting one with your ticket, but especially if you are flying in the cheap seats.