Flight Buzz
5 Travel Gadgets That Frequent Flyers Swear By

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Catching flights is fun, but it can also get tiring and chaotic if you’re not well-prepared. Having the right gear can help make every flying experience more comfortable so that you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to hit the ground running. However, with countless travel gadgets on the market promising convenience and efficiency, it’s tough to know what’s actually useful and worth buying.
Well, we’ve done the research to find the best gadgets for traveling recommended by seasoned frequent flyers who know the ins and outs of airport hopping. While the list can get quite long, we’ve focused on five essentials that are easy to get, won’t take up much space in your carry-on, and will serve their purpose for years to come.
These gadgets have been highly recommended by travelers on social media sites such as YouTube and online marketplaces such as Amazon. Of course, they’re all perfectly safe and permitted in checked luggage and cabin bags. So, whether you’re jetting around for business or leisure, flying solo or with others, make these smart travel gadgets your travel companions for a smoother journey.
AirFly SE Bluetooth Transmitter
One of the most annoying inflight pain points, especially on longer flights, is having to use the subpar airline earbuds or taking along your own wired earphones to connect to the in-flight entertainment system. Well, there’s a highly recommended gadget by frequent flyers that beautifully solves this problem. The AirFly SE by the brand Twelve South turns any headphone jack into a Bluetooth transmitter. This means you can plug it into the headphone jack on your screen and then connect your AirPods or other wireless headphones to tune into the entertainment system.
The AirFly SE is often recommended by travelers on forums like Reddit, and has earned 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon from over 15,000 ratings. One user has shared how the device is easy to use and made her flights more enjoyable, while another has lauded it as a must-have for long flights since it can hold a charge for over 16 hours.
Priced at just $35, the AirFly SE allows you to connect one pair of headphones, while the more advanced AirFly Pro supports two pairs of headphones. That means if you’re traveling with a companion, you can both enjoy audio from the same output source. This higher-end version is available for $54.99 and has been strongly recommended by luxury travel agent Tom Cahalan of Dorsia Travel, who has praised how it seamlessly allows him to use his wireless headphones on flights.
Sony XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones
Another travel game-changer that comes highly recommended by frequent flyers is a solid pair of noise-canceling headphones, and the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a popular choice that beats the competition. If you’ve ever tried to sleep, work, or even just enjoy a movie on a flight while surrounded by engine hum, crying babies, or chatty passengers, you know how valuable effective noise cancellation can be.
The XM5s use advanced noise cancellation that intelligently adjusts based on your environment, meaning they block out the rumble of the plane while still letting in voices or announcements when needed. On Amazon, one user reports that the ANC blocked out almost everything in flights, coffee shops, and noisy offices. Another user has praised the snug fit that’s comfortable and ideal for long flights or work sessions. They also boast up to 30 hours of battery life, with quick-charging capabilities that give you 3 hours of playback from just 3 minutes of charging.
These headphones have garnered an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from over 11,000 reviews on Amazon. At around $399, they’re definitely an investment, but one that will last you a long time and make an ideal companion on every flight you take. The audio equipment specialist, Moon Audio, has listed the Sony WH-1000XM5 among the best ANC headphones for air travel. At the same time, travelers on Reddit have described them as life-changing and travel headphones perfected.
Data Blockers
While the free charging ports at airports are convenient, they can also be risky because they may be equipped with malware that hackers use to steal your personal data when you connect your phone or tablet. To counter this, in a recent YouTube video on the channel Travel Tips by Laurie, a well-known travel expert and frequent flyer, she recommends this set of inexpensive data blockers. These keep your data safe when you plug your phone into a public USB port. Laurie emphasizes how this small gadget, which costs just $11.99 a set, can make a big difference when you need to urgently charge your phone, especially during international travel or layovers.
Although these data blockers have not amassed a lot of user reviews yet, they have an average score of 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon. One reviewer was delighted to see the data-blocking in action, as when they connected their iPhone 16 Pro Max to their laptop using the data blocker, the phone only charged and didn’t trigger the usual “beep” that indicates a data connection. In contrast, when they removed the blocker, the phone was recognized by the laptop, proving that the blocker successfully prevents data transfer while still allowing charging. Another safe option is to always carry a good portable charger so that you don’t need to rely on public charging ports.
Anker Nano Travel Adapter
If there’s one absolutely essential gadget for traveling internationally, it’s a universal travel adapter that can plug into the different kinds of electrical outlets in different countries to allow you to charge your devices. A great option is the Anker Nano travel adapter that’s compact and supports four plug types (A, I, G, and C). It’s compatible in over 200 countries, so whether you’re hopping between Tokyo, Paris, or Sydney, one sleek adapter does it all.
Since it’s a fairly new product, the Anker Nano adapter has only received about 400 ratings so far, earning an overall score of 4.6 out of 5. One user has praised its ability to charge devices simultaneously while on a trip in Europe. Another user has recommended it as a lightweight adapter that still has excellent build quality. It’s also been highly recommended by YouTuber Mardi Linke, who has been traveling for over 25 years and has included it in her 2025 Travel Must Haves. Similarly, YouTuber Theonetechguy has reviewed it as the best travel adapter for 2025.
Having a gadget like this is especially useful because power banks can sometimes be dangerous with a risk of fire. The Anker Nano folds down to under an inch thick and includes two USB-C ports (20 W/15 W), two USB-A ports, plus a standard AC outlet. This means you can charge up to five devices simultaneously from just one small, portable adapter.
Apple AirTag Tracking Device
Keeping track of your luggage is one of the most stressful parts of air travel, especially with tight layovers or international flights. However, with an Apple AirTag tucked into your checked suitcase, backpack, or even handbag, you can track your items in real-time using the Find My app on your iPhone. AirTags are small, rugged, and water-resistant trackers that work on a replaceable battery that lasts over a year. They’ve earned over 35,000 ratings on Amazon with an overall score of 4.7 out of 5. Users have described them as an “awesome technology” that’s a must-have for travel.
Travel vlogger Christianne Risman of the YouTube channel Backpacking Bananas has included them in her 2025 packing essentials, saying they make life much easier. Similarly, Eunice from the Theory of Simple channel, who has been traveling for over 40 years, says she currently always travels with an AirTag to keep track of her bags. There have been numerous instances of travelers locating their lost bags more easily thanks to AirTags – a couple even used an AirTag to track down their lost Jaguar.
Unfortunately, AirTags don’t work with Android phones, although there are plenty of Android equivalents such as the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2. You can get a single AirTag for about $22 or a handy pack of four for $80.
How we selected these gadgets
We’re committed to recommending only the most useful gadgets that can make your life easier and more convenient. Our choices for this article were based on deep research about what devices are used and highly recommended by frequent flyers, such as busy professionals, travel bloggers, and flight attendants. We also considered real user reviews of the products mentioned across multiple online marketplaces to ensure their long-term value. All products have earned an average of at least 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon from over 1,000 ratings, except for the recently launched products like the Data Blockers and the Anker Nano travel adapter.
Flight Buzz
JetBlue Launches New TrueBlue Travel Booking Platform

Expanding the power of loyalty beyond the flight, JetBlue
announced the launch and new name for its consumer travel booking program.
TrueBlue Travel is replacing the former Paisly by JetBlue website.
The new platform and travel services subsidiary offers a
more seamless way for TrueBlue members to plan, book every part of their trip
and maximize their rewards.
In celebration of the launch, members can earn 2X Tiles on
cars and hotels booked through TrueBlue Travel between August 5 and August 8,
2025, for travel completed by November 30, 2025.
“This rebrand is a major milestone for Paisly, LLC as we
continue to grow into a fully integrated travel services company,” said Jamie
Perry, President of Paisly, LLC. “It reflects what customers already expect: a
platform that delivers unbeatable value for TrueBlue members, from earning and
redeeming points to using JetBlue Plus and Premier Card benefits.”
He added,” With the addition of hotel and car redemption,
TrueBlue Travel offers one seamless place to plan and book an entire trip,
backed by the service JetBlue is known for. It also highlights how Paisly’s
platform can support future partners looking to deliver a loyalty-led travel
experience.”
Whether or not customers are flying
with JetBlue, TrueBlue Travel’s full-service booking experience extends
beyond flights with options to book hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals,
activities, theme park tickets and travel bags. Members earn points and tiles
on eligible purchases that can now be redeemed for hotel stays and car rentals.
The platform features exclusive member savings, personalized deal matching
based on itineraries and a seamless interface to manage travel plans.
“TrueBlue Travel is a major step forward in our mission to
make loyalty more meaningful,” said Ed Pouthier, vice president, loyalty &
personalization at JetBlue in a statement. “By expanding how and where members
can redeem points through TrueBlue Travel, and delivering that experience
through Paisly, our in-house travel services company, we’re bringing more
flexibility and value to the program. It’s about creating value throughout the
entire travel ribbon, not just every flight.”
TrueBlue members can visit the website to learn how to earn
points and tiles with TrueBlue Travel for hotels, car rentals, activities and
more and start redeeming points.
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Topics From This Article to Explore
Flight Buzz
Alaska Airlines To Launch New Flights to London and Reykjavik

Travelers in the Pacific Northwest will have plenty of new options to fly to Europe in 2026, thanks to Alaska Airlines’ ongoing route expansion.
The carrier just announced it’s adding two more transatlantic routes out of its Seattle hub to London and Reykjavik, launching next spring. The new international flights are part of Alaska’s larger initiative to transform its base in Seattle into a global gateway. The airline plans to launch at least 12 nonstop international flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) by 2030, with London and Reykjavik as the fourth and fifth destinations in its lineup.
Alaska will offer daily nonstop service to London all year round with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. “The Seattle-London route is popular with both corporate and leisure travelers who are eager for premium onboard amenities and services,” the carrier says. As such, it will offer a business-class cabin outfitted with 34 enclosed suites with lie-flat beds. The British capital is the largest intercontinental market for travelers from Seattle, according to Alaska, with more than 400 passengers transiting between the two destinations every day.
The airline will also begin a seasonal summer flight to Reykjavik, Iceland, on board its single-aisle Boeing 737-8 Max planes. Exact flight schedules for the Reykjavik and London routes haven’t been published yet, as both flights are still awaiting final government approval. Fares for both routes are scheduled to go on sale this fall.
Previously, Alaska announced new service from Seattle to Tokyo Narita (which launched in May), Seoul Incheon, and Rome, which will be its first-ever European destination. “With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we’re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that’s always defined us. I’m so proud of how our people continue to step up and deliver as we push ahead on these initiatives, with even more to come.”
To mark the transition into its global era, Alaska Airlines is also rolling out a brand-new livery for its Dreamliner aircraft. The new design is inspired by the northern lights, with vibrant blues and greens as well as “flowing aura lines. It will adorn the airline’s growing fleet of up to 17 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft” as part of its new global experience. Alaska currently has four Dreamliners in its fleet.
“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage,” said Andrew Harrison, Alaska’s chief commercial officer. “As we significantly expand to new destinations around the globe, we’re eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery as being Alaska Airlines and appreciate the outstanding service we’ve long been known for.”
The airline’s iconic emblem featuring an image of an Alaska Native will remain on its narrow-body aircraft. Alaska Airlines’ long-haul Dreamliner experience will be available from Seattle starting on September 12, when the carrier launches its route to Seoul, South Korea.
The carrier is also upgrading the long-haul experience on its Airbus A330 fleet, “making substantial investments to the onboard experience over the next few years,” according to the airline. Every cabin on those jets will see improvements, including updated lie-flat seats in business class, a new premium economy cabin, and upgraded seats in the main cabin.
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Topics From This Article to Explore
Flight Buzz
Direct flights from Quetta approved to facilitate Arbaeen pilgrims: Khawaja Asif

The federal government has authorized the Balochistan government to operate direct flights from Quetta to facilitate Shia pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told the National Assembly on Tuesday.
“To mitigate these risks, the federal government authorized the Balochistan government to operate direct flights from Quetta,” he said, “allowing pilgrims to travel safely by air to their destinations”.
He informed the House that overland travel along the 800-kilometre route from Quetta had been restricted due to serious security concerns, particularly the threat of terrorist attacks targeting pilgrim convoys.
قومی اسمبلی کے اجلاس کے دوران وفاقی وزیر برائے دفاع خواجہ محمد آصف کا عراق اور ایران جانے والے زائرین کے لئے مہیا کردہ سفری سہولیات کے حوالے سے اظہار خیال
#NASession @KhawajaMAsif pic.twitter.com/poHnYZnkgS— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 5, 2025
Asif said one such flight has already been launched and the government is vying for either two flights daily or at least one regular service to meet growing demand. He said arrangements have also been made for onward transportation from airports in Iran and Iraq to the pilgrims’ intended sites.
The minister added that advertisements were issued over the past four days inviting private airlines to operate on the route, and that all licensed carriers have been granted permission. Chartered flights have also been approved to maximize safe travel capacity.
Read: Six MPAs arrested in Punjab as PTI launches ‘nationwide’ protest
“These measures are aimed at offering maximum facilities while avoiding the security hazards of road travel,” he said, urging potential operators and the market to take full advantage of the permissions granted.
He said the matter had also been discussed during the recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan, after which Iran had allowed an additional flight to support the movement of Pakistani pilgrims.
“I want to assure the House and the people across Pakistan that the government is fully committed to ensuring safe, comfortable, and timely transportation for all Arbaeen pilgrims,” he added.
Resolution on Youm-e-Istehsal
The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day), condemning India’s actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), amid heated protests and sloganeering by opposition members.
During the session, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, on a point of order, said, “today is being observed as Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, but you are observing Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Imran (Imran Exploitation Day).”
قومی اسمبلی کے اجلاس کے دوران وفاقی وزیر برائے امور کشمیر، گلگت بلتستان اینڈ سٹیٹس اینڈ فرنٹیئر ریجنز انجینیئر امیر مقام نے یوم استحصال کشمیر کے موقع پر اظہار خیال کرتے ہوئے قرارداد یوم استحصال کشمیر پیش کی جو ایوان نے متفقہ طور پر منظور کی#NASession @AmirMuqamAM… pic.twitter.com/8qz6nI9ype
— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 5, 2025
He added that the latter “could have been observed on another day.”
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the opposition had an equal role in upholding the dignity and smooth functioning of the House. The opposition staged a protest over not being allowed to speak.
“The Prime Minister went to the opposition leader’s seat and said, ‘come, let’s talk’.”
He claimed that under the guise of peaceful protest, armed groups had launched attacks. He questioned whether the Kashmir day or PTI’s exploitation narrative was more important, prompting another round of opposition uproar.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq urged calm and requested the House to allow Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam to present a resolution on Kashmir first. Muqam appealed to the opposition to permit passage of the resolution, assuring them they could protest afterward. The opposition paused their protest to allow the resolution.
Amir Muqam, presenting the resolution, said India continues to unleash atrocities on the Kashmiri people. “India unilaterally and illegally abrogated Articles 370 and 35A,” he said, adding that thousands of youth had been martyred, children orphaned, and women widowed.
Read more: Six MPAs arrested in Punjab as PTI launches ‘nationwide’ protest
“Despite these atrocities, the love for Pakistan in the hearts of Kashmiris has not diminished,” he said.
The resolution, moved by Muqam, condemned India’s actions of August 5, 2019, termed them a violation of the Geneva Conventions, and denounced Indian statements regarding Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. It called for the implementation of UN resolutions and demanded access for UN observers to IIOJK.
Later in the session, PTI MNA Aamir Dogar criticized the government, saying, “You have sentenced our members to ten years each.”
He added, “if everyone is thrown out, what kind of House is this?” and claimed that ten MNAs were “lifted” from the House without any action from the Speaker. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq responded by asking, “Did I not issue production orders?”
Dogar claimed that Sheikh Waqas Akram’s applications had been submitted to the Speaker’s office.
“You subjected MNAs to political victimization,” he said. “The PTI founder is in jail because he refused to bow down. Had he bowed, he would’ve been in this House,” he said. “If all of this is to be done, then lock down the House.”
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