We’ve all been there — racing through the airport, luggage in hand, praying you reach the gate in time. Then comes that sinking feeling when you finally arrive, out of breath, only to see the dreaded word on the board next to your flight: “Delayed.” This seven-letter word has dashed the hopes of travelers everywhere, whether due to weather conditions, technical issues, or air traffic congestion. No matter the reason, it’s always frustrating. Speaking from experience, I’m still recovering from a recent flight delay. After an incredible week of cruising through Alaska, we disembarked in Seattle, where the trouble began. Our flight home to New York was delayed by a small-but-still-miserable two hours.

While flight delays are an inevitable part of travel, being prepared can make all the difference. Whether you’re stuck in the terminal or grounded on the runway, it’s never fun to be without a charged phone, various forms of entertainment, or comfortable travel accessories. To help you get through the wait with a little more ease, I’ve rounded up the 10 must-have Amazon travel essentials that helped me pass the time during my two-hour delay. 

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-ear Headphones

My Apple AirPods Max were a lifesaver during my recent flight delay. I slipped them on, and suddenly, the noisy airport faded away, replaced by my favorite music. These headphones were just as essential once I finally boarded. You don’t realize how loud a plane really is until you experience the quiet that noise-canceling headphones provide. With a 20-hour battery life, these headphones didn’t die mid-flight, either.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

My Kindle is practically an extension of me; I never travel without it. Before the Kindle, I used to lug three or four books with me on every trip, adding unnecessary weight and bulk to my bag — and leaving me without entertainment once I finished them. Now, my Kindle stores an entire (and unlimited) library of books, making it a must-have for any reader. It has been my best companion during long waits at the gate and in the air. If you’re a book lover, a Kindle should definitely be your next purchase. I recently finished “The Teacher” by Frieda McFadden, and it was fantastic — I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a good read!

Iniu Portable Charger

Even with all the tech at your disposal, a portable charger is indispensable. You can’t always count on finding an outlet, especially when you’re waiting at the gate for hours with hundreds of other passengers. That’s why it’s crucial to have your portable charger ready to go before your travels. The Iniu Portable Charger is perfect for trips with its thin, lightweight, and easy-to-carry design. Plus, it’s currently 40 percent off, making it an even better deal.

Miikare Airplane Phone Holder

Make your wait time fly by with the Miikare Phone Holder, which allows you to go hands-free while watching anything on your phone. Attach it to your bag handle while waiting at the gate or to your seatback or tray table on the plane. You can effortlessly binge-watch Friends or The White Lotus without holding your phone. With a 360-degree rotation feature, it can be adjusted to the perfect angle so you can sit back and relax. Don’t miss out — it’s currently 27 percent off.

Smart Travel Inflatable Lumbar Travel Pillow

Sitting on an airplane for extended periods can lead to boredom, but it can also cause back and neck pain. The Smart Travel Inflatable Pillow offers support for your lower, mid, or upper back, ensuring comfort wherever you are — even if your delay has you stuck in those rigid airport gate seats for hours. Its design evenly distributes pressure, relieving strain on your back and promoting better posture. Plus, its inflatable feature is a huge advantage; it’s far more convenient than a bulky neck pillow and can be easily inflated and deflated as needed.

Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask

Falling asleep on a plane can be challenging, especially with distractions like bright window light or a neighbor’s reading lamp. For light sleepers seeking better rest in-flight, the Mzoo Eye Mask is a game-changer. This isn’t your ordinary eye mask; it’s made with rebounding memory foam, offering a soft and comfortable fit. It effectively blocks out light, helping you maintain a deep, restful sleep, no matter your surroundings.

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

Traveling often means juggling multiple items: your water bottle, a coffee from Starbucks, your phone, passport, and more. The Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder is here to simplify things. It features two cup holders and a convenient pocket for your passport or other small essentials. This clever accessory reduces the stress of carrying everything by hand and optimizes your already-limited space when you’re waiting at the gate.

Simple Modern Water Bottle

My Simple Modern Water Bottle is a must-have for every trip. It keeps water cold for hours, with over 24 hours of cold retention. Available in a variety of colors, it’s leakproof, easy to sip from, and fits in most cup holders. With 12,000 five-star ratings, this bottle has earned rave reviews, like this one from a user who said, “[This is] hands down the best water bottle I ever purchased. It’s durable, easy to carry around, easy to clean, and keeps your cold water ice cold.”

Automet Women’s Two-piece Lounge Sweatsuit

When it comes to travel, comfort is key. The Automet Lounge Set strikes the perfect balance between looking put-together and staying comfortable. The coffee gray shade is a versatile neutral that works for all seasons. Whether you’re relaxing on a flight or heading out for the day, this set has you covered. One Amazon reviewer shared, “I love how cozy this set is. It is really thick and great quality.”

New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneakers

No travel outfit is complete without a good pair of sneakers. The New Balance Women’s 574 Core Sneakers are not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable for travel. Their neutral design pairs well with nearly any outfit, and even if your flight is delayed, your feet will remain snug and cozy. Wear them to the airport, and you’ll also have the perfect pair for exploring your destination — they’re great for walking, too.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.