My top 13 flight essentials you should buy before your next trip

• The article provides a list of recommended travel essentials.
• Other suggested products aim to improve comfort and convenience, such as packing cubes, a portable charger, and an airplane foot hammock.
• The article also reminds readers to check their state's specific requirements for obtaining a REAL ID.

Air travel is something of a mess right now. With the partial government shutdown, airports across the country are seeing longer-than-usual lines at TSA and security checkpoints, with the chaos only being further exasperated by staffing shortages and President Trump's recent deployment of ICE agents to several U.S. airports.

While having your REAL ID or passport at the ready might not save you too much time in the airport these days, there are plenty of flight essentials you can pack that'll ensure your next airline excursion is at least somewhat manageable—yes, even if it entails you getting to the airport hours before your flight.

There are the usual suspects: Apple AirTags, a Trtl travel pillow, my trusted Béis Weekender and iWalk Portable Charger are always staples within my personal item and carry-on bag.

Ahead, check out my curated guide to the best travel-ready flight essentials to grab before your next trip—in addition to your REAL ID license (of course).

Shop the best travel-friendly flight essentials

1. Apple AirTags

Apple AirTags

Slip an Apple AirTag into your checked baggage and you'll be able to track its exact whereabouts directly from your phone. Shop at Amazon

2. Béis The Weekender Travel Bag

Béis The Weekender Travel Bag

The most famous Béis travel accessory, this genius personal carry-on item boasts tons of interior space that's perfect for packing clothes, shoes or any other in-flight essentials. Shop at Béis

3. Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow

Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow

Sleep comfortably on planes and red eye flights with the help of this unconventional travel pillow, which was bought by over 5,000 Amazon shoppers last month alone. Shop at Amazon

4. Twelve South AirFly Pro

Twelve South AirFly Pro

This small but mighty wireless transmitter will help to elevate your in-flight entertainment experience. Shop at Amazon

5. Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle

For those longer travel days, keep this durable Owala water bottle close to enjoy continued hydration with ice-cold water (or any drink of your choosing). Shop at Target

6. iWalk USB-C Portable Charger

iWalk USB-C Portable Charger

I never travel without this compact portable charger; it plugs directly into your phone's USB-C port, with no extra charging cord required. Shop at Amazon

7. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches

Struggling to sleep on an overnight flight? These nourishing eye masks can help to revive tired and puffy eyes, plus they're easy to slip into your travel toiletry bag. Shop at Sephora

8. Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

These Monos packing cubes are designed with over-packers in mind (speaking from lots of personal experience). Shop at Monos

9. Travel Inspira Luggage Scale

Travel Inspira Luggage Scale

You'll never have to second guess about your suitcase's weight again thanks to this handy luggage scale—a notable best-seller on Amazon. Shop at Amazon

10. Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs

Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs

Noisy cabin neighbors, turbulence, babies—these top-rated Loop ear plugs are designed to block out all background noises, so you can enjoy a more comfortable (and quiet) flight. Shop at Amazon

11. Bombas Travel Compression Sock and Gripper Slipper 2-Pack

Bombas Travel Compression Sock and Gripper Slipper 2-Pack

Long flights can be hard on legs. To keep blood circulation moving throughout any travel day, opt for these cozy compression socks from Bombas. Shop at Bombas (Save $5)

12. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Vegan Powder Electrolyte Supplements

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Vegan Powder Electrolyte Supplements

If your standard water bottle isn't cutting it on the hydration-front, consider mixing some electrolyte supplements into your travel diet with these Liquid I.V. powders—available in a variety of flavors. Shop at Target

13. Airplane Foot Hammock

Airplane Foot Hammock

Enjoy a first class-like experience from anywhere on the airplane with this comfortable foot hammock. Shop at Amazon

What are the REAL ID requirements?

If you're still unsure of how to get a REAL ID, be sure to visit the Department of Homeland Security website for additional details. REAL ID requirements will vary by each state driver's licensing agency, but will generally require you to provide documentation confirming your full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth and address.