10 Essentials for Summer Travel Survival

Snacks

In-flight meals now go for between $2 and $11, while in-flight snacks are as extinct as Pan-Am -- airline and television show. But when cookies and chips crumble and fruits bruise in your carry-on bag, what's an ideal snack that won't leave you riding out a sugar high? Go with a granola or protein bar. They're highly malleable and a lot more portable than bananas or bags of chips.

A pillow-and-blanket pack

Airlines charge between $7 and $15 for those little threadbare blankets and pillows that once lived in the overhead compartments, but Amazon is teeming with tote-sized travel sleep kits from Travelpro, Lewis N. Clark and other companies that go for $15 to $23 and even come with blindfolds and earplugs.

Moisture

An airplane cabin is basically a giant dehumidifier that turns your skin into the dermatological equivalent of dried apricots. Unless you want your loved one to kiss trail mix when you finally arrive at the terminal, bring a small bag filled with lip balm, moisturizer and other products that can be accessed easily from outside the carry-on.

The Knee Defender

Because when the person in front bought their ticket, they paid for a seat and not your lap. If you're a solid 6-foot-2 and the entitled little 5-footer in front of you still thinks your in-flight meal is best enjoyed through osmosis, the Knee Defender's two small-but-sturdy clips will keep the offender in his or her locked and upright position.