If there’s one thing my aeronautical book tour has reinforced, it’s this: vintage glam of PanAm and air travel makes a much better adventure.

I’ve spent thousands of hours flying — sometimes at the controls, sometimes wedged between a snorer and a farter. Staying fresh is not vanity. It’s survival.

My travel kit isn’t cute. It’s not curated for Instagram aesthetics, it's truly purpose driven with an air of class.

Here are the pilot-approved travel essentials I refuse to fly without:

Hydrating Lozenges

Most people think lozenges are for sore throats. But hydrating lozenges are mini humidifiers for your mouth. Flight cabins are notoriously dry. I rotate between Laki Naturals and Sootheez Watermelon Mint — both keep me feeling like I'm not spitting dust.

BoomBoom Nasal Inhalers

When you’re stuck in a metal tube with strange smells or the staleness of the cabin air, these magic sticks reset your entire nervous system. I keep eucalyptus for alert mode and lavender for a spa vibe.

Portable Power Bank

Let’s be honest — a dead phone is a modern-day emergency. No Uber. No boarding pass. No hotel confirmation. My powerbank has prevented full blown crisis too.

Sol-Ti Electrolyte Packs or Big Heart Teas

Forget neon sports drinks. I throw one of these into hot or cold water and boom — hydration with a touch of fun, it turns beverage time into a happy hour.

GO travel accessories

They have everything from mouthwash to lotions to wipes, and they don't rip open in your flight bag (or back pack)

The Lemon Washcloth Hack

My signature move. Soft washcloth. Ziplock bag. Fresh lemon slice or squeeze

There's nothing better than wiping the airplane grime off.

Flight Socks

Compression-ish. Soft enough to nap in. I only wear them in-flight and immediately toss or wash after landing. You can relax easier knowing it doesn't matter if you kick your shoes off and don't have to worry about the gritty floors. If your feet feel clean, you feel clean. Science.

I have a flight bag that keeps my headsets, etc - but here are my favorite carry style travel bags.

ORI London

This bag has a roll down top giving extra room for last minute throw-ins but is classy enough to sport around town.

COR Surf Travel Bag

This is the holy grail of all backpack style. Hidden passport pocket. Secret cash slot. TSA-friendly layout. No rummaging at security like an amateur. I swear this bag was designed by someone with airport PTSD.

TRIPPED Toiletry Bag

Tim & Finn really thought out this bag as world travelers. All the pockets and sections are perfectly useful, plus it hangs from anything. Keeps bottles upright. Zero explosions. Absolute MVP in tiny hotel bathrooms.