Until short security lines and turbulence-free skies come gift-wrapped, here are some holiday gifts and a few stocking stuffers that can lessen the stress of your frequent flier. Most cost less than $35.
For help with this list, I consulted Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, Joe Brancatelli, who produces the JoeSentMe newsletter for business travelers, product developer Phil Baker, consumer writer Christopher Elliott, Matt Daimler of SeatGuru and George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog.
Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale
What it is: A scale small enough to pack and strong enough to weigh up to 100 pounds. A new ergonomic version moves the digital scale into the grip and is positioned horizontally rather than vertically.
Benefits: This topped most lists. Even carriers that check a bag or two for free charge you for overweight bags, and once you're at the airport, you can be slapped with hundreds of dollars in excess-weight fees. The Balanzza's flexibility in measuring in pounds or kilograms makes it ideal for the international traveler.
Cost: $17.75
Where to buy: Amazon
Joby Gorillapod or Gorillamobile
What it is: A compact, lightweight tripod with flexible, wrapable legs to secure a camera or mini video camera to almost any surface for self-portraits and other creative shots
Benefits: "I've tested other mini-tripods, and this one just does the job without getting in the way of your art," Elliott says. Daimler likes Gorillamobile because a flier can "attach your device to the seat back in front of you and avoid a stiff neck while watching your favorite movie or TV show."
Costs: $21.95 to $29.95 (SLR and iPhone models cost $39.95)
Where to buy: Joby
The Travel Slanket
What it is: A blanket with sleeves (58 inches by 66 inches for travel)
Benefits: Most airline blankets are too short to cover you. Banas says the Slanket offers greater comfort, letting travelers "sleep, work, watch movies, wander the cabin, and eat your in-flight meal, all without leaving your Slanket."
Cost: $24.99
Where to buy: Theslanket.com
Eurosocks TravelSox compression socks
What they do: The socks' patented design is said to help stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling while you're sitting in cramped quarters for extended periods. Coolmax helps wick away perspiration.
Benefits: Banas recommends this comfortable defense against deep vein thrombosis.
Cost: $29.85
Brookstone's lighted eyeglasses
What they do: Reading eyeglasses that shine a light exactly where you look. Magnification available.
Benefits: A great solution for reading in the low light of an airplane cabin.
Cost: $29.95
Where to buy: Brookstone
For the rest of the top ten gifts and a few stocking stuffer ideas, see the full article at: http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-travelgifts20-2009dec20