13 Travel Accessories to Prepare for Newark Airport Delays

If you’ve flown through Newark Liberty International Airport recently, you’ve likely encountered some serious turbulence—and not just the kind you’d experience in the sky. An air traffic controller shortage led to widespread delays at the New Jersey airport over the weekend, further compounded by ongoing runway construction and severe thunderstorms that have only worsened the disruption. But Newark airport delays aren’t the only ones plaguing travelers.

Flight disruptions are becoming more common nationwide amid layoffs and staffing shortages, and these issues are quickly bubbling over across the country—which is why having the right travel accessories on hand is more important now than ever before. From practical gadgets like Apple AirTags and portable Wi-Fi routers to comfort-forward finds like slippers, travel pillows, and sleep masks, we’ve gathered 13 compact, carry-on-ready items that can help you stay calm, comfortable, and connected, even when your trip suddenly goes sideways.

With a summer full of unpredictable travel conditions ahead, now’s the time to pack smart. Keep reading for the 13 travel essentials we recommend for staying prepared ahead of flight delays, with prices starting at just $8, plus more information about the current situation unfolding at Newark airport.

Apple AirTag 4-pack

There’s nothing quite like the anxiety spiral of not knowing where your bag went during a reroute. These tiny trackers remove the mystery: Just open the Find My app on your smartphone, and you’ll see exactly where your belongings ended up in real time, whether it’s at your destination or stuck somewhere at the airport. Plus, this four-pack gives you coverage beyond your suitcase, too—pop one in your wallet, passport holder, or backpack for extra peace of mind. Right now, they’re $19 off, so it’s a smart time to stock up. 

Anker Nano Portable Charger

When every outlet in the terminal is occupied—or your in-seat charger won’t work—this ultra-compact portable charger will come to the rescue. It has a built-in lightning connector, so there’s no need to fumble with cables or dig through your bag to find it. Just plug your device in for a fast recharge and get back to rebooking, rerouting, or streaming movies while you wait. Plus, it’s small enough to stash in your pocket or slip into the front of your backpack without adding any bulk. 

Amazon Kindle 

A long delay is the perfect excuse to escape into a great book—and speaking from experience, once I’m hooked on a good novel, time flies. This Amazon Kindle lets you pack an entire library without weighing down your tote, thanks to 16 GB of storage that can hold thousands of books. You can prepare for potential delays in advance by downloading your reading list ahead of time, and the glare-free screen stays easy on the eyes when you’re in a dimly-lit terminal or a sunlit gate. Best of all, the battery can last for up to six weeks, so you won’t have to scramble for your charger mid-delay.

Maliton Inflatable Travel Foot Rest

No lounge access? No problem. Inflate this footrest to prop your legs in the gate area, or even on your tray table row in-flight. It’s a game changer for long waits, especially when you’re trying to ward off stiff legs or achy feet. Amazon reviewers shared how they used the product on their flights, with some using it as footrests, and others as beds for their kids. One traveler shared, “I love that it’s both easy to inflate and deflate, it doesn’t take up a lot of storage, and is just as easy to pack into the little pouch it comes with,” adding that it fits conveniently in the aisle space of an aircraft.

Perilogics Phone Mount

This clever little clip turns into just about anything—your tray table, backpack strap, or even a suitcase handle—into a hands-free phone stand, perfect for streaming, FaceTiming, or obsessively refreshing a webpage for flight updates. With more than 15,000 five-star ratings, it’s a favorite among Amazon shoppers and frequent travelers alike.  One reviewer shared that it was “truly great” on a recent flight delay, adding that it has since become their “new travel buddy”. 

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

When the gate area inevitably descends into chaos, slip in these noise-canceling earbuds to tune it all out. These Apple AirPods Pro 2 offer immersive sound and adjustable modes, including Transparency mode, a helpful feature for when you need to hear announcements without removing them entirely. Currently 32 percent off, they’re a smart pick for delays, when a little quiet goes a long way. 

HomeTop Slippers

Delays are the ideal excuse to ditch your shoes for something extra cozy. These packable slippers are a game-changer when you’re stuck at the gate or in your seat for hours. The soft fleece lining keeps your feet comfortable, while the rubber soles mean you can still stroll to the nearest charging station or snack bar. Take the advice from this traveler who said, “the first thing I do for long plane rides is take (off) my shoes and put on these slippers.” With close to 37,000 five-star ratings, they’re clearly a fan favorite among Amazon shoppers. 

Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask

Overhead lights, blinking screens, constant announcements: When you’re trying to sneak in a nap mid-day, this contoured eye mask can help block out distractions. The Mzoo sleep eye mask’s molded design won’t press on your eyes, so you can get some rest, whether you’re stuck on the tarmac or still waiting to board. One nap later, you might just wake up mid-takeoff wondering what all the stress was about.  

Trtl Travel Pillow

The Trtl isn’t your average U-shaped pillow; it has a scientifically-designed support system that keeps your neck in a comfortable, upright position without the dreaded head bob. Whether you’re slumped in an unforgiving terminal seat or wedged into a middle row during an extended delay, this pillow makes it easier to rest. Bonus: It’s compact and easy to stash in your carry-on when you’re back in motion.

FrSara Neck Fan

Hot, crowded terminal? Sweaty hours stuck on the runway? This whisper-quiet neck fan delivers 360-degree cooling to keep you calm and comfortable—even when your flight’s stalled on the tarmac. With a battery life of up to 16 hours, it’s built for marathon travel days. As one reviewer put it, this fan is a “lifeline” for humid, crowded airports, reporting that it “never left” their neck during a 25-hour travel day. 

Guanjunx Luggage Strap

Juggling your carry-on and personal item through a hectic airport is already a workout—don’t let your duffel bag tumble off your roller again. This $8 strap keeps your bags securely connected, so you can move fast when gates change or boarding finally begins. It adds a little extra peace of mind too, as it makes it more difficult for thieves to swipe your stuff when you’re distracted.

Skysper Sling Bag

This compact sling bag keeps your essentials right where you need them—securely strapped to your person, providing peace of mind during even the most chaotic of travel days. There’s room for your boarding pass, passport, charger, and more, and its RFID-blocking design adds another layer of protection. Pro tip: Always keep your ID and must-haves on you during a delay, just in case your flight suddenly gets the green light to board.

Tp-link Wifi Travel Router

Airport Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable, especially when hundreds of stranded passengers are trying to stream or rebook their flights at the same time. This travel-sized router creates your own secure, password-protected network, so you can scroll, stream, or hop on a Zoom call without interruption. If your delay turns into a work session (or a seasons-long Netflix binge), you’ll be glad you brought it.

More About the Newark Airport Delays:

Why are there so many delays at Newark Airport?

Newark has seen a surge in delays and cancellations in recent weeks due to a combination of factors. On top of severe staffing shortages (a reported 20 percent of air traffic controllers have “walked off the job” within the past few days), ongoing runway construction and severe weather have also added to the congestion. 

What to know about the air traffic controller shortage

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently undergoing a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers due to February layoffs. According to United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, approximately 20 percent of the FAA’s controllers at Newark have “walked off the job,” leaving the airport’s remaining workforce stretched thin and unable to keep up with flight volume. The staffing shortfall has directly impacted the airport’s ability to manage flight traffic safely and efficiently, contributing to the wave of delays and last-minute schedule changes that travelers have experienced this spring.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) union has “warned for decades that infrastructure must be rebuilt and modernized,” Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), said in a statement obtained by T+L. “We call on all airlines operating out of Newark to cut planned flights at an equal percentage across airlines in order to support this work, aviation safety, and our jobs.”

Is it safe to fly at Newark Airport?

While the airport remains operational, the situation at Newark has drawn concern from leaders within the aviation community. A veteran air traffic controller told MSNBC senior correspondent Tom Costello on Friday that they believed the conditions at Newark were “not safe” for travelers, adding that they should “avoid Newark at all costs” due to the severity of the staffing shortage. 

That same day, Kirby wrote that the issues at Newark were the result of “long-simmering FAA challenges”  in a public letter to United Airlines customers,  which was used to announce the company’s decision to cut 35 roundtrip United Airlines flights from the airport’s daily flight schedule. 

Although the FAA has not issued any formal safety warnings regarding the airport, the organization’s Real-time Flight Status page for Newark reflects that there is currently a Traffic Management Program in effect due to staffing issues, with an average flight delay of nearly four hours.

While this is still a developing situation, these events underscore the importance of planning ahead, staying flexible, and allowing extra time while flying.

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