This pilot says these 10 carry-on essentials make for a first-class experience

"The number one item I'd pack is noise-canceling headphones. Few things are more irritating than listening to loud conversations or baby screams on a flight," says Armitage. "This doesn't have to break the bank, as you can find a quality pair for $50 to $100." 

Earbuds are more portable than headphones, and these wireless noise-canceling buds from Beats are one of the most popular, with more than 56,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

They come with tips in three sizes for a snug fit. Transparency mode lets you switch off noise-canceling to hear in-flight announcements or order a ginger ale.

Choose from black, white or red to suit your jet-setting style. 

The airplane cabin is a pressurized environment with very low humidity, which is why your peepers tend to dry out and get irritated. Armitage recommends moisturizing eye drops so you can feel content reading or watching streaming videos. 

Biotrue drops are safe even for contact lens wearers. They contain hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture, electrolytes to maintain fluid balance and antioxidants to reduce inflammation. 

If you feel headachey or tired en route, you might be dehydrated. And while no one's saying you can't enjoy a nice in-flight snooze, staying hydrated is important. Armitage suggests electrolyte tablets, which hydrate you way faster and more effectively than water alone. 

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier might be the most popular electrolyte drink mix out there. Just ask your flight attendant for 16 ounces of water (or two eight-ounce cups) or mix it into your own reusable water bottle. 

If sweet dreams are your preferred in-flight entertainment, invest in a quality sleep mask, says Armitage, but make sure it's soft — we're going for comfort, after all.

The Mavogel Cotton Sleep Mask fits the bill, and it's generously sized so it won't put pressure on your delicate eye area while you doze off. It's thick and breathable, and it comes in 17 great colors. It also folds up into a matching carrying case that fits nicely in your kit. Would over 60,000 Amazon shoppers steer you wrong? 

Forget your regular reusable water bottle and try a collapsible one instead, recommends Armitage.  

Or, you can opt for an "anti-bottle," like this collapsible one by Vapur. It holds up to 34 ounces of liquid (bought after you pass through security, of course) and folds up for easy packing when you're done. It's BPA-free and machine-washable too.  

You may not classify a wallet as a comfort item, but Armitage does — and so does anyone whose trip has been upended by skimming, or remote credit card theft, which is more common in busy places like airports, where people are caught off guard.  

An RFID-blocking leather wallet will fit nicely in your fanny pack or purse, and it'll literally help you rest more easily during your flight, knowing you won't have any unwelcome surprises when you land. This No. 1 bestselling unisex wallet by Buffway is slim and holds the essentials while keeping everything protected and secure. Choose from dozens of colors. 

Did you know that most airplanes have HEPA filters that capture 99% of airborne germs and viruses? Still, touching surfaces and being in close proximity to other passengers can lead to the transmission of colds and flu. 

Armitage says to pop hand sanitizer in your comfort kit, and we say to take it a step further with sanitizing hand wipes by Aloh. They use essential oils like sweet orange, bergamot, peppermint and eucalyptus to give you some on-the-go aromatherapy. They contain aloe too, to keep your hands soft. This deal includes three packs of 20. 

An airplane's humidity level can be as low as 10%, whereas typical indoor air is between 30% and 60%. No wonder your hands start cracking when you fly. Armitage says a moisturizing cream is a necessity in your comfort kit — and since he works with his hands, we believe him.  

People in multiple service fields are obsessed with O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream, a heavy-duty hand hydrator that's an Amazon top seller.  

A great face cream is a no-brainer, so of course, Armitage includes this in his kit essentials. 

This Kiehl's winner comes in a travel-sized tub and contains all the things that make for a stellar moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid helps retain hydration, squalane is a plant-based emollient that makes you glow and ceramides keep your skin's barrier intact. 

Armitage understands the perils of dry, chapped lips — there's no comfort in that! Your smackers are different than other parts of your skin — they're thinner, have no oil glands and lose water faster, especially in a dry environment.  

Chapped lips can make your whole trip painful, so grab a USDA organic, moisturizing balm like Cliganic, which comes in six flavors — including coconut, vanilla and mint — and is made with all-natural essential oils and vitamin E.