These Are the 15 Worst Gifts You Can Give a Frequent Flier-Plus What a Travel Writer Says to Get Instead

"When you travel often, you learn through trial and error what you genuinely need-and what's just a gimmick that takes up space. Over the years, I've been gifted my fair share of well-intentioned travel accessories that turned out to be bulky, flimsy, impractical, or just completely wrong for what people actually need when moving through airports, enduring long-haul flights, and visiting new cities."

"As a frequent flier, I'm here to help you choose the best travel gifts for the jet-setter in your life. Below is a list of the gifts I was given-and what I wish I had been gifted instead. These items are things I use, have tested, swear by, and in many cases have wrapped for others. Think breathable cashmere layers, packable outerwear, TSA-proof tools, and more accessories that make travel smoother rather than more stressful."

Frequent travelers often receive bulky, flimsy, or impractical accessories that fail during airport transit, long-haul flights, or city visits. Practical gifts prioritize compact, multi-port functionality and international compatibility rather than single-use novelty. Universal travel adapters should be slim and support both USB-A and USB-C, while recognizing the difference between adapters and voltage converters. Breathable cashmere layers and packable outerwear balance comfort with portability. TSA-compliant tools and multi-purpose accessories reduce stress and earn consistent space in carry-on luggage. Thoughtful, tested items replace gimmicks and improve the overall travel experience.

Read at Travel + Leisure