More and more airlines are doing away with in-flight entertainment systems to save money on fuel and maintenance. That of course means that passengers need to come more prepared when they fly, either by bringing devices fully loaded with movies, TV shows and books or by downloading the airline’s app to enjoy the entertainment options offered there (American Airlines and United do this, for example).
In both of the above cases you’ll need your own device, and how you position it in your seat makes a big difference. If you don’t like having your phone or tablet low on the tray table or holding it to watch movies on a plane, there’s a device you might be interested in purchasing. The Airhook 2.0 ($27.95) is a two-in-one solution for airplane travel comfort: a stable drink holder and a secure mount for an electronics device. It uses the tray table in its vertical and locked position as an anchor, rather than horizontally across your lap as a platform. It’s 2019’s winner of “Best Design for a Travel Accessory” at the Travel Goods Show and possibly your key to a more comfortable travel experience.
The new features in the 2.0 version include a stabilizer bar that makes setup more secure, a convertible mode where the drink holder folds away when not in use, and a separate device perch for a full range of viewing. And if you want to use a device in the back seat of a car or in the airport, you can also get the Crossbar ($10.95), which allows for the Airhook to fit within a vehicle’s headrest and luggage handlebars. All you need to do is simply extend it to the correct size, lock it into place, and then slide the Airhook’s tray table anchor into the back slot. Below is a 90-second video showing how both products work.
Related: Get a Phone Mount to Use GPS in the Car
Seriously? They do an animated demo showing people watching a movie in portrait mode?
I suppose it will hold a device in landscape as well.
What sizes? iPad Mini? Do you have to remove a protective case on a device first?