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Traveling brings immense joy, but that thrill often diminishes during the journey itself. The hours spent on airplanes, trains, or buses can be exhausting—especially if you’re taller than average, like me at 6’3”. Watching a movie or TV show can provide a welcome distraction from the cramped seats and limited legroom, but it introduces its own problem: ergonomics.
Placing my phone on the tray table or holding it in my lap works temporarily… but on long flights or slow trains crossing state lines, it quickly becomes uncomfortable. Even if you aren’t as tall as I am, chances are you’ve experienced neck strain from hunching over your phone for too long. It’s even more bothersome when combined with the discomforts of travel. Nobody wants a kinked neck right at the start of their trip.
Mark Knapp / Foundry
That’s why I swear by Beyond Cell’s travel phone mount (also found on Walmart). This compact, affordable, and straightforward accessory has been my travel companion on long journeys. It offers a hands-free setup that positions my phone ergonomically, making a significant difference. I never travel without it anymore.
This phone holder has two main components. The first is a spring-loaded arm that grips objects up to 1.5 inches thick, featuring rubber pads for a firm hold. The second is a hinged arm allowing my phone to rotate, swivel, and pivot for perfect alignment.

Mark Knapp / Foundry
The concept is simple, inexpensive, and incredibly effective.
During flights, I typically clip the holder onto the back pocket of the seat in front of me, allowing my phone to sit directly in front of my face for optimal viewing comfort. I’ve also used it on buses, trains, and even in cars—it’s surprisingly versatile.
What if the plane has built-in screens on the seatbacks? I still use the same setup, attaching it to the top of the tray table when in the upright position. It might not be perfect, but it remains quite comfortable, and it offers advantages such as keeping my phone accessible during announcements and letting the media continue playing while everyone disembarks.
The adaptability of this small travel gadget (also available on
Mark Knapp / Foundry Honestly, this affordable phone mount has revolutionized my travel experience. My only wish is for a neck pillow that offers the same level of support— or perhaps for airlines to simply provide more spacious seats. Grab this $10 travel phone mount for your upcoming trip