We Asked Flight Attendants for Their Best Travel Hacks
The excitement of an upcoming trip or vacation can sometimes be dampened by the hassle of figuring out how and what to pack. Although I do enjoy organizing my luggage and maximizing my packing skills, I figured there were no better people to ask for some extra helpful travel hacks and tips than flight attendants.
I reached out to Hilary Clark, director of inflight services at Planet 9, and Res Marty, founder and chief editor of Switzerland Beyond Chocolate and former flight attendant at Edelweiss Air, for their best advice and what to pack, particularly in a carry-on, so your flight and overall trip can be a breeze from start to finish.
Modoker Carry on Garment Duffel Bag
Pack an extra outfit for special occasions.
If you’re traveling for a destination wedding this summer, Clark recommends packing two outfits — one in your checked-in luggage and one in a garment bag carry-on — in case the airline loses your luggage. Additionally, she suggests wearing a bulky jacket or coat as you travel so you don’t have to pack it. “Always find ways to save real estate in your luggage!” she says.
Travel & Camping Comfortable Memory Foam Pillow with Extra Cotton Cover
Always bring a travel pillow.
Regardless of the flight time, Marty always travels with the Alkamto Travel Pillow which can easily be stored inside a carry-on or slipped over the handles. You can use this pillow to nap while flying or for a good night’s rest in a hotel room. “It has good ergonomic support, is affordable, and comes with lightweight packaging,” he says. “You can also remove and wash the cover, which is an absolute must-have.”
TSA Approved Travel Bottles Set
Only pack travel-size containers.
To prevent TSA from tossing out your full-sized shampoo and skincare products, both Clark and Marty suggest only packing travel-sized containers, which Marty says are also beneficial and convenient to have so you can refresh after a flight with a travel-size toothbrush and deodorant.
Clark never travels without the Craftisan TSA-Approved Travel Bottles Set, while Marty recommends the BagSmart Toiletry Bag to easily and securely store travel toiletries. “It has never disappointed me in eight years of traveling,” he says. “It’s TSA-approved, effortlessly fits into most bags and backpacks, and makes it easy to stay organized.”
