For flight attendants, long layovers, sudden travel, and changing weather are everyday events – so they need to be ready for just about anything. This experience gives them great packing tips. From must-have items to unexpected things you might miss, here are what flight attendants always pack in their bags.
Flight attendants deal with air travel daily, facing unique challenges like changing schedules, possible delays, and the shifting conditions in airplane cabins. Their skill in packing wisely is priceless for any traveler. They know how to foresee issues and pack smartly, making for a smoother and more enjoyable trip. From key travel papers and meds to surprising items that help a lot, flight attendants have perfected their packing tricks. So, let's not waste any more time, explore the 7 items that flight attendants always carry in their bags, and learn from their know-how!
Flight attendant packing hacks: what they wish you knew
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Must-have hydration
A lot goes on in your body when you're on an airplane, but one of the most significant issues is dehydration. Family medicine doctor Dr. Goldman points out, "About 50% of the air in the cabin comes from outside, and at high altitudes, that air is nearly moisture-free." This makes your skin, throat, and nose dry.
As flight attendants fly often, they understand this sensation better than anyone. One flight attendant said she always brings a 50-ounce reusable water bottle on flights, filling it up in the terminal before boarding. She suggests bringing your regular skincare items (as long as they're under 3.4 fluid ounces), plus body lotion and chapstick. After all, nobody wants to kick off a vacation with dry or irritated skin.
Kit for lost luggage
As an airline passenger, few feelings are worse than discovering your luggage is lost, especially when you're on your way to your destination. To avoid being stuck without important items far from home, pack a lost luggage kit in your carry-on. Emily, an Australian flight attendant, shared on TikTok that this is a step you should never skip while packing. "Always, always, always keep a small packing cube with essentials like a change of clothes and toiletries. That way, if your checked luggage is lost or delayed, you'll have enough to get by comfortably for at least a couple of days," she says.
Medicines
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It may seem surprising, but some travelers put their meds in checked luggage, which can cause major issues during delays. Not only can medicine get lost in checked bags, but finding replacement meds at your destination can be tough, especially abroad. Keep your meds with you at all times to avoid these worries.
Marissa, a flight attendant from the Midwest, shared on TikTok that she always takes 2 different pill boxes in her carry-on. One holds over-the-counter medicines, like headache or allergy relief, for when needed. The other box keeps her daily prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements organized.
Important items
If you're going to a special event like a wedding, you probably have valuables like jewelry, watches, or cash for the couple. For these important items, always use your carry-on bag. If your checked luggage goes missing, you'll be glad to have these irreplaceable items with you. Flight attendants all agree you shouldn't pack valuables in checked bags.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) supports this advice. To keep your valuables safe, the TSA suggests taking them with you. If you're worried about screening, you can ask for a private screening area at the security checkpoint. This lets you discreetly take out and show your valuables to a TSA officer for inspection, making the screening process more comfortable and secure.
Headphones that block noise
This accessory will totally change your flying experience. When they're off duty, you'll often spot flight attendants wearing noise-canceling headphones – and many suggest that passengers should try them too. KJ, a travel influencer and daughter of a flight attendant, lists them as a must-have in her carry-on. "Even if you're not jamming to music, putting on the noise canceling while you're trying to sleep is a total game-changer."
She loves the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, which are wireless, meaning no messy cords in your bag. If you want to connect your wireless headphones to the in-flight screen, don't forget to grab a Bluetooth adapter. It fits into the headphone jack on the display, letting your headphones link up to the entertainment system.
Travel snacks
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Even though travelers can buy food on a plane, plenty of flight attendants enjoy taking their own snacks in their bags. "I always pack my own snack bag to avoid paying airport prices – and I get to choose what I like if I'm not keen on onboard choices," one flight attendant said. This way, you can save money at the airport and avoid wasting time looking through boring snack choices. Also, bringing snacks is crucial if you have food allergies or sensitivities since the last spot you want to have a reaction is while flying.
Large clothes
When getting ready for a trip to a cold place, you might find it hard to pack big items like boots and a winter coat in your luggage. Instead of trying to stuff them into your suitcase, think about wearing them on the plane.
Flight attendant Bernice, in a TikTok video, suggested that travelers put on their heaviest items during the flight. This tip has some perks. First, it can cut down the weight of your checked bag, which helps you avoid extra fees. Second, it opens up valuable space in both your checked and carry-on bags, letting you pack better. By using this easy tip, you can make packing simpler and have a more comfy and budget-friendly travel experience.
Conclusion
Flight attendants know a lot about air travel and can give great packing tips. If you follow their advice, your travels will improve a lot. They suggest bringing important medications, a "lost luggage" kit, noise-canceling headphones for a quieter flight, and wearing your heaviest clothing. These tips help save time, money, and stress. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water, pack healthy snacks, and keep your valuables with you. By using these packing tips from flight attendants, you'll be ready for any trip you take. Enjoy your travels!
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Have you ever heard something about off-site parking? If not, we recommend you take a closer look at this part of the article, as this information will be handy for those who prefer to travel by air and get to the airport by their own car.
Most people suppose that parking at the airport is the fastest and most convenient option for them. However, it's not actually true. We'll explain to you why.
To be true, being in a terminal parking lot isn't convenient at all. Although on-site airport parking is the nearest place where you can leave your vehicle for the period of a trip, you can face the following difficulties:
- You will need to find a spot in a crowded lot,
- You will need to carry the luggage all the way through the parking lot,
- You must pay expensive fees without great service.
Sounds not good, right? However, we found an excellent solution for you – in this case, off-site parking can become a savior for you. So if you're trying to find a parking spot with great service nearby the airport you're flying from and don't want to leave there the most significant part of your budget, pay attention to this option.
How does it work?
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Obviously, people who chose a car as a way to get to the airport want to leave their vehicle safely while traveling and not to face the problems we described above. So what can off-site airport parking offer its customers?
Although a few miles usually separate such parking from the airport, you shouldn't worry about this. Off-site parking provides free shuttles going back and forth between the parking lot and the airport. Thanks to this, it removes any worries about getting stuck in traffic on the way to the airport during peak times. So all you need to do is choose the best time for you and inform the parking lot staff.
How does it work? Actually, everything is straightforward: when you come to the entrance, the staff will remove your luggage from your car and load it onto the shuttle, which will take you and your bags to the terminal. Then, the vehicle will be parked securely.
In addition, this type of parking is much cheaper, and this is good news, as nobody wants to waste money. Therefore, off-site parking is the perfect option to receive excellent service and save money at the same time.
Want to find some great offers? You don't need to go somewhere – just find it right here!
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We're glad to inform you that you can find this solution right here. Our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers the best airport parking prices and bundles hotel and parking packages. Besides, we provide the services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Our platform allows you to make a reservation through a few clicks within the application. As a result, customers receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking spot upon arrival at the off-airport lot. Besides, if plans change, you can cancel hassle-free and receive a refund.
To understand it better, we would like to give you an example. Let's imagine that you're planning a trip to a popular destination. Regardless of your departure point, you can find convenient discount airport parking near any major airport across the USA and Canada. Also, ParkingNearAirports.io offers its customers special airport parking coupons. With the help of these coupons, you can make the price for parking even two times less. So don't forget to use them to save as much money as possible.
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