Essential Packing Tips from Flight Attendants at iBestTravel
Packing quickly and efficiently is a skill that takes years to hone. As travel experts, we feel confident in our expertise regarding packing, having quizzed fellow travel professionals on their essential items. We’ve created foolproof packing checklists, space-saving packing tips, and sustainable packing guides. However, we can only dream of the expert levels that cabin crew maintain. Therefore, we asked flight attendants from some of our favorite airlines to share the one item they never travel without, helping us build the ultimate packing list for effective and speedy packing every time.
A Smart Watch
Andy, flight purser, Cathay Pacific
“A smart watch is useful to keep track of my time zones while in the air. I tend to pre-set my watch to the time zone of the country I’m flying to before taking off – this helps my body clock adapt more quickly. Having a fitness tracker on my smart watch helps me monitor my physical wellbeing by tracking my steps and the amount of time I spend standing. A regular watch is also beneficial; passengers often ask cabin crew for the time, so it’s helpful to have a watch readily available. This allows me to practice good time management, ensuring that the team starts the next service on schedule and provides impeccable service.”
Packing Cubes
Becci Pickles, flight service manager, Virgin Atlantic
“The one thing I can’t travel without are my packing cubes! As crew, we tend not to check in a suitcase to save time, so being able to fit everything into a cabin bag is an absolute necessity. Packing cubes make my bag incredibly organized, allowing me to maximize space and keep everything neatly stored. They also help you know exactly where each item is, eliminating the need to dig through your bag to find something.”
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Dave Morris, cabin manager, easyJet
“Sometimes you need to switch off the outside world and enjoy a moment of silence to reset. For this reason, I always pack a set of noise-cancelling headphones. Even when I’m not listening to music, it’s refreshing to take a few minutes of silence in an aircraft and appreciate the experience. Additionally, I always carry a travel sewing kit – you never know when a needle and string will save the day. Safety pins are incredibly useful, whether for replacing a zipper pull, adding extra security to a bag, or rethreading a drawstring on a hoodie.”
Eye Drops
Sophie, former cabin crew, Emirates
“At high altitudes, cabin humidity levels can drop, causing eye discomfort. Therefore, I always keep a bottle of eye drops on hand. They help to keep my eyes moist and comfortable throughout the flight, preventing dryness and irritation.”
AeroPress Coffee Maker
Another essential for coffee lovers is an AeroPress coffee maker. This portable device allows you to brew a fresh cup of coffee wherever you go, making it a favorite among many travelers who enjoy quality coffee during their journeys.
