Summary
From a compact door stop alarm to a long-lasting portable charger, these products will transform your experience.
Traveling, whether solo or in a group, can be one of the most thrilling and enlightening experiences of your life. However, your adventures come with a number of safety concerns, from staying protected within your accommodations to remaining healthy while being surrounded by waves of people. Therefore, who better to consult on how to optimize your travels than the flight attendants who have made this transformative experience part of their everyday lives?
If you’ve been searching for effective yet affordable travel hacks guaranteed to keep you safe, healthy, and confident during your next vacation, we took to TikTok to round up the 10 products that flight attendants swear they won’t travel without. From a portable door lock that keeps intruders out to the exact spray you should be using to safely eliminate bed bugs while you travel, these are the 10 flight attendant-approved products you need to stock up on before you head to the airport next. Prices start at just $6.
Portable Door Lock
One flight attendant for Emirates airline revealed on TikTok that they “will not travel without” a portable lock for their hotel room door as it provides an added layer of protection from break-ins. Moreover, it limits the chance that housekeeping will walk into your room while you’re sleeping. Particularly if you’re traveling solo, it’s important to remain on high alert, so bringing your own lock to the hotel or Airbnb will help give you peace of mind while securing doors that may not come equipped with a deadbolt.
To buy: amazon.com, $18 (originally $32)
Apple AirTag
Losing your luggage can be immensely frustrating, which is why investing in a tracking device allows you to keep an eye on your suitcase as you navigate through your connections. Flight attendants largely recommend Apple AirTags for this task. A flight attendant suggested hiding the tag “where people cannot find it” so even if your bag is lost or stolen, you can continue to track it. This flight attendant also notes the importance of using this hack “even if you bring a carry-on bag” in case it gets checked at the gate.
To buy: amazon.com, $28 (originally $29)
International USB Adapter
Ensuring that you can keep your phone and laptop charged at all times is vital. A flight attendant for Emirates calls this international travel adapter her “most used essential” while she’s on the go. She notes that it gets “bonus points” for coming fitted with a USB port, reducing the anxiety of losing battery life as you navigate through your vacation.
To buy: amazon.com, $15 (originally $20)
Door Stop Alarm
Safety should always be your top priority while traveling. Bringing your own door stop alarm is the best way to keep intruders out, especially if you’re staying in a hotel room or Airbnb alone. A flight attendant took to TikTok to explain that the alarm will “wake up the deepest sleeper if anyone tries to get into your room,” making it a must-have for cautious travelers. She even mentions that it’s “very loud,” ensuring you can rest easy knowing that intruders have no place in your hotel room.
To buy: amazon.com, $14 for two-pack (originally $18)
Privacy Luggage Tag
It’s important to keep a luggage tag affixed to your bags in case they get lost in transit, but you don’t need to have your information on display for the entire airport. One flight attendant revealed on TikTok that they “see so many people with luggage tags and their information displayed for everyone to see.” To this end, they suggest turning around the luggage card to block your information from the general public, while a privacy luggage tag is equally effective at keeping your details private from fellow travelers.
To buy: amazon.com, $8 (originally $11)
Portable Charger
There will never be a worse time for your phone to die than when you’re traveling solo and depending on technology to get you from the airport to your accommodations safely. To avoid potentially dangerous situations, flight attendants agree that investing in a portable charger is essential to ensure your devices never run out of battery mid-trip. One flight attendant even warns that you should not use “public charging stations in the airport” as they can compromise your personal information. Consequently, a portable charger will come in handy throughout your commute as well.
To buy: amazon.com, $16 (originally $22)
Shoe Covers
No one looks forward to walking through the TSA check station without shoes, especially if you forgot to wear socks for your journey. For this reason, one flight attendant notes that purchasing shoe covers is the best-kept secret for staying germ-free while traveling. Storing this handy item in your carry-on is perfect for walking through security without your bare feet touching the ground. Moreover, they’re also functional for tucking into your luggage to “protect your clothes,” allowing you to store your shoes in them to prevent spreading dirt onto your clean laundry.
To buy: amazon.com, $10 (originally $13)
CPR Life Key
If you’re CPR certified, then you understand the importance of keeping yourself protected when needing to administer life-saving assistance. One flight attendant noted that they always keep a CPR Life Key clipped to their work bag to cover their face should they need to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Thus, having one on hand is a great idea if you’re trained in providing life-saving care. While they refer to it as “one of my many flight attendant gadgets that I hopefully never have to use,” the tiny tool provides ultimate peace of mind—just in case.
To buy: amazon.com, $8
Bed Bug Spray
Flight attendants typically spend more time in hotels than their own homes. While a good door lock will keep them protected from outside intruders, bed bugs are a notorious issue for frequent travelers that may already be inside your hotel room. One flight attendant recommended packing bed bug spray whenever you’re going to be sleeping in a hotel or Airbnb. After completing an inspection of the bed’s corners, you can give the bed a good spray on the sides, corners, and top. Additionally, ensure to spray the luggage rack and the table you set your suitcase on, to prevent any unwanted guests from joining you.
To buy: amazon.com, $15 with on-site coupon (originally $16)
Alcohol Wipes
This may seem simple, but alcohol prep pads play several important roles during your travels. If you’re feeling nauseous on your next flight, one flight attendant suggests smelling the alcohol wipe as it “helps with nausea.” They also note that you can “use it to clean your phone” to reduce the number of germs you’re exposed to during your vacation.
To buy: amazon.com, $6 for pack of 200