The profession of a flight attendant is perhaps the greatest opportunity to gain experience of traveling around the world and learn how to make your flight as comfortable as possible. BestLife has collected nine life hacks from four current airline employees, thanks to which you can get the most out of your trip, Dip.org.ua reports.
1. Roll clothes instead of folding them.
“Tightly folded clothes in a suitcase make more room for bulky items such as hair tools, jackets and shoes,” says Frontier Airlines flight attendant Trinise Thomas. In addition, this way of packing things reduces the number of folds on the clothes and it will be easier to “identify” them when unpacking.
2. Pack some old stuff.
Experts advise taking a couple of items of clothing that you no longer need with you, which you can leave along the way. Thus, you can make room for new purchases and souvenirs. Plus, you won’t have to worry about how to pack those second-hand items again.
3. Take a compact reusable bag with you.
“Take a light but different bag, like a shopper, and take it with you every time you go on a trip,” says Michelle Lee, a ground worker. While moving from place to place, it can be used to transport souvenirs, food, water, snacks and essentials.
4. Take a container with a snack and pack a bottle of frozen water into it.
Sometimes, due to airline staff reductions, waiting times at airport eateries and shops can be long. Packing your own food in a small collapsible lunch box will save you a lot of legwork and save money. It is also possible to bring your own water bottle if it is frozen.
“A bottle of frozen water can be carried through security and will keep your food cool all day long. And when it starts to melt, you can drink the water,” said flight attendant Nicole Padellaro. This tip also allows you to package more varied foods, including those that taste better when cool.
5. Download the airline application.
The thought of downloading yet another app can make you sigh a few times, but having an airline app on your phone is pretty helpful, if only for a while.
It includes check-in, tracking your luggage while traveling, in-flight entertainment and flight rebooking.
Many apps also inform about current COVID-19 protocols for airlines, airports and destinations.
6. Wear layered clothing.
If you don’t check in luggage, one way to take a few more things with you to your destination is to wear multiple layers of clothing on the plane. Of course, within reason. The jacket can be held in hand. And you can also wear a T-shirt, shirt and sweatshirt or sweater, as well as the most bulky shoes. This will free up space in your hand luggage.
7. Take herbal tea bags with you.
Herbal tea is a great way to unwind during a flight, especially after a tiring airport ride. It is usually caffeine-free and helps reduce anxiety and stave off thirst. Mostly airlines don’t have a good variety of drinks and so it’s easier to bring small tea bags with you that you can pack in your backpack or even in your pocket. It remains only to ask the flight attendant for a cup of hot water.
8. Thank the flight attendant.
One of the fastest ways to win over flight attendants is to give them a “gift bag”. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. A short thank you note and a small item (like lip balm, hand lotion, chocolate, coffee gift card, or face mask) will suffice.
“This little gesture can make a big difference and will allow you to enjoy privileged service, even in economy class,” says airline employee Michelle Lee.
9. Don’t waste your money on car-mounted smart device holders.
“Unfortunately, we see many travelers taking smartphone or tablet holders with them, which are either attached or screwed to a part of the aircraft, such as a table, which is not allowed by the rules on board. Therefore, they will be asked to remove,” explains the Alaska flight attendant Airlines Mike Tongko. In addition, many tray tables have built-in holders that make it easy to support your devices.