12 Genius Travel Hacks Flight Attendants Use
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. But that’s okay. It doesn’t just change you, it should change you,” – Anthony Bourdain
Do you ever wonder how flight attendants always get wherever they are supposed to be without sweating? Today, with thousands of flights taken off daily worldwide and over 4.54 billion passengers traveling by air in 2019 alone, the industry has become vast and too complex to be understood by the public. That’s why getting the best travel hacks can mean the difference between a stressful and smooth trip.
Many aviation experts constantly stress that making small changes or preparing can exponentially improve one’s experience with travel. If you want to fly like a pro, read on for 12 invaluable travel hacks flight attendants swear by.
Choose the Right Seat
Your seat is the kingmaker (or breaker) regarding how well your flight will go. If you want to avoid the noise, flight attendants will steer you away from bulkhead seats, which go to families with infants.
When you check in, familiarize yourself with the aircraft layout so you don’t have any surprises. SeatGuru, for example, is a place to find the most comfortable and convenient seat on the flight.
Pack Efficiently
Traveling smartly is all about packing smartly. Flight attendants say to keep to a color palette for interchangeable outfits. Pack things up and categorize them to save space.
Folding your clothes makes the space bigger, and it also reduces wrinkles. Then, stuff essentials like toiletries and chargers into your carry-on so they’re accessible quickly.
Bring Your Own Comfort Items
Those in-flight blankets we all get for free? They might not be as clean as you would want. Flight attendants often have their comfort essentials — like neck pillows, travel blankets, and extra layers of clothing for changing cabin temps.
Investing in cozy items also makes for good in-flight cleanliness and increases your in-flight comfort.
Use Airline Apps
For most airlines, that information about flight delays, gate changes, boarding priorities, etc., comes to your phone before the airport PA system announces it. This is a great way to stay in the know and avoid surprises at the last minute.
Stay Hydrated
You can become seriously dehydrated quickly, 35,000 feet up. Flight attendants recommend you drink water before and during your flight. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which increase dehydration.
However, some also advise filling your refillable water bottle so you aren’t drinking just from in-flight service.
Manage Jet Lag
Jet lag is one of the biggest challenges of being a frequent traveler. That is why flight attendants often work to adjust the sleep schedule to the destination time zone just a few days before they depart.
Of course, there are the essentials: eye masks, lavender-infused lotions, and noise-canceling headphones to help you unwind and sleep on the plane. And if you end up being off time, a quick nap can help reset your circadian rhythm.
Eat Smart
As anyone who’s ever flown knows, airline food isn’t so good. Many flight attendants bring their own lighter, more nutrient-rich meals, such as sandwiches, granola bars, and salads.
Packing your snacks will be a game changer if you’re sensitive to processed food or trying to limit your salt intake.
Dress Comfortably
When flying, don’t think ‘style over comfort.’ Choose loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabric to adjust for fluctuating cabin temperatures.
Security checkpoints and long flights are best made for shoes a person can easily slip off from. Compression socks can even help prevent swelling in longer journeys.
Be Kind and Patient
The golden rule is to be nice to the flight attendants and other passengers. Let’s face it – cabin crew, like passengers, do as they please and stay calm if a disruption or delay occurs. Even a little kindness can net you things like extra snacks or insight into how to maximize your connecting flight.
Protect Yourself from Germs
Airplane surfaces are never germs-free — not for tray tables or overhead bins. Flight attendants recommend carrying disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch areas like seat belts, tray tables, and arms.
Another travel necessity: if you don’t have an in-flight blanket to rely on, opt for a scarf or travel-size pillow instead — it’ll be more hygienic!
Book Early Flights
The first flight of the day is not just an early wake-up; it’s often the flight with the fewest delays because the crew and the plane are starting fresh.
Additionally, booking early can also mean you get extra time to adjust in case of unexpected problems, such as cancellations or waiting several hours on long layovers.
Stretch Regularly During the Flight
Prolonged sitting can make you uncomfortable and, in extreme cases, raise your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Flight attendants recommend getting up as often as possible to stretch or, at minimum, take a short walk along the aisle at regular intervals. If you can’t be on the move, ankle exercises and seated stretches can be helpful.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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