After two years as a flight attendant and flying hundreds of thousands of miles around the world, I’ve gathered some helpful tips to make your travels more enjoyable.
Download the airline app on your phone
Each airline has its own mobile app, so we highly recommend downloading it before heading to the airport.
Airlines can submit important information about their flights here, from gate changes to delays and cancellations. These apps may also send notifications before flight crews know of changes.
travel early in the day
I always recommend leaving early to avoid flight delays or cancellations. Adam McCullough/Shutterstock
If you’re worried about flight delays or cancellations, traveling earlier in the day can alleviate some of that worry.
Statistically speaking, flights tend to be delayed further throughout the day because delays can overlap. By leaving early, you can often avoid other delays and cancellations.
If you need to attend an important event, include an extra day or two in your itinerary
Air travel can be unpredictable due to weather and unexpected maintenance or crew issues. If a flight is delayed or canceled, airlines will usually rebook you on the next available flight.
We always recommend adding an extra day or two to your itinerary if possible to avoid the possibility of missing out on important events.
Travel with only carry-on baggage whenever possible
We recommend traveling with carry-on baggage to avoid losing your luggage. Semachkovsky/Shutterstock
We recommend traveling with carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage to avoid the risk of lost baggage or fees for checking oversized baggage.
One of the best brands I’ve ever seen is TravelPro, which all flight attendants use. We also love Beis, which offers cute and efficient storage with unique pockets and organization, and Away, which has a variety of great carry bags.
It’s definitely worth investing in a better bag that will last longer, or at least come with a good warranty policy.
Do not remove it from your regular skin and hair care routine.
Many travelers shy away from carrying carry-on bags due to liquid restrictions. However, there are still ways to cram every step of your daily life into your carry-on.
I love Cadence leak-proof travel containers that hold small amounts of my favorite products. These super cute and compact containers also have magnets so you can easily keep them all in one place.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated while traveling
Always drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight. It’s easy for your body to become dehydrated while in the air, so drinking water will reduce your chances of getting headaches, feeling sick, or getting severe jet lag.
Drinking water will also help keep your skin hydrated, but we recommend bringing along a mist or lotion that you can apply during and after your flight.
Bring something to keep you busy
Reading a good book will keep you busy throughout the flight. Ratchet Joe/Shutterstock
Flights are unpredictable, so unexpected delays are always a possibility.
In-flight entertainment systems aren’t always available or guaranteed, so I always tell passengers to download movies, TV shows, books, and games to their personal devices before the flight.
Always put a large plastic bag in your luggage
Plastic bags are one of the most versatile items to bring when traveling.
Cosmetics leaked? solved. Wearing a wet swimsuit after soaking in the sea? no problem. Are your hiking shoes dirty? A plastic bag can help keep it separated from other items.
Bring snacks to fill your stomach
No matter how much I eat before a flight, I always end up hungry, so I always bring something salty and something sweet to have during or after the flight.
Some of my favorite snacks include granola bars, snack mixes, and dried fruit.
Pack extra clothing in your carry-on
It’s a good idea to pack extra clothing in your carry-on in case you get too hot or cold during your flight. It’s also useful if you spill something during your flight.
Don’t be afraid of guided tours if you’re traveling alone
I love booking guided tours while on vacation. Valerie Fraser
Some of my favorite solo travel experiences include guided day tours booked through Viator, Get Your Guide, and Airbnb Experiences.
Many tours pack multiple must-see attractions into one trip and are a great way to meet both locals and other tourists. I love taking gourmet tours and booking a photographer for a unique and authentic experience.
