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- In my decades as a flight attendant, I’ve discovered ways to make travel more seamless and enjoyable.
- Simple tips, like packing a carry-on instead of a checked bag, saved me time at the airport.
- I also recommend contacting the hotels directly to check for lower rates, which worked for me.
I have worked as a flight attendant for 10 years. Even after I left the job, I continued to travel the world, visiting a total of 74 countries.
Having traveled the world for work and pleasure, I’ve learned a thing or two about making travel as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Here are 10 tips I learned during my days as a flight attendant and still use today.
Stay awake until bed on the day you arrive in a new time zone
After an overnight flight, I’m always tempted to crawl into my hotel bed. But as someone who slept straight after landing and struggled to adjust to a new time zone, I recommend staying awake.
I had a rule that if I woke up in the morning, I would take a nap. But if I arrive at any time in the afternoon, I force myself to stay until night.
Ending the first day until bedtime helps me adjust to a new time zone, get the best sleep I can, and beat jet lag.
When it’s finally time to snooze, be sure to set an alarm so he doesn’t sleep through the morning.
Ditch your checked bag and opt for a carry-on instead
I prefer to travel without a checked bag to avoid waiting in long lines.
Europa Press News / Contributor / Getty Images
When I was a flight attendant, I got into the habit of traveling with a carry-on bag and a tote bag.
This method allows me to always have my belongings with me and reduces the risk of losing luggage halfway around the world. Traveling carry-on only means I avoid waiting in long check-in lines and wasting time at baggage claim.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring a carry-on and a bag or small bag into the cabin, but you should still check the baggage policy before arriving at the airport.
If you carry everything in a carry-on, I suggest wearing larger items like coats and boots on the plane to free up space in your bag.
If you check a bag, invest in a luggage tracker and packing cube
Mobile trackers and packing cubes are game changers for travelers checking baggage.
I wish I had portable tracking devices like Apple Airtags when I was a flight attendant. It’s easy to find the wrong bags in your luggage.
Packing cubes have been my best friend when I need to take a lot of stuff with me on many trips.
The cubbies help you divide your things into different parts and organize them. It will save you a lot of time if you are looking for a specific item in your luggage.
Keep shoes in your hotel to remember anything precious
It’s awful to check out of a hotel and realize you’ve left your most important and valuable possessions in the safe.
I have a simple solution to help you avoid making this mistake. When you leave all your belongings and documents in the hotel, put one of your shoes there too – preferably the ones you’ll wear on the day of your appointment.
You probably won’t be leaving the hotel wearing one shoe, so this trick is a good way to remember to empty the safe before you leave.
This was the first piece of advice another flight attendant gave me when I was a flight attendant. I have found it very helpful and have passed it on to countless other crew members and airplane passengers over the years.
Check out last-minute jet charters – they may cost less than you think.
Flying in a private jet isn’t always crazy.
Shutterstock / Mikhail Starodubov
Flying private may seem like a great option (and often is), but hear me out. Depending on where you’re traveling, jet charters can be incredibly economical, especially if you’re flying with a group.
Many operating companies offer discount charters for last-minute bare-leg sectors. If a jet is scheduled to fly or fly to a destination without passengers, the companies will try to fill it earlier at a lower price. Companies like Lux Aviator and Daflo Jets often promote these open sectors through social media.
You can also reserve a single seat on a semi-private jet instead of chartering an entire plane. Thanks to charter airlines like Aero, you can travel in luxury for a fraction of the cost.
Before you dive in, it’s worth considering that private jets generally produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) per passenger than commercial flights, which has a negative impact on the environment. So if you’re looking for a flight with a low carbon footprint, stay tuned.
Not all hotels have irons, but you can still remove clothes without them
Many hotel rooms around the world don’t have irons, which was no good when my flight attendant uniform needed to be clean and wrinkle-free.
In order not to pay for airline service or maintain a shared iron, I pack a small travel steamer to avoid frizz on clothes.
If you don’t have room for one, crank the hair dryer in your hotel room to the hottest setting and blow air close to your clothes.
Alternatively, you can hang your clothes in the bathroom, run the shower at the highest temperature and close the door for 10 minutes. In my experience, shower steam softens the creams.
Download the translation app before arriving at an international destination
Before your flight lands, download a translation app like Google Translate so you can use it offline.
This tip has served me well when traveling to places where English is not widely spoken and there is no internet access. Even if the translation isn’t perfect, the app will help get your message across.
I also recommend downloading currency-exchange apps before they arrive so you can use them offline.
Pack enough medicine to get you through the trip and include extra in case of an emergency
I make sure I have enough medicine to last me through my trip, as well as some more in case plans change.
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Just because you can buy certain prescription and over-the-counter medications at home doesn’t mean they’ll be available when you travel.
Whenever I’m preparing to fly, I pack a basic travel pack with enough medications to get me through the trip. I recommend bringing a back-up supply in case some get lost or extend your trip.
Some drugs that are legal in the US are banned in other countries, so be sure to research the drug laws in the places you visit.
Contact the hotel directly to request the best room rate
Many people think that hotel booking platforms offer the cheapest accommodation rates, but that is not always the case. If you want to stay at a specific hotel, call or email the property directly to request a lower rate.
I’m amazed at how much this tip has worked for me. Sometimes it got me promoted to a higher class category.
For travelers looking to get a good night’s sleep, call the hotel and ask for a room in a separate part of the hotel away from the pool or resort area.
Consider getting a prepaid travel card to help you stay on budget
When I was a flight attendant, I always got a prepaid travel card that I loaded with some money.
It helped me stick to a tighter budget and allowed me to spend in local currency.
Some prepaid travel cards come with a fee, so be sure to do your research when preparing for your trip. That way, you can determine whether a prepaid travel card, debit card, cash or credit card is the best option for you.
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