-
Over the course of ten years as a
flight attendant
I discovered methods to enhance and streamline the travel experience. - I suggest reaching out to hotels directly and asking for reduced prices, as this method has been successful for me.
- Basic tips, like not checking a bag, have saved me time at the airport.
I
served as an air stewardess
For a decade. Even after resigning from my position, I kept exploring different parts of the globe and visited over 74 nations.
In my extensive travels for both business and pleasure, I have picked up several tips on making journeys as smooth and pleasant as can be.
Below are 10 pieces of advice I garnered from my time working as a flight attendant, which I continue to utilize whenever I travel.
Remain alert till your scheduled sleep time upon reaching a different time zone.
Following an all-night flight, I often feel like flopping onto my hotel mattress immediately. Yet, considering that I have previously headed right for slumber upon arrival only to find myself battling with jet lag later, I suggest resisting the urge to sleep.
In the past, I had a guideline where I allowed myself a brief nap only if my arrival was before morning hours; however, should I get in anytime post-noon, I would compel myself to remain awake till evening.
Battling through the entire first day till bedtime assists me in acclimating to a new time zone, ensuring I achieve the most restful sleep possible.
beat jet lag
.
Once it’s time to catch some Zs, make sure to set an alarm so you don’t oversleep into the afternoon.
Leave behind your checked luggage and choose only a carry-on instead.
As a flight attendant, I developed the practice of
journeying with only a carry-on
a suitcase and a tote bag.
This approach enables me to keep my possessions always close and reduces the chance of loss.
losing luggage
Halfway across the globe. By traveling with just a carry-on, I manage to skip lengthy check-in queues and save time instead of waiting at the luggage carousel.
A majority of airlines permit travelers to bring one carry-on along with a handbag or compact backpack onto the plane; however, make sure to review their baggage regulations prior to heading to the terminal.
If you aim to fit all essentials into a carry-on, consider wearing bulkier items such as jackets and boots during the flight to save space in your luggage.
Place a shoe in your hotel safe as a reminder for all valuable items.
Exiting a hotel only to realize that you’ve left your most precious belongings in the safe can be absolutely dreadful.
To prevent accidentally leaving something behind at the hotel, try placing an easily recognizable item like one of your shoes inside the room safe. Choose the shoe you plan to use on the checkout day for convenience.
It’s unlikely that you’ll exit the hotel with just one shoe on, so this method serves as an effective reminder to check the safe for your belongings before departing.
When I started as a flight attendant, one of my fellow crew members shared this initial tip with me. It proved extremely beneficial, and since then, I have been sharing it with numerous other staff members and travelers throughout the years.
When checking a suitcase, consider purchasing a luggage tracking device along with using packing cubes.
Travelers who use checked bags find portable trackers and packing cubes to be revolutionary tools.
I wish portable tracking devices such as Apple AirTags had been available when I worked as a flight attendant. These gadgets can easily be inserted into suitcases to assist with locating lost baggage.
Packing cubes
served as my best companion during lengthy journeys when I had to carry numerous belongings.
The compartments within these cubes segregate your possessions into distinct areas, aiding in maintaining order. When searching for a specific object inside your luggage, they significantly cut down the search time.
Check out last-minute private jet rentals; they could end up being more affordable than expected.
Flying private
It might appear as a luxurious choice (and typically it is), yet private jets can turn out to be quite cost-effective based on your destination — particularly when sharing the expense with others.
A number of airline operators provide reduced rates for charter flights when they have unsold seats due to scheduling gaps. These businesses aim to sell off remaining spots at a discount just before departure to avoid flying with an empty cabin. Firms like Lux Aviator and Daflo Jets frequently promote such deals through their social media channels.
You have the option to reserve just one seat on a semi-private jet instead of needing to charter a whole plane through companies such as these airlines.
Aero
.
Before landing at your foreign destination, download a translation application.
Before your flight lands, download a translation app, like Google Translate, in the local language so you can use it offline.
I have found this advice particularly useful when traveling to areas where English is not commonly used and internet connectivity is unreliable. Despite the translations being somewhat imperfect, the app still manages to convey your intended message effectively.
I suggest downloading currency converter apps before your arrival as they can be used even when offline.
Reach out to hotels directly to inquire about obtaining the best room rate.
Many individuals believe that hotel-booking platforms offer the best deals.
cheapest accommodation prices
However, this isn’t always true. To secure a lower price at your desired hotel, contact the establishment directly via phone or email to inquire about available discounts.
I’m consistently surprised by how often this advice proves effective. Occasionally, it has also secured me an upgrade to a better room class.
If you’re aiming for a peaceful night’s sleep, contact the hotel to book a room located away from areas like the pool or entertainment zone.
Not every hotel provides an iron, but you can still get rid of wrinkles in your clothes even without one.
A lot of hotel rooms globally lack irons, which was problematic when I needed my flight-attendant uniform to look impeccable and free from wrinkles.
To bypass the expense of using an ironing service or sidestepping the wait for a shared iron, I bring along a compact travel steamer to smooth out wrinkles in my clothing.
If you lack one, set the bathroom’s hairdryer to its highest temperature and direct the warm airflow at your garments.
As an alternative, you can try hanging your clothes in the bathroom, turning the shower to its hottest setting, and keeping the door closed for about ten minutes. From personal experience, this method helps relax and remove wrinkles from fabric.
Bring sufficient medication for your journey, and pack additional supplies just in case of an unexpected situation.
Simply because you have access to specific over-the-counter and prescription drugs at your residence does not guarantee their availability when traveling.
Every time I
prepare to fly
I put together a fundamental travel kit containing an adequate amount of medication to last throughout my journey. Additionally, I suggest packing extra supplies just in case you misplace some or prolong your stay.
Just make sure to do your research about drug laws in the places you visit, as some medicines that are legal in the US are banned in other countries.
Consider getting a prepaid travel card to help you stick to a budget
When I was a flight attendant, I would always get a
prepaid travel card
, which I loaded with a set amount of money.
It helped me stick to a tighter budget and allowed me to withdraw money in the local currency.
Some prepaid travel cards come with fees, so make sure to do your research as you prepare for your trip. That way, you can figure out whether a prepaid travel card, a debit card, cash, or a credit card is the best option for you.
This story was originally published in September 2022, and most recently updated on May 6, 2025.
These are some of our top picks for packing cubes you might want to use on your upcoming flight:
Packing Cubes Away (Set of 4 Pieces)
Monos Compressible Packing Cubes
Rick Steves’ European Packing Cube Set
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