The 8 best travel essentials approved by flight attendants

Flight attendants face many challenges. While it may seem like heaven to constantly be in the sky and visit new places, this is not always easy. Flight attendants are able to remain cheerful and ultra-glam, allowing us to relax and lounge in our seats. 

Ruby Dhawan has worked as a flight attendant with Air India for more than ten years. I interviewed her to learn how to be stylish and comfortable on long-haul flights. Air India, the oldest airline in the country, offers a uniform for cabin crew that “pays homage to our heritage,” says Dhawan. She loves the “aubergine colored sari” which is part of the latest outfit. It’s also “elegant, comfortable, and stylish.” 

You can read on to find out what she thinks. travel essentials If you want to enjoy a luxury flying experience that includes a spacious carry-on suitcase The following are some examples of how to get started: comfy flats It can be day or night.

American Tourister Stratum II Expandable Hardside Carry on

Dhawan wears an American Tourister bag similar to this as part of her uniform. hardshell carry-on. The ABS material is designed to last a long time and can withstand repeated use. Dhawan says, “It is comfortable and spacious. I can fit my toiletry necessities as well as clothing for a short stopover.” The bag has many clever storage solutions including a mesh pocket with zip, a small side pocket, as well as elastic tie tapes for keeping everything in place. Customers report that they can fit as much as a week’s worth of outfitsThe weight is just 7 pounds. 

Vivaia Lightweight Square-toe Mary Jane

Madewell Straight Jeans – ’90s

Dhawan: “Comfortable clothing is a must for me.” “I always have jeans, comfortable shoes and sunglasses in my bag.” After spending up to 16-hours on their feet, flight attendants require a supportive, sturdy shoe that will allow them to explore when they leave the aircraft. They should also have easy pull-on clothes for when they take off their uniforms. These Vivaia flats They are light, so you’ll still feel comfortable on your feet after a day of walking. Dress them up for dinner, or go casual for brunch. You can choose a comfortable pair to keep on hand for almost any occasion. Madewell jeans 100% cotton pants that provide comfort, and are designed with straight legs for versatility.

The Ordinary Squalane + Amino acids Hydrating Lip Balm

Dhawan says that “good and moisturizing lip balms” are “essential as a Flight Attendant”, because airplane cabins tend to dry out the skin and lips. This multi-purpose balm from The Ordinary It’s perfect to take on a plane because it fits in your bag or personal item. You can also use it on your cuticles, elbows and other areas, in addition to lips.

Mary&May Rose Collagen Mist Serum

Dhawan says, “A big thing you should consider when flying is to keep your skin hydrated.” Cabin pressure can fluctuate wildly during lift-off and during flight. Dhawan continues, “I cannot live without moisturising mists that I use before, after, and during flights.” This Mary&Mary rose-scented mist The serum also helps keep your face feeling fresh even during landing and takeoff in dry cabin air.

Kinto Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential for staying focused and alert in the air. You can bring a water bottle you can refill before boarding or even on the plane. lightweight bottle The bottle holds 16.9 fluid ounces which is a bit more than 2 glasses of standard water. However, it still fits in your bag with no problem. Dhawan says she always keeps a water bottle with her to stay hydrated. She uses it both on flights and in hotels. 

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum

Dhawan shares that “skincare is an essential part of my daily routine.” Flight attendants often recommend a serum to hydrate your skin mid-flight. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum. This serum, which is vegan-based and contains squalane, keeps your face feeling soft without you feeling like you’re wearing a sticky masque. It’s best to pack it in a personal item that you can access easily before leaving.

Neutrogena Antioxidant Serum and Sunscreen

Dhawan believes that it is important to wear sunscreen when flying. This is true regardless of flight duration, the time of year or if I am sitting next to a window. UV rays can be more intense higher up. Find a sunscreen that is suitable for your skin, like this oil-free UVA/UVB Protection. Neutrogena sunscreen and serum It is also highly hydrating. Be sure to remove all makeup before using this product on a long flight.

Beats Wireless Earbuds Noise-cancelling

Dhawan says he can’t fly without them “because I like listening to Bollywood music!” These Beats Wireless Noise-canceling Earbuds You can use the Transparency mode to listen while still being aware of what’s happening around you. Transparency is another option if you’d like to be able to listen and still keep an eye on what’s going on around. These earbuds can last up to 36-hours, which is enough time for your flight as well as your return flight.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter Each week, we will send you a selection of our favorite travel products.