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Travel Items Flight Attendants Actually Use

From noise-canceling earplugs to portable steamers, these flight attendant-recommended items could make your trip more seamless.

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15 Travel Items Flight Attendants Actually Use
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Flight attendants are some of the best experts on travel gear. When your job commute spans three time zones, the average travel gear just won't cut it. Beyond just packing for vacation, flight attendants are packing for a lifestyle that includes unpredictable schedules and the need for high-altitude comfort. They’re also prioritizing items that are durable, multifunctional and compact enough to fit in a galley storage bin without a struggle.

From the secret to looking fresh after a red-eye flight to tools that help you pack more effectively, the following items are the results of thousands of logged miles and countless hours of trial and error. This list may also include items you’ve never thought of before, like a perfume atomizer to bring along your favorite scents or a portable travel steamer for a quick outfit refresh heading out to dinner. If you’re looking to upgrade your travel gear, we talked to two flight attendants, Sejal Patel and Anne Cuff, each with over a decade of experience, about 15 travel items they actually use.

For those long-haul flights, Patel recommends these Olly Sleep Gummies to help you relax and get some much-needed rest before the plane lands. “These are great for when your body has no idea what time zone it’s in,” Patel says. “When I’m traveling, I’ll take one at the start of a long flight to get some sleep.”

If you have a hard time blocking out noise on a plane, consider trying these noise-reducing Loop Switch 2 Adjustable earplugs. “These noise-reducing headphones are the essentials you never knew you needed,” Patel says. “I also carry these in my purse for concerts or when I’m feeling overstimulated.” These top-rated earplugs come in four colors and include four silicone ear tips so you can customize them to fit your ears.

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If you’re looking for a convenient carry-all that can go from the plane to the beach, Cuff loves this Aloha Collection Day Tripper Tote Bag. “I’ve traveled with this bag since 2020 because it’s lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and keeps all of my essentials beautifully organized,” she says. The splash-proof tote has a zippered top, an exterior zippered pocket, and comes in several vibrant colors.

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If you want to get some shut-eye on the plane (and wake up still looking refreshed), Cuff swears by these MIZON Under Eye Patches. “Early mornings, long duty days, and changing time zones can show up under your eyes, and these help me look refreshed, bright and camera-ready no matter where I land,” she says. The under-eye patches come in a 60-pack and promise to help with puffy eyes and dark circles.

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Bid farewell to the chaos of an overstuffed suitcase and the frustration of rummaging through layers of clothes to find your essentials. Instead, Patel recommends investing in the Bagail Compression Packing Cubes to streamline packing. “These packing cubes help you stay organized,” Patel says. “And they’ll save you some space, too.” They also come in over 20 colorways, so you can match them to your favorite luggage.

If you’d like to make sure that you can track your luggage (especially if you have a connection), Cuff says her Apple AirTag is one of her go-to travel items. “After decades of travel, having real-time luggage tracking gives me peace of mind, especially during days when I have multiple flights,” she says. The AirTags come in a pack of four and are easy to set up with an iPhone or iPad.

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If you’re going to be spending a lot of time on your feet, Patel recommends slipping a few of these Dr. Scholl’s Foot Masks into your carry-on. “After a full day of walking or working, your feet will thank you,” Patel says. “It’s like an Epsom salt bath without the tub.” Once you get to your hotel, you can slip on a pair of these sock-like masks that gently heat up for immediate relief and leave your feet moisturized.

If you want to take your vitamin regimen on the go, consider getting the MEACOLIA Travel Pill Organizer. “This is great for vitamins, medications or even contact lenses,” Patel explains. “It’s like having a mini pharmacy without taking up too much space.” The organizer has eight compartments, and it’s compact enough to fit into a pocket of your tote bag for easy access.

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Want to take your favorite scents on the road? The Yamadura Perfume Atomizer is TSA-compliant and fits right in your pocket. “These perfume atomizers allow me to take multiple scents on the road with me,” Patel says. Forget committing to a single signature scent for your entire trip; you can effortlessly transition from a bright citrusy scent for daytime exploring to a sultry, evening-ready scent.

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Planes are notorious for their dry cabin air, but you can combat that with a travel-size eos Shea Butter Hand Cream. “Between constant hand washing, dry cabin air and busy flying days, this keeps my hands hydrated and looking polished,” explains Cuff. Infused with long-lasting shea butter, the hand creams come in several enticing scents, such as coconut and vanilla cashmere.

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For a true “do it all” tool, this Epika Universal Travel Adaptor is great for frequent travelers, especially if you’re traveling to countries that use different eclectic sockets. “When you travel internationally as often as I do, having one adapter that works almost everywhere makes life so much easier,” Cuff says. The travel adaptor works in over 200 countries and supports five different charging ports.

If you want to feel fresh-faced after a super long flight, Cuff swears by the Mario Badescu Facial Spray. “Aircraft cabins are incredibly drying, so I keep this facial spray in my tote for an instant boost of hydration and a fresh, polished glow between flights,” she explains. Grab a travel-size bottle to keep handy for a quick spritz before landing.

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If you need to keep your linen pants and shirts wrinkle-free, or need to freshen up your work clothes for a big meeting, consider this Jack & Rose Portable Travel Steamer .“I recommend this for looking professional while you travel,” Patel says. “It steams and irons so your wrinkles never stood a chance.” The steamer weighs less than two pounds and is suitable for removing wrinkles in silk, cotton and denim.

Like many people, you may travel with your Apple smartphone, smart watch, and earpods. To reduce the number of charging cords you’ll need, Patel recommends the Hibocer 3-1 Wireless Charging Station. “This is one of my go-tos because all my devices put in work and need to be charged,” she says. “I'm also trying to minimize the number of cords and gadgets I bring.” The charger plugs into the wall, letting you charge all of your devices overnight so you’re ready for your next day’s activities.

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To keep all of your makeup and beauty products organized, Cuff recommends the Aveniee Clear Makeup Bag. “When you live out of a suitcase, being able to see everything at a glance saves time, and this keeps all of my beauty essentials beautifully organized and easy to access,” she says. The sturdy makeup bag comes in over a dozen colors and 10 convenient sizes.

Headshot of Mariette Williams

Mariette Williams is a freelance writer living in South Florida. She covers topics such as travel, culture, books, and wellness, and when she's not traveling, she's lost in a good book.

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