If you want to pack like a flight attendant, think less about “just in case” and more about “just right.” With over 60 countries under my belt as a flight attendant, photographer, and travel writer, I’ve learned the art of packing light the hard way—by dragging unused clothes across continents. After thousands of flights and countless adventures, I’ve fine-tuned my travel essentials to help you pack smart, travel light, and embrace the journey with ease. Whether I’m flying to a cliffside in Portugal, stargazing at a remote glamping site in Utah, or wandering sun-drenched Balinese beaches, these are the items I never leave home without.
Start With Smart Luggage
To pack like a flight attendant, you need the right foundation—a bag that fits in every airline’s size sizer without question. My go-to is 21-inch non-spinning Travelpro suitcase: lightweight, structured, expandable, and built to glide effortlessly through airports. It’s crew-tested, which means it lasts far beyond a couple of trips. I’ve had mine for many years, and I’m on the road at least 15 days a month. I don’t need a “smart” suitcase with flashy extras—I just need one that fits in every overhead bin so I never have to check my luggage. It’s compact, reliable, and tough enough to handle cobblestone streets, taxis, and baggage compartments without skipping a beat. Now that’s my definition of smart.
For carry-ons, I rely on the COR Surf Travel Backpack, a lightweight, water-resistant bag that opens like a suitcase. It keeps everything organized and doubles as a sleek daypack once I land. I’ll be honest—I can’t stand packing and unpacking from the top of a backpack. It’s awkward, things get buried, and I end up digging through it like a bottomless pit. Trust me, that’s one mistake you only make once or twice.
What I Bring for Long Travel Days
A good book. It sets the mood before you even reach your destination. Not just a kindle, a real page-turning book. You’ll catch me reading books about women of different cultures, like the White Masai by Corinne Hofmann, or a Lonely Planet guidebook for the country where I’m headed.
I also carry a leather journal, because travel changes you and always inspires moments you don’t want to forget. I love how the leather softens and develops character over time—it feels like a trusted companion on every trip.
I never rely in-flight Wi-Fi. I’ve seen too many times it doesn’t work and people are left stranded with nothing to do. Instead, I download documentaries based on real life stories, like The Rescue, on my iPad and books on my Kindle app before boarding.
Comfort Essentials
Eye Mask Head Holder
A seat-friendly eye mask and head holder that wraps over the seat back turns red-eyes into actual rest. No more bobbing heads or broken sleep. This is the one I’ve purchased most recently.
Mini Hot Water Bottle
This humble essential, a mini hot water bottle, brings cozy warmth to icy airplane cabins, tents, or boutique stays. Flight attendants will gladly fill it for you. Did you know? Cabins are intentionally kept cool to prevent passengers from passing out.)
Noise-Canceling Gear
A Bose noise-canceling headset (or earplugs if you pack light) transforms any seat into your own quiet sanctuary. It’s not just a suggestion, it’s a must!
Toiletry Essentials
Skip the hotel shampoo. – I am personally very picky about smells, and I love my Pureology products. I bring them in TSA-friendly silicone bottles—no leaks, no surprises.
Carry a collapsible refillable water bottle and Nuun hydrating supplements for long flights. And if you have a sensitive stomach, don’t forget ginger chews or pills—lifesavers for winding mountain roads, choppy ferries, or turbulent skies.
I swear by Sacred Ritual Glow, an organic face oil I use morning and night. It keeps my skin deeply hydrated, and the subtle earthy scent instantly grounds me wherever I am. I decant it into a small glass dropper under 3 ounces, so TSA never has a reason to take it away from me.
Note: For shaving, hair conditioner works beautifully as a pH-balanced alternative to shaving cream.
Staying Organized
You don’t need a dozen gadgets—just thoughtful choices.
A passport/document holder with RFID blocking and a hidden Airtag slot keeps identity theft at bay. The Airtag will help you track it down if it gets stolen!
Slim money belts or sling bags deter pickpockets in busy cities. I love the cross-body bag from Athleta.
Personalized stainless steel luggage tags make spotting your bag easy when every other suitcase is black.
Adventure-Ready Extras
Travel wear is a quiet hero. My favorite piece is a one-piece, non-wrinkling, comfortable outfit that moves with me from gate to glamping site. Flight attendants swear by this $24 jumpsuit that went viral before being featured in The Strategist. It’s stylish, comfortable, and packs down to almost nothing—ideal for stepping off a flight ready for anything.
Flight attendants always pack a swimsuit in our carry-on. Hidden hot springs, rooftop pools, or a quick dip before check-in always seem to find me.
A lightweight Turkish blanket, like SandCloud, is my secret multitasker —beach towel, chic sarong, airplane wrap, scarf on crisp mornings, or a picnic blanket under the stars.
A backup phone charger is non-negotiable. I love slim, credit-card power banks that slip into the smallest sling bag.
Korean face masks are my mid-journey luxury. They hydrate your skin on long flights or create a mini spa moment before bed.
For beauty basics, I keep it simple: Ogee contour sticks, Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash mascara, Laneige lip mask, and eye drops. Cabins are dry, and travel demand a little self-care.
Camera Tips
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about how to pack like a flight attendant and photographer, it’s that I always want to bring a professional camera—but traveling with bulky lenses just isn’t practical. I prefer to carry light, and that includes my camera equipment. My top recommendations are the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III and Sony Alpha a6400. Both are compact, powerful, and perfect for those moments when your cell phone just doesn’t quite deliver.
Final Thoughts and Packing Pro Tips
To pack like a flight attendant is to pack with purpose. It’s about intention over excess, ease over chaos, and style without the weight. These travel essentials—tested over thousands of flights—keep me grounded, comfortable, and ready for whatever the journey brings.
These aren’t just products I use—they’re ones I genuinely love and stand behind. I believe in them so much that I’ve partnered with some of these brands as an affiliate, so if you decide to purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission.
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