FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ARE THE MVPS OF TRAVELING AND HERE ARE 24 THINGS THEY SWEAR BY
1. A pair of 3-inch Clarks heels that'll make you look super professional on all of your business trips, and thanks to their amazing cushioned insole, you'll feel like you're walking on clouds while navigating airport lines and security checkpoints. The sleek design pairs with any outfit, from sharp business suits to casual workwear.
Promising review: "I've been wearing these heels every day for work as a flight attendant for the last year and a half. I do get them shined and polished in the airport every few months or so. They are by far my favorite pair of heels for work. I always get questions from other FAs asking if they are comfortable and my answer is always, 'After breaking them in for the first week or two so the leather stretches a bit, yes!' If you are a flight attendant looking at these heels I will say to buy half a size larger than you normally would because you will swell with the constant elevation changes and just in general as the day goes on." —Ashton
Get them from Amazon for $45.05+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, including half sizes and wide options, and two colors, although not all sizes are available in all colors).
2. A sturdy, lightweight pill organizer equipped with eight compartments to keep all of your medications sorted in one compact case without having to squeeze bulky pill bottles into your carry-on.
Promising review: "Flight attendant–approved! These pill containers are simply amazing! The latch and seal on them is very secure due to its rubber gasket around the inside. I put my daily medications in each of the six smaller compartments on one side and then use the larger two containers for vitamins and supplements. I keep this in my tote bag for work and I am not concerned at all about it opening. I can’t tell you how many times some of the other pill boxes I used have opened up, tossing prescription medications into the smallest corners of my bag. Well-designed and well-executed!" —Christina S.
Get it from Amazon for $5.97+ (available in five colors).
3. A pocket-size, refillable travel perfume atomizer — you can pump perfume directly into it from your full-sized bottle. Now you won't have to risk TSA telling you to toss your brand-new (and expensive) Kayali fragrance.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly loves this thing: "^ That's me pumping my signature perfume into one of these travel atomizers I've been using for about a year. As the reviewer down below mentions, it's great to just throw in your purse on the reg for a fragrance re-up throughout the day. As you can see, it's about the size of my thumb and therefore takes up very little room. Plus! It's smaller than most rollerball travel fragrances you can pick up. This first one is working so well, that I just have the other three in storage. But if this one bites the dust this summer during travels, I'll be OK about digging into my stores to use one of the remaining three...especially at this price point."
Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant and I got these to save space in my bag. They work great, refill easily, and hold probably about a week or more worth of perfume." —Tiffany Courter
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $6.99.
4. A comfy, ergonomic Trtl neck pillow because even though you're packed on a plane like a can of sardines, that doesn't mean you should have to compromise your sleep. This neck pillow helps keep your head upright so you don't arrive at your destination exhausted and with an achy neck. This will also prevent you from nodding off on your neighbor, ensuring everyone can enjoy their flight in peace!
It also easily attaches to backpacks and luggage handles (see the photo on the right), weighs less than half a pound, and is machine-washable!
Promising review: "This is the best travel pillow ever. As a flight attendant, I travel all the time. This makes getting stuck in a middle seat palatable. I’ve used this in cars, planes, trains, etc; it's great. In fact my sister was so jealous on our last trip to Italy that she kept trying to steal it off me. Ordered her one for Christmas." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $64.99 (available in three colors and another style that's more breathable).
5. A luggage drink caddy to ensure your beloved sugar cookie latte is secured to your wheeled luggage as you dash to your gate. The caddy also features two extra pockets to hold your in-flight snacks, hand sanitizer, phone charger, and anything else you might want to keep within arm's reach while on the go.
Reviewers say it's ideal for a suitcase that can roll on four wheels! If you have a suitcase that has to tilt while it rolls, just be careful if the drinks are open at the top.
Promising reviews: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, when it’s my turn to check my passport and ticket, the coffee cup fell to the ground and coffee sprinkled. It was a nightmare! This time I bought this cup holder, and it did do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." —Philip
"Great tool to keep your hands free. I’m a flight attendant and I love this, especially the [hook and loop fastened] 'quick detachment.' It’s the best! I had one before that just stretched over the handle and it was a PAIN! This one is great. There’s room for two large drinks and a slim pocket for phone or wallet. Many people see it and ask where I got my clever little caddy!" —Debra G
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 27 colors and other styles).
6. A TSA-friendly toiletries set ready to carry all of your essentials like shampoo, body wash, and lotion without having to worry about TSA tossing them. The set also comes with pre-printed labels so you'll know exactly what's what, keeping you prepared and organized.
The set includes a zippered bag, four soft silicone bottles with leakproof caps, three compact jars, and two toothbrush caps.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly owns and loves this set. She writes: "I've used this set on more than five trips and and for trips when I don't require body wash or shampoo (like to visit my parents), I use the extra room in the bag to shove in all my beauty products and daily contacts. Plus! It comes with labels that stay on the containers really well despite my thoroughly washing these containers between trips. I bought this set in spring 2019 and have, admittedly, lost a container or two. But the ones that I've held onto over dozens of trips have all held up well!"
Promising review: "If it wasn’t for me forgetting them in the hotels, I wouldn’t have to buy more. This is my third set and I love these things! I’m a flight attendant and these are easy to fill, use, and pack!" —Raena Hill
Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in six variations).
7. A lightweight, compact, and high-speed Anker portable charger that'll be a lifesaver when you're waiting for your Uber to arrive, but you've just spent an hour trying to get the perfect shot of the Sydney Opera House and now your phone battery is at a mere 10%. This mighty charger is capable of charging smartphones lightning fast when in a pinch.
This highly rated slim option holds about 2.25 charges for iPhone 12, 1.6 charges for Galaxy S20, and 1.2 charges for iPad Mini 5 and comes with a micro USB cable (to charge the charger) and a travel pouch.
Promising review: "Very handy! I’m a flight attendant and travel a lot. This has come in handy on the airplane and in the airport. Perfect size and lightweight." —Rae
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four styles).
8. An unassuming luggage strap — it might not look like much, but you can use it to strap your coat or personal bag to your luggage so you don't have to carry it around, freeing your hands to grab a cup of coffee from Dunkin'.
Promising review: "Definitely what I needed for my luggage as a flight attendant. Very heavy duty and perfect for me. Works great with my extra luggage and lunch bag to hang on my suitcase. Thank you so much. Will definitely buy again." —Mary
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in six colors and in packs of two).
9. A carry-on-friendly travel Gillette Venus razor ensuring you stay on top of your body care routine without compromising quality *or* precious room in your carry-on.
It comes with one handle and one blade refill! It'll also fit any Venus blade refill.
Promising reviews: "I am a flight attendant, and space is limited in my bag. This is a great product for your travel bag." —Caitlin Hemphill
"I got this for a vacation and it was great! The little carrying container is awesome, and keeps you from having a weird, loose razor floating around in your suitcase. Plus, the heads are the same as a regular-sized razor, so you can keep using it when that one is worn out!" —Tegan H
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a two-pack).
10. An Apple AirTag tracker tile for keeping a keen eye on your luggage because you've heard too many horror stories of airlines losing bags. This little device can attach to your belongings and help you keep track of them using the "Find My" app on your phone so you don't become the next victim.
When an item's misplaced, the app will make the attached AirTag beep until it's found. You can also attach it to your wallet, keys, pets, and more.
Promising review: "These are definitely worth the money. I put one in my flight attendant bag when ever I have to check it. I put one on my dog and the other on my keys. I was very impressed and surprised by how easy they were to set up. I would definitely invest in these if you have a child. There are keychains you can put them in and put them on their backpacks. 10/10 from me for these!" —Micky D
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $79.99.
11. A Weleda lotion if you want to avoid that dry airplane air turning your skin into a raisin. This cult-fave lotion is called “Skin Food” for a reason: It’s basically a feast for your skin, packed with soothing chamomile, nourishing sunflower seed oil, and restorative calendula to leave your skin softer and more radiant. Now you can look and feel your best, even at 30,000 feet!
You can use it on your face and all over your body!
Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and this is my go-to hand cream! It is a little greasy when you first start rubbing it in, but it absorbs quickly and that along with the smell (a bit medicinal) dissipates before you know it. It doesn't take much of this at all. I purchased this for the first time at a local health food store and paid over $20! This is a GREAT deal! So excited to find such a great price here on Amazon! I haven't tried the other scents yet because I am happy with this one. You can't go wrong with this hand cream. I rub a little on my tired feet at the end of the day as well, and trust me I have tired feet after being on them for 14 plus hours. This stuff works great for this as well. Win Win Weleda!" —Lauren
Get it from Amazon for $17.01 (also available in a multipack).
12. A popular, versatile off-the-shoulder jumpsuit — it's comfy enough to wear on the plane but still chic enough for any event you might have to attend as soon as you land. No wonder it has over 35,000 5-star ratings!
Promising review: "It is a favorite among our flight attendant group when we are traveling. We call ourselves the sisterhood of the traveling jumpsuit! I absolutely love it, it’s comfortable, inexpensive, easy one piece, dress up or dress down. I add a belt and it’s perfect! I am planning to purchase more colors!" —Floridagirl0611
Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in women's sizes S–3X and 38 colors/patterns).
13. A portable door lock for instant added security when traveling alone, or just to limit the number of "what if" scenarios in your mind. This easy-to-install lock simply slips onto the door latch for peace of mind.
Note: This can get flagged while going through security, so you may want to put it in an easily accessible place in your checked bag to be safe.
Promising review: "My best guy friend bought this for me and I love it. I’m a flight attendant and am in hotels 4–5 nights a week. Sometimes the 'locks' just don’t feel sturdy enough. This device gives me an extra layer of security and allows me to sleep at night. I keep it in my flight bag." —Emilia Duren
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in packs of two and four).
14. An electronics organizer to keep your wired earphones, various chargers, and other accessories neat and easy to find so that you aren't digging through a jumbled mess.
Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and I LOVE this organizer! I keep my iPad, passport, cords, paperwork, and hand sanitizer in here. It keeps me organized! Definitely recommend to anyone who travels and needs to keep organized." —amazonislife
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in four colors and two sizes).
15. A resealable travel-size pack of antibacterial wipes so you can give that airplane seat a quick once-over and breathe easy knowing they kill 99.99% of germs.
16. A weighted sleep mask ready to help you drift off into dreamland faster than you can say, "Jet lag who?" This light-blocking mask will help you rest so that by the time you land at your destination, you won't be a puffy-eyed zombie.
17. A mini steamer to rescue your clothes after they've been tightly packed in your carry-on. It's a total game changer for those last-minute outfit touch-ups before you head out, and it'll fit neatly in your suitcase without taking up much space!
This mini steamer heats up in about 90 seconds and steams continuously for 15 minutes before needing to be refilled.
Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant and I’ve always disliked ironing since I’m always on the go at the last minute. Love this steamer because it’s quick and easy! Can take it with me in my suitcase." —Antoinette
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
18. A mini lightweight flat iron letting you straighten your hair just the way you like it, no matter where you are. It’s compact enough to fit in your carry-on, yet powerful enough to tackle even the frizziest of hair days. Plus, its quick heat-up time means you can spend more time enjoying your vacay and less time fussing with your hair.
It also comes with a heat-resistant pouch for easy carrying!
Promising review: "This fits perfectly in my toiletries travel bag that I take with me as a flight attendant. Anything that comes in a small size and still works well is perfect for me." —Kathy S
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three colors).
19. A jewelry organizer capable of keeping all your dainty chains and elaborate earrings organized and tangle-free so that you can *actually* wear them with all your vacay fits.
Promising review: "I am a flight attendant and am away from home for long periods at a time. This is perfect for traveling! It fits so many things, bracelets, necklaces, SO many earrings, rings, etc. that you will not have to worry about leaving behind your favorite pieces of jewelry because they don't fit. I looked at many other travel jewelry holders before and this one is the best because it packs so much yet isn't bulky. Honestly this is like my fifth bag from Bagsmart and I just love everything they have." —Hope Ayala
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and 12 colors).
20. A compact, carry-on friendly portable espresso maker so you can whip up that caffeinated goodness no matter where in the world you are.
It lets you use Nespresso pods and is totally hand-operated, with no battery or electricity needed.
Promising review: "I'm a flight attendant so I travel a lot and spent a lot of money on coffee when I wasn’t home with my Nespresso machine. This has been a GAME CHANGER. Very easy to use and clean. Very travel-friendly!" —Rikki
Get it from Amazon for $54.90 (and here are some Nespresso pods to go with it).
21. A practical and beautiful collapsible coffee cup designed to take up barely any space in your personal bag when flying, so you can always have your cup of joe without lugging around a clunky thermos.
It's also microwave-safe! Note that the 12-ounce size does not include a straw, but both the 16-ounce and 24-ounce sizes do.
Stojo is a small biz founded by three New York dads who wanted a better way to get their convenient coffee fix without all the waste. Now they make stylish collapsible essentials in a variety of sizes and colors, including bottles and food storage containers.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Danielle Healy has this and loves it. She writes: "This is of the first zero-waste swaps I made and I've never looked back. If you buy to-go coffee – whether you're jet-setting or just grabbing a mid-day pick-me-up — this cup is a must-have. So long as you remember to bring it, it's all the convenience of to-go coffee with none of the waste. It's leakproof and, when you're all done, it collapses down teeny tiny and can be tossed back in your bag. Oh! And it comes with a straw, so all you iced coffee lovers can get in on the action, too."
Promising review: "I love this cup — I am very glad I decided to get one as being a flight attendant I don't always find paper cups in the hotel rooms and ewwww, don't always want to have to clean a mug in the room. Having this is great! I like that it comes with a holder much like the cardboard ring that coffee shops provide — I always use it and it helps the cup be extra sturdy!" —AuthorEP
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in five sizes and in 24 colors).
22. A pair of anti-nausea wristbands if you're someone who suffers from motion sickness and knows how much it can ruin your travel experience. These little bands apply acupressure to a specific point on your wrist, helping to relieve nausea without needing to carry around bottles of medication.
To use, put them on *both* wrists. They help with nausea related to motion sickness, morning sickness, migraines, cramps, and more.
Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising reviews: "FLIGHT ATTENDANT–APPROVED! They work. In my experience, 100% of the time." —Jessica
"I was skeptical about these but I was quickly all about them when I put them on. I get really motion sick when flying but this weekend I did not get motion sick at all during a four hour flight! I was even able to read my book for a while on the plane without sickness! I have never been able to do that before. I love these and they are now a must-have whenever I travel again. 10/10." —Rosse
Get a pair from Amazon for $7.85 (available in four colors; also available in a pack of two and in children's sizes).
23. A USB-chargeable mini handheld fan to be your personal breeze machine during those stuffy long flights. You can either hold it right in your hand or perch it on the tray table to send waves of cool air your way.
Promising review: "This is the best little fan ever! Three speeds of pure bliss! I’m a flight attendant and it gets very hot on the aircraft. This little dynamo works great. You can hold it in your hand or set it to stand hands free. It folds up to easily fit in your hand bag. Recharges quickly. Perfect for hot flashes also. Worth every penny!!!" —Mary C. Jones
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
24. A genius zipper puller if you frequently travel alone — now you won't have to twist into a pretzel while trying to zip up the back of your favorite dress! Just imagine the freedom of wearing anything you want without needing an extra set of hands.
Promising reviews: "I am a flight attendant. Our uniform dresses are so hard to zip up in a hotel room when you are by yourself. This is the best. It works wonderfully and is great quality. I would recommend this to anyone who isn't a contortionist. Excellent product!!!!!" —L. ward
"This thing is great! If you have issues with the puller disconnecting, head to the directions, because you probably aren't hooking it up correctly (I know this from experience). Zipuller saves my life on a weekly basis." —MoniqueRamsey
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in three colors/patterns).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.