EVER wondered the tips and tricks that cabin crew have picked up along the way as they travel the world for a living?
After all, no one knows the ins and outs of travelling smart better than cabin crew.
From reusable fashion choices to tiny gadgets that make life on the go easier, these are the 12 essentials that cabin crew always pack.
And the best part? Some of these essentials are under £1.
Shampoo bar
Here’s a handy tip to max out your liquid items allowance.
If you’re travelling with hand luggage only, swapping out liquids for solids can make all the difference.
Read more on packing tips
Experts told Bristol Live it’s worth switching to “solid products like shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, and deodorant sticks to maximise your liquid allowance.”
Not only do they save space and hassle at airport security, but they also last longer and are spill-proof — perfect for stress-free packing.
It’s also ideal for longer trips, since one bar can last for dozens of washes.
This shampoo bar from Foamie is only 50p.
Packing cubes
Take a look inside any crew member’s luggage and you’ll almost always find this one item: packing cubes.
Packing cubes can save you a ton of extra space in your suitcase.
And if you opt for compression packing cubes, some can save you up to 60% more room!
These lightweight organisers also keep your belongings neatly separated, so you can find what you need without tearing through your suitcase.
Many frequent flyers swear by them for maximising space and keeping outfits wrinkle-free.
They’re also a lifesaver if your bag gets opened at security; everything stays tidy and contained.
Once you’ve tried them, you’ll never go back to chaotic suitcase stuffing.
This set from Primark is particularly stylish, and at only £8 you’re paying £1 per cube.
Compression socks and sleeves
Carin Ryan, with 10 years as cabin crew and six million air miles under her belt, revealed that compression sleeves are the “biggest game changer” when flying.
“Think about the extra walking, unfamiliar sleeping accommodations, and cramped airplane seats all working together to make for miserable body aches and pains on your trip” she said in Travel and Leisure.
“Circulation is your best friend in helping alleviate everything that ails you”.
Compression sleeves improve your circulation by supporting the blood flow in your body.
“Compression sleeves are great as a preventative measure or to put on after a long day exploring.”
These funky compression socks from Koala Socks look just like regular socks, and are only £8.99.
Portable kettle
Have you ever heard of a portable kettle? Well, now you have!
Flight attendant Krystal (@krystal_lilian) shared the item as one of her must-haves in a TikTok post.
“Trip is cancelled without these” she writes.
A portable kettle might sound like a niche gadget, but once you’ve travelled with one, you’ll never look back.
They’re perfect for tea or coffee lovers, guaranteeing you can have a proper cuppa wherever you are.
Hotel kettles can be questionable at best, with some travellers even using them to wash their underwear.
They’re often compact and lightweight, as many models fold down to save space in your luggage and boil just enough water for one or two cups.
It’s also a great option for campers, road trippers, or anyone who likes the comfort of a hot drink before bed.
This collapsible option from Amazon is just £7.98.
Sewing kit
It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re packing, but a small sewing kit can be a real life saver.
easyJet cabin manager Dave Morris always makes sure to bring one.
“I always pack a travel sewing kit — you never know when a needle and thread will save the day,” he told Condé Nast Traveller.
“Safety pins are incredibly useful too. They can replace a broken zip pull, add extra security to a bag, or even help rethread the drawstring on a hoodie.”
Whether it’s a popped button before dinner or a torn hem in your favourite dress, bringing a sewing kit can spare you the stress of a wardrobe malfunction abroad.
Look for a compact version with needles, thread, scissors and pins – it takes up barely any space, but can fix just about anything in a pinch.
This one from Waitrose is only £4 and is a handy addition to your packing list.
Portable cutlery
Flight attendant Amy Cooper (@amycooperxoxo) listed a reusable knife and fork as part of her “crew essentials” in a post on TikTok.
Reusable travel cutlery might not sound like an essential, but it’s one of those items you’ll be thankful for time and again.
Whether you’re grabbing a supermarket salad during a layover, or picnicking on the beach – portable cutlery saves many a situation.
Most sets come neatly packed in a small case, so they won’t make a mess in your bag.
Plus they’re easy to rinse and reuse throughout your trip.
This £1.49 set from Wilko is the perfect size.
Multi-purpose scarf
Finnair cabin crew member Elina Poutanen suggests keeping it simple when packing to save yourself from overpacking.
Especially as many people now travel with cabin luggage only, it’s important to make sure that you choose the clothes you pack carefully.
“Clothes with multiple purposes are the best because you can wear them many times and for many occasions” she says.
Elina recommends “A big scarf that can be worn as a beach cover-up during the day and in the evening when it gets chilly”.
This £3.99 option from Amazon wouldn’t look amiss as a beach skirt or stylish scarf.
Travel extension lead
A travel extension lead is one of those unglamorous but genius essentials that makes travels so much easier.
Cabin crew member Heather (@onlyheather) shared this to be one her essentials with followers on TikTok.
With hotel rooms often short on plug sockets (or worse tucked behind furniture) having your own mini extension lead is a life-saver.
Being able to charge all your devices in one spot is a luxury you’ll thank yourself for later.
Many travel-friendly versions come with multiple USB ports and universal adapters, so you can power your phone, laptop, and camera all at once.
It’s especially handy for long-haul travellers juggling several gadgets or sharing a room with others.
At £3.99 from Argos, this small addition to your packing list will save you a lot of hassle.
Neck pillow
Though it seems like an obvious choice, far too many people still travel without a neck pillow.
“Neck pillows are great for long flights or any flights where you’re stuck in a middle seat” says ex-flight attendant Arina Bloom in Business Insider.
“Once you use one, you’ll never go back. It’s so much more comfortable to fall asleep — plus it saves you from accidentally waking up on your neighbor’s shoulder”.
Just make sure to buy one ahead of time to avoid expensive airport options.
This one from Flying Tiger is made of memory foam and has its own clip to attach to your luggage – and it’s only a tenner.
Mini lint roller
Virgin Atlantic crew member Sophie Firth (@sophie.firth) shared a peek inside her cabin crew topper bag with her followers on TikTok.
Sophie packs a mini lint roller, to make sure her uniform is looking spic and span at all times.
There’s nothing worse than having dust and hairs cling to your clothing, especially when needing to remain polished and presentable as possible.
A mini travel-size lint roller can be purchased for £2.89 on Amazon.
Sophie also packs a mini travel hot water bottle as she explains she is “always cold, especially in crew rest”.
Electrolytes sachet
easyJet cabin crew member Sasha Anthony (@sailwithsasha) swears by electrolyte sachets when flying.
Airplane cabins are notoriously dehydrating and the low humidity levels can leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and jet-lagged after you land.
Mixing an electrolyte sachet into your water mid-flight helps to replenish essential minerals, and keep you hydrated through the dry air and caffeine.
It’s a simple trick that keeps your energy up and your skin feeling fresher when you land.
Pop a few sachets in your bag and you’ll arrive feeling far more human – especially after a long-haul flight.
These sachets from ViDrate are 8 for £5, plenty to get you through multiple flights.
Perfume decanter
Ever wished you could bring your favourite perfume away with you, but you simply have no space for it in your luggage?
A perfume decanter is the ultimate hack for bringing your favourite scent, without lugging around a heavy bottle.
Flight attendant Nicola Findlay (@nicolafindlay_) even shared it in her “must have items” on TikTok.
“We still want to smell sweet without bringing the whole bottle” she says.
These pocket-sized bottles let you transfer a small amount of perfume into a sleek, travel-friendly container that fits easily in your hand luggage.
They help you stay within the 100ml liquid limit whilst still smelling your best.
They’re also perfect to pop in your handbag for refreshing after a long flight or before dinner.
This option from Temu is only 93p, and is easy to attach to your perfume bottle to fill up.