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Flight Attendant Must-Haves
- TSA-Friendly: Nivea Moisturizing Must-Haves Skin Care Set, $12
- Under $10: Beautail Collapsible Water Bottle, $8
- Cozy and Chic: Trendy Queen Zip-Up Hoodie, $27 (was $40)
- One Charger to Power Them All: Veger All-in-One Portable Charger, $30
- No More Numb Butt: Cushy Tushy Foldable Travel Seat Cushion, $49
I think of myself as a careful packer, especially when it comes to flights. I can spend hours strategizing how to pack without overpacking. Yet despite all that planning, I always manage to regret packing certain items, especially in my carry-on—the bag with the least room for error.
To hone my carry-on packing strategy, I tapped flight attendant and life coach Aura E. Martinez for advice on items you should never pack, and the nonnegotiables you should pack instead. Whether it’s lightweight hoodies, collapsible water bottles, or portable chargers, Martinez shared her list of tried-and-true must-haves to stow in your carry-on. And I’m already rethinking future packing lists.
Must-Have Items to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag
- Trendy Queen Zip-Up Hoodie, $27 (was $40)
- Veger All-in-One Portable Charger, $30
- Nivea Moisturizing Must-Haves Skin Care Set, $12
- Cushy Tushy Foldable Travel Seat Cushion, $49
- Beautail Collapsible Water Bottle, $8
- Amazon Basics Medical Compression Stockings, $23
Don’t Pack: Bulky Pullovers
Pack Instead: Lightweight Zip-Up Hoodies
Trendy Queen Womens Zip Up Hoodie
Warm layers are a must for carry-on bags, since airport terminals and plane cabins can fluctuate in temperature. But Martinez warns against heavy sweaters or hoodies, especially ones that take up lots of space. “Don’t pack bulky pullovers that are difficult to remove in a cramped airplane seat,” she says. “Instead, pack a lightweight zip-up hoodie. A zip-up style makes it much easier to layer or remove comfortably while seated.”
Don’t Pack: Multiple Chargers
Pack Instead: One Multipurpose Charger
VEGER Portable Charger for iPhone Built in Cables and Wall Plug
“Long travel days, delays, and layovers can drain your phone battery quickly,” Martinez says. To avoid the stress of finding available outlets, Martinez always carries this portable charger. The slender power bank can charge up to four devices at once and comes with built-in cables—no more tangling or knots to take apart.
Don’t Pack: Full-Size Skincare
Pack Instead: Travel-Size Skincare
Nivea Moisturizing Skincare Set
It’s tempting to stash a full-size bottle of lotion in a carry-on, especially if your favorite lotion doesn’t come in 3.4-ounce sizes or smaller, but this can backfire in a TSA line. Not to mention, large bottles take up precious space in already-limited luggage space. “Pack a compact travel skincare set,” says Martinez, who recommends this lotion and lip balm duo. “Airplane cabins can be extremely drying, and smaller travel-sized products are much more practical and TSA-friendly.”
Don’t Pack: Bulky Comfort Accessories
Pack Instead: Foldable Travel Seat
Amazon Cushy Tushy Premium Foldable Travel Seat Cushion
When it comes to comfort, Martinez always packs this foldable travel seat instead of a bulky travel pillow. “It can make a noticeable difference in comfort without overcrowding your bag,” Martinez says. This one “can attach to the outside of your carry-on using a luggage strap,” she explains. The seat is filled with memory foam to keep your bottom from getting numb, and it folds in half for easy transport.
Don’t Pack: Large Tumblers
Pack Instead: Collapsible Water Bottle
Beautail Collapsible Water Bottle
If you bring a giant tumbler everywhere you go, Martinez recommends leaving it at home for flights. It takes up lots of room in a carry-on or even in your personal item, and it’s wasted space once the tumbler is empty. “You can pack it empty through security and refill it once you’re inside the terminal, which makes it easy to stay hydrated during the flight without taking up extra space in your carry-on,” says Martinez. This silicone bottle is less than 3 inches tall when collapsed, so you’ll have no problem stashing it when empty.
Don’t Pack: Regular Socks
Pack Instead: Compression Socks
Amazon Basics Medical Compression Stockings
“Don’t skip compression socks on long flights,” advises Martinez, who says compression socks are popular among fellow flight attendants. “Many travelers overlook them entirely, but compression socks can help support circulation and reduce leg discomfort during extended periods of sitting.” Shoppers praise this best-selling pair for staying put without sacrificing comfort.
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Read the original article on Real Simple
