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Fly smarter—not harder—with these simple, flight-attendant–approved travel hacks.
Flying, for me, has become an Olympic sport. Not too long ago, I was that girl without TSA PreCheck or a frequent flyer account—despite traveling often for work. While I strive to be Type A in most areas of my life, I can never quite get it together at the airport (I’ve lost my passport more than once). I’m either wildly early or cutting it too close, and once I’m on the plane, I never feel quite productive—or relaxed—enough.
So when I had the chance to chat with two veteran Southwest Airlines flight attendants—Deborah Stembridge, one of the airline’s original flight attendants who has been flying for an impressive 54 years, and Aimee Shaw, who’s been with Southwest since 2014—I asked them the obvious question: What’s the secret to getting better at flying?
Here’s what they revealed.
Always Order This Drink
If you’re hoping for something splashy, sorry: The drink you should always order is water (womp).
“It is our most popular drink,” says Stembridge. “Working in the sky, hydration is key.” Shaw agrees, noting that staying hydrated is one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of flying comfortably. She never leaves home without an empty reusable water bottle to fill after security. It may not be exciting, but if two flight attendants agree, it’s worth listening.
Book the First Flight of the Day
Want to reduce your chances of delays? Both attendants swear by early departures.
“The best time to fly is first thing in the morning,” says Stembridge. Getting out early helps you avoid the ripple effect of delays that build throughout the day. Shaw echoes that advice, adding that fewer disruptions typically mean a smoother, less stressful start to your trip.
As for the best time of year to travel, both recommend shoulder season—spring and fall—when you’ll find lighter crowds and generally pleasant weather.
Make Your Luggage Easy to Spot (and Track)
Lost luggage anxiety is real—but there are ways to minimize it.
Stembridge suggests adding something distinctive to your bag. “Our bags are black,” she says, so a colorful tag or identifying detail makes yours easier to spot on the carousel. She’s also a fan of using an AirTag—and notes that Southwest offers luggage tracking via its website.
Shaw agrees: If you’re checking a bag, use a tracker and add fun, noticeable tags. She personally prefers to travel with a carry-on when possible—and I have to agree. There’s nothing worse than landing at your destination without your essentials.
Choose the Window Seat for Better Sleep
Trying to rest on a plane? Seat choice matters.
Stembridge recommends snagging a window seat so you have something to lean against—and fewer disruptions from seatmates getting up. Shaw has a more fully equipped routine: She swears by her Trtl travel pillow for better neck support, plus noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, and a blanket when traveling for fun.
Stembridge’s more minimalist suggestion? Bring a “dull book.” Sometimes boredom is the best sleep aid.
Pack Smart Snacks (and Don’t Forget Lip Balm)
When it comes to in-flight snacks, both attendants plan ahead.
Stembridge keeps it simple with sliced apples and a squeeze of lemon. Shaw opts for healthy, nonperishable options like protein bars, turkey jerky, clementines, rice cakes, and apples.
Dry cabin air also means beauty essentials are a must. Stembridge always carries a moisturizing lip product, while Shaw packs hydrating eye drops (she loves Lumify) to combat redness and dryness after long days of flying. A rich lip mask is another staple.
Related: I Visited 11 Countries in 2025, and These 10 Travel Must-Haves Come With Me Everywhere
Be Considerate With Your Beauty Routine
Yes, people really do full skincare routines at 35,000 feet. TBH, I always sneak on a mini tweezer and use the bright window light to discreetly pluck sneaky chin hairs.
Shaw has noticed more passengers using sheet masks and eye patches on longer flights—and even doing elaborate regimens midair. Stembridge has seen passengers give themselves manicures.
Their gentle reminder? Be courteous to your seatmates. What feels like self-care to you may feel invasive in a tight shared space. (For me, eye patches feel like a safe bet.)
Get to the Airport Earlier Than You Think
When it comes to airport arrival time, both attendants err on the side of caution.
Stembridge’s rule: Two hours minimum. “I hate to be worried,” she says.
Shaw recommends checking your airline’s policies and factoring in whether you’re checking a bag—but emphasizes arriving early enough that your vacation doesn’t start with stress.
Enjoy Sweet Sky Moments
Of course, after decades in the air, it’s not just tips they’ve collected—it’s memories.
Stembridge says she’s especially moved by Honor Flights transporting military veterans to see memorials in Washington, D.C. “It’s just a plane full of stories,” she says.
Shaw once worked a wedding in the air—an experience she describes as uniquely joyful, bringing strangers together to celebrate love at cruising altitude.
After 54 years in the sky, Stembridge has seen just about everything. But her advice—and Shaw’s—proves that better travel doesn’t require elite status or complicated hacks. Sometimes, it’s as simple as booking the earliest flight, tagging your suitcase, hydrating, and choosing a boring book.
Read the original article on Real Simple
