The must-have travel essential no flight attendant carries onboard

The Art of Traveling Like a Pro

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. For those who have spent time in the aviation industry, there's a unique perspective on how to make the most of any journey. Marcus Daniels, a former flight attendant who worked for five years, has shared his insights into surviving economy travel and what he considers essential when packing for a trip.

Mindful Packing is Key

One of the most important tips from Marcus is to be very mindful of what you bring onboard. He emphasizes that overpacking can create unnecessary stress for both the traveler and others around them. “There's nothing worse than being the last passenger onboard, opening up all the lockers and realizing there's no space to put your bag,” he said.

Marcus prefers to keep things simple. He only brings a small roller bag and a side bag that can fit under the seat in front of him. This approach not only saves space but also reduces the chaos that often accompanies long-haul flights. He even avoids bringing a pillow or a large jacket, as they take up valuable room and aren’t always necessary.

The Pillow Dilemma

Despite the comfort they offer, Marcus advises travelers to think twice before packing a neck pillow. “For me, it's really uncomfortable. It takes a lot of space, and it's the same for people who bring pillows onboard,” he explained. “If you're in economy, you're really squashed like this.” While some may find a pillow essential, Marcus believes that it's better to adapt to the environment rather than add extra items that could cause inconvenience.

Prioritizing Personal Care

Although he’s no longer working as a flight attendant, Marcus still values self-care, especially when it comes to skin health. “Being cabin crew really taught me to take care of myself— including my skin,” he said. He makes sure to hydrate his skin with an Avene thermal mist, moisturizer, and sunscreen because of the high levels of radiation at altitude. Throughout the flight, he spritzes his face with the mist to maintain hydration.

Hygiene and Awareness

Since transitioning to an IT job during the pandemic, Marcus has noticed that hygiene and personal space have become more important to passengers. “People appreciate self-awareness and when you think about the collective consciousness of everyone onboard,” he said. He mentioned a specific example where a man from the Middle East asked to be moved because the woman next to him had her legs crossed and bare feet pointed at him, which is considered rude in his culture. “You just need to be aware of everyone and considerate.”

Staying Healthy on the Go

Marcus also shared tips for avoiding the dreaded pre-holiday cold. “A lot of people find they get sick after flights. Ultimately, we're in an enclosed space with germs circulating and some of the air gets recycled,” he said. To stay healthy, he uses alcohol sanitizing wipes at the airport and sanitizes his seat, the seatbelt, and the table before sitting down.

Understanding the Role of Flight Attendants

Lastly, Marcus reminded travelers that flight attendants are doing their best. “Everyone tends to think of being cabin crew as this dream job. Some people try for so long to become flight attendants and it's not until they're on a plane that they realize it's not glamorous,” he said. While the job can be tough and not always as glamorous as it seems, there are moments that make it all worthwhile. “Then there will be these times, I called them magic moments, when you get to make a passenger's day or someone will give you a box of chocolates. It reminds us we are appreciated and helps fix all the negative stuff.”