Get ready for takeoff! Flight attendants share their go-to travel products
With the dreary days of February in full swing, we are all wishing for a vacation. If you are one of the lucky ones who has a trip planned and booked, your mind has probably turned to your packing list as long as a CVS receipt. We talked to the people who have literally made flying their job — flight attendants — to get their expert recommendations.
Bucky 40 Blinks Eye Mask
La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Laneige Lip Mask
Hoka Mach 5
CHI Handheld Garment Steamer
Herschel Travel Organizer, set of three
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
Away The Carry-On
Cindy Kowalewski, a private flight attendant with 10 years of experience, has traveled to 100 countries including Seychelles, Myanmar, Maldives, Slovenia and many more. Valerie Fraser is an in-flight crew member, photographer and foodie who catalogs the best dishes for every layover and leisure trip on her secondary Instagram account, @flightattendantfoodie.
Now let's get ready for takeoff with their tried-and-true must-haves.
Bucky 40 Blinks Eye Mask
"My must-pack items are an inflatable neck pillow, Mack’s Dreamgirl earplugs, a big warm scarf that can double up as a blanket, and a sleeping mask. I love Bucky 40 Blinks Eye Masks, because they have molded cups, cute colors and patterns, and are so comfortable," says Kowalewski.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
"Flying can dehydrate your skin like no other, so I have to have a good lotion on hand," says Fraser. "One of my favorites is from La Roche Posay."
Laneige Lip Mask
"I always bring a hydrating lip balm when I fly. A flight attendant friend just gifted me the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, and I really like it," Kowalewski says.
Hoka Mach 5
"I always pack extra underwear in case of delays, a swimsuit for sunny destinations and a pair of leggings, so I can run downstairs at a hotel without putting on a full outfit. I also make sure to pack a comfortable pair of sneakers for walking," says Fraser.
CHI Handheld Garment Steamer
"I keep a mini steamer in my bag when I travel because hotel irons aren’t the best," Kowalewski says.
"When you’re really on the go, Panama-style hats can hide a lot of things — especially that unwashed, messy hair — and will still make your outfit look fab! Rag & Bone has an exceptional one," says Kowalewski. For a more affordable option, try Nordstrom's $39 version (It comes in four colors!).
Herschel Travel Organizer, set of three
"I really love my Herschel packing cubes. The set I have comes with a wet bag too, which is perfect for when I have a bathing suit that didn’t dry completely," Fraser says.
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
"For an everyday travel bag, I cannot live without my Longchamp. It’s waterproof — and with travel something always explodes in my purse — so it’s easy to clean up," Kowalewski says. "Be sure to pack your carry-on with possible delays or detours in mind. Bring a snack, refillable water bottle, change of clothes and a great book."
Away The Carry-On
"I love all the colors of Away luggage," says Kowalewski. "I have pink and it's easy to spot when it comes through the baggage carousal because it's unique. The lie-flat design and two compartments easily separate my clothes to stay organized."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.