13 Travel Secrets Only Flight Attendants Know

Posted on : 09/24/2018
13 Travel Secrets Only Flight Attendants Know
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Take the Philippines’ most sparsely populated region, add natural wonders such as remote tropical islands, exquisite beaches, subterranean rivers, and lush jungle, and this 434-kilometre-long archipelago’s fame among paradise-seekers makes perfect sense.
From historic citadels to snowy ski spots, these stunning small towns are brimming with beauty at every turn. Alive with culture, color and quirky features found nowhere else on Earth, we explore the marvelous mini-metropolises across the globe that are sure to leave you spellbound. Read on for our pick of the 50 most beautiful towns in the world and find out which destination is our number one.
Slide 1 of 14: Long flights can dry out your skin, so staying hydrated is key. But packing a couple of little luxuries to use while you're in the air and after you touch down will go a long way in helping to feel refreshed. 'Pack hand moisturizer and lip balm to fight high-altitude dryness,' flight attendant Heather Sanchez told Forbes. 'I always pick up some locally made lip balm at the airport shops before boarding, which also makes a great last-minute souvenir.' Next, find out the things airlines won't tell you, but every flier should know.
Slide 2 of 14: While most of us are being mindful of Mother Earth these days and trying to reduce our waste, Southwest Airlines flight attendant Holly Hansen told Women's Health that bottled water is best when flying for one very hygienic reason. 'Drink bottled water to be safe,' she said. 'The storage tanks for the jet's tap water are difficult to thoroughly clean, and studies show bacteria like E. coli can linger in them. Skip coffee and tea—some airlines make it from that H2O. The ice is OK, though; it's catered.'
Slide 3 of 14: Hey, flight attendants don't want to survive on airport food, either. When they're looking for the best eats in whichever city they find themselves in for an extended period of time, they hit the Internet with a couple of specific keywords to zero in on the top spots. To instantly find the best of the best, google the name of your city plus 'Food Network,' recommends one savvy flight attendant.
Slide 4 of 14: Those bag check fees are for the birds, but one clever flight attendant says there is actually a way to duck and dodge the cost of stowing your luggage, and it has nothing to do with stuffing it in an overhead compartment. 'If you want to take your luggage into the airplane and not pay for check baggage fees, take your bags to the gate and just say you are willing to check your luggage at the gate to free up space. The gate attendant will almost always check it free of charge.' Don't miss these other things your flight attendant won't tell you.
Slide 5 of 14: First-class fliers, particularly ones who find themselves frequenting American Airlines, this is for you. 'If you want your first choice of meals in First Class, book your seat in the first two rows when going north to south or east to west,' advises one flight attendant, who wants to remain anonymous. 'If going west to east or south to north sit in the last two rows of first class.' Now that you know what to do, here are 18 things you should never do on an airplane.
Slide 6 of 14: And not just your clothes—we're talking nutrition. When faced with the options available at the airport, you may not necessarily have the will power to say yes to something that's actually good for you. 'Healthy trip snacks: nuts, some small chocolate bites, dried fruit, instant organic oatmeal, and fresh berries,' suggests a flight attendant with Alerion Aviation. 'It's very easy to grab junk snacks when you're tired.'
Slide 7 of 14: Flight attendants are constantly on the move, and chances are they're entering different time ones on the regular. This attendant prefers a natural solution to the lethargic feeling so much travel can often leave behind. 'When we cross several time zones jet lag can be brutal. I found a homeopathic supplement that works for me. It's called No Jet Lag,' she says. Here are more easy tricks to help you get over jet lag.
Slide 8 of 14: Fear of flying is very real and can be paralyzing for some. If this applies to you, try this visualization technique utilized by some flight attendants to help passengers cope: Compare flying to being on a boat. There are waves on the water and the boat rocks and goes up and down. Airplanes behave in pretty much the same way, riding invisible waves of air.
Slide 9 of 14: Now, this may not always work in your favor depending on availability, but flight attendant Joe Alvarado-DePalma says that wearing a well thought out outfit instead of those comfy sweats may just reap the rewards in terms of upgrades. 'If you dress professionally you are more likely to be upgraded to other classes free of charge,' he advises. Find out the craziest things flight attendants have seen on the job.
Slide 10 of 14: When you're going from the airport to a business meeting with little time to spare, it can be difficult to keep from looking ruffled and tired. One flight attendant gave this tip for keeping your clothes tidy on the fly. 'Use your flat iron to touch up your clothes when you're in a rush and there's no time for the ironing board,' she suggests.
Slide 11 of 14: Checked bag fees are no fun, nor is trying to cram an overstuffed carry-on into the overhead compartment. 'Limit the number of shoes you bring. These take up the most space in your suitcase,' an American Airlines flight attendant told Thrillist. 'Then, fold all jeans and pants as you normally would and roll them up, placing them on top of the shoes next to each other. Then do the same for shirts. Lastly, all underwear and socks go on the top or in empty crevices.' Try it, it works! Here are 14 other packing tips from flight attendants you should know.
Slide 12 of 14: While water and beverages with electrolytes are strongly recommended on flights over carbonated beverages, if you're really jonesing for that entire can of soda (not just what is placed in the little plastic cup), you can have it. Just ask politely! 'The reason we pour it in a cup goes back to the old days of service,' flight attendant Typhanie King told the Huffington Post. 'It's just good customer service to pour your drink in a cup. Many people prefer to drink out of a cup. But you can certainly ask for the entire can of pop.'
Slide 13 of 14: If you're traveling with small children, you're probably already aware of the massive amounts of gear you need to bring. But flight attendants actually recommend lugging that car seat as well. 'Car seats aren't just safer for children,' Veda Shook, an Alaskan Airlines flight attendant told Real Simple. 'They also help kids stay calmer, since they're used to being in them.' When flying, keep these flight attendant pet peeves in mind.
Slide 14 of 14: Long flights can dry out your skin, so staying hydrated is key. But packing a couple of little luxuries to use while you're in the air and after you touch down will go a long way in helping to feel refreshed. 'Pack hand moisturizer and lip balm to fight high-altitude dryness,' flight attendant Heather Sanchez told Forbes. 'I always pick up some locally made lip balm at the airport shops before boarding, which also makes a great last-minute souvenir.' Next, find out the things airlines won't tell you, but every flier should know.

You’ll want to pack these insider tips from airline cabin crewmembers on how to make the most of your next getaway.

Bottle it

Restaurant savvy

Baggage check

For more options

Pack ahead

Just say no to jet lag

Keep calm and fly on

Dress for success

Keep it neat

Pack smart

Can do

Safety and security

Smooth landing

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