A Flight Attendant From One of the World's Oldest Airlines Shares 8 Items She Never Flies Without—From $10 Items She Never Flies Without—From $10

Travel + Leisure

4 days ago

Constantly being up in the air and visiting new places sounds heavenly, but for airplane crew members, it doesn't come without its challenges. Flight attendants expertly manage to stay ultra-glam and cheery as their work allows us to happily lounge and relax in our seats, whether it's in economy or luxurious business suites.
To learn more about what it takes to stay stylish and comfortable even during long-haul flights, I spoke to Ruby Dhawan, a cabin crew executive with Air India who has been a flight attendant for over 10 years. As the country's oldest airline, Air India offers cabin crew a uniform that 'pays tribute to our heritage,' according to Dhawan, who loves the 'aubergine-colored sari' that's part of the newest outfit, which is also 'elegant and comfortable.'
Read on for her top travel essentials for a luxe flying experience, including a spacious carry-on suitcase and comfy flats that can go from day to night.
Dhawan uses an American Tourister bag as part of her uniform, similar to this hardshell carry-on. In addition to its 10-year warranty, this bag is durable thanks to the ABS material that's built to withstand frequent use. 'It's comfortable and spacious, and I can fit in my toiletry essentials as well as clothes for a stopover,' says Dhawan. The bag also has many nifty storage solutions, including a mesh zip divider, small side pocket, and elastic tie tapes to keep everything in place. Customers say you can fit more than a week's worth of outfits, and it's lightweight at just over 7 pounds. $139 at Nordstrom $149 at Vivaia.com
'I would prioritize comfortable clothing as a must-have,' says Dhawan. 'I always carry jeans, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses.' After up to 16 hours on their feet at a time, flight attendants need a sturdy and supportive shoe for when they disembark and explore, as well as easy, pull-on outfits when they slip out of their uniforms. These Vivaia flats are lightweight, so they'll feel good on your feet even after a long day of walking. Pair them with a dressy outfit for dinner or a casual look for brunch. Opt for a comfortable pair of jeans to have on hand for just about any occasion, much like these Madewell jeans that are made of 100 percent cotton for comfort and have a straight-leg style for versatility.
'Lip balm is the product I recommend most to our guests,' says Dhawan, who adds that 'good and hydrating lip balms are essential as a flight attendant' because airplane cabins often dry out skin and lips. This multi-purpose balm from The Ordinary always delivers on providing hydration; it's perfect for flying because it's compact to fit in your tote or personal item, and it can be used on your elbows, cuticles, and other spots in addition to your lips.
'One big thing to think about when flying is keeping your skin hydrated,' says Dhawan. Cabin air notoriously shifts in pressure and goes from one extreme to another during embarkation, lift-off, and in-flight. 'I use moisturising facial mists, before, during, and after flights, which I truly cannot live without,' Dhawan adds. This Mary&Mary rose-scented mist doubles as a serum, so it'll help keep your face feeling refreshed even in the dry cabin air, during takeoff and landing.
Drinking water is the only guaranteed way to stay hydrated in the air, which will also help you stay focused and clear-headed. Pack a reusable water bottle that you can fill before boarding and even during the flight; this lightweight bottle holds 16.9 ounces, which is a little more than two standard glasses of water, yet it will still easily fit in your bag without taking up too much space. 'I always make sure to have a water bottle next to me to stay hydrated,' says Dhawan, who notes that she uses her bottle both during flights and at hotels.
'Skincare is a vital part of my work routine,' shares Dhawan. Many flight attendants recommend giving your skin a mid-flight boost with a hydrating serum, like this Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum. Made with a vegan squalane formula, this serum keeps your face soft and supple without feeling like you're wearing a sticky mask. Pack it in your personal item so you can easily access it before taking off.
'I believe it's essential to wear sunscreen even when flying, regardless of the flight duration, time of year, or whether I'm sitting by a window, because UV rays are more intense at higher altitudes,' says Dhawan. Finding a lightweight sunscreen that works for your skin type is a great way to protect your pores and complexion, such as this oil-free UVA/UVB protection Neutrogena sunscreen and serum that doubles as a toxin-fighting, lightweight armor, as well as being intensely hydrating. Remember to cleanse any skin makeup away from your face before applying this on a long-haul flight.
Most travelers can't board a flight without earbuds, and the same goes for flight attendants when they aren't working the route; for Dhawan, they're an essential 'because I love listening to Bollywood music!' These Beats Wireless Noise-canceling Earbuds will block out the sound on the plane around you so you can focus on your movie or music. You can also opt for Transparency mode if you want to listen while still being aware of what's happening around you. With up to 36 hours of listening time, these earbuds will easily last the duration of your flight and probably your return flight, too.
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