Avoid hard-shell instances: Flight attendant reveals her prime packing hacks
Summer holidays are on the horizon, which means packing season is close.
And for many, it’s always a struggle to get through it without making fundamental errors.
Even frequent fliers are prone to pack pointless items into a case that was never going to fit into an overhead bin.
To help lessen the stress, retailer House of Fraser partnered with Air France flight attendant Emilie Cooke-Martageix and asked her to share her packing tips. She’s been working in plane cabins for 16 years – so no amateur when it comes to the art of suitcase management.
Scroll down for her top tips, which include hacks for saving space and ensuring you never leave anything essential behind – and the perils of a hard-shell case.
Retailer House of Fraser partnered with Air France flight attendant Emilie Cooke-Martageix and asked her to share her packing tips
Try this trick if you’re a frequent flyer
Emilie suggests having essentials ready to go, explaining: ‘If you’re a frequent flyer or tend to have regular staycations, set aside essential travel items in your backpack or weekend bag. For example, power banks, plug adaptors, travel toiletries, medication and sun cream. Having these essentials handy and ready to go can help you pack quickly for your next trip.’
Deploy this tactic and there’s little chance of leaving anything behind.
Never pack these items next to each other
Cabin pressure can have adverse effects on your toiletries. Because of this, Emilie advises: ‘The change in air pressure can sometimes cause liquids to leak, even if they are under 100ml and the top is screwed on. To avoid this, I always recommend taking the pad or wipe, or solid bar versions, when possible, to prevent spillages in your backpack.
‘For extra precaution, keep important items – like your passport – safe by keeping them in a clear ziplock bag to protect them from accidental spillages so they’re fit to travel with.’
Don’t take a hardcover suitcase
Emilie suggests setting aside essential travel items to help you pack extra quickly
If you do take a bag for the cargo hold, Emilie warns: ‘Passengers tend to think that hard-shell suitcases are more resistant than fabric ones, but it’s actually the opposite. Hardcovers can get easily broken by the pressure of the other bags once they’re all packed together in the hold.
‘To avoid damage to your bag, I always recommend choosing a fabric suitcase as these are actually more durable. Picking one in a bright colour can help you spot your bag more quickly during baggage delivery. Just avoid white as it won’t stay that colour for long!’
Emilie adds: ‘Another common bag mistake people make is opting for a four-wheel suitcase. These are never as durable or reliable as a two-wheel spinner and I’d always avoid them.’
Avoid taking multiples of items
Pre-plan your outfits in advance to ensure only the essentials are being taken
The art of the capsule wardrobe is important
Emilie says: ‘If you’re taking a short flight and only going for a few days, travelling with a carry-on bag or backpack can be a more practical option, helping you to avoid delays while waiting for baggage on the other side. Just make sure you’ve checked your booking details to make sure your bag meets the criteria before you travel.
‘Pre-plan your outfits in advance to ensure only the essentials are being taken and try to avoid taking multiples of items, as this will free up some space. For example, take one pair of trainers, jeans, a jumper or cardigan and a coat. Take a few T-shirts and enough underwear and one nice dress if you know you’ll be going out. Flat trainers are both practical and use less space, so bring these if you can.’
Avoid taking fresh food in your bag
Whilst it’s nice to bring local delicacies back from your trip, think about whether they’ll get through customs.
Emilie says: ‘Food and drinks are ok to pack in your suitcase as long as they are packed well and protected from leaking. Make sure to avoid anything with a strong smell as that might attract the attention of sniffer dogs at customs. Cold meats, cheese and fresh food in general are often forbidden in international travels so make sure to keep this in mind.’
Ensure your bag is light enough to lift
While it’s crucial you don’t overpack to meet your bag-weight limits, Emilie adds: ‘Please don’t pack a bag that is too heavy. If you can’t lift it and place it in the overhead compartment yourselves, it’s too heavy for us attendants, too, and we don’t want to injure our backs to lift your luggage.’
