A seasoned flight attendant has pulled back the curtain on the aviation industry, sharing three essential insider tips that every passenger can use to ensure a smoother, safer journey. Cher, a cabin crew member with five years of experience travelling the world, has revealed the practical hacks she employs on every trip, whether for work or pleasure.
Check In Early To Secure Your Seat
Cher's first and most critical piece of advice is to always check in for your flight at the earliest possible opportunity. She explains that this simple action is your best defence against one of air travel's more frustrating practices: overbooking.
Airlines frequently oversell flights, meaning they sell more tickets than there are available seats on the aircraft. This system usually works because a number of passengers typically miss their flights. However, if everyone shows up, the airline will need to ask for volunteers to give up their seats, often in exchange for travel vouchers.
"If some people won't take that voucher, it means they are going to bump the last few people that have checked in off of the flight," Cher revealed. She warns that if you wait until the last minute to check in, you risk being the one moved to a later flight, which could completely disrupt your travel plans. An added bonus of early check-in is the chance to secure a better seat selection.
Never Fly Without Sun Protection
The cabin crew professional also shared a vital health tip that many travellers overlook. Cher never boards an aircraft without applying SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen, and she advises passengers to do the same.
This advice is grounded in concerning research. Studies have shown that airline staff face a heightened risk of skin cancer due to increased exposure to harmful UV rays at high altitude. While aeroplane windows block most UVB rays, a significant portion of UVA rays can still penetrate.
"I do my best to try to keep the window shade closed as much as I can," Cher explained. For passengers who enjoy the view, her strong recommendation is to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before flying and consider keeping the window blind down during long stretches, especially on sunny routes.
Pack Your Essentials In Your Personal Bag
Cher's final hack concerns your hand luggage strategy. She strongly urges travellers to pack all crucial items in their carry-on baggage, not in a suitcase that will be checked into the hold. Furthermore, the most essential items should be kept in the smaller personal bag you stow under the seat in front of you.
Her reasoning is based on a common airport occurrence: mistaken identity. "It is not uncommon for somebody to mistake your carry on as theirs and take it off. I have seen this dozens of times," she warned. If your vital belongings are in that bag, you could be left stranded.
She advises packing underwear, a toothbrush, toiletries, medication, and "anything you couldn't go a couple days without" in this under-seat bag. "The best thing in aviation is to basically prepare for the worst," Cher noted. She also recommends customising your bag with distinctive tags or markers to prevent confusion, a practice flight attendants use themselves.
By following these three straightforward tips from an industry insider, passengers can gain more control over their travel experience, from securing their seat to protecting their health and belongings.
