A seasoned flight attendant has pulled back the curtain on the aviation industry, sharing three insider secrets she believes every passenger should adopt for a smoother, safer journey. Cher, who has spent five years working on aircraft, uses these methods herself, even when travelling for pleasure.
Check In Early To Avoid The Bump
Cher's first and most critical piece of advice is to check in for your flight at the earliest possible moment. She explains that this simple action is your best defence against being involuntarily denied boarding on an oversold flight. Airlines routinely sell more tickets than there are seats, banking on a certain number of passengers not showing up.
"If everyone turns up, you might hear an offer of vouchers for volunteers to take a later flight," Cher notes. "But if not enough people volunteer, the airline will bump the last few passengers who checked in." She warns that leaving check-in until the last minute could see you rebooked onto a flight the next day, potentially ruining your travel plans. An added bonus of early check-in is the chance to secure a better seat before others make their selections.
Never Fly Without Sun Protection
The cabin crew professional also emphasises a surprising health precaution: always wear SPF when flying. She highlights research indicating that airline staff face a heightened risk of skin cancer due to increased exposure to UV radiation at high altitude.
"I do my best to keep the window shade closed as much as I can," Cher reveals. She advises regular travellers to follow her lead by applying a high-factor sun cream before boarding and keeping the blinds down during the flight, especially on sunny routes, to protect their skin.
Pack Your Essentials In Your Personal Bag
Cher's final tip concerns your hand luggage strategy. She strongly urges passengers to pack vital items in the small personal bag stored at your feet, not in the overhead locker or checked luggage.
"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 cautions. Her recommendation is to pack underwear, a toothbrush, toiletries, and any medication – essentially anything you couldn't go a couple of days without – in this under-seat bag.
"The best thing in aviation is to basically prepare for the worst," Cher states. She even suggests marking your bag uniquely to prevent confusion, much like cabin crew do with their customised tags. "Do something on your bag that will prevent somebody else from confusing it as theirs," she concludes.
