Few people are more qualified to hand out travel advice than airline flight crews. With more miles under their belts than any frequent flier, they have truly earned their wings. We’ve tapped some of them to provide insights perfected from years in the sky. Up first, a lifelong flight attendant shares her secrets. So, fasten your seat belts, lower your tray tables and read on…
Hello! I am a flight attendant with a major airline and will be celebrating my 40th anniversary soon. During this time I have experienced many changes in my role in the travel industry, but the one constant is trying to maintain my health and a well groomed appearance regardless of time zones, jet lag and exposure to dry air (on the airplane and in hotel rooms).
We bid our work schedules a month in advance based on seniority, and I usually work 12-14 days a month. I only fly international routes to the Far East, Europe and South America, usually serving First Class and Business Class cabins. This is considered long range flying, so the trips are 3-4 days in duration, with a 24- to 36-hour layover in the destination city.
I still rely on the advice I received from a fellow flight attendant when I started – moisturizer all day, every day. I fly frequently from LAX to Shanghai, which is a 14-hour flight, and use a heavy nighttime moisturizer before I board. Mid-flight, I apply a light moisturizer and remove it when I hit the layover hotel. I also buy individual prepackaged facial towelettes, which are lightweight and inexpensive.
I always use sunscreen, as a daytime flight can be similar to sunbathing at the beach if you’re seated by a window. The CC sunscreen creams now on the market are great. They have moisture and SPF’s, and come in small sizes that meet TSA carry-on standards. I primarily use the Supergoop sunscreen travel kit, which my skin loves. It fits in my tote and has everything I need for working a trip, and my layover time. Hair is another issue when I’m working an extended trip. Dry shampoos in travel sizes are a must, and I always pack a few.
If you’ve ever traveled with several pieces of heavy luggage you know how much energy it takes to carry them around and wait at the baggage claim carousel. I travel with one carry-on roller board and a tote, whether it’s for 3 days or 3 weeks. I carry a 1-gallon freezer bag with my toiletries and makeup, and fill it with travel sizes of cleanser, moisturizer, shampoo, sunscreen cream and at least one beauty product I can’t live without (usually mascara).
I stick to one color scheme for my travel wardrobe, usually black or navy in the winter, and white or cream in the summer. Leggings, a black mid-length skirt, a classic no iron tunic blouse, ballet flats and a pashmina shawl (great for chilly airplanes) take up very little room in my suitcase, and are appropriate for most situations. I build from there, depending on the destination and season. I always wear my heaviest clothing pieces on the plane, and make sure they can layer with the other things I pack.
• Staying healthy is always a challenge when working a long flight with full passenger loads. I put a dab of Neosporin in my nose at the start of every flight. This provides a barrier from the recycled air and seems to keep my nostrils moist. I do the same if the hotel room is very dry. I also carry a light nasal spray in my makeup bag, which helps ward off germs.
• I always bring a small container of chilled yogurt (a berry one with seeds) to my layover hotel. I don’t eat it but massage it into my face, let it set and then shower. It feels great, as the seeds act as an exfoliant and the chill really reduces the eye puffiness brought on by overseas flights. Many airlines offer yogurt as part of their breakfast service on overnight flights, so take advantage of it.
• And finally, I always bring a 1-liter water bottle (empty through security, of course) and a lemon on every trip. I put some lemon wedges and water in the bottle, which really helps with hydration.
These are some of the tips I’ve honed from a lifetime of travel, which have worked very well for me. It’s my pleasure to share them and I hope one or two will work for you!
Bon Voyage,
Susan
