Flight Attendants' Top Packing Tricks For Maximizing Space And Staying Organized
It's no secret that travel planning, with all the details and considerations involved, can evolve into a massive headache. But with packing added to the mix, it can quickly become chaotic. For some, packing can prove to be a challenge — and a difficult one at that, especially if you aim to pack light and wish to fit everything into a single suitcase. After all, doing so requires flexibility, resourcefulness, and careful strategy.
But rather than relying solely on generic travel advice, what better way to cull packing tips than to listen to flight attendants? They quite literally have to fit their lives into suitcases due to the demands of their job, so packing efficiently has inevitably become their forte. For those who find packing a consistent struggle, the tips in these TikTok videos (created by flight attendants) can be a game-changer. From maximizing packing cubes to using all-in-one toiletries, there are a handful of flight attendant-approved tips for enhancing luggage space and staying organized throughout your trips you won't want to miss.
The smallest accessory that should be in your bag: an AirTag
TikTok user @juliaxjarvis might have one of the best packing systems you'll find on social media. "As you can see I'm very clearly organized," she says as she displays her various compression packing cubes. Like many travelers and especially flight attendants, you'll find a dedicated laundry bag in her small carry-on, but she also puts the spotlight on another crucial gadget that requires very little space: an Apple AirTag.
@juliaxjarvis How I pack as a flight attendant living in hotels ✈️ #flightattendant #traveltok #packingtips #organization #organizingtiktok #privatejet
According to many TikTok videos made by savvy flight attendants, she's hardly alone. Obviously, flight attendants are traveling more than most of us, but even when your bag is at an arm's length, it still helps to know that you can track it from your phone at any point in your trip. There are a variety of luggage trackers available, so travelers can shop around and compare, but any device is good for peace of mind.
Wear your bulkiest shoes and clothes on the plane
If you plan on bringing sneakers, boots, and heavy jackets on your trip, wearing them during transit can be a strategic move. TikTok user @diyplaybook, who observed her veteran flight attendant sister pack for a multi-day trip, noted that doing this trick can help you free up significant space in your luggage. "She [her sister] wears her biggest shoes, scarf, and jacket on the plane," she said. "Extra shoes go in her carry-on."
@diyplaybook My sister has been a flight attendant for 17 years and I'm always amazed by how much she can pack in a small suitcase when we travel together. Here are her best tips when it comes to packing...#packingtips #traveltiktok #traveltips
Adopting this approach is particularly effective as shoes and outerwear tend to hog the biggest chunk of luggage real estate. However, it can slightly complicate airport security checks, as removing multiple layers may be required. Still, it's a worthwhile trade-off for those aiming to fully maximize their bag's capacity, leaving extra room for souvenirs. Plus, there's an added perk to this tip that people tend to overlook. Considering the typically chilly cabin temperatures on planes, wearing extra layers may even help enhance your comfort during the flight.
Roll your clothes and put them in packing cubes
An all-too-common conundrum that many travelers face is deciding whether to fold or roll clothes. But if space maximization is your priority, flight attendant @katkamalani shared in a viral TikTok video that rolling is the way to go. "Make sure you are rolling your clothes rather than folding, 'cause first, nobody wants a wrinkled shirt or wrinkled pants, and second, you get way more clothes in the bag than you do folding," she explained.
@katkamalani Packing HACKS from a Flight Attendant! #travel #flightattendant #packinghacks #suitcase #fyp
What's more, instead of arranging the rolled pieces across your bag and risking making a mess, she suggested organizing them using packing cubes. "They act like drawers, and they keep you really organized," she added. You can even take things up a notch by adding labels to the cubes to make items easier to find. However, given that many of them are made with a sheer design, she suggests flipping them over and affixing labels on the reverse side. With the rolling and packing cube combo method, you're simultaneously fitting as many clothes as you can in your luggage, all while making sure that everything is orderly and accessible.
Don't be afraid to get creative
When it comes to toiletries, you don't necessarily have to bring one of everything. Many accommodations provide basic essentials, and convenience stores can fill in any gaps. However, for creatures of habit who want to save space but not leave their favorite toiletries at home, flight attendant @yaimam has a very simple, convenient tip.
@yaimam Packing tips for short trips. #flightattendant #milehigh #foryoupage #flygirl #fyp #boeing #airbus #ThatsWhatILike #whattowear #packing #travel #crew
"If you're packing makeup — specifically cream makeup — that you have to keep under 3.4 ounces, go to Sephora and ask for a sample," she suggests. "Or use little sample sizes of your favorite stuff and just refill them every time you travel." Another idea she offers for keeping both your shoes and luggage safe is to snag the shower cap from your hotel room and use it as a shoe case in the event that you don't have a dedicated packing cube already. Even if you do, her recommendation still takes up less space, as the cap conforms to the shape of the shoes.
Pack your luggage vertically
Instead of organizing your stuff horizontally, @nicks.travels suggests doing it the other way around. As it turns out, this method provides two key advantages: First, it ensures a more even weight distribution, preventing your luggage from toppling over, and second, it encourages placing bulkier items at the bottom, maximizing space and preventing the bag from being overstretched.
@nicks.travels Packing Tips for you friendly Flight Attendant! #newflightattendants #flightattendant #packing #traveltips #packingtips
"You need to stop thinking about it like this (flat) and [instead do it] like this, up and down, with the heaviest up at the bottom and lightest at the top," he explained. This arrangement not only optimizes space but also enhances the stability of your luggage. Additionally, for those facing issues with bags tipping over, he recommends using two-wheeled bags instead of four-wheeled for improved balance.
Elsewhere in the video, the flight attendant also highlighted the flexibility of packing cubes, underscoring the fact that you can utilize them depending on your individual needs. "Just because your packing cube says sock bag doesn't mean you have to use it for that," he pointed out, noting that, in his case, he uses the sock bag to store his chargers.