DEDICATED FOLLOWERS OF FASHION • February 2018
Hand luggage essentials
From must-have items to travelling hacks, we ask British Airways cabin crew and other seasoned flyers to share their ultimate tips on becoming a smarter traveller
Jess Parr, BA cabin crew
I use REN skincare and & Now To Sleep Lavender Pillow Spray to help me sleep on board and in hotels. I can’t live without my Bodum Travel Press. If you are carrying breakables back, just ask the hotel for bubble wrap – they’d rather supply you with this than have you steal their towels. I also use Tripp bags (like most crew) because they’re good value.
Dave Cornthwaite, international adventurer
I always carry my iPad, loaded up with audio books and downloaded Netflix series, and noise-cancelling headphones. I also wear a Baubax flight hoodie, which is designed with 20 different pockets, an in-built inflatable pillow in the hood, and an extendable hood that doubles as an eye mask. I have an Eagle Creek wheeled bag that can also be used as a rucksack – they’ve nailed the positions and size of the pockets. My iPhone is my mobile office and I use it to film and edit video blogs, so I carry a little Manfrotto Pixi tripod with a smartphone mount.
Inga Kovalerova, BA cabin crew
When working as crew, you have to be prepared for schedule changes. I always carry my e-Fuel battery charger, and several adaptors, as well as my notebook with emergency numbers in case I lose my phone. I have my gym kit, and never forget my bikini in case I end up changing destinations to somewhere warmer. I like Kiehl’s skincare because the brand is generous with its samples, as well as Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair for rehydrating my skin on flights.
James Atchison, BA cabin crew
For my liquids, I use transparent Airbags which are designed for UK airport security (20 x 20cm) and have a pull-proof zip – you can fit so much in and not have to worry about them popping open. Each pocket of my bag contains a designated item, so the side pocket contains all my gadget chargers (I take my iPad, kindle, phone and speakers) while the front pocket holds my passport, travel wallet with various currencies and my inoculation certificates.
Charlotte Swift, The Club editor
Take luggage that suits your needs. For some that means a soft bag with shoulder strap, for me it’s a Samsonite Spark – it’s on wheels, light enough to lift into the overhead containers and the maximum allowable dimensions. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm doubles up as a day cream and mask and comes in a handy 50ml tube, and wet-wipes (particularly if you’re with anyone under five). Jo Malone’s 30ml bottles are ideal (Wild Bluebell won’t offend any fellow flyers) or, if I’m heading straight out on the town it’s a quick spritz of master perfumer Azzi Glasser’s Sequoi Wood. And never go anywhere without tea bags that don’t require milk.
Alison Frank, BA cabin crew
I always take a bottle of dry shampoo with me in case I don’t get a chance to wash my hair on a trip. Another essential would be my Earl Grey and green tea bags, as well as a small bag of dried chillies to add to dishes, because I love spicy food. A tub of good-quality coconut oil is also essential – I use it on my skin and hair – as well as Egyptian Magic cream. I try to decant toiletries and find solids of beauty products such as powder foundations or solid shampoos and shower gels from brands like Lush.
To explore more hand luggage essentials, head to the BA high life shop
This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Travel Tips