Top Five Travel Tips From A Former Flight Attendant

As some of you may know, I worked as a flight attendant at a major airline for a little more than five years. During that time and beyond, I've traveled to 16 countries (and counting) and lived in Japan for 4 months. So this girl has literally been around the world in 180 days, and I wanna share some of those travel experiences with you!

I'm about to spill the tea on a few travel tips that can be a game changer for your next getaway. I'm here to give you insider secrets, dish out the dos and don'ts, and serve up some serious travel wisdom that will have you strutting through airports like a first-class diva. So, pack your bags and fasten your seatbelts, darlings, because we're about to take off on a jet-setting journey!

1. Pack toiletries and a change of clothes in a carry-on bag. 

Flights often cancel, get delayed, and a whole host of other things. When that happens, you may not have access to your checked luggage and may have to spend another unanticipated night in the town, city, or country you're not from. So, to avoid the walk of shame at the airport the next day, throw an extra shirt, pair of underwear, and some deodorant into your carry-on. Thank me later! 

2. In an oversold situation, never take the first offer.

It's common practice for airlines to continue to sell seats even though there isn't any available on a particular flight. It's done in an effort to ensure a flight leaves full despite passenger cancellations and tardiness. With that said, every now and then airlines find themselves in a situation where they have more people than seats available. When that happens, they're now looking for volunteers to give up their seat for a price. They always start low. If you have space in your travel plans and can take a different flight, NEVER TAKE THE FIRST OFFER! As time goes by and no one has volunteered, they start to panic and up the ante. You can possibly walk away with some serious cash. Passengers have walked away with $200 to $10,000! So resist the temptation to take the first few offers. It pays to wait! 

3. Gate-check your bag. It's FREE!

Changed your mind about dragging around that roller-board? Only wanna be responsible for a purse, backpack, or briefcase? And most importantly, don't wanna pay these outrageous bag fees? Well, you're in luck! Take it to your departure gate and have the gate agent check it! Passengers boarding with luggage slows down the boarding process. Time is literally money in the aviation industry and airlines can incur fines for delayed flights. Thus, agents are always happy to do anything they can to speed up the process. Gate-checked bags are done free of charge!

4. Leave the airport before calling an Uber or taxi. Request to be dropped off outside of the airport.

This is a major money saver, especially for those who want to avoid long rides with all their luggage on public transportation. Taxis and various car services often charge a premium to travel to and from the airports. However, there may be a way to avoid or minimize this cost of travel. If the airport is in a metropolitan area, and is accessible by public transportation, air-train, or even walking, traveling right outside of the airport first could significantly reduce the cost of taxis, car service and share rides. For example, LGA airport is walkable and accessible by public transportation. Walking or taking the bus to the first stop outside the airport then calling your Uber to your final destination could knock a few dollars off your final tab. Depending on how far you're going, it could be $10-$20 cheaper! 

The same can be done in reverse. Take your Uber to a place right outside the airport and take the bus or air-train into the airport. Of course, this is very airport specific and won't be an option for everyone everywhere. 

5. Dress for your destination, not your current location.

This is especially important when traveling to cold weather from warm weather. You can always take something off if you are too warm, however it doesn't work when it's cold. You don't wanna be caught in shorts and flipflops in snow, or without a coat when it's 40 below. I can't tell you how many times I've seen passengers shivering as they wait to be picked up. I personally keep a small coat and umbrella in my suitcase just in case.

In summary, darlings, the flight attendant's treasure trove of travel tips is like a secret handshake in the world of jetsetters. This doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the wealth of knowledge we have. With these insider insights, you're equipped to conquer the skies and embrace your wanderlust with flair. So, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned traveler, remember to pack a dash of flight attendant wisdom on your next journey. Here's to strutting through terminals like a pro and turning every adventure into a fabulous story. Bon voyage, and may your travels always be as glamorous as you are!