Packing Tips

Flight crew basically live out of their suitcases and you will too. I used to completely unpack when I got home from a trip and then repacked before started another one.  But I simplified the process by leaving some things always in my rollerbag.  I always pack the night before, even if I'm not leaving until late.  I recommend not planning to pack the morning you leave. You're far more likely to forget something that way.  

The number one tip I was say is get packing cubes.  They will make things so much easier; both in the packing process and once you get to the hotel.  It's a wonderful to keep everything organized in your bag as well.

You'll find when you're on reserve that you could assigned a trip to any climate.  It could be super hot or blustery cold.  You'll have to be prepared for either so bring a long sunscreen no matter what.  I always pack a swimsuit.  Even in cold weather I might want to visit an indoor pool.  I always pack my flip flops in my side pocket of my roller board.  Some people wear them in the shower as well.  I have them in case I do want to visit that indoor pool or maybe I ordered food delivery that I have to go downstairs to the lobby for.  If I'm crawling out of bed and throwing on clothes to make a free breakfast before it closes, I usually just wear those flip flops as well.  

I always pack a zip-up hoodie even if I'm going to a warm climate.  It can get chilly at night in those places as well.  And I always pack a pair of ordinary jeans.  I keep a pair athletic shoes in my bag at all times at the very bottom.  The one time I decided I didn't need them I regretted it when I ended up wanted to get along walk in.  I have pair that is fairly light weight yet still supportive.

I try and pack clothes that can be mixed and matched.  So basically one pair of jeans and a couple tops that can go with that.  I'll bring a pair of exercise shorts in a solid color that can also be worn just for fun and will go with those tops as well.  And I always bring a second bra.  

My toiletry bag stays packed.  I tend to use refillable travel sized containers and refill them as needed. As mentioned in another post, I discovered certain toiletries and makeup do not travel well.

I bring my bar shampoo and conditioner (below) but use the refillable containers for a little leave-in treatment. Although it's true that hotels tend to provide shampoo, conditioner, soap and body wash I don't like to use the brands usually.  I mean, if there is a nice body wash in there, sure, I'll use that!  But I also bring a small refillable container of my own  This I put it a ziploc baggy,  I don't bother to bring soap or body lotion because I will use those that are provided by the hotel.  I bring my face wash and all my nightly and morning ritual products, a travel sized deodorant and toothpaste and toothbrush in a travel holder.  Even though in uniform you can go through security with full sized containers, trust me, you aren't going to want to.  Bring what you need for a several days only.  I always bring a little bottle of melatonin as well.  I do a lot of red eyes which means napping before hand during the day.  This helps a lot!

In my tote I always have my passport (never take it out because I DO NOT want to forget it), all my chargers for various devices, earbuds, pens, a couple spare trash bags (for during flight as a back up) and several rubber gloves.  I also have eye drops and nasal spray, a few nail files, and extra hair ties.  I keep a bottle of ibuprofen in there as well.  Another one that I refill as needed.  Usually there is a little baggy of cough drops in there as well.