Flight Attendant Reveals Packing Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Trip – Are You Guilty?
A seasoned flight attendant spills the biggest packing blunders travelers make before boarding. Avoid these common mistakes to save space, dodge fees, and breeze through your flight!
A flight attendant has revealed the biggest mistakes travelers make even before they step onto the plane—and they’re surprisingly common!
CiCi, a flight attendant with six years of experience working for a major airline in the U.S., has seen passengers make the same packing blunders over and over again. After spending years flying, she has become an expert in smart packing and shared some of the biggest mistakes travelers make with Business Insider.
One of the first things she learned when she became a flight attendant was how to pack efficiently. Over time, she’s figured out what works best and what often causes trouble for passengers. Now, she’s spilling the details to help travelers avoid these frustrating mistakes.
One major mistake she often sees is travelers overstuffing their carry-on bags so much that they can’t even lift them into the overhead bin. Many passengers assume that a flight attendant will help, but that’s not actually their job. In fact, many airlines have policies preventing flight attendants from lifting passengers’ luggage.
What’s more, flight attendants don’t get paid until all passengers are on board and the plane doors are closed. If they were to get injured lifting someone’s heavy bag, they wouldn’t even qualify for workers’ compensation since they technically aren’t on the clock yet. That’s why CiCi advises travelers to pack in a way that allows them to lift their own bag without needing help.
Another common mistake is bringing too many bags. CiCi sees many passengers show up with a rolling suitcase, a backpack, and a purse—exceeding the standard two-bag limit for most airlines. When this happens, gate agents often have to ask passengers to consolidate their items. Some airlines even charge extra for an additional carry-on, so it’s always smart to double-check your airline’s baggage policy before heading to the airport.
CiCi also pointed out that many travelers don’t take full advantage of their personal item. She often sees people put things they’ll need during the flight—like books, earbuds, or snacks—inside their carry-on suitcase, which then gets stored in the overhead bin. This creates unnecessary hassle, especially during boarding, when trying to dig through a suitcase can slow down the process. Instead, she suggests keeping all essential items in a personal item, like a backpack or purse, so they’re easy to reach.
Another packing mistake? Not securing liquids properly. According to CiCi, she has seen passengers open their bags only to find their toiletries have leaked everywhere. This happens because altitude changes cause air inside bottles to expand, pushing liquids out. To avoid this messy situation, she recommends squeezing as much air out of the bottles as possible before sealing them. She has also found that bottles with screw-on caps tend to prevent leaks better than those with snap-on lids.
Staying hydrated on flights is crucial, but since TSA limits liquids to three ounces, many passengers don’t bring water on board. CiCi suggests carrying an empty reusable water bottle and filling it up after going through security. The Aerospace Medical Association recommends drinking at least eight ounces of water per hour while flying, so having a water bottle handy can make a big difference.
Another overlooked tip? Bringing your own snacks. CiCi shared that in cases of extreme turbulence, flight attendants are sometimes required to remain seated for the entire flight. That means they won’t be able to pass out snacks. Additionally, some airlines, like Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air, have completely removed free snack services. To avoid being stuck hungry mid-flight, CiCi advises passengers to always pack a snack—just in case.
Lastly, she advises travelers to wear their heavier clothing items instead of packing them. She’s seen passengers boarding flights in light clothing while trying to cram bulky jackets and boots into their carry-on. Instead, she prefers wearing her heavier items on the plane to save space. When flying to Italy recently, CiCi left sunny Florida in rain boots, a sweater, and a jacket to make room for more outfits in her bag.
By avoiding these common mistakes, travelers can make their journey smoother and stress-free. Next time you pack for a trip, remember these flight attendant-approved tips to travel smarter and lighter!
