The 5 Most Important Packing Tips, According to an Emirates Flight Attendant (Video)

1. The Rolling Method: Conquer Wrinkles and Maximize Space

This is a classic for a reason! Instead of folding your clothes, roll them tightly. The flight attendant in the video emphasizes that this method reduces wrinkles significantly, meaning less ironing when you arrive. It also utilizes space much more efficiently, allowing you to fit more items into your suitcase. Think of it as turning each garment into a compact, portable burrito. For delicate items, try rolling them with tissue paper or using packing cubes as extra protection.

2. Embrace Packing Cubes: Organization is Key

Packing cubes are a game-changer. They're fabric containers that zip up, separating your clothes into neat compartments within your suitcase. The Emirates flight attendant is a huge fan, and we totally agree. They help you organize your belongings by category (e.g., tops, bottoms, underwear), keep everything compressed, and make it incredibly easy to find what you need without rummaging through your entire bag. They also prevent clothes from shifting during travel, further reducing wrinkles.

3. Strategically Choose Versatile Clothing

The key to packing light is to choose clothing items that can be worn in multiple ways. Think a little black dress that can be dressed up or down, neutral-colored tops that can be mixed and matched with different bottoms, and accessories that can transform an outfit. The flight attendant recommends sticking to a color palette to ensure everything coordinates easily. Avoid packing items that you can only wear once; prioritize versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits.

4. Be Smart About Your Shoes

Shoes take up a lot of space and can add significant weight to your luggage. Limit yourself to a maximum of three pairs: one comfortable walking shoe, one dressier pair, and one pair of sandals or flip-flops. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane to save space in your suitcase. To further maximize space, stuff socks and other small items inside your shoes.

5. Create a Travel-Sized Toiletries Kit

This is where those travel-sized toiletries really come in handy. Don't lug full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion; instead, invest in travel-sized versions or decant your favorite products into reusable travel containers. The flight attendant likely travels with a compact toiletries bag containing only the essentials. This not only saves space and weight but also helps you comply with airline liquid restrictions. Consider using solid toiletries like shampoo bars and conditioner bars to further reduce liquid volume.

Bonus Tip: Know Your Airline's Baggage Allowance

Before you even start packing, check your airline's baggage allowance for both carry-on and checked bags. This will help you avoid unexpected fees at the airport. Pay attention to weight limits as well as size restrictions. If you're close to the limit, consider wearing heavier items like coats or boots on the plane. A baggage scale can be invaluable in avoiding unpleasant surprises at check-in.

Summary of Packing Tips

Here's a quick recap of the 5 most important packing tips:

By following these tips, you can pack like an Emirates flight attendant and travel with ease, comfort, and style. Happy travels!