The bag of a corporate flight attendant
If there’s anyone who knows how to pack like an expert, it’s a flight attendant. It becomes a little more complex when a corporate flight attendant may not just know where he/she is headed to next on his/her rotation schedule. In this article, we share a selection of items that should be a staple of all corporate flight attendant’s baggage.
Documents
Probably the most important thing to carry in the baggage, the licenses, travel and identification documents etc. Without these documents, one would not be able to fly, and that will cause a huge operational impact knowing that corporate flight attendants typically work alone, which means you will likely lose your contract or job. Not to forget, ensuring the validity of travel documents is also one of the important and basic tasks of a corporate flight attendant.
Tech Accessories
Travel adaptors, power banks, mobile phone cables, chargers etc. An extra set of such accessories is always good to have on standby especially when you might just be in a hurry, or in that moment where you are looking for an electrical plug just to charge up your phone or laptop. Nothing is worse than realizing that you need to make an urgent call to the caterer or handler or check on that inflight order that was made prior to the flight, and your phone or laptop just died on you.
Uniform
Depending on your employment, a corporate flight attendant may sometimes be issued with a set of uniform, or they may be allowed to wear their own following set guidelines. Most corporate flight attendants are expected to be in business wear, i.e. dark business jacket with either pants or dress, and thick heels that does not damage the carpeting onboard the aircraft. Some might complement it with a scarf to keep the look more modern or not as mundane, it is advisable to avoid loud colors and recommended to keep your hair neat and tidy. Spare hosiery or stockings are also good items to have should you accidentally scratch or tear them.
Hydrating Skincare
Flying is drying, especially to the skin. The humidity in the cabin is around 10%, making it drier than the Sahara Desert. Flight attendants usually drink plenty of water to combat the effects but having a hydrating plan for the skin is just as important. Quality moisturizing mists; skincare wipes to keep one refreshed and lip balm are all essentials to be packed in the carry-on to keep one looking well-groomed throughout the flight and stay hydrated on the outside, as well as the inside.
Medication
No adventure is without risk, and nothing ever gets worse than feeling sick during mid-flight, especially when you are still on duty. Always have a stash of over-the-counter medication, from paracetamols and antihistamines to plasters and band-aids to eye drops and cough suppressants. Don’t forget medicine for diarrhea too, when you probably just tried that local delicacy that didn’t do so well with your stomach.
All that being said, it’s all about organization, and always keep in mind not to pack things for “just in case”, so travel light. Unlike commercial airlines, the aft cargo space is primarily saved for the passenger’s baggage, your crewmembers (aka pilots) are also responsible for loading the baggage, so stay conscious.