I’m a Flight Attendant: These Are the Packing Tricks I Learned from 16 Years of Working in Airline Cabins (Including Why Suitcases with Hard Shells and Four Wheels Should Be Avoided)

Summer holidays are right around the corner, which means packing season is near.

And for many, it is always a struggle to get through it without making fundamental mistakes.

Even frequent travelers are prone to packing useless items in a case that would never fit in an overhead bin.

To help reduce stress, the retailer House of Fraser teamed up with Air France flight attendant Emilie Cooke-Martageix and asked her to share her packing tips. She has been working in airplane cabins for 16 years, so she is not a fan of the art of managing suitcases.

Scroll down for her top tips, including space-saving tricks to make sure you never forget anything essential, and the dangers of a hard case.

Try this trick if you are a frequent traveler

Emilie suggests having your essentials ready to go, explaining, “If you’re a frequent traveler or tend to stay on vacation regularly, keep travel essentials in your backpack or weekend bag.” For example, power banks, plug adapters, travel toiletries, medications and sun cream. Having these essentials on hand and ready to go can help you quickly pack for your next trip.

Implement this tactic and there will be little chance of leaving anything behind.

Never pack these items next to each other.

The pressure in the cabin can have adverse effects on your toiletries. For this reason, Emilie warns: ‘The change in air pressure can sometimes cause liquid to leak, even if the volume is less than 100 ml and the cap is screwed on. To avoid this, I always recommend carrying the pad or wipe, or solid stick versions, when possible, to avoid spills in your backpack.

“As an added precaution, keep important items, like your passport, safe by storing them in a clear, zip-top bag to protect them from accidental spills and keep them safe for travel.”

Don’t bring a hard-shell suitcase

If you’re bringing a suitcase for the cargo hold, Emilie warns: ‘Passengers tend to think that hard-shell suitcases are sturdier than fabric ones, but in reality the opposite is true. The hard covers can easily break from the pressure of the other bags once they are all together in the warehouse.

‘To avoid damage to your bag, I always recommend choosing a fabric suitcase, as they are actually more durable. Choosing one in a bright color can help you spot your bag more quickly during luggage drop-off. Just avoid white as it won’t stay that color for long!’

Emilie adds: ‘Another common bag mistake people make is opting for a suitcase with four wheels. These are never as durable or as reliable as two-wheeled ones and I would always avoid them.’

Avoid taking multiple items.

The art of the capsule wardrobe is important

Emilie says: ‘If you’re taking a short flight and only going for a few days, traveling with a carry-on bag or backpack can be a more practical option, helping you avoid delays while you wait for luggage on the other side. Just make sure you’ve checked your reservation details to make sure your luggage meets the criteria before you travel.

‘Plan your outfit in advance to ensure you only take the essentials and try to avoid carrying multiple items as this will free up some space. For example, wear a pair of sneakers, jeans, a sweater or cardigan, and a coat. Bring some t-shirts, enough underwear, and a nice dress if you know you’re going out. Flat sneakers are practical and take up less space, so bring them if you can.’

Avoid carrying fresh foods in your bag

While it’s nice to bring local delicacies from your trip, think about whether they will clear customs.

Emilie says: ‘Food and drinks can be stored in the suitcase, as long as they are well packaged and protected from leaks. Be sure to avoid anything that has a strong smell, as it could attract the attention of sniffer dogs at customs. Cold cuts, cheese, and fresh foods in general are often prohibited on international travel, so be sure to keep this in mind.

Make sure your bag is light enough to lift

While it’s critical not to overpack to meet suitcase weight limits, Emilie adds, “Please don’t pack a suitcase that’s too heavy.” If you can’t lift it yourselves and put it in the overhead bin, it’s also too heavy for us attendants and we don’t want to hurt our backs lifting your luggage.’