Airline cabin crew give packing tips

[July 18th 2008]

Cabin crew at Virgin Atlantic have revealed their top tips for packing to go on holiday.

As the summer holiday getaway begins this weekend this is timely advice for anyone who hates packing and worries about excess luggage charges at the airport.

“Always write a packing list beforehand and follow this list religiously. If it’s not on your list, then don’t pack it, as you don’t need it. When packing always travel light and carry just a few items that can be adapted to create a variety of outfits, with the help of careful accessorizing. Try to roll your clothes instead of folding them as rolling them takes up less room in the suitcase and prevents items from creasing,” advises flight service manager, Angela Greener from Brighton.

“Avoid taking pull along bags as hand luggage and instead use a rucksack as this doesn’t allow you to over pack and it is also more practicable as your hands will be free to handle your ticket, passport and other essentials,” recommends London based flights service manager, Joe Bates.

Gatwick airport based flight service manager Nick Crowch suggests: “Always try to carry miniature size toiletries and don’t take hairdryers as every hotel has one. When taking sun-cream and other liquids put them in plastic bags to avoid damage if there are any leakages. Remember that all liquids over 100ml must be packed in your suitcase and can no longer be carried in your hand luggage”.

Another piece of good advice comes from Surrey based cabin service supervisor, Frankie Harris: “Aeroplanes can be quite cold, so carry a pashmina (also great to use as a pillow substitute) and travel in lots of light layers, which are easy to remove or put on and this also saves space in your packed luggage”.

For shopaholics, London based cabin service supervisor, Victoria Lewis, has this suggestion: “If travelling to somewhere that is great for shopping, always pack an extra bag, flat packed so that you can use this to fill with any new purchases”.