- Five-year flight attendant offers his advice
- He has perfected the skill of packing belongings
- READ MORE: Here’s the actual way to secure a flight upgrade
A former airline employee has revealed his best advice for enduring economy class travel and the common item he would avoid taking aboard.
Marcus Daniels, 35, exited the aviation sector in 2019 following five years of experience handling numerous domestic and international flights.
Even though his time as a flight attendant is over, Mr. Daniels still loves to travel and has developed an effective method for long flights.
His top recommendation: ‘Exercise great care when selecting what you bring in.’
“There’s nothing more frustrating than being the final passenger to board, opening every locker, and discovering there’s nowhere to place your bag,” he said.
Packing too much can increase stress for you, the staff, and other travelers.
It’s excessive drama and disorder. When I travel, I only bring a small rolling suitcase and a small side bag that I can place under the seat in front of me. That’s all. No pillow, no large jacket.
Mr. Daniels advised travelers to reconsider including a neck pillow in their luggage.
“It’s really uncomfortable for me. It requires a lot of space, and that’s the same for others who carry pillows on board,” he said.
I realize they want to be comfortable, but if you’re in economy class, you’re really cramped like this.
Nevertheless, there is one unexpected area that Mr. Daniels is unwilling to cut back on.
“Working as a flight attendant really taught me to look after myself — especially my skin,” he said.
I ensure my skin is properly hydrated using an Avene thermal mist, moisturizer, and sunscreen since there’s a significant amount of radiation when you’re in the air.
Throughout the flight, I’ll mist my face to maintain moisture.
After transitioning from a travel career to an IT position during the pandemic, Mr. Daniels has observed that hygiene and personal space have grown more significant for travelers.
“People value self-awareness, and when considering the shared awareness of all on board. When I’m flying, I constantly wonder if my actions could bother or upset anyone,” he said.
For instance, I once had an Arabic man request a seat change because the woman sitting next to him had her legs crossed with her bare feet facing him—something considered disrespectful in his culture.
You only need to be mindful of others and show consideration.
Mr. Daniels also provided his best advice for preventing the annoying pre-holiday cold.
Many individuals experience illness following air travel. In the end, we are confined in a closed environment where germs are present and some of the air is reused,” he stated.
‘I buy those Alcohol-based sanitising wipes at the airport, and before I sit down, I’ll clean my seat, the seatbelt, the table, and everything else.
Mr. Daniels mentioned that it’s crucial to keep in mind that flight attendants are giving their utmost effort.
“Everyone usually views working as cabin crew as a dream position. Some individuals spend years trying to become flight attendants, only to discover once they’re on a plane that it’s not as glamorous as they thought,” he said.
It can be quite challenging work and often doesn’t match what people anticipate. Indeed, you get to visit some stunning places, but over time, you may lose your enthusiasm.
Then there will be these periods, which I referred to as magical moments, when you have the chance to brighten a passenger’s day or someone might gift you a box of chocolates.
It reminds us that we are valued and assists in correcting all the negative aspects.
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