I’ve worked as a flight attendant for over a decade. In that time, I’ve picked up a few habits I can’t shake even when I fly as a passenger.
Here are some things I always do on commercial flights.
I always book a window seat …
Everyone has their own preferences, but for me, nothing beats a window seat.
Yes, you may need to squeeze past your fellow passengers to get to the bathroom, but that may not be often, depending on your bladder. Still, asking to exit the row is worth it to have a place to rest my pillow and an armrest of my own (the middle seat always loses out).
Plus, by skipping the aisle seat, I can protect my elbows from the carts and people passing by me throughout the flight.
… and I make sure my seat is far from the restrooms and bulkhead
You don’t always know who you’re going to end up next to when you pick your seat, but there are ways to make your journey more enjoyable during the booking process by looking at the map ahead of time.
For instance, I’ll never book a seat by a restroom or galley (where food is prepared) as I know just how noisy and busy those areas will be. I also avoid bulkhead seats — people with babies often book this area because it’s where bassinets for infants can be placed.
It’s hard for me not to look polished when I board, so I change into loungewear after I get on the plane
I spent years having to look my best to go to work on a plane, and it’s hard to break that habit as a passenger.
I always get on the plane in an immaculate outfit with my hair and makeup done, but once I’m on board, I head to the bathroom to change into my loungewear.
It’s hard to predict how hot or cold a flight will be, so I tend to bring lightweight, comfy pieces I can layer in my carry-on bag. I avoid tight waistbands and choose fabrics that won’t wrinkle easily.
I also try to get into the plane bathroom before everyone else does so it’s still nice and freshly cleaned while I get changed.
Hotel slippers are a must-have travel item, so a pair is always in my bag
I love bringing the complimentary slippers from hotels with me on long flights.
They’re perfect when you don’t want to sit in an uncomfortable pair of shoes but refuse to subject your fellow passengers to your socks, no matter how cute they might be. They’re also easy to slip on and off.
I also wear slippers when I walk two and from the bathroom. After being flight crew, I’ll never ever go into a plane restroom without something more substantial than socks on my feet.
Plus, the slippers can be thrown away at the end of a flight.
On every flight, I count how many rows I am from the nearest exit
Take note of your nearest exit and touch the headrests as you count the rows back to your seat. If the worst should happen and the plane crashes, this can help you navigate your way to an exit in low visibility.
It’s an unlikely scenario, but I’ve sat through countless hours of safety training to know what may help save my life in an emergency.
Bringing my own food and drinks comes in handy
I don’t rely on airplane food, which isn’t always the tastiest. The added salt and sugar typically used to make airplane food taste better aren’t helpful for avoiding dehydration and bloating, either.
I bring my own meal on the plane, usually something simple like airport sushi. I also like to bring some healthy snacks I can enjoy throughout the flight.
In terms of drinks, I skip alcohol. To stay hydrated, I always take a lot of water on a plane, add electrolytes to it, and drink as much as I can.
By bringing my own food and drinks, I don’t have to wait for the service and can eat on my own schedule. This is especially helpful if I want to keep my body in a particular time zone.
My SPF must be applied for any flight
Having spent years battling the effects flying has had on my skin, I always give myself a mini facial on long-haul flights. I use an intense hydration sheet mask and under-eye gel patches, then apply my moisturizer and SPF 50.
For shorter flights, I just ensure I’m already wearing a long-lasting and nourishing facial moisturizer, vitamin-C serum, and — most importantly — a strong SPF.
Lastly, I avoid pressing the call bell at all costs
I know all too well how busy crew members can get during a flight — and they’re sometimes dealing with stressful situations most passengers aren’t even aware of.
With that in mind, hitting the call bell isn’t helpful unless there’s a medical emergency or someone needs urgent assistance. I won’t be pressing it if I want to ask a question or get something out of my bag in the overhead.
This story was originally published on August 22, 2023, and most recently updated on September 21, 2026.
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