Efficient packing is essential when you have airline luggage restrictions to contend with, whether you’re travelling long or short haul. Some airlines are more generous than others, with Ryanair offering the strictest standard allowance of just one small bag (40x20x25cm) that fits under the seat in front. Wizz Air is slightly more generous with (40x30x20cm). Meanwhile, Jet2 allows one piece of hand luggage up to 10kg, plus a personal item that fits under the seat.
But even with more baggage weight to play with, packing the essentials can prove difficult if you don’t know what to prioritise. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Jasmine Hurley, a Jet2 flight attendant based at Bristol Airport, revealed the three common items she recommends everyone going on holiday this year should pack.
Jasmine said: “I swear by rolling my clothes up and packing them into little cubes or travel bags to optimise space in my luggage.
“It’s great that when flying with Jet2holidays, you get 22kg of hold luggage to work with so if you pack right you can fit more than you think.”
When it comes to handy gadgets, Jasmine suggests making space in your hand luggage for three items: “A mini electric fan, which is a game changer, a portable phone charger (for all those travel snaps) and a multi-country adapter so you’re never caught out.”
Although they may seem obvious to some seasoned travellers, these essentials are often discarded in luggage or forgotten altogether.
Jasmine’s other hand luggage staples, whether you’re travelling to a hot country or not, include a foldable jumper or cardigan, as planes can be quite cool in-flight.
The Jet2 cabin crew member added, “Despite having to pack lightly for my job, I’m an over-packer so I’m trying to keep the weight of my luggage down.
“That said, my must-have item is my skincare products. Whether I’m off on a beach holiday or a city break, my skincare routine is non-negotiable.”
Jasmine said she’s always careful to include “sensible” bits like plasters and adapters, but makes room for skincare in checked luggage to avoid being restricted by the 100ml liquid rule.
Whether it’s your favourite moisturiser, face spray or lip balm, the Jet2 flight attendant notes that “nothing beats that post-flight refresh” with tried and trusted products.