If you fly often, you’ve probably tried it all to stay fresh during and after your flight — hydrating mists, lip balms, sheet masks, you name it. Still, when it comes to the best of the best of plane-worthy fashion and beauty essentials, a layperson’s wealth of knowledge is nothing compared to that of flight attendants.
If there’s anyone on a plane who has packed exactly what they need and nothing else, it’s a flight attendant. So who better to consult when searching for the holy grail of in-flight fashion and beauty products?
Whether you’re looking for ultra-soothing hand lotion, the face mists you’ll actually want to use, or warm, easy-to-pack outerwear, flight attendants know all the secrets. Luckily, they’re willing to share. Here’s what you should have on your list, according to five flight attendants.
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Pixi Glow Mist
“A facial spray is super handy to have when being in the air, considering how dry it gets up there. Pixi’s Glow Mist is my go-to because it’s a super fine mist [and] it feels nice and hydrating. It’s not like other mists where it feels like you’re getting splashed in the face with water. It also gives you a nice glow without looking oily, plus it’s a great setting spray for makeup.” ― Maygen, a flight attendant <br><br> Get the Pixi Glow Mist, $15
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
“This foundation is perfect for those long, 12-plus-hour duty days. It’s a matte foundation, but I find if you pair it with an illuminating primer (my go-to is L’Oréal’s Lumi Glotion) then it’s just perfection for when you’re flying.” ― Maygen <br><br>Get the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, $43
Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration by First Aid Beauty
“It's plant-based, so no yucky chemicals, and it's really soothing and buttery. I always have this in my bag. It's nice knowing that something going on my lips is made with such clean ingredients.” ― Anel <br><br>Get the Arbonne Lip Balm, $16
Ultra Light Down Jacket from Uniqlo
“It's decently warm and it folds/rolls up into a small little pouch so it doesn't take up a ton of space in your tote or bag. It is always in my travel bag.” ― Anel <br><br>Get the Ultra Light Down Jacket from Uniqlo, $69.90
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
“I always have the Laneige lip mask on me. Everything gets dry being on a plane and this stuff is amazing.” ― Anel <br><br>Get the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $20
“Always in my bag ready for me mid-flight is Bioassance’s Squalane and Micronutrient Fine Mist. ... It [puts] good nutrients back into my skin while refreshing it and waking me up.” ― Kyla <br><br>Get the Biossance Squalane and Micronutrient Fine Mist, $32
Dr. Bronner Organic Hand Sanitizer
“I have this on person [during flights] to keep my hands clean and the bathrooms smelling fresh. My favorite hand sanitizer scent is lavender to help calm passengers.” ― Kyla <br><br>Get the Dr. Bronner Organic Hand Sanitizer, $4.99
Mario Badescu Aloe and Rosewater Face Spray
“Sometimes I'll spend more than 12 hours a day in the air and it can just totally dry out my skin. My absolute must-have item when I'm in the air is the facial spray from Mario Badescu. It's so refreshing and instantly gives my dry, dull skin a little glow. It's also fun to close your eyes, spritz your face, and pretend that you're at a spa and not on an airplane. It's a great little escape.” ― Paige, a flight attendant <br><br>Get the Mario Badescu Aloe and Rosewater Face Spray, $7
Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream
“I always end my days with the Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream. A heavy moisturizer after a flight is key. I use this before I go to bed and wake up with my skin looking refreshed and glowing.” ― Paige <br><br>Get the Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream, $22
Carmex Lip Balm
“The best [lip balm] that I've found is good old-fashioned Carmex. I've tried to use fancier ones but Carmex just works so well. My lips would be a disaster without it.” ― Paige <br><br>Get the Carmex Lip Balm, $2.79
Glossier Generation G Lipstick
“A favorite lipstick is Generation G from Glossier in the color Zip. I don't like wearing a super heavy lipstick while I work because I'm always worried about it smudging or looking messed up, so I love this easy-to-use lipstick. It has a blotted, matte finish that doesn't smudge and I can just put it on and not worry about it.” ― Paige <br><br>Get the Glossier Generation G Lipstick in Zip, $18
EvaNYC Pro-Power Portable Hair Dryer
“Hotel hair dryers are the worst, so I bring my own. I bought the Pink Ice Mini Healthy Heat Pro-Power Dryer from EvaNYC. It barely takes up any space in my bag and it really is powerful. It also comes in this cute pink pouch that I use to carry all of my other products.” ― Paige <br><br>Get theEvaNYC Pro-Power Portable Hair Dryer, $47.99
Dagne Dover Allyn Tote
“For my work purse (and for personal travel), I use the Allyn Tote from Dagne Dover. It has a pocket for everything and it's a beautiful, high-quality bag. It is so easy to keep everything organized with this bag. I'll use it if I'm traveling for vacation too, because it's cute and you could fit an extra change of clothes in it if you really wanted to! It also fits perfectly under the seats on the airplane so it's a great carry-on.” ― Paige <br><br>Get the Dagne Dover Allyn Tote, $325
Casio Vintage Watch
“We are required to wear watches for work, but I love this one so much that I just wear it even when I'm not working now. I actually get more compliments on this watch than anything else. It even shows you what day of the week and month it is, which is really important for me because I always lose track when I'm traveling. Sometimes I feel like I don't even know what month it is, so this keeps me a little grounded.” ― Paige <br><br>Get the Casio Vintage Watch, $24.45
Hydroflask Reusable Water Bottle
“[It’s] so important to hydrate. I fill [my bottle] at home before my flight, then [at] water stations in the airport or hotel gym to avoid using plastic bottles in flight. I don't have a specific brand that I use, as I usually just use any glass bottle, but most flight attendants swear by Hydroflask with the built-in straw so that it doesn't ruin their lipstick (very important).” ― Kenza, a flight attendant <br><br>Get the Hydroflask Reusable Water Bottle, $44.95
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
“[I use] facial mist throughout the flight to keep moisture, as flying is very drying for your skin. I make my own with rose water and witch hazel, but I also love the Caudalie Beauty Elixir Spray.” ― Kenza <br><br>Get the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, $49
Lucas’ Papaw Ointment
“Lucas’ Papaw is the holy grail. I use it for everything — dry hands, dry lips, cuts, burns ... [you] name it. This never leaves my suitcase and I keep one in my uniform blazer pocket. I reapply on my lips throughout the flight and it makes such a difference. I was first introduced to it during my travels in Australia in 2009 and have since never left the house without it!” ― Kenza <br><br>Get the Lucas’ Papaw Ointment, $12.45
Franco Sarto Bocca Loafers
“Franco Sarto Bocca Loafer is my absolute favorite shoe. As you may know, flight attendants usually have an airport shoe and an airplane shoe (we refer to them as our galley shoes). It is so incredibly hard to find a comfortable shoe that you can wear for hours at a time that is also aesthetically nice and professional. This is my go-to always, I usually stock up once a year when there is a sale and I prefer the patent style. My orthotics also fit inside perfectly, which makes for a fashionable yet comfortable look. In our industry we are on our feet all the time, so finding that perfect galley shoe is one of our top priorities.” ― Kenza <br><br>Get the Franco Sarto Bocca Loafers, $79
erincatherine: Linda Caldwell started working for Delta in 1973. She worked her way through law school and graduated in 1978. She has been balancing her law practice and airline career for over thirty years now.
ALITALIA'S UNIFORMS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Sorelle Fontana, 1950-1960 The Alitalia uniform was designed by Micol and Zoe Fontana, whose interpretation included a long dark skirt that fell well below the knee complete with a blue 3 button jacket. Their style was a representation of women working outside the home after the war.
Delia Biagiotti, 1960-66
Delia Biagotti (Laura Biagotti's mother) designed the updated Alitalia knee length uniform. Her color of choice was pale blue.
Delia Biagiotti, 1960-66
Biagiotti's modernized version included ¾ sleeve blazers, an overall style very representative of the 60s.
Mila Schon, 1969-1972
In 1969, when Alitalia's logo changes from the "Freccia Alata" bow and arrow to the tricolor A on the livery, Mila Schon, designer to Jackie Kennedy's wardrobe reinvents the uniform by shortening the skirts and proposing completely new colors: a bright green and red.
Mila Schon, 1972
In 1969, when Alitalia's logo changes from the "Freccia Alata" bow and arrow to the tricolor A on the livery, Mila Schon, designer to Jackie Kennedy's wardrobe reinvents the uniform by shortening the skirts and proposing completely new colors: a bright green and red.
Alberto Fabiani, 1973-5
Alberto Fabiani introduces an apricot color uniform. This also marks a transition from tailor made to standard sizes.
Florence Marzotto, 1975-1986
Florence Marzotto designs the Alitalia uniform choosing pomegranate red through the 70s and transitioning to green blazers and sweaters paired with navy skirts in the 80s. She designs the skirt to once again fall below the knee.
Giorgio Armani, 1991
In 1991, Giorgio Armani redesigns the Alitalia uniform giving it a non uniform look choosing autumn colors including Olive green for its blazer over masculine shirt and just above knee length skirt.
Mondrian Gruppo Nadini, 1998-Present
In 1998 after a choosing among 10 designers, Alitalia bestows the privilege of designing the Alitalia uniform to "Gruppo Nadini di Vignola" located near Modena, Italy. The company works under the trademark "Mondrian." Alitalia flight attendants approved the modernized design and colors (green and blue) chosen by Mandria for the new uniforms.
BRITISH AIRWAYS
Imperial Airways pilot uniform, circa 1930's A precursor to BA, Imperial served British colonies in Africa and the far east.
British Airways uniform, circa 1950s
British European Airways uniform, circa 1960
A student at the Royal College of Art, Sylvia Ayton designed a straight skirt in "Dior" style. A hat was commissioned in a similar material for easy packing.
British European Airways uniform, circa 1967
Designed by Sir Hardy Amies, a dressmaker to the Queen, this uniform's red overcoat matched the red wings of the airlines' newest planes.
BA's "paper" dress uniform, circa 1967
This uniform was worn by BA flight attendants on routes between New York and the Caribbean. The dresses were made of fire-proof paper-like fabric. They were cut to fit the flight attendants, and discarded at the end of each flight.
British European Airways, circa 1972
This uniform, designed by Sir Hardy Amies, was introduced shortly before the airline merged with the British Overseas Airways Corporation. It was the first uniform of the newly formed airline, British Airways, in 1974.
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![“A facial spray is super handy to have when being in the air, considering how dry it gets up there. Pixi’s Glow Mist is my go-to because it’s a super fine mist [and] it feels nice and hydrating. It’s not like other mists where it feels like you’re getting splashed in the face with water. It also gives you a nice glow without looking oily, plus it’s a great setting spray for makeup.” ― Maygen, a flight attendant <br><br> <a href="https://www.pixibeauty.com/products/glow-mist?variant=31991600899"><strong>Get the Pixi Glow Mist, $15</strong></a>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qBk6MG0IjBrYS7H_xxUVAQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5de820ad2100006bdf34f0aa.jpg)
![“Always in my bag ready for me mid-flight is Bioassance’s Squalane and Micronutrient Fine Mist. ... It [puts] good nutrients back into my skin while refreshing it and waking me up.” ― Kyla <br><br><strong><a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/squalane-micronutrient-fine-mist-P429659" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Get the Biossance Squalane and Micronutrient Fine Mist, $32</a></strong>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qrG7dQ2ktYsv_QQYpMRHfQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5de81c191f0000f231df07ae.jpg)
![“I have this on person [during flights] to keep my hands clean and the bathrooms smelling fresh. My favorite hand sanitizer scent is lavender to help calm passengers.” ― Kyla <br><br><a href="https://shop.drbronner.com/organic-hand-sanitizer"><strong>Get the Dr. Bronner Organic Hand Sanitizer, $4.99</strong></a>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pnIRrIk0htc4igBiS7LtEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5de81c18250000b03cd2f317.jpg)
![“The best [lip balm] that I've found is good old-fashioned Carmex. I've tried to use fancier ones but Carmex just works so well. My lips would be a disaster without it.” ― Paige <br><br><a href="https://www.target.com/p/carmex-classic-medicated-lip-balm-tube-3ct/-/A-13048468?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Health%2BShopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Health&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9011995&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1247077&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=CjwKCAiAws7uBRAkEiwAMlbZjjsJ6o3tQA0lk-Pl4iJDfNlx5wakWMxMKxw2FhyLRGXwc9VLbW85ahoChgIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds"><strong>Get the Carmex Lip Balm, $2.79</strong></a>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R0.e3Td1Vrg8hAhmsL4uCw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5de81c1821000058e434f0a2.jpg)
![“[It’s] so important to hydrate. I fill [my bottle] at home before my flight, then [at] water stations in the airport or hotel gym to avoid using plastic bottles in flight. I don't have a specific brand that I use, as I usually just use any glass bottle, but most flight attendants swear by Hydroflask with the built-in straw so that it doesn't ruin their lipstick (very important).” ― Kenza, a flight attendant <br><br><a href="https://www.hydroflask.com/32-oz-wide-mouth-w-straw-lid/color,black,a,92,o,20"><strong>Get the Hydroflask Reusable Water Bottle, $44.95</strong></a>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3ufZOnVVXnXfGb.1Z3jnJQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5de81c19250000c641d2f31e.jpg)
![“[I use] facial mist throughout the flight to keep moisture, as flying is very drying for your skin. I make my own with rose water and witch hazel, but I also love the Caudalie Beauty Elixir Spray.” ― Kenza <br><br><a href="https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/beauty-elixir-P6025"><strong>Get the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, $49</strong></a>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/keQN6fOToA_J34rHb.3Xag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5de81c1921000058e434f0a6.jpg)
![“Lucas’ Papaw is the holy grail. I use it for everything — dry hands, dry lips, cuts, burns ... [you] name it. This never leaves my suitcase and I keep one in my uniform blazer pocket. I reapply on my lips throughout the flight and it makes such a difference. I was first introduced to it during my travels in Australia in 2009 and have since never left the house without it!” ― Kenza <br><br><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lucas-Papaw-Ointment-25g-Tube/dp/B00F1C0Q6A/ref=asc_df_B00F1C0Q6A/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312065699243&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10722995195713150357&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007325&hvtargid=pla-563615770699&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=63823436084&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312065699243&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10722995195713150357&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007325&hvtargid=pla-563615770699" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Get the Lucas’ Papaw Ointment, $12.45</strong></a>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9V8GBV34poJTx3HF_gvqWw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5de81c18250000c641d2f318.jpg)
