Posted on Tuesday, 27 November 2018

Flight attendants are there to help ensure we make it safely and comfortably to our destination, but they know a lot more than how to carry out a safety demonstration or how to pour coffee at 36,000 feet. Here are 10 useful travel tips form experienced flight attendants.

1. Drink only bottled water

According to one Southwest Airlines flight attendant, it's wise to only drink bottled water while in the air. The plane's tap water comes from a storage system that is difficult to clean properly, meaning it can be a breeding ground for bacteria like E. coli. Coffee and tea made from the jet's water supply should be OK if it was boiled for three minutes - but to be safe, bring your own bottled supply!

2. How to avoid baggage fees

If you have a bag you want stowed, but wish to avoid the baggage fee, one attendant revealed a solution: simply take your bag with you and say you want to check it at the gate. The chances are the attendant will check it without charge.

3. Bring the car seat for your child

Some airlines allow you to bring child car seats on-board. Placing your youngster in a car seat can make them feel more comfortable and secure - and help them sleep better. However, you would need to pay for a separate seat for your child if you wish to use a car seat. Check individual airlines to see if you can bring your car seat on-board.

4. How to avoid screaming children

Loud kids are simply a part of air travel, but by picking a seat far away from the partitions you'll reduce the chances of having your sleep interrupted. One attendant wrote on Oyster.com: "These partitions, which go by the technical name 'bulkheads,' are the only places on an aircraft where a parent can safely secure a baby's bassinet — and are, therefore, where most children under one year old will be situated."

5. Sit at the back for better service

While many people choose seats towards the front of the plane in order to disembark more quickly, you may receive better service by booking a seat towards the rear. One flight attendant wrote on Oyster.com: "We like to avoid responding to call bells from the front of the plane because answering one means potentially flaunting whatever item the passenger has requested to everyone else along the way. This can cause a problem since planes often don't have enough extra vodka, pillows, earplugs, and toothbrushes, or the time on shorter flights to deviate from the service schedule.

"For passengers sitting near the back of the plane, however, it's much easier to slip in that second mini bottle of wine," she wrote.

6. Dress smart for a free upgrade

This is a classic - but still worth taking note of. Wear smart attire and your chances of a free upgrade to business or first class are much higher. It comes direct from a flight attendant, so it must be true.

7. Avoid wearing clothes with metal built in

Since it sets off detectors and prevents additional screening - according to Hawaiian Airlines' Heather Sanchez.

8. Choose a special meal to get served first

If you opt for special meal on-board a long-haul flight - such as a vegetarian or gluten-free option - you will get served ahead of everyone else. If you wait for the regular meal choices, you may find your preferred dish has run out by the time the trolley reaches you.

9. Avoid flying if you have a cold

It can damage your eardrums, according to a flight attendant writing on Quora.

10. Detect slept-in beds

A flight attendant with 19 years of experience told Business Insider: "Don't sleep on hotel sheets that don't have creases from being folded; someone slept on them already."

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