16 Prime Day Deals Flight Attendants Are Shopping

According to Indeed.com, most flight attendants log around 65 to 85 flight hours every month. This doesn’t include overtime. It also doesn’t include all the time they spend in hotels and airports and traveling in between the two. If you add up all those hours, it isn’t long before you reach 10,000 — the amount of time award-winning journalist Malcolm Gladwell reports it takes to “master” something. In the case of flight attendants, they’re mastering the art (or is it a science?) of travel. Simply put, if packing were an Olympic sport, they’d be on the podium. 

While many airline employees have to pass through duty-free shops on a daily basis, that’s not where they do most of their shopping. Like us, flight attendants love Amazon, and Amazon Prime Day is circled on their calendars. Most deals are still TBD, but Travel + Leisure recently spoke with a few flight attendants to see which sales they’re currently shopping (and hoping to get further discounted on Prime Day). From a pair of comfy, 100-percent leather pumps — with more than 100 five-star reviews left by cabin crew — to a multipurpose mist toner that will bring your skin and hair back to life after a long-haul flight, here are 16 flight attendant-approved products currently marked down at Amazon. 

Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle 

“I love being able to start a new book immediately after finishing one,” says Valerie Fraser. For that reason, the JetBlue flight attendant always travels with her Kindle Scribe, which she loves because it also doubles as a notebook. “It’s incredibly useful for making lists or journaling while on the go.” Featuring the largest display of any Kindle, the Scribe boasts a 10.2-inch display. It also has the longest battery life, offering “months of reading and weeks of writing” on just one charge.  

UGREEN Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver

Although she works for an airline, Fraser readily admits that most headphones you get on planes are “poor quality.” That’s why she recommends packing your own. And if you want to connect them to the inflight entertainment screens, you’ll need this adapter, which is $22 with a 25-percent-off coupon applied at checkout. For another similar option, there’s this one from UGREEN. “It’s a lifesaver!” Fraser enthuses. “You can easily pair it with AirPods or wireless headphones.” 

BAGSMART Electronics Organizer Travel Case

Fraser is also committed to having a dedicated case for her chargers and other electronic accessories: “Otherwise, things get tangled, mixed up, and a bit out of hand.” This electronics organizer with more than 4,200 five-star reviews comes from BAGSMART, a brand beloved by flight attendants. It features six mesh pockets, so you can see their contents, and seven elastic loops for all your cables. It’s also made of a durable, water-resistant fabric and has double zippers for easy access.

Pro tip: stock it with travel-specific chargers and cables like this satisfied shopper did: “We bought additional cables so that we can keep the bag in a ‘ready to travel’ state with the additional benefit of not having to unplug, pack, unpack, and reorganize cables that we use at home.” 

BAGAIL 4 Set Compression Packing Cubes

“I find that compression packing cubes work best for making the most of your luggage space,” says Fraser, who’s pining for this four-piece set from BAGAIL. Each cube features an extra zipper that works like travel vacuum bags to remove any excess air. Choose from 11 different colors; and don’t be surprised if you encounter other travelers with the same set. More than 10,000 of these sets were sold in the last month! They have more than 14,400 five-star ratings with several rave reviews. 

8-piece Deluxe Compression Packing Cubes

Fraser also appreciates having a dedicated bag to keep her dirty stuff separate from her clean clothes. This popular compression packing cube set — more than 1,000 were sold in the last month — includes a drawstring laundry/shoe bag. After your trip, simply throw it in the washing machine. In addition to five compression packing cubes, this set also comes with two smaller bags for accessories. 

“I was able to carry two pairs of shoes in my medium-size checked suitcase, along with seven pairs of pants, 14 shirts, three scarves, four cardigans, two sets of pajamas, a rain jacket, and enough underwear, bras ,and socks without having to do laundry,” writes one shopper, who used this set on a two-week trip to Europe. 

HOTOR Travel Toiletry Bag

When it comes to keeping her cosmetics and makeup organized, Fraser says she’s “obsessed” with this water-resistant, leak-proof toiletry bag. “It holds a ton of things, the hanging feature works amazingly in hotel bathrooms, and I even use the external pocket as a jewelry pouch.” While it only has over 380 ratings (75 percent of which are five-star), it’s so popular that more than 4,000 were bought in the past month. “No more rifling through several bags to find what I need or worrying about counter space in the shared hotel bathroom,” writes one shopper, who describes this travel toiletry bag as “incredible.” 

Organic Rosewater Mist Toner

Mallorie Hammond has been a United Airlines flight attendant since 2013, but her face doesn’t give away how often she flies. That’s because she travels with this rosewater mist toner. “It’s so nice and relaxing on long flights,” Hammond says. This best-selling product — it has more than 10,000 five-star ratings — is about as multipurpose as it gets. In addition to hydrating, calming, and toning your skin, it can also work wonders on your hair. According to this shopper, “just a few spritzes add moisture and shine.” Note: it comes in a four-ounce bottle, so if you’re carry-on or bust, you’ll need to invest in TSA-approved refillable sprayer bottles. If transferring liquids is too much of a hassle, there’s also  this two-ounce rosewater spritz with more than 15,000 five-star ratings. 

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier 

Hammond also relies on electrolyte powder packets to “ensure I’m staying adequately hydrated, especially on flights longer than two hours.” If you can wait until Prime Day, Liquid I.V. told us it will be offering an even deeper discount — up to 30 percent off on all its products. It will also be debuting a new sugar-free variety pack, on sale for $22. But if you’re flying before then, consider these popular electrolyte packets — they have more than 82,000 five-star ratings — which also include eight vitamins and nutrients. One flight attendant who flies long-haul flights to Asia reports they have “really made a difference in my energy level.”

Lifewit Large Cooler Bag

Although we seldom see them eating, flight attendants have to refuel, too. And while some airport restaurants give cabin crew generous discounts, Hammond prefers to pack her snacks in this cooler. “It’s great for meal prep and travels nicely on top of my suitcase,” she says. And she’s not the only flight attendant who swears by this insulated bag that keeps food hot or cold for up to five hours. It has more than 8,200 five-star ratings and 68 five-star reviews left by flight attendants. “I’ve been a flight attendant for 20 years, and I’ve always struggled to find the perfect lunch bag without breaking the bank,” explains one happy customer. “To all my fly girls and guys, this bag will not disappoint. It’s spacious and durable.” 

Clarks Womens Emslie Lulin

If you’re looking for a travel-friendly pair of heels that won’t hurt your feet, try these 100-percent leather pumps boasting an OrthoLite footbed. They’re the worst-kept secret at flight attendant school. “So comfy, even on long 14-16 hour duty days, no blisters, and they never set off the metal detectors at TSA,” reads one of more than 100 five-star reviews left by flight attendants. In total, these shoes, which have a 2.16-inch heel, have more than 6,700 five-star ratings and are ranked on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers in Women’s Pumps. 

Sooverki Travel Knee-high Compression Socks

Unfortunately, a comfy pair of pumps won’t prevent swelling. That’s why so many flight attendants stock up on these best-selling compression socks — they have over 15,000 five-star ratings — which are designed to keep blood flowing, even at cruising altitude. “These are miracle socks!” proclaims one flight attendant. “At the end of a long day I don’t feel like my toes are going to pop off like little sausages, and I can see my ankles.” Nurses also love these, with one calling them a “wise purchase.” 

Commollis Travel Blanket Luxury Travel Set 

Hannah Vosler, a flight attendant of six years, has to travel three hours by plane to her main hub. To catch up on sleep during her commute, she relies on this $20 set which she calls a “game-changer.” Alternatively, consider this similar 4-in-1 set (currently on sale for $12 with a 40-percent-off coupon), which includes a blanket (that features snaps to keep it in place around your neck), an inflatable pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask. Use the carrying case to attach it to the outside of your carry-on. “The fact that I was able to throw everything in the wash when we got home was a huge bonus, too,” writes one shopper, who bought a set for all four of their travel companions. 

BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones

One of Vosler’s favorite perks of flying so much is getting to see new movie releases on planes. And like Fraser, she’s a big fan of bringing your own Bluetooth headphones (make sure you have a transmitter, too). This best-selling pair has nearly 20,000 five-star ratings and is ranked #1 on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers in Over-ear Headphones. Its 500mAh battery means you can go 65 hours in between charges. But you can also plug it in the old-fashioned way, if needed. “It has a 3.5-mm jack, which is very convenient when your headset runs out of battery and you don’t have the means to recharge it right away,” writes one traveler, before adding that it also offers great sound quality for the price point.  

TOZO HT2 Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Headphones

If you want a headset with noise cancellation — a feature Vosler personally appreciates when she’s trying to get some shut-eye — consider this top-selling pair. It comes in eight colors and offers up to 60 hours of continuous listening (or silence). And thanks to its affordable price point, more than 7,000 were purchased in the last month alone. “These drown out the flight attendant trying to offer credit cards and totally cut out iPad games at max volume,” sums up one satisfied shopper, who says they “make flights tolerable.” 

SAKURA Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit

Vosler admits she’s no Michelangelo, but she likes to try to paint some of the incredible sights she sees on her travels, whether she’s working or not. “This set is incredibly compact and portable, so it allows me to bring my hobby on the road with me.” In addition to a water brush pen that holds four milliliters of water, the set includes 12 different watercolors, a mixing palette, a dabbing sponge, and storage for paper (not included). “It stays in my bag at all times!” writes one traveler, who bought theirs for a trip to Taiwan. “It’s a great kit.” 

BEVLEDGE Airplane Window Organization Station

While it’s not on sale, yet, Vosler asked us to give a shout out to this travel essential she calls “genius,” and thinks every window seat needs it. At just $20, it’s basically a deal on its own. “There’s a lack of space in economy, especially if you have a laptop or book on your tray table,” she explains. “This product is great to provide that little bit of extra storage.” It has two cup holders and easily attaches to most plane windows by sliding into the window shade slot. When not in use, it folds up. It’s pretty new, so it only has less than 900 total ratings. Still, more than 2,000 were purchased in the last month. In a five-star review titled “Perfect fit and awesome buy,” the traveler says flight attendants on their flight took photos of it because they thought it was so handy. 

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