Flight Attendants Love These 15 Labor Day Deals

No matter your level of airline status, you probably travel less than flight attendants, for whom a day at the office means a day in the air. And because they log so many miles in the skies and destinations around the globe, flight attendants are the undisputed experts who truly know the best travel gear, having road-tested tons of products in real-world flying conditions and vetted the ones that work best. 

The good news is they’re happy to share that intel with the rest of us. Ahead, flight attendants from around the country reveal the products they love that make travel easier, more convenient, and more pleasant. Pro tip: Don’t pay full price for them. Each pick is also sporting a serious discount thanks to the Amazon Labor Day sale, where deals are up to 50 percent off.

Cozy Essential Vacuum Storage Bag

Flight attendant Kate O’Donovan swears by vacuum storage bags for efficient, space-saving packing — and this on-sale version comes with 20 bags of varying sizes, plus a hand pump. “These compression storage bags are a must-have in my book,” says O’Donovan, who flies with the hop-on jet service JSX. “When traveling only with a carry-on bag, these add much-needed space for more souvenirs.” 

Musicozy Sleep Mask

When is a sleep mask more than a sleep mask? When it’s outfitted with Bluetooth and built-in HD speakers to transport you to another planet of peacefulness and tranquility when you travel. “Being a flight attendant means crazy hours and sometimes some serious jet lag,” explains San Francisco-based flight attendant TJ Kizuka. To help combat the negative effects, he will “pop on my Bluetooth sleep mask and listen to sounds of the ocean to get some much-needed relaxation.” Use the on-site coupon to get it for 50 percent off. 

Gangnam Glow Sunscreen

“Daily sunscreen is an absolute necessity, whether [you’re] exploring a city or lounging on a beach,” says Vanessa Kung, a flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines. “A good one that offers protection and moisture is best since traveling tends to dry out your skin.” She likes this one from Supergoop, which she says “adds a nice subtle glow that makes skin look extra refreshed when worn alone or as a base primer.” But you can score this more affordable Korean beauty version on sale ahead of Labor Day; it’s 30 percent off with the help of the on-site coupon. 

Thule Compression Packing Cube Set

Compression packing cubes are the ultimate flight attendant-approved hack for optimizing packing organization, especially if the goal is to be as streamlined as possible in a carry-on-only situation. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant Reyn Halford calls these Thule cubes “my must-have accessory.” Halford has tried several brands but notes that Thule outperforms them all: “They allow you to save space and keep your items organized as you like.”  

Apple MagSafe Duo Wireless Charger

Staying fully charged on the go is a must, no matter how or why you travel. And, this one makes the process incredibly streamlined for Apple users with its two-in-one design that folds up to save luggage space. “This dual charger makes charging an iPhone, Apple Watch, or a pair of Apple AirPods simple without all the extra cables,” Kung says. “Paring down travel necessities like charging cables is a game changer.” 

Prite Large Cosmetics Bag 

“Counter space while traveling can be limited, so you want to be efficient and make good use of space,” Kung explains. That’s why it’s key to travel with a makeup bag that opens wide to offer easy access to all your products — and has various compartments “for a great way to keep your makeup or hair products organized.” This version, on sale for 10 percent off, can be marked down an extra 30 percent with the handy on-site coupon.

Supceat Earplugs

Once you’ve exhausted all of your music and movie options and you’re ready for some shut-eye, you’ll be happy you bought these earplugs during Amazon’s Labor Day sale (clip the on-site coupon to get them for 20 percent off). The flight attendant-approved earplugs have different noise-canceling effects to suit different travel scenarios, soften the grating sounds, and reduce overall noise while keeping the rest of the sound clear and sharp. “I love these earplugs for traveling as a passenger as well as in my hotel rooms,” Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant Kesha Ahlo says. “They cut out a lot of noise and they don’t hurt the inside of my ears over time.”

Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun

As a passenger, hauling bulky suitcases and sitting upright for hours on a flight can result in achy muscles. But, according to Kizuka, flight attendants have it worse. “Pushing heavy beverage carts and traversing across airports with heavy luggage can put a lot of stress on your body,” he explains. His solution? A massage gun. 

His favorite model comes with various attachment heads and a motor that powers 3,200 strikes per minute, which he says “helps with those flight attendant-related aches and pains.” But, we found a better deal on the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun that has earned an impressive 4.7-star rating from shoppers and is currently 30 percent off. 

Amazon Echo Show 5

“I love my Amazon Echo because not only can I check on my apartment when I’m away, [but] I can also share pictures from my latest adventures when I am home,” Kizuka says. This model has improved bass and voice clarity, faster Alexa response and processor, and a sharper screen that makes nighttime viewing easier.

EWA Portable Bluetooth Speaker

It’s rare to find Sue Johnson, a San Diego-based flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, without her trusty Bluetooth speaker in her carry-on. “I use it all the time in my hotel room,” she tells us. While she likes the U Mini Speaker, which she says is a “bit pricey,” but worth it and “small enough to fit in your bags,” this popular and equally portable version does the trick and is on sale for $25 this Labor Day weekend. 

Jisulife Handheld Fan

Handheld personal fans are a genius addition to any packing list when traveling to warm-weather climates. JSX flight attendant Kim Bassett relies on the popular Jisulife version, which she says has “made a big difference in keeping me cool while I preflight, as well as in the galley on really hot days.” The lightweight portable fan is on sale with an on-site coupon ahead of Labor Day. It comes with a wrist string and serves as a USB power bank and flashlight, too.

Lucas Papaw Ointment

We’ll let you in on a flight attendant-approved secret weapon you’ll always want to have in your bag: Lucas Papaw Ointment, which comes in an already affordable tube that is further reduced for Labor Day. “I originally discovered Papaw in Australia and was so happy to find it on sale at Amazon,” Ahlo says. “I love that I can use it as a lip balm but also to hydrate my hands or use it on any minor scratch, bite, or burn.”

Loutyto Silicone Kettle 

For regular tea drinkers, this lightweight silicone kettle is a major quality-of-life booster when you’re on the road. “I use this on the plane and in my hotel room,” Johnson shares. With the click of a button, you’ll have boiled water in three to five minutes. And you can take it anywhere; the body folds down and the handle detaches for super portability. 

Kieba Massage Balls

“Moving heavy carts, luggage, and awkward equipment takes a toll on the body,” says Ahlo. “I love to use these lacrosse balls to lean or sit on uncomfortable knots or tight areas.” As a commuting flight attendant, she notes that “having these in the seat to massage my back or legs is a game changer.” But even if you’re not working when you fly, travel can be stressful on the body and lead to soreness — and these can most certainly help.

LMNT Zero-sugar Electrolytes Drink Mix 

Travel — especially within dry airplane cabins — can be notoriously dehydrating, which is why Ahlo “always keep a handful of electrolytes in my bag that taste good to keep myself hydrated.” Her brand of choice? LMNT. And though her favorite flavor is watermelon, this affordable kit comes equipped with multiple flavors (including watermelon) to best suit your taste buds. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.