Top 10 Gifts for Flight Attendants & Frequent Flyers
It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving is over and that means it’s holly jolly time. Whatever you celebrate, chances are you’ll be giving a gift. If you’ve got a frequent flyer in your life, then read on for some gift ideas. These are items I use all the time as a full-time flight attendant, so I know your travel enthusiast will love them too! Here are the best gifts for flight attendants or frequent travelers.
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Best Gifts for Flight Attendants
& Frequent Flyers
2021
1. Packable Coat
Since we are always on the go, and since we lay over in cold cities, a packable jacket is essential for flight attendants in the wintertime.
I have been using my Uniqulo ultra-light packable down jacket for three years now and I love it. It looks chic and rolls up super small to fit in my suitcase. I get compliments on it all the time.
This one from Amazon comes in 11 colors and includes a small sack to store it in when you’re not using it.
This Amazon Essentials packable puffer coat for men is affordable and comes in 17 different colors and patterns.
2. Packable microfiber towel
It may be winter, but Summer is never really over for Flight Attendants. We escape the winter by hopping a flight to tropical destinations on our days off. I invested in a microfiber packable towel before my trip to Greece in 2018 and this has become one of my FAVORITE gifts to give others. These microfiber towels dry quickly and roll up very small so they don’t take up too much room in your bag. (Traditional beach towels are the worst for this!) And best of all, sand doesn’t stick to them! Hallelujah! Seriously get one of these for yourself and one for a traveling friend. They are great for the beach, camping, or if you’re staying in a hostel.
This one will do the trick. Buy it on Amazon.
But if you’re looking for something with more pizzazz, then check out some of these: You can find some colorful and patterned towels. Click here to see more packable towels.
3. Packable Backpack
Are you seeing a theme here? For flight attendants, space-saving is key. A bulky backpack isn’t feasible to bring on a layover or a personal trip—especially if you’re already packing those trail runners or hiking shoes. Voila: The Packable Backpack.
I’m someone who likes to go hiking or to the beach on layovers. But even if all you’re doing is taking a walk to the grocery store to stock up on wine before hitting the pool, a packable bag is perfect.
4. Stasher Bags
Skip the disposable sandwich bags and pack your lunch in Stasher Bags. These silicon pouches are microwave and freezer safe, and you can throw them in the dishwasher. While more expensive than traditional throw-away bags, these babies have years of shelf-life, making them cheaper in the long run. (And better for the planet!) Flight Attendants love Stasher Bags because of the durability, and your frequent traveler will love them too. You can read more about them at Stasherbag.com.
This 4-pack of Stasher bags may seem expensive at $37. But over the course of the YEARS you’ll use them, the cost will be lower than those earth-killing Ziplocks. They come in all different colors and sizes, so customize away!
5. Makeup remover cloths
I guess this is on the “Let’s stop being so wasteful” theme. I have used these for years, and they are magic. Just add water, swipe, and bam! Buh-bye liner and landing lips, Hello fresh-for-bed face! So effective, even on stubborn mascara, and so much less wasteful than disposable face wipes. This is a great gift for flight attendants and travelers who wear makeup.
The Makeup Eraser is the OG of makeup remover towels. It comes in several colors, but might I suggest the black to keep it looking fresh for longer?
6. Travel Adapter
Are we ever traveling internationally again? I don’t know, but if and when we do, we will need an outlet adapter.
7. A dope sleep mask
Sleeping on a plane is tough and sleeping in a hotel room can be, too. The curtains let in the faintest light and instead of catching zzZs, you’re laying awake counting the hours. Many travelers rely on sleep masks to get rest on the road. But let’s up our game, shall we?
The MZOO Sleep Mask has foam padding between the eye mask and your face, with enough space for your eyes to open and close freely. This means no makeup smudges after a long nap. According to reviews this mask will immerse you in complete darkness, and the adjustable strap ensures you get that goldilocks level of tightness around your head.
For ladies with lash extensions, this Bucky Eye Mask comes highly recommended. ($11.99 on Amazon) There is enough space in the contoured eye cups that even the longest lashes can bat freely without getting tangled or crushed. And the contoured eye cups ensure a light-free nap or relaxation sesh.
8. A Cute and Functional Passport Holder
Keep your travel docs safe in one place. RFID blocking keeps scammers from stealing your info. Plus, a slot to hold your newest travel accessory—your vaccination card.
Will 2022 be the year international travel picks up again? One can only hope. Get your frequent flyer ready with this Zoppen passport holder. It comes in one million colors and the tiny airplane is a cute touch.
9. Audible Subscription
I drive an hour and a half each way to get to work. So music isn’t going to cut it. I need something to fill my time in those hours and make it feel like I’m actually doing something and not just wasting my time. For many of my flight attendant coworkers, commuting to work means an airplane ride, or even two. Audiobooks are a great way to kill two birds with one stone, and they make whatever mundane thing you’re doing more enjoyable. I also love listening to audiobooks while I pack my suitcase, get ready for bed in a hotel, wash dishes, and shovel snow.
An Audible subscription is a fantastic gift for people who are always on the go and wish they had more time to sit and read.
You can buy your favorite traveler a 1, 3, 6, or 12-month subscription. ($15, $45, $90, $150 respectively.) They will have access to thousands of books, and it’s all-you-can-read. A book buffet!
Click here to learn more or to buy an Audible gift subscription.
10. YETI Tumbler
Whether it’s hot coffee in the morning or a cold cocktail by the pool in the afternoon, the Yeti tumbler is a travel essential. I take my Yeti tumbler on every single work trip, and if I’m going to be away for more than a few days on a personal trip, I take it there too. After a 1-hour drive to the airport, boarding, taxi and takeoff, my coffee is still piping hot after inflight service is complete. This is one of my favorite, FAVORITE travel accessories. Your flight attendant, pilot or traveler will love this gift.
BONUS: Gift Cards
Everyone loves gift cards and flight attendants are no exception. Here are the best gift cards to give flight attendants and frequent travelers.
The Best Gift Cards for Flight Attendants and frequent travelers:
Starbucks – Starbucks is King when it comes to coffee. Not only for the strength of the brew but also for its ubiquity. You can find a Starbucks ANYWHERE. Help your favorite flight attendant or traveler with a little pick-me-up on their next trip. Click here to buy your Starbucks gift card in just the right amount.
Massage Envy or Spa Finder– Our bags are heavy! And even for non-flight attendants, sitting in an airplane for hours and living through different time zones can leave your body feeling stressed and strained. Massage Envy has locations around the US where your favorite traveler can redeem their gift. And Spa Finder can be used at local spas around the U.S. Just search by city or service on Spafinder.com to see where your card can be used.
Click here to purchase a Spa Finder gift card.
Click here to learn more or purchase Massage Envy gift card.
Airbnb – Vacation anyone? Click to buy Airbnb gift card.
Uber – Hopping a flight is easy, but once we arrive at our destination, we’ll need a way to get around. Uber gift cards are also great because they can be used for Uber Eats, a popular service among flight crews. Buy Uber gift card.
And that’s it, folx. The best gifts for your favorite flight attendant or frequent traveler. I hope this gave you some good ideas and that your holiday season is holly, jolly, and stress-free.
Cheers!
Hey you, yes you! Thanks for stopping by! I’m Toni, and I run the show here at A Wheel in the Sky. Here, we talk about travel, flight attendant life, and personal development (woof). If you’d like to follow along for more tips and juicy insider stories, then please consider subscribing.
If you’re looking for more flight attendant and travel content, then check out some of these recent posts and old favorites.
Last Year’s Gift Guide: Find the PERFECT gift for your favorite frequent flyer
6 Best Travel tips I’ve learned along the way
10 Things Every Flight Attendant Is Thankful For
Homesick For The Holidays? 7 Ways To Make It Suck Less
So, You’re Scared to Fly? Top 7 Tips to Beat Your Fear of Flying.
7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Flight Attendant
Feature Image by Jill Wllington via Pixabay
