Cabin crew are always on the move – it’s literally part of their job to jet across the globe, spending nights in unfamiliar hotel rooms and days in the sky.

When it comes to travel tips, it’s safe to say that their wisdom is tried and tested.

So who better to ask for their non-negotiable flying must-haves?

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Fiji Airways cabin crew purser Nanise tells 9Travel that her one non-negotiable is to bring a comforting item with her everywhere she goes.

“One small hack I swear by is bringing one comfort from home when I travel.”

“It might be a favourite tea, a candle, or a sleep spray,” she says. “When you are constantly moving between destinations, having something familiar makes hotel rooms feel a little more like home.”

You can even use these creature comforts on the plane, too, if you’re having trouble getting comfortable.

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Ok, the candle might have to stay in your bag, but cabin crew will be happy to give you hot water for your tea bag.

And a spritz of a familiar scent on an airline pillow or your sleep mask could make it easier to drift off when you’re in the air.

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Nanise says that dressing in layers is always key when flying – crew members do it, and passengers should follow their lead.

“Layering is survival,” she says.

“Cabin temperatures change constantly. One minute it can be warm and the next it is freezing. Wearing layers under your uniform helps you stay comfortable and focused during a long flight.”

Fellow Fiji Airways cabin crew purser Andreantha also has a key tip for staying happy on planes: fuel up.

And she’s not talking about putting petrol in the plane.

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Eating before you get on board is a smart choice. “Even something small before a flight makes a big difference, because low energy at altitude hits harder than people expect.”

Pack some high-energy snacks, like nuts or museli bars, in your carry-on, so that you have something easy to munch on when hunger hits – and you’re also not at the mercy of expensive airport food prices.

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