I'm a Flight Attendant, and These Are the 12 Items You Should Stop Bringing on Flights in 2026

"Unruly passengers barely register anymore, but truly efficient travelers always do. They board calmly and prepared, slide seamlessly into their seats, and settle in without breaking a sweat. From the front of the plane, it's easy to spot where trips go sideways: overstuffed vintage luggage, items better suited for a bedroom than seat 12B, and habits that quietly add stress before the plane even leaves the gate."

"But it's bulky, smells a little, and takes up way more space than it should. It's definitely not your seatmate's favorite blanket, yet somehow they still end up half-smothered by the quilt your Nana made for your high school graduation. Do yourself (and everyone in your row) a favor and swap it for a blanket made specifically for travel, like this one from Litume. It's lightweight, cozy, and surprisingly warm, making in-flight naps easy without the sprawl."

Efficient travelers board calmly, prepared, and settle into seats without fuss. Common trip-derailing items include overstuffed vintage luggage and bedroom-style items that add stress before departure. Swap home bedding for a lightweight travel blanket that packs down small, stays warm, and avoids inconveniencing seatmates. Replace hand-me-down or bulky suitcases with upgraded sets featuring collapsible handles, smooth-rolling wheels, and lightweight materials to ease airport navigation. Adopting compact, purpose-built travel gear prevents lost items, reduces gate-time hassle, and makes flights smoother, easier, and more relaxing.

Read at Travel + Leisure