15 Memorial Day Sale Picks From Flight Attendants

First and foremost, Memorial Day is about remembering Americans who lost their lives while serving in the military. Of course, since at least the 1970s, retailers have taken advantage of the three-day weekend to get rid of last season’s inventory. Memorial Day is especially known as the best time of year to buy a new mattress. But, the last Monday in May also sees huge markdowns on travel gear. After all, summer is peak vacation season.

Currently, I’m sipping my way through South Africa’s wine country at La Residence. But thanks to my VPN (a travel writer’s best friend) I’m also able to shop Amazon’s Memorial Day sale from the comfort of my suite, complete with vineyard views. With thousands of deals to scroll through, I’m prioritizing products that come highly-recommended by the most seasoned travelers — AKA flight attendants. They live out of carry-ons, commute through airports, work at cruising altitude, and still manage to come across as polished and professional.

I don’t have all their secrets, but I do have the list below of products they swear by. And because it’s Memorial Day, they’re all on sale. Score these flight-attendant approved 100-percent leather pumps for more than 40 percent off, or get this TSA-friendly bar shampoo for just $12. It’s normally $20. And if you need a new carry-on, now’s the time to save $30 on this best-selling suitcase, beloved by airline crews. 

EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow

Unfortunately, flight attendants don’t control cabin temperature (i.e. they get cold, too). Fortunately, they’ve discovered this best-selling (more than 1,000 were sold in the last month) premium micro plush blanket. Not only is it thicker than airline blankets, but at 65” by 40”, it’s nearly twice as big. And thanks to its super soft rectangular carrying case, it also doubles as a pillow. Flight attendants love its smaller features, too, like the sleeve for attaching to your bag. “Fits on my suitcase handle perfectly,” one flight attendant wrote in a review. And a pilot who also gave it a five-star rating called it a “good value for the price” and likes the clip for attaching the carrying-case to their backpack.

Lovevook Laptop Backpack

My friend from high school, an East Coast-based flight attendant, told me last year that many of her colleagues are obsessed with this backpack. And reviewers agree: “I love that there are so many pockets on the outside as well as the inside of the bag,” wrote one flight attendant who uses it so often they know eventually they’ll see some wear and tear. “However, the backpack is affordable so I don’t mind buying it again in the future if needed.” Another flight attendant who left a five-star rating and plans on buying another one when that time comes deemed it the “BEST travel bag” and said, “If I wasn’t such an overpacker, I could honestly fit everything I needed for an overnight trip in this thing.”

Franco Sarto Women’s Bocca Slip On Loafer

While high heels used to be mandatory for flight attendants, I’m starting to notice more wearing loafers. And based on reviews, they love this particular pair from Franco Sarto (an Italian designer whose celebrity fans include Katie Holmes). “They break in almost the instant you put them on,” shared one flight attendant who praised their versatility and pairs them with jeans on their layovers. “I hope they never stop making [this style]!” wrote another flight attendant. Believe it or not, the biggest game-changer isn’t the 100-percent leather upper or modest one-inch heel; it’s the rubber sole that makes them extremely comfortable. Choose from 13 colors including a playful Black/White Zebra, with sale prices starting at $60.

Anker PowerCore 13000mAh Power Bank

My friend’s brother is a flight attendant for United, and when I asked him how I could keep my devices charged while traveling, he directed me toward anything Anker. And as it turns out, flight attendants in the Amazon reviews agree. Anker’s PowerCore power bank is great because it has multiple USB-A ports for simultaneous charging. “This battery charges my phone incredibly fast and holds around four full charges for my iPhone X,” wrote one flight attendant who is also a fan of how easy it is to stow. Note: If you need a USB-C charging port with a built-in cable, consider this best-selling Anker charger. It’s also on sale and has more than 2,600 five-star ratings.

Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar  

One of the best pieces of packing advice I got last year came from Katie Stork, a Southwest flight attendant. She recommended swapping out liquid shampoo and conditioner for their bar versions. “They’re better for the environment,” she told me. “Plus they won’t be tossed by TSA if you’re over the 3-ounce limit.” While there are a lot of shampoo bars out there, this sulfate-free “salon quality” rice water-based bar works so well it’s earned nearly 6,000 five-star ratings. In fact, last month more than 10,000 bars were sold. “Great value for the money, it lasts for months!” wrote one traveler who said it leaves their hair and skin “very soft.” 

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

Before you buy a bigger suitcase, try these flight-attendant-approved packing cubes. Thanks to the compression factor, they allow you to pack more clothes, up to twice as much, and less air. They have several five-star reviews left by flight attendants, but regular travelers love them, too. One five-star review reads, “I was able to go to Puerto Rico for a week with just a backpack (which saved me a lot of money considering budget airlines charge so much for carry-on bags).” The same reviewer even called them the “best packing cubes ever” for the price. 

Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan

I’m normally cold on planes, but I also know a New Jersey-based flight attendant who doesn’t go anywhere without this portable fan that doubles as a flashlight and a power bank. And he’s not the only one. “This product has saved me so many times,” wrote another flight attendant on Amazon. “In the summer, the back of the aircraft can get extra hot. This fan has helped keep me cool, been great as a flashlight on night flights, and charged my phone.” Powered by USB, it provides nearly 20 hours of cooling time on a single charge, and because it folds up, it’s pocket-friendly, too. Last month more than 40,000 were purchased, and it’s ranked No. 1 on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers in Personal Fans. 

Heel Grips Liner Cushions Inserts

Flight attendants are on their feet all day, but unlike nurses, they can’t really get away with wearing Hokas or Crocs. Instead, they rely on these heel cushion inserts to help keep their feet happy. “I wish I had found these things sooner,” confessed one flight attendant in the reviews who appreciates the thick padding when it comes to preventing blisters — i.e. no more using bandaids to keep the back of your heels from cutting into your ankle. And thanks to the extra-sticky adhesive, they don’t need to be replaced as often, either. With more than 8,000 sold last month alone, they’re an Amazon top-seller. 

Pretty Garden Off Shoulder Loose Jumpsuit Romper

Obviously, 2020 wasn’t my favorite year. However, it was the year I discovered this comfy jewel of a jumpsuit.  A favorite among flight attendants who wear it when they don’t have to be in uniform, it features a drawstring waist, sexy off-shoulder style, and perhaps the best feature of all: pockets. “We call ourselves the sisterhood of the traveling jumpsuit!” wrote one flight attendant on Amazon who “absolutely loves it.” Another flight attendant left a review that reads: “It packs super easy. It doesn’t seem to wrinkle, or if it does you can’t see them when you put it on.” They dress it up (adding a belt and wedges), dress it down (with flats and a floppy hat), and love how affordable it is. With more than 30 colors and print to choose from, multiple flight attendants in the reviews say they own more than one.

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

When luggage drink holders first hit the market, I thought they were a gimmick. Now, I know they’re a great idea. Cabin crew love being able to carry their drinks through the airport hands-free, too. “There’s room for two large drinks and a slim pocket for phone or wallet,” explained one flight attendant who described this little caddy, which attaches via hook and loop closure, as “clever.” An Amazon top-seller (more than 3,000 were sold in the last month!), this drink holder is available in dozens of colors and several styles. The four-pocket model even includes space for your tablet.

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag Travel Bag 

With an impressive 4.8-star average rating and more than 6,000 sold in the last month, this flight attendant essential is ranked  No.1 on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers in Toiletry Bags. One flight attendant who left a rave review doesn’t know how they “survived” so long without it. Another flight attendant, who uses it daily, called it “perfect” because its four separate compartments and back open pocket fit all their favorite toiletries. They also wrote, “It’s actually able to be thrown in the wash and not be destroyed.” In addition to points for durability, it also deserves extra points for its stow-away 360-degree swivel hook, the two-way zippers for easy access, and the carrying handle that doubles as a strap for hanging.

Eachy Travel Makeup Bag 

Flight attendants also swear by this makeup bag that boasts the No. 4 spot on Amazon’s list of Most Wished For in Travel Accessories and is ranked No. 2 on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers in Cosmetic Bags. “It’s not only classy looking, but the zippers are solid and everything is laying inside nicely when opened,” wrote one flight attendant in a review. “I love the area for lipsticks and other small tubes.” The lay-flat bag is made of a waterproof, stain-resistant fabric and comes in three sizes. Its thoughtful touches include a double exterior zipper and built-in organization. There’s even a detachable brush board.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-on

Founded by a former pilot and trusted by more than 90 airlines, Travelpro is the only way to go (at least in terms of luggage), for some flight attendants. This 21-inch soft-sided carry-on spinner expands by up to 2 inches, so you have a little wiggle room for souvenirs, and the H2O guard ensures the contents stay dry. Other features include a top handle with a contoured grip, two exterior compartments, a side accessory pocket, and adjustable interior straps that keep its contents in place. “Sturdy, great looking, and worth the price,” summed up one reviewer and flight attendant who said they know a flight attendant instructor who has had theirs for 19 years. Spoiler alert: It’s still going strong.

Apple AirTag 4-pack 

These little lifesavers (relatively speaking) have more than 103,000 five-star ratings and give countless people peace of mind knowing they can track their luggage and other essential items. One five-star review, left by a flight attendant, reads: “These are super easy to use and definitely worth the money. 10/10.” Each Apple AirTag is water- and dust-resistant, and the replaceable battery is designed to last longer than a year. “Accuracy is bang on so far,” wrote another shopper who said an AppleAir Tag on their keychain once saved them around $800 — the cost to replace their lost car keys. 

Clarks Women’s Emslie Lulin Shoes

One flight attendant who called these popular 100-percent leather pumps a “match made in shoe heaven” in their five-star review also referred to them as their “trusty companions at 30,000 feet.” A different flight attendant, wrote, “The day they stop making these shoes I will cry.” Like most Mary Jane-style shoes, they feature a conservative chunky heel and an adjustable strap. But this pair goes above and beyond by also featuring Clarks’ signature Cushion Soft padding and an OrthoLite footbed — both of which are designed to take some of the pain out of standing for hours on end. They have even earned more than 6,600 five-star ratings. 

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