Cabin crew travel for a living, so their advice on making the most of trips is often trusted. A flight attendant's top tip could be invaluable, especially for solo travelers. Esther Sturrus, who works for Dutch airline KLM and shares TikToks about her journeys, recommends always throwing a water bottle under the bed when entering a hotel room.
Why the hack works
Although unlikely, tourists can be targeted by thieves or intruders. Some travelers choose to be vigilant in certain countries or in rooms on lower floors. According to Esther, this hack lets you 'check that no one is under the bed without looking,' easing your mind if you're wary. She advises rolling the bottle under the bed, adding in her video that it 'has to come out on the other side.' If it doesn't, you may want to exercise caution.
Bear in mind that an obstruction doesn't necessarily mean there's someone hiding underneath your bed. It could just as easily be where spare sheets are stored, or you didn't throw the bottle hard enough to get it right across to the other side. That said, it doesn't hurt to check, and you'll sleep better knowing you've done your due diligence.
Reaction from followers
Esther's followers praised the tip, including one person who called it 'super useful.' Another said that a new fear had been 'unlocked' by the revelation, while a third called it a 'crazy' thought. The rest of the flight attendant's hotel hacks were more lighthearted, from using a hairdryer to clear a steamed-up mirror to turning over a paper cup and poking a hole in the bottom to hygienically hold your toothbrush.
More flight attendant tips
Metro previously asked cabin crew for their insider tips on having the best possible flight. Here is what we found out.
How to get upgraded on a flight
'As far as travel tips are concerned, my number one tip for those looking to get upgraded (and treated like royalty) on a flight is to be lovely to the cabin crew,' Hannah Murphey, former flight attendant and director of Globe Fit Ltd told Metro. 'A smile and eye contact upon boarding goes a long way. Chat to the crew and ask them about their job. I used to love it when passengers showed an interest in me and were kind opposed to demanding. I wanted to then go out of my way to ensure that they have the very best flight, so I would move their seats if there was a better one available – and I would give them extra drinks etc. purely because they had showed me kindness. When passengers are rude and expectant it has the opposite effect.' Essentially, a little kindness really does go a long way.
Choose the best seats
If you're in a position to choose where you're sitting on the plane – make sure you think about that decision. 'Go for a seat just forward of the wing for a comfier flight and don't sit near the toilets or galleys – because it can be smelly and noisy,' suggests Daisy White, a former flight attendant.
Sit at the front of the plane for your choice of food
If you can choose your seats, opt for the front of the plane. Not only do you tend to feel turbulence less at the front compared to the tail of the plane, but there's also a perk during mealtimes. Kamila Jakubjakova, a flight attendant, told Metro: 'The food service usually starts from the front of the airplane, so you'll get to dine first if you sit in the very first rows of an aircraft. Sitting in the front rows also means you're more likely to get your preferred choice of meal if two options are available.'
This article was first published on November 23, 2023.
