How to Pack it: Travel Tips from Frequent Flyers

Which travel gadgets have proven especially useful during your many flights?

Maya Curman: Definitely my AirPods with noise-canceling functionality. I enjoy listening to podcasts on long flights and love the feeling of being in my own little world. I also can’t do without my wireless travel charger for my smartwatch. It’s no bigger than a 2-euro coin and has a USB connector. I just plug it into the seat’s USB port and place my watch on it to charge. Super practical, as my watch would otherwise run out of battery during a ten-hour flight.

Frank Biewer: I swear by memory foam sleep masks that contour perfectly to your face. They block out 100% of light and don’t press on your eyes thanks to their adjustable headband. This helps me sleep well on board – even if someone opens the window shades and bright light floods the cabin. My noise-canceling headphones and iPad are also trusty companions on all my flights, so I can watch movies and shows.

What’s in your beauty kit to help you look fresh and well-rested after a long flight?

Maya Curman: My secret weapon is hydrating gel eye pads. I apply them to the delicate skin around my eyes before I go to sleep on every flight. I also make sure to regularly refresh my face with a misting spray.

Frank Biewer: My must-haves are a cooling eye cream, face cream, hydrating spray – and, of course, toothpaste and a toothbrush.

What type of bag do you bring on board?

Frank Biewer: A cabin trolley is enough for me, where I securely store my documents, personal items, and laptop. Everything I need during the flight goes in the seatback pocket in front of me or into one of the overhead compartments available in Business and First Class.

Maya Curman: In addition to my carry-on, I bring a tote bag made of durable yet soft leather, which can be squished into the overhead bin without any issues. To keep everything organized, I had a felt organizer custom-made for the bag. It’s a real game changer, as it keeps everything I need on the plane easy to find.

What essentials go in this organizer?

Maya Curman: Things like lavender oil for relaxation and a small cable box with a retractable, self-recoiling, multipurpose charging cable. I picked it up at an airport in Korea, and it’s kept my bag free of cable clutter ever since. To keep my AirPods safe, I use a mini leather pouch with a snap closure, which I attach to a loop in the bag like a keychain. I also always pack a silk-cashmere blend scarf. It’s wonderfully lightweight yet keeps me warm if it gets chilly on the plane or if I want to sleep.

Frequent travelers often have to pack their suitcases: What are your packing tricks?

Frank Biewer: I organize my folded clothes into segments in my suitcase. Heavy items, like shoes, go at the bottom where the suitcase wheels are, and lighter items are placed on top. This keeps everything stacked neatly when the suitcase is rolling, preventing things from shifting too much. Laundry bags and packing cubes help ensure everything stays in place during transport.

Maya Curman: I think trunk-style suitcases are particularly easy to pack because of their boxy design. They offer more storage space, allowing you to stack clothes vertically and organize them by weeks. Trunks are also great for those who prefer living out of their suitcase rather than unpacking into a wardrobe. You simply prop the lid against the wall and access your clothes like a chest.

What clothing do you recommend for a long-haul flight?

Maya Curman: A comfortable, layered outfit – even in Business or First Class. I like wearing leggings, sneakers, a T-shirt, and a sweatshirt with a kangaroo pocket so I can keep my passport and ticket handy. I also always pack stylish slide sandals. They’re not only practical on board but also convenient during layovers when you have to remove your shoes at security checks.

Frank Biewer: I frequently commute between Germany and my second home in Florida. When flying to Miami in the winter, knowing that warm temperatures await me, I prefer wearing a lightweight, loose-fitting summer suit. I pair it with comfortable sneakers – ideal for all the walking required at airports. On night flights in Business or First Class, I always wear pajamas, without exception.

About the contributors:

Maya Curman is an entrepreneur with Lufthansa HON Circle status based in Rodgau, near Frankfurt am Main. A passionate photographer, she shares her travel experiences with her many followers on Instagram (@maya_curman). What she loves most about traveling are the encounters with people from all over the world – and the chance friendships that sometimes develop on board. In 2024, she flew over 100 times, with Dubai being her most frequent destination.

Frank Biewer is a Cologne-based entrepreneur who often flies the Frankfurt-Miami route. With frequent business commitments in the US, he maintains a second home in Fort Lauderdale near Miami. He loves the Magic City for its good weather, international vibe, cycling along the beach promenade, and attending musicals at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale or concerts at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami. Annually, he takes about 60 flights – 70% long haul and 30% short haul.