For everyday use too. 10 items carefully selected by JAL flight attendants for your next trip

When you come to the airport, you may see flight attendants walking around with carry-on bags. The bags contain not only flight equipment, but also personal items if they are staying at a destination. These items have been carefully selected with travel wisdom.

The basic rule for cabin attendants when choosing travel items is that they should be compact

"Even on long international flights, I often take a compact suitcase. Because of this, it's essential to keep my luggage to a minimum, so I choose things that can be folded up when not in use and compact sizes that can fit into small spaces." (Yoshinari Aki)

"I also try to pack my luggage as compactly as possible, whether I'm traveling domestically or overseas. However, since these are items I will also use when traveling privately, I choose items with colors and designs that I like." (Yoshiaki Motohashi)

So says a JAL flight attendant. We asked her to recommend some travel items that are useful when on duty and can also be used on an everyday basis.

A quick spritz of pillow mist will give you the same relaxing effect as if you were at home.

"Many flight attendants use pillow mist to relax," says Motohashi. Just a quick spritz on your pillow before going to sleep will fill the air with a lovely scent. L'Occitane's is based on lavender and contains orange, bergamot, mandarin, and geranium, and its calming scent will lull you to slumber. By using it not only while traveling but on a regular basis, you may be able to create the same sleeping environment as you would at home.

A highly functional hair iron that is easy to carry and compatible with overseas voltages

Keeping one's appearance neat is an important part of the etiquette of flight attendants. "I carry a hair iron that can be used overseas when I'm on duty both domestically and overseas," says Motohashi, and hair irons are a staple item for many flight attendants. The CREATE Air Sleek Curling Iron, which is compatible with overseas voltages, is designed to be safe and uses a mechanism that reduces damage to hair. Its compact size and simple, elegant design are also appealing.

Easy to organize and use. Highly functional compartment pouch

For toiletries and cosmetics, which tend to be bulky, it may be convenient to use highly functional pouches that can be unfolded, have detachable pouches, or can be hung on the wall with hooks. You can see at a glance where everything is, and organize them by frequency of use and occasion. "I also use a similar one, but I find pouches with handles convenient. I use them to store cosmetics and small portions of shampoo," says Yoshinari. There are a variety of items available, so why not try one that is easy to use for you?

A compact air cushion that allows you to safely carry glass bottles home

Have you ever found bottled drinks, seasonings, or fragrances in glass on your travels, worried that they might break in your bag on the long journey home, and given up on them? Then these air cushions are convenient. They are convenient items that can be inflated and used, so they don't take up much space even when not in use. They can also be used as an emergency picnic sheet.

The tea you brew while traveling is sure to be special. A compact and easy-to-use travel electric kettle

"Some hotels overseas don't have them in the rooms, so I always bring one with me because I feel it's safe from a hygienic standpoint," says Yoshinari about this electric kettle. This kettle weighs just 460g and is lightweight, making it easy to take with you on your travels. It also has a voltage switch that can be used anywhere in the world. It can boil 500ml of water in no time, so it's perfect for soothing your tired body after a long day on the road. Another nice feature is that it comes with a storage pouch and cup.

Just in case. A hidden, useful item: the stain removal pen

Stain remover pens are a hidden, handy travel item. There are a variety of products, from "Stain Remover 110" to remove stubborn wine stains, to ones that can remove oily stains, and some flight attendants are picky about which ones to use, saying, "I always carry the one recommended by my senior" (Motohashi). When you can't wash your clothes right away or take them to the dry cleaners, or even when you're out and about, having one in your bag at all times can give you a great sense of security.

A compact and powerful electric toothbrush that offers the same brushing experience as at home.

It is not uncommon for hotels overseas to not provide toothbrushes. In Japan, toothbrushes are a common amenity, but there are very few cases where you can choose the hardness or ease of use of the brush. That's why you'll want to bring a toothbrush with you when you travel. There are also compact models of electric toothbrushes, which are said to be more efficient than brushing by hand. The Pocket Doltz series, which is well-known for its performance as a portable toothbrush, is just as powerful as the ones you can use at home. If you are particular about the brushing experience, this is an item you should have.

From everyday shopping to buying souvenirs when traveling, this eco-bag is perfect for any occasion.

In Japan, shopping bags are now available for a fee, but "even in many countries overseas, they are not provided at the time of payment, so eco-bags are a necessity," says Motohashi, and are an item that many flight attendants carry with them. We recommend something that folds compactly and is durable. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as as a daypack when traveling or to carry back souvenirs that don't fit in the bag. This "Narita Airport Original Eco Bag" is a collaboration item with ROOTOTE, a brand that specializes in tote bags. It has a large capacity and a convenient side pocket, and if you look closely, you will see a Japanese pattern with an airplane motif. The design is also excellent.

The key is to choose the size that suits the amount of luggage you have. Various sorting pouches

A variety of sorting pouches are convenient travel items that can be used for anything from a two-day, one-night trip within Japan to a long overseas trip. MUJI's products come in a wide variety of sizes and materials. From zippered organizers to compressible types and handy drawstring bags, there is a wide variety to suit your travel needs. One tip for choosing is to choose a size that suits the amount of luggage you will have. "I want to store everything together, so I use special bags and pouches for everything. Of course, I also use them when I go on private trips," says Motohashi, making them a must-have item for flight attendants as well.

Quick-drying and easy to carry. A body towel perfect for travel.

It's rare for hotels overseas to provide body towels for washing the body. Many people choose to bring their own, but they get wet after use, so carrying them around can be a bit of a hassle. "That's why I recommend something that has a loop so you can hang it up and dry it after use," says Yoshinari. For example, this towel comes with a carrying pouch, making it perfect for travel. In addition to being able to hang it up, it's made of a quick-drying material, lathers well, and stretches up to 90cm, so you can stretch it out to thoroughly wash your back. It's an item that really hits all the right spots.

Choosing what to bring on your trip is also part of creating rich travel memories.

The items people bring on their trips vary, so the items listed here are of course just a few examples. And, of course, the points people choose will vary, but for flight attendants who wear uniforms while on duty, travel items are a great way to relax.

"When I arrive at the hotel and open my suitcase, I feel relaxed when I find cute items inside. I usually choose items in my favorite colors and cute designs." (Motohashi)

Carefully selected items will surely enrich your travel experience and the ordinary moments of your daily life. Choosing the items you take with you on a trip is also part of the fun of traveling. Why not think about your journey while searching for your favorite items?