Packing hacks of a Qantas flight attendant

SHE travels the world for a living bundling her life into a suitcase — so what’s the packing hack she swears by?

QANTAS flight attendant Anastasia Andreev shares her favourite destinations, packing hacks and what she never travels without.

MY FAVOURITE WORK DESTINATION IS …

Los Angeles — there’s so much to do. From sports games that are broadcast all over the world, to the shopping outlets and high-end malls, which are also great for celeb spotting. I also love hiking up to the Hollywood sign, or just enjoying the sunset at Santa Monica beach.

I PREPARE MYSELF FOR IT BY …

Always having an outfit for every occasion. You can’t be caught off guard in uber fashionable LA.

I NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT …

My phone. This way I never miss a photo opportunity, plus it comes in handy when I go shopping and send pics to my mum back home of the thousands of potential outfit choices.

QANTAS CREW’S SECRET ‘TOM CRUISE’ CODE

QANTAS FLIGHT ATTENDANTS’ $5 PACKING SECRET

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A QANTAS FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Qantas flight attendant — Anastasia Andreev — loves visiting LA.

MY GO TO TRAVEL APP HAS TO BE …

Uber. It’s one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to get around, especially in LA as you definitely can’t go anywhere without a car.

MY LUGGAGE IS …

A hard-case Antler suitcase. A hard case definitely works best with my job since I’m flying almost every week the hard case withstands all the busy airport wear and tear much more than a material suitcase.

THE PACKING HACK I SWEAR BY …

A flight attendant always has doubles of all toiletries. One pack for home and the other in a large clear bag that never leaves your suitcase. That way you never have to worry about forgetting essentials when you’re packing on the go.

Anastasia Andreev always buys double of her toiletries.

MY TOP LA TIP …

Do your research and see if there are any large concerts or sporting events on in advance. I often get great seats or tickets to an event the day before. Plus, knowing what’s going on in LA can make you avoid lengthy traffic jams.

FLYING PROFESSIONALLY I’VE LEARNT TO …

Enjoy my own company and to relax and unwind. Even though being a flight attendant seems like a job where you’re around people all the time, that’s not always the case. My way of relaxing is to always have a great book to read — “fiction thrillers” are my personal favourites. You can always find a great reading spot anywhere you are in the world: by the pool, on a beach or in a coffee shop.

Hike up to the Hollywood sign.

I’VE BEEN FLYING FOR YEARS BUT I STILL HAVEN’T BEEN TO …

Hawaii. It’s definitely next on my bucket list. The thought of stepping out of a hotel and being surrounded by the beach is appealing. I’ve also heard from other flight attendants how amazing the shopping is — it’s one of their go to places to pick up designer bargains.

MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY IS …

Always travel with an open mind. Don’t let anything ruin your holiday, because there is always someone sitting in an office wishing they were in your shoes.