A flight attendant’s master class on packing

Nobody knows more about London than drivers of the city’s famous black cabs. For 150 years, aspiring drivers have spent three to four years memorizing street names and routes from any point to any other in order to pass a gruelling certification exam called “The Knowledge.” This proud mastery and professionalism is echoed in the work of many Toronto Pearson employees.

Nobody knows more about travel packing than WestJet flight attendant Jennifer Patrick. She’s seen it all, from carry-ons too big to be carried on to iguanas stashed in duffel bags. She wants passengers to avoid the panic (and expense) that come with packing mistakes.

Download travel apps

Some of the most important things to “pack” weigh nothing at all, Patrick says. Download and sign in to your airline and travel apps – ArriveCAN if travelling abroad, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Mobile Passport Control app for U.S. travel. The customs apps can help you bypass long lines, while the airline apps keep you up to date on your flight and connect with in-flight entertainment. 

Double-check carry-on sizes

Every airline defines carry-on sizes differently. Make sure your bag fits and don’t be fooled by companies labelling suitcases they’re selling as “carry-on,” she warns — they may end up as checked bags. And remember: Depending on the fare level you pay, the size of your allowed carry-on may change. Rule of thumb: the cheaper the ticket, the less you can take with you.

Share toiletries 

Work around liquid quotas by sharing certain products — toothpaste, shampoo, make-up wipes — among your travel group.

Try packing cubes

These bags can save space and keep your suitcase organized by compressing bulky sweaters and corralling wandering socks. Patrick points out that they’re also great for dirty laundry.

Stop by the salon

For shorter trips, such as long weekends, visit a salon the day before you leave to get your hair done or blown out. Your hair will look fantastic most of the trip (the styling should last several days) and you won’t have to lug your hair products and accessories with you.

Reduce and reuse your clothes

Lay out your outfits before packing, Patrick advises. Are the pieces interchangeable? Don't be afraid to don the same clothes more than once. Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane: jackets, sweaters, fleeces.

Ear buds

Opt for buds that are light in colour. Darker buds love to disappear in the nooks and crannies of your plane seat. Now that’s some next-level knowledge!