I’m a flight attendant – these are the packing hacks I’ve learnt from 16 years of working in plane cabins (including why you should avoid cases with hard shells and four wheels)

The summer holidays are just around the corner, which means packing season is close.

And for many, it’s always a struggle to get through it without making fundamental mistakes.

Even frequent flyers are prone to packing useless items into a suitcase that would never fit in an overhead bin.

To help reduce stress, shopkeeper House of Fraser teamed up with Air France flight attendant Emilie Cooke-Martageix and asked her to share her packing tips. She has been working in aircraft cabins for 16 years – so she is no amateur when it comes to the art of baggage management.

Scroll down for her top tips, including hacks to save space and ensure you never leave anything essential behind – and the dangers of a hard suitcase.

Try this trick if you are a frequent flyer

Emilie suggests having the essentials to hand, explaining: ‘If you fly often or go on holiday regularly, put essential travel items in your backpack or weekend bag. Consider, for example, power banks, plug adapters, travel toiletries, medicines and sunscreen. Having these supplies on hand and ready to go will help you quickly pack for your next trip.”

Use this tactic and you’re unlikely to leave anything behind.

Never pack these items next to each other

Cabin pressure can adversely affect your toiletries. That’s why Emilie advises: ‘The change in air pressure can sometimes cause liquids to leak, even if they contain less than 100 ml and the cap is screwed on. To avoid this, I always recommend taking the pad or wipe or the version with a sturdy rod if possible, to avoid spills in your backpack.

‘As an extra precaution, you can keep important items, such as your passport, safe by keeping them in a clear ziplock bag to avoid accidental spills, making them suitable for travel.’

Don’t bring a hardcover suitcase

Emilie suggests setting aside essential travel items so you can pack extra quickly

If you do take a bag for the cargo hold, Emilie warns: ‘Passengers tend to think that hard-shell suitcases are sturdier than cloth suitcases, but the opposite is true. Hardcovers can easily break due to the pressure of the other bags if they are all packed together in the hold.

‘To prevent damage to your bag, I always recommend choosing a fabric suitcase, as these are more durable. Choosing one in a bright color will help you identify your bag more quickly during baggage drop-off. Just avoid white as it won’t stay that color for long!’

Emilie adds: ‘Another common bag mistake people make is choosing a suitcase with four wheels. These are never as durable or reliable as a two-wheel spinner and I would always avoid them.”

Avoid carrying multiple items

Plan your outfits in advance to ensure only the essentials are included

The art of the capsule wardrobe is important

Emilie says: ‘If you have a short flight and are only going for a few days, traveling with a carry-on or backpack can be a more practical option. This way you avoid delays while waiting for luggage on the other side. Please ensure you have checked your booking details to ensure your bag meets the criteria before travelling.

‘Plan your outfits in advance to ensure only the essentials are taken and try to avoid taking multiple items as this will free up some space. For example, take one pair of sneakers, jeans, a sweater or cardigan and a jacket. Bring a few T-shirts and plenty of underwear and a nice dress if you know you’re going out. Flat sneakers are practical and take up less space, so take these with you if you can.’

Do not carry fresh food in your bag

While it’s nice to bring local delicacies with you from your trip, you need to consider whether they will pass through customs.

Emilie says: ‘It’s okay to put food and drinks in your suitcase, as long as it is well packed and protected against leaks. Be sure to avoid anything with a strong odor as this may attract the attention of sniffer dogs at customs. Cold cuts, cheese and fresh food in general are often prohibited on international travel, so keep this in mind.’

Make sure your bag is light enough to lift

While it’s crucial that you don’t overpack to meet luggage weight limits, Emilie adds: ‘Please don’t pack a bag that is too heavy. If you cannot lift it yourself and place it in the luggage compartment, it is also too heavy for us companions and we do not want to hurt our backs when you lift your luggage.’