Flight attendant 'never going back' after making major suitcase switch
Travelling for their work means cabin crew know all the best tips when it comes to luggage.
Virgin Australia crew member Emma Brierley, from Perth, has had her say on the ongoing debate - are hard or soft suitcases better?
And she admits it wasn't until she mixed things up herself that she worked out which style was her favourite.
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Virgin Australia crew member Emma Brierley switched up her luggage. Supplied
"I was team soft-case for years, but after switching to a hard shell, I'm never going back," the 23-year-old tells 9Travel.
"It gives me more space and keeps everything organised. Packing cubes are also a game-changer.
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"Four wheels are a must - airports are way too big to be dragging a suitcase around."
Emma also says she never travels without "a good book and plenty of snacks".
Theres a debate over if hard or soft suitcases are better for flying. Getty
Colleague Joe Booth, from Brisbane also says he uses a hard case, specifically an American Tourister Curio 2.
"A hard-shell suitcase with four wheels is the way to go - it's durable, easy to manoeuvre, and keeps your belongings secure," he tells 9Travel.
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And echoing this, cabin manager Jody Tako, from Perth, is team hard shell suitcase as well.
"It's durable, impact-resistant and keeps everything protected," she says.
She also had other packing tips: "Roll your clothes, use packing cubes, and wear bulky items instead of packing them. Keeping essentials like a passport, charger and a fresh outfit in your carry-on is a must."
Too many people waste space on excess shoes when packing. Getty
As for what to pack, Joe questions if you really need all those shoes.
"Shoes take up the most space, so choose wisely. You'll probably re-wear the same pair more than you think," he says.
However he always makes sure he has plenty of one item - a pen.
"If you're travelling internationally, you'll need it nine times out of ten. I always carry a few just in case," he says.
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