Travel tips: What frequent flyers know that you don’t and the tricks you need before your next holiday

Packing in a panic or perfectly prepped? No matter your style, this travel expert is here to change the game.

Meet KJ, whose real name is Katherine Johnsen. She is a jet-setting content creator with travel tips so good, they’ve gone viral.

With a flight attendant mum and a passport full of stamps, KJ has turned her packing game into an art form — and lucky for us, she’s spilling her secrets all over TikTok.

Nicknamed the ‘Carry-On Queen’ by her fans, KJ recently dropped a video sharing her go-to travel tips. Her goal is simple — make packing easier and flying smoother for everyone.

At the top of her list is sticking with carry-on luggage whenever possible.

“That doesn’t mean I never check a bag,” she explained, “but packing light is so freeing.”

She points out that travelling with less means no lost bags, more flexibility to change flights, and a more thoughtful approach to what you wear and bring.

“You get to choose exactly what you want to wear — and why,” she said.

Another top tip is to plan outfits ahead of time. The TikTok star suggests thinking about the main events of your trip and creating looks around those. That way, you can pack with purpose and avoid overpacking.

She also swears by always bringing one specific item — what she calls the sweater.

For KJ, it’s a black cashmere sweater that works with everything.

“Even if you’re headed somewhere hot, planes and air-con can get chilly,” she explained. “It’s always better to have it. The moment you think you won’t need it is exactly when you will.”

When it comes to hygiene on the plane, KJ shares a tip that surprises many. Avoid the seat-back pocket at all costs.

“That’s one of the dirtiest places on the plane,” she said. “They rarely get cleaned properly and you have no idea what’s been in there.”

She recommends placing a plastic bag inside first if you have to use it.

KJ also says the cleanest seats tend to be the middle ones near the front of the plane. That’s usually where cleaning starts, and things tend to be a bit fresher before time runs out.

A pack of disinfectant wipes is her must-have for every flight. She always wipes down the tray table and armrests before settling in.

When it comes to booking flights, she recommends flying early in the day.

Flights between 6am and 9am tend to have fewer delays. According to KJ, later flights often get pushed back because of earlier aircraft running behind schedule.

“If you really need to be somewhere on time, morning flights are your best bet,” she said.

And her final tip is a clever little hotel room hack known as the shoe in the safe trick.

Flight attendants often place one shoe in the hotel safe. When it’s time to pack, the missing shoe acts as a reminder to check the safe before heading out.

No matter how often you travel, a few smart tips can go a long way. With KJ’s practical advice, packing becomes easier, flights feel less stressful, and you’re better prepared for whatever the trip brings.