Are you ever curious how often they clean the inside of a plane or where the food really comes from? After years of experience in the industry, flight attendants have seen it all and are ready to spill all of the secrets they’ve learned. Since flying is supposed to be a fun experience, it’s about time to feel more adequately prepared. So if you’re ready to uncover the things that have been kept under wraps for so long, here’s your sneak peek at the inner workings of the airline industry.
Think Twice Before Asking For Diet Coke
Of course one of the best parts of a flight is when the flight attendants come around with the snack and beverage cart, free soda, coffee, tea, maybe even cookies. As strange as it may sound, one thing that really annoys flight attendants is when passengers order Diet Coke. It’s because the carbonated fizz in a Diet Coke takes a long time to settle at an altitude of 35,000 feet. Therefore it takes the most time to pour Diet Coke as compared to any other beverages on the plane! Of course, you will still be served Diet Coke regardless of the flight attendant’s preference, it’s just something interesting to remember the next time you ask for your soda on board.
Flight Attendants Are Assessing You Once You Step Foot on the Plane
When the flight crew greets you upon entering the aircraft, do you think it is just a polite formality? Well, most people think this practice is intended to make passengers feel comfortable and show how friendly the flight attendants are. It is true to some extent, but the crew members also use this as an opportunity to assess the passengers and look for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. The greeting is a way to get a better idea of passengers who could possibly be problematic or may be intoxicated.
There Are Policies Against Dating Passengers
You may find it shocking but many big airlines don’t have an official policy against fraternizing between flight attendants and passengers. Unfortunately, it’s more common for flight attendants to find themselves in situations where they are actively trying to avoid unwanted attention from creepy passengers. But every once in a while, sparks fly and there is no policy that prevents a flight attendant from meeting a potential partner, or maybe the love of their life. Flight attendants may focus more on their professional duties instead of finding potential partners on a flight, but when love strikes, why pass up the opportunity?
Your Pets Can Fly Too
There has been a never-ending debate over the most effective way to travel on planes with pets. When it comes to traveling with your furry companions, it is undoubtedly a stressful ordeal. It is best to do your research beforehand and make sure your airline can accommodate your pup. There are special parts of the cargo area that are kept at the same temperature and pressure as the cabin, so pets can be placed there. But don’t worry, it’s also very common to have your dog in your lap or the seat next to you if they fit.
The Airplane Food Can Be Very Unhealthy
Sometimes ignorance is bliss, right? Well, you might’ve wondered if the pre-packaged food that is provided to passengers during their flights is healthy or not. The food tends to be processed and usually lacks fresh ingredients that wouldn’t be able to stay good during long travel. It turns out that these mid-flight meals are usually quite unhealthy for you because they have almost zero nutritional value. They are loaded with fat, sugar, salt, and carbs, and are not always the tastiest. We would highly recommend you eat something before you board, especially if you are a frequent flyer or health-conscious.
The Job Doesn’t Pay Very Well
There is a common misconception that flight attendants live a very glamorous lifestyle. They are able to travel the world, explore different places, stay in hotels, and eat at restaurants all the time, all on the job! However, the truth is that they are almost always extremely busy and usually have very hectic schedules. Allegedly they are only paid once the main cabin doors shut too, meaning when there are delays and cancellations, they’re affected also! Flight attendants are paid by scheduled flight times, so if a five-hour flight is delayed five hours, then they are only paid for the actual five hours on board!
Everyone Wants an Upgrade, but Not Everyone Gets It
An upgrade is like winning a lottery in the air travel world. No one has a full-proof way of getting an upgrade every time, but here’s some insight into how they are chosen. Sometimes flight attendants need to move people around for weight and balance purposes. This means moving passengers from the back of the plane to the front cabin classes to redistribute weight. So the trick is always to book your seats in the back of the plane! Now, if they need to move people to first class, you will be the first to know!
You Can Tip Your Flight Attendant
Most people don’t know you can tip your flight attendant! It’s, of course, not required by any means, but they would gladly accept them. One flight attendant even shared, “If you offer me a gift, or even your used magazines, it’s appreciated, and I’ll see what I can do to take care of you!” It’s the thought that counts and can really go a long way. Maybe they’ll even give you some snacks for free. Most service workers receive tips, so why not share them with those taking care of you on your next flight?
