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- 13 Insider Tips Flight Attendants Wish You Knew (financebuzz.com)
Flight Attendant Secrets: 13 Insider Tips for Smoother, Savvier Travel
Ever wonder how to make your air travel experience less stressful, more enjoyable, or even more affordable? Look no further than the experts who spend their lives in the air: flight attendants. With unparalleled experience navigating the skies, these professionals have gathered a wealth of insider knowledge that can transform your next journey.
From beating jet lag to understanding the unspoken rules of the cabin, here are 13 essential tips from flight attendants that every smart traveler should know:
- Prioritize Early Morning Flights: If your destination offers multiple flights throughout the day, booking the first departure can be a game-changer. Should any unforeseen delays or cancellations occur, you’ll have more options for rebooking later in the day, minimizing disruption and ensuring you maximize your time at your destination.
- Crew Shares Your Frustration with Delays: When a flight is delayed, remember that the cabin crew is often just as inconvenienced as passengers.
Their schedules and personal plans are also affected, so directing frustration at them is counterproductive. A little understanding goes a long way during these challenging moments.
- Combat Jet Lag with a Power Nap: Forget complicated remedies; seasoned flight attendants swear by a short power nap (under an hour) upon arrival in a new time zone. This quick rest can provide a crucial energy boost without throwing off your ability to sleep soundly later that night.
- Upgrades Are Not Random: That coveted first-class seat or extra legroom isn’t usually a spontaneous gift from the crew. Most upgrades are pre-assigned before boarding, typically going to passengers with elite frequent flyer status with the airline.
- They Skip In-Flight Meals: While occasional in-flight meals can be a pleasant surprise, many flight attendants opt to bring their own food. The provided meals can often be highly processed and lack nutritional value, so consider packing healthy snacks if you’re looking for better options.
- The Airplane Mode Rule: More Courtesy Than Catastrophe: Forgetting to switch your phone to airplane mode for takeoff is unlikely to cause a disaster.
The rule primarily exists to prevent potential interference with the plane’s navigation and communication systems. While regulations still mandate it in the U.S., many have admitted to occasionally forgetting without incident.
- Pack Your Own Comforts: For hygiene reasons, it’s best to bring your own pillow and blanket if you plan to sleep on a flight.
Onboard blankets are not always washed between flights, even if they appear repackaged. Layering clothing or bringing a neck pillow offers a more reliable, clean comfort solution.
- Celebrities Fly Commercial Too: Don’t be surprised if a famous face is among your fellow passengers.
Not all celebrities own private jets, and flight crews often only discover a star is on board when reviewing the passenger manifest. Often, travelers are too engrossed in their own journey to notice.
- A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way: Flight attendant work can be demanding.
A simple “hello” and “thank you” can make a significant difference. Showing genuine appreciation might even lead to a small perk, like an extra snack or drink, from a grateful crew member.
- They Are Trained for Medical Emergencies: Beyond serving drinks, flight attendants are trained to handle medical emergencies. They have access to onboard medical supplies and can contact ground doctors or solicit help from medical professionals among the passengers if needed.
- Responsible Drinking is Key: They Can Cut You Off: While alcohol is served on planes, flight attendants monitor consumption.
Disruptive behavior due to excessive drinking can lead to federal law violations and detention upon landing. Remember, alcohol’s effects can be amplified at altitude, so moderation is crucial.
- Yes, Seats Really Are Shrinking: If you’ve felt more cramped on recent flights, you’re not imagining it. The average space between seats has noticeably decreased over the past few decades, a change long-time flight attendants have witnessed firsthand.
- Budget Airlines Are Safe: Choosing a budget airline often means fewer amenities and tighter seating, but it doesn’t mean compromising on safety. Travel and safety experts confirm that budget carriers adhere to the same stringent safety standards as more expensive airlines, allowing you to save money without sacrificing peace of mind.
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