It’s natural to wonder about the stories airplane walls could tell if they could talk. Now it’s time to wonder no longer. The airline staff have plenty to say! We spoke to some of the people who know the skies best and here are 12 of their incredible confessions.
Featured Image Credit: Vera.vvo /Wikimedia Commons.
Not-So-Sparkling Clean
You might want to keep those antibacterial wipes handy, even if your tray table looks. One cabin crew member said that they’re lucky if they can give the cabin a quick once-over during back-to-back flights. Do you really want to put your sandwich directly on that table?
More Annoying Than Alarming
We all dread turbulence but the pilots want us to know it’s more of a routine bump in the road than a rollercoaster ride. One of them told us that it’s just like hitting a pothole on the highway. The planes are built to handle it and while it might spill your drink, it’s hardly a cause for concern.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
Being nice can actually get you something in return. Many attendants said that they remember the kind passengers and that they even reward a smile or a sincere “thank you” with an extra snack or even a free drink. You might be at 30,000 feet but any kindness is noticed—and appreciated.
Cockpit Fort Knox
Ever since 9/11, getting into the cockpit has become nearly impossible during a flight. Most of the time, the flight attendants can’t even get inside unless the pilot requests them which shows just how seriously airlines take our safety. The cockpit is off-limits to everyone onboard—even for a quick photo!
Secret Flight Attendant Signals
You might’ve seen flight attendants making mysterious hand gestures or touching their arms in a certain way. That’s not a secret club handshake—it’s their own set of discreet signals for communication. A flight attendant explained that it helps them talk without disturbing passengers.
It’s All For Safety
While some people think the pilot dims the cabin lights during takeoff & landing for ambiance, it’s actually a safety measure. It helps your eyes adjust to the outside light so, in case of an emergency evacuation, you’re not blinded by the sudden change. We hope we never need it—but we appreciate knowing about it!
The Real Deal with Seatbelts
Everyone knows seatbelts are there to keep you safe during turbulence yet there’s another reason flight attendants are strict about seeing them fastened. In an emergency, it helps them count & see who’s in their seats quickly. So make sure you buckle up—it’s important for safety checks.
The Mystery of Lost Luggage
If you’ve ever lost your luggage, you might wonder where it ends up. Some baggage handlers claimed they’d even seen bags accidentally sent to the other side of the world! It turns out that even a simple misread tag or a scanning error can send your suitcase around the world. Thankfully, these bags usually make their way back!
The Unofficial Pet Peeves
Flight attendants have seen it all yet they still have their pet peeves. For example, one flight attendant said that passengers getting up to use the bathroom right as they’re serving meals is downright annoying. Even though they’re experts at going down the aisles around you, they secretly wish everyone could work their bathroom breaks a bit better.
The Overnight Ghost Flights
Sometimes, pilots will fly “ghost flights” at night when they’ll transport cargo or simply position the plane for the next day’s flights. These flights often have minimal crew & no passengers—and they’re as creepy as they sound. However, “ghost flights” are an important part of air travel that keeps the industry moving 24/7.
The VIP Treatment Isn’t Always Paid For
Upgrades to first or business class aren’t always about how much you paid. In fact, many airline staff members have said they occasionally upgrade passengers based on how they’re dressed. As such, looking nice or being polite could land you in those plush seats up front—it’s all up to the airline staff’s discretion!
The Pressure to Keep Quiet About Delays
One thing airline staff often struggle with is the pressure to keep quiet about the real reasons behind delays. They’re occasionally told to be vague about technical issues or weather problems. Why? Because they want to stop passengers from panicking or getting frustrated. It’s not exactly easy.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More:
