Eye-stare
Getting on a plane can be an exciting or scary experience, depending on your destination. Luckily, flight attendants are there to make your time on the aircraft more relaxing. However, there are some things they'd prefer if you didn't find out.
For example, have you ever been on the receiving end of flight attendants' intense stares? Well, we're about to spill the beans on what it means and all the other secrets they've been keeping. Let's just hope you still want to get on a plane after hearing these—we'll bet you won't be requesting any blankets, though!
Looking the Part
You could believe that to keep their employment, flight attendants must maintain a particular level of appearance. Although the criteria of appearing in a specific manner and having a given age are no longer in effect, airline staff must still keep particular things in mind. They must wear their hair in its original shade and must pull it back if it is long.
These days, the most important factor for airlines is height. You can't be so tall that the head continuously hits the overhead compartments, but you also can't be so petite that you can't comfortably do your job.
Disadvantages of First-class Flights
Sitting in first class is probably not worth the money. According to studies, people seated near the front of the aircraft are more likely to suffer in the case of a plane accident. Seats within several rows of the exit door, as well as aisle seats, are the safest.
Passengers in the back of the plane had the best survival rates compared to those in the premium class. In any case, it's always a good idea to buckle up, no matter where you're sitting.
The Truth Behind the Upgrade
In the business of air travel, getting an upgrade is like hitting the jackpot. No one can guarantee that the tried-and-true method of getting a promotion will always work. When you're not rude, though, it will undoubtedly help your cause.
If you're exceptionally tall, beautiful, pregnant, or a buddy of the flight crew, it can improve your chances of receiving an upgrade. Even after the aircraft doors close, promotion is still attainable, according to one unnamed flight attendant. It doesn't happen very often, though.
Flight Attendant’s Salary
Flight attendants enjoy a luxurious lifestyle because they can travel as part of their profession and see various locations. However, they are often working and have a rigorous schedule that prohibits them from visiting other areas. They also aren't compensated until the main cabin doors are closed.
This means flight delays affect and bother them in the same way they influence and annoy passengers. Maybe after hearing this, you'll appreciate their value and stop badgering them with questions.
Never Go Barefoot
Everyone knows how unpleasant it is to be stuck on a flight for longer than two hours. Many times, you'll notice a traveler who removes their shoes and walks all around the cabin without putting them on! It may appear like they are simply settling in, but it is rather filthy.
Flight attendants are well aware of how dirty the plane's floor is. In-flight accidents are common. Even while the spills are cleaned up, it's still not as hygienic as you'd expect, especially during flights. Come to think of it, cleaning materials on flights are limited.
Not-so-fresh Amenities
According to experts, tray tables are the dirtiest items on the plane. But you can rest easy knowing that in-flight cushions and blankets aren't as terrible as tray tables. The pillows, comforters, and earbuds, on the other hand, are undeniably filthy.
Airlines do not spend money on delivering new amenities to customers every time, even though they are packed with plastic wrap. These facilities aren't even washed. So unless you're flying first class, we suggest steering clear of pillows or comforters. Keep reading for more insane facts that flight attendants are hiding.
A Warm Welcome or Keen Assessment?
Do you believe it's merely a pleasant formality when the airline staff welcomes you onboard the plane? Most people think this technique is done to help travelers feel more at ease. This is true to some extent, but the crew also utilizes it to examine passengers' state of being.
They employ the greeting to gain a better sense of who could be a troublesome passenger. It also helps them identify passengers who are ill or may have had too much to drink! But how do they communicate this to other members of staff without you overhearing?
Code of Confidentiality
Because there are some things that the flight crew does not want the guests to learn, they employ a secret messaging code. It's understandable since they don't want the passengers to be alarmed. As a result, they utilize specific codes to communicate what's going on. During the flight, you may hear various beeping noises; here's what they mean...
The "dings," as per insiders, informs the crew that everything is well and that the most hazardous periods have passed. Other bells sound when extreme turbulence, a danger, or someone is trying to approach the cockpit. While you may already be aware of the sounds, did you figure out the reasons behind the lighting system?
The Dimmed Lights
Nope, the lighting is not reduced to provide the passengers a more pleasant experience. Before the takeoff and landing on commercial planes, the cabin lights are dimmed for a more severe cause. It has a lot to do with airplanes' being prone to issues and accidents.
It gives the eyes time to acclimatize to the absence of light in the event of an emergency. The lighted signals become more apparent in an accident or an emergency that necessitates rapid evacuation. And now the one you've been dreading—should you ask for pillows?
Short Effectivity of Oxygen Masks
Frequent fliers may have recalled the entire lecture regarding oxygen masks. You're unlikely ever to use one of these drop-downs in flight, so you might be curious about how they work. Did you know they only last for this short amount of time?
The oxygen mask with the drop-down function lasts around 15 minutes. Although 15 minutes of air may not seem much, it is sufficient if you breathe deeply. The pilot can lower to a level where he can balance the cabin pressure while breathing the oxygen from the mask.
Resting Cabin
Even though the flight crew's busy schedule prohibits them from having a snooze to re-energize their bodies, they must nonetheless sleep like the rest of us. They don't usually have the option of napping on domestic flights, but long-haul aircraft have designated sleeping cabins.
Pilots are also given break intervals and a sleeping bed, which is generally in its compartment. The co-pilot takes charge of the jet while the pilot gets their much-needed rest.
Dealing with Plane Emergencies
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a medical emergency occurred on a plane? The airline staff has received sufficient training to function as first responders in an emergency, and they can execute the Heimlich maneuver and give CPR. Also, there are first-aid kits and defibrillators on flights with more than 30 passengers.
Whenever there is an emergency, the cabin staff also inquires if there is a doctor on board. A pilot could either land or reroute the plane in a crisis, which takes approximately 15 minutes. When flying internationally, though, it gets more complicated.
Risk of Riding Planes
Now, have it crossed your mind if the plane is examined properly before every flight? Even though many restrictions are checked every time an aircraft takes off, specific minor faults are left untreated to guarantee that planes arrive on schedule and without delay.
But don't worry, these tiny flaws aren't meant to have an impact on safety features. Since most turbulence-related accidents occur when travelers forget or refuse to tighten their seat belts, it is critical always to buckle up.
Choose Your Drink Wisely
On aircraft, it is not suggested to drink water from the bathroom tap. So what about the drinking water that goes into tea and coffee? Many airline staff advises passengers to consume bottled drinks rather than tea or coffee on the aircraft.
The drink tanks are clean, but there are questions about how regularly they are cleaned. However, we cannot overlook that the faucet for filling safe drinking water is located near the one for cleaning bathroom waste.
The Planes Cleanliness
This is one thing you shouldn't have known. Simply put, the majority of airplanes are filthy. The cabin is vacuumed and emptied by turnover workers, but what about the panes, armrests, and snack tables? My, it's wonderful to be ignorant, isn't it?
But then, now that you know bring your sanitizing wipes as much you can. Furthermore, airlines rarely make housekeeping arrangements because the FAA isn't controlling how often aircraft are cleaned.
Price and Safety
If you've ever flown on a budget airline, you might be wondering if buying a cheap ticket means you're risking your safety. There's no reason to be concerned because when it comes to the ticket cost, keep in mind that airline companies never bargain on safety.
Airlines frequently modify features like seat selection, luggage costs, and legroom amenities to provide low rates. As a result, you can purchase a cheap flight without worrying about your safety.
Kindness to Airline Staff will Pay Off
The best thing you can do is to be kind to everyone. It may surely pay off in the end if you are courteous to your flight crew. Flight attendants work long shifts and sometimes rush from one flight to the next without taking a break. They are deserving of your respect and politeness.
You may acquire better seats by being kind to a flight attendant. And who knows, if you're nasty to them, you could end up sitting in the center of a group of youngsters and babies. And believe us when we say they go through a lot to make your trip "very nice."
Getting Drunk On Flight
Most of you get excited when you see the mini bottles on your plane ride, but you already know that getting drunk is not a good idea. If a flight attendant notices you are becoming a little too buzzed, she has the authority to cut you off. It's because getting drunk on a plane is illegal, and flight attendants aren't allowed to provide more liquor to passengers who are already intoxicated.
You could face a two-year sentence if you get too sloshed on a plane and cause significant disruption. We also advise that you drink in moderation since the fluctuating cabin pressure magnifies the effect of each glass compared to when it was on the ground.
Airplane Food’s Nutritional Value
You may have wondered if the pre-packaged food served on planes is nutritious or not. After all, it's possible that it's been processed and doesn't include any natural components. Mid-flight meals, as it turns out, are rather unhealthy because they contain almost no nutritional benefits.
They are simply high in fat, glucose, salt, and carbohydrates. It is firmly advised that you eat something at the airport before boarding, especially if you are a frequent flyer concerned about your health.
The Annoying Drink
Avoid ordering a Diet Coke if you would not want to annoy your attendant on beverage service. For a valid reason, airline staff despises it when a passenger orders Diet Coke. It has a considerably higher carbonation level than other carbonated beverages.
Those bubbles take an eternity to disperse at nearly 30,000 feet in the air. Flight attendants must be extremely careful not to let it spill, which indicates that it takes three times as long to pour as the other options.
The Flight Crew’s Perks
Flight attendants have a benefit that all frequent travelers wish they possessed. They not only get paid to travel, but they also enjoy free wifi and smartphone usage. Unknown to casual travelers, they frequently use their smartphones during the trip.
They may not be the wealthiest people on the planet, but they do get to fly around the world and get compensated for it. They also get to scroll the boredom away.
Restraining Power
The next time you travel, you'd best be more careful. Your flight attendant has the right to restrain you if you become too rowdy. You've probably seen someone taken off an aircraft before takeoff, but what happens if anything happens in the middle of the trip? A flight crew has the authority to bind extremely hostile or trouble-causing customers if necessary.
Zip ties are generally available, or seatbelt extensions might be used as handcuffs. The person would then be taken to the first stop and placed where they couldn't be disruptive.
Not-so-easy Job
Airline staff may enjoy a glamorous lifestyle that allows them to travel to new locations, but it isn't fun and games. Many people think of airline staff as having a fancy profession on the ground. However, in the air, their roles are reduced to that of a server.
A flight attendant's work is physically demanding. You're always jet-lagged, and you're occasionally forced to work on many planes in a row. You'll frequently be woken up at 4 a.m. and required to work on vacations, not to add being separated from your family for extended periods.
Hard-to-Land Job
In 2010, Harvard had a better acceptance rate for job vacancies than Delta Airlines. When it comes to becoming a flight attendant, the market may be fierce. Delta advertised 1,000 job opportunities in 2010 and got over 100,000 applications.
Only 4% of those who applied received a callback interview. Airline staff has a physically demanding profession that pays relatively little. However, if you have exceptional customer service abilities and believe you can manage it, go for it!
Personal Lives
It's reasonable to imagine that flight crews interact with one another in a variety of ways. Crew members appear to have many interactions, which makes sense given how much time they spend together in such a small environment.
While airline staff can socialize with one another, their primary goal is to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Of course, keeping things private is always the best choice.
No Rule Against Flight Flirting
Many airlines don't have rules in place to prevent flight attendants from being overly friendly with passengers. So, if you consider your flight attendant appealing, you are free to take your shot. But there's a good possibility that won't work because flight attendants deal with it all the time.
More often than not, airline staff are the ones who have to deal with unwelcome attention while attempting to do their job. They are, however, permitted to meet a possible lover if they so want!
Can Heavy Bags Lead to Plane Crash?
During their trip, every traveler is entitled to at least one stored luggage. However, any more luggage will require them to pay a high charge. While flights are only intended to hold one bag per person, your additional luggage will have little impact.
For takeoff, planes must have the proper center of gravity. Most airlines have experimented with using sandbags to balance out the weight depending on how much checked baggage gets stored on the plane. Pretty clever right?
Is Flight Mode Necessary?
It's to your advantage to follow the aircraft attendant's instructions when they ask you to switch off your mobile phones before departure. While not turning it off will not cause a plane crash, there is a legitimate reason they urge you to.
When a jet is attempting to take off or land, cellular transmissions are strong enough to interfere with flight control frequencies, which isn't good. Takeoff might take much longer than it has to, so switch off your gadgets when the moment comes to help speed things up.
Give ‘em Tips!
Some people are unaware that flight attendants are allowed to take tips. Not only do they welcome them, but they also value them immensely. Those suggestions may also help you obtain first-class service for the entire journey.
Although a dollar won't go you very far, don't be scared to try your luck by tipping. You'll, at the very least, brighten someone's day. Paying it forward is always a good idea, and flight attendants want a little more love, too.
A Present Reminder
Many love going home for the holidays. Visiting family for Christmas is one such custom. If you're traveling home for the holidays, you should think twice about packing your gifts ahead of time.
Unwrapping and inspecting your belongings may be required by airport security. Perhaps a gift bag would be a better option. Even though this isn't "on-flight" related, a helpful suggestion is occasionally essential.
The Myth of the Mile-High Club
The "mile-high club" concept has been romanticized for as long as people have been flying. But, given what is known about aircraft restrooms (they're little, the lighting is terrible, and they don't often smell great), a mid-flight frolic isn't quite what it seems.
Furthermore, flight attendants keep a keen watch on the restrooms, making it virtually hard to walk inside with another individual and get away with it. If you are detected, you may face significant consequences, such as indecent exposure.
Rules for Staying Onboard
You cannot stay on board your plane for more than 3 hours if it is ready to take off or has recently landed. After that time limit, you are more than welcome to disembark.
After a two-hour delay, flight attendants must keep the food and beverage cart rolling up and down the aisle. Don't worry. You'll be fed for at least one hour. Just keep in mind not to consume the tea or coffee!
Always Bring an Empty Bottle
Are you looking for a way to save cash at the airport? Bring an empty water bottle with you. In most situations, you'll have to toss aside a bottle with contents, so carry an empty one instead of paying a ludicrous amount.
Water fountains may be found in airports, where you can refill your bottle. Consider how much money you'll save by not having to buy water on the plane. It will also save time for your flight attendants.
The Captain’s Rules
Once the aircraft takes off, the captain, as per flight attendants, has absolute power. They oversee all of the crew's decisions and determine what to do about unruly passengers. The captain is also in charge of deciding what occurs in an emergency. Arresting passengers is just about the only thing an aircraft captain can't do.
They can inform authorities if there is a problematic passenger, who will be prepared to arrest that individual when the airline lands. So, you better be good up there. Aren’t you glad that you know about all of these flight secrets? They are all revealed by anonymous Flight attendants, and though some of them are not validated by the FAA, still it’s pretty good to have an idea, right?