Working the Skies: Some Comical n Dangerous Behind-the-scenes Stories of Flight Attendants

Flying can turn out to be an overwhelming experience for a flight attendant. There are few situations that can become etched in the memory of the crew who always experience varied emotions like awe, terror, distaste, humor and helplessness during their working lifetime. Here are some stories listed to draw the curtains from what happens behind the scenes in an aircraft.

Airplane turns into a makeshift hospital

One of the most dangerous things you can witness in an airplane is a sick passenger. Though sick people are not allowed on board, emergencies cannot be ruled out. Once during a domestic flight, a passenger developed an allergy trigger resulting in asthma. Despite the pump and soothing, he just could not get well. The resources were limited and it was quite an experience to keep him comfortable. At another time, a 9-month-old child choked on a muskmelon. Not the stewardess’s fault but that was quite a difficult situation.

Health risks

Air hostesses are prone to several health risks, that include varicose veins, and severe stomach upsets. Erratic travel times, back-to-back schedules leaves a person with less sleep. It is also a common fact that many a times food is insufficient in the pantry and most times, they fly on a hungry stomach. The economical budget makes them work hard. Bags under the eyes are skillfully covered with artistic make up. An air hostess once revealed, “I developed an eye infection, yet I had to apply makeup on the flight. I was wondering the effect on passengers with my red shot vampire eyes. Luckily, no one questioned me.’’

Sign of Terror

A flight attendant shares that travelling in an airplane is fraught with risk. Customers are irritated with stringent rules and the crew is subject to many checks. It is cumbersome and routine travelers find it irksome. It is becoming mandatory for all personnel to spot signs of terror and danger and that surely impedes the hospitality part.

Once a group of pilgrims insisted on covering their heads with a cloth and would often stand with their arms high in their air. Despite several requests, they did not heed. The attendants surely got suspicious and they had to be checked. Though it was an innocent prayer ritual they had to perform due to religious notions, it was quite embarrassing for the crew.

Grin and Bear it

Customers or passengers are always right! The motto of the service industry is daunting. Once there was a passenger who would summon the stewardess for every inane thing. He was surely flirting and seemed to have a good time. But this can be very uncomfortable for a first timer. A lot is learnt in the career as a crewmember and adapting to the demands of frivolous customers.

Turbulent flights

Weather conditions can turn difficult! Lights turning on and off and the subtle wavering of the airplane can be a difficult time for passengers with a weak heart. Assuring them can be stressful especially when you are yourself balancing.

To add to the problem, once a passenger did not use a seat belt and went flying off on the aisle and half way on the lap of the lady on the other side. Sounds comical but the hostess had to bear the brunt of this flying session.

Michelvar Smith - About Author:
Author is recognized for its high educational quality standards, and expert in Flight Attendant, Hospitality Management, Travel & Tourism in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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