Life of a cabin crew – pros and cons
As taking a flight has a lot to do with traveling itself, I dare to include this post on my blog. Yes, I had worked as a cabin crew for 2 years before I started travel blogging (February 2009 to March 2011.)
For those who cannot connect this with anything, you could have called me a stewardess/flight attendant back in days. When many people hear this word, they all think automatically that I had such a great life, traveling all over the world with a lot of money, free time and no problems.
But to be honest, just those who have ever worked as cabin crew or those whose close friends or family members have, know that the truth lies far away from this preconceived notion. The only true thing from the above, is quite loads of free time (when you get lucky as I did as it all depends on the airport, number of operating flights and number of cabin crew.)
Logically, it all depends on which airline you work for and in which country as many rules differ.
Obviously, working as a cabin crew has some positives.
I’ve always loved being above the clouds. It’s like a different world. And the best sunrise and sunset I have ever seen was, and always will be from up there in the sky.
The good thing about my cabin crew job was that I got to know airports, all the rules and restrictions so I know exactly what I can do and bring with me and what better not. It is a very useful information when traveling nowadays.
Life of a cabin crew was also a great motivation to me when by any chance for a second I did not feel like going to a new place. And it gave me the possibility to dig deeper into the culture and habits of different nationalities, because believe me or not, you can learn a lot from just watching passengers onboard.
I also made friends at many airports. Seeing people travel all the time when I still worked as a cabin crew made me travel more on my days off as well.
You can even make loads of friends when lucky.
There are some ”new friends” who happened to be on one of my flights and we have stayed in touch quite often as friends. Job of cabin crew even makes you learn some useful phrases in more languages, which is always helpful and you do not have to force yourself to study at home. It just gets into your head somehow after hearing it couple of times.
Plus, wearing a uniform helps people not to judge you by your appearance as we all look almost the same, which is good in a way, I think.
Then knowing other cabin crew members means you can meet up with some of them when you travel and as well it can help you to know even more people just because you are both cabin crew or you know someone and they know him, too.
The world is so small sometimes, yet I still get surprised.
sunrise from the airplane
But everything is complex, so to understand it all better, I would like to point out some of the disadvantages of life as a cabin crew because not many people know about them and they think it is a paradise:
- NO, many airlines do not offer free tickets to their employers (only flight crew can fly for free), but we do have some kind of discounts. But from my own experience I can say, many times you can get a cheaper ticket when flying as a normal passenger, especially when on promotion a lot ahead of time (in case you know the flight date early enough.)
- Many European airlines fly back to the base on the same day, so we do not have the chance to fly somewhere, stay over there and get to know the place (unfortunately this is the case of the airline which I worked for, too.) Talking of no longhaul flights, but just those within the same continent.
- The salary is not what other people might imagine. It is much less! It’s not what it used to be years ago.
- Many airlines offer the contract only for 6 months; at the time when I worked there it was e.g. in Spain.
- Our skin and hair get dry from the air conditioning onboard, you need to take more care of it and moisturize it often.
- Our nails get broken very quickly, they are weak.
- Cabin crew need to drink more water because of the same reason, even our throat gets drier, like the skin. And it is very easy to get dehydrated while flying.
- We have to wear high heels even if we hate them (I so do), and it can be quite a leg workout when walking through the cabin, mostly during climbing and descending as it’s like going up the mountain in high heels (who would do that voluntarily??)
- Any sickness and illness get worse when onboard, starting with running nose, sore throat or just a simple headache… after a couple hours flying it’s 5 times more serious.
- You come more in contact with bacteria as sick people travel as well so there is a higher chance for you to get infected, even when talking about simple flu.
- People used to ask me why I had so many bruises on my legs. Well, the answer is easy. Get ready to get plenty of them on your thighs and hips as passengers do put their feet and elbows into the aisle exactly when you pass through. (Is this supposed to be just a coincidence?)
- It can be dangerous, i.e. turbulence. We are trained and used to it after some time but still the airplane can move a lot unexpectedly very quickly and you are just not able to handle it, or you get down or hit the ceiling. Not nice! I fell down once, hit myself and the halon fell down on me, then I had a 10 cm bruise on my left thigh for almost 3 weeks. But there are cabin crew who broke legs, arms or got concussion of the brain after turbulence. The more we fly, the bigger the chance to get hurt.
- Cabin crew job can be mentally difficult. The main opinion people have about flight attendants is that it is just waiters onboard a plane and we are all stupid. I especially don’t get persons making fun of safety demonstration as I bet 70 % of them would have no idea what to do in case of an emergency because they had not paid any attention to it on any of the hundred flights they took. But they do have to laugh each time they see the demo anyway. But back to being stupid cabin crew, honestly, we are being questioned about the safety and first aid every day before we start our duty, plus in case of any emergency, which is mostly the first aid one, we need to be ready for anything and react straight away. Besides, passengers can make you tired. It is always the worst job to work with people, you know that. Sometimes they are not willing to help and understand you at all. They can make your working day a nightmare. So if any of you are reading this and you travel by plane, PLEASE try to comprehend the situation from crew point of view as well and and do not be one of the disruptive passengers. Because if a cabin crew tells you something, she says it not because she made it up or just for fun, but because it is a rule and we all have to follow it.
- Can be hard physically, too. Depends on many things but sometimes you have to lift up a lot of bags which destroys your back, walk through the cabin up and down unlimited times, carry stuff etc.
- Not good for your health – wake up and go to sleep at different time is never good, plus think of the time zones. We do not eat regularly and different weather at the airports where we fly to does not help our health either as often temperature changes make us ill. And the ears get blocked all the time. It is the worst pain ever if you have sinus infection. And noise of the airplanes can be annoying, too.
- Many days of our ‘free’ time are so called home standbys so we have to wait on phone for hours in case we got called off and would need to go to work. Literally, I used to even take a shower and go to toilet with my mobile phone, otherwise I would get in trouble. Not pleasant at all. It came to such a point that then on my days off I hated to hear my phone ringing and would use only phone vibration. If I do not hear (feel) my phone, please forgive me!
- Can get boring to repeat the same stuff over and over every day. I had days when I felt like a parrot ”Bye, thank you, have a nice day, bye bye, cheers, goodbye, see you, bye, thanks…”
Ryanair cabin crew
the Alps from the plane
Like I said, everything has both advantages and disadvantages and of course life of a cabin crew is not any exception.
I wrote this article because I really want people to see both sides of this job – cabin crew pros and cons. Hope I gave you a more complex idea now about how it is to be a stewardess and that next time when you take a flight, you will become one of those passengers we all love :D
After life of a cabin crew for 2 years, I just could not do it any more. Since March 2011 I have been professionaly travel blogging only, mostly on this blog.
Api
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We all know aviation industry is growing so fast. Interesting to read about your flight attendant experience.
Pess
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Wow!! A dream job of mine.. But meehnn.. Like I lost a lil interest. So its this more stressful. And the going and coming with a mobile phone.. Hmmm
Sam
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Interesting article, I’ve heard conflicting stories about United Arab Emirates stewardesses during there time at posh hotels. Some say they have to abide by strict curfews while others say they have wild, crazy ‘sex parties’ planned at hotels in certain hotspots. I was recently at a luxury hotel just outside San Francisco where an UAE crew was staying and I heard a lot of ‘Bumping and grinding” going on even out in the hallways. Not sure if it was the UAE flight crew but I thought you might have some insight on these stories.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Sam, I have no comments. I don’t talk abut other people but parties are normal everywhere, I guess.
Lindsey
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That was so interesting! I read part of a book called “Cruising Attitude” and it was stories about the author’s life as a flight attendant. Have you written more posts about it? I would love to hear/read more! I didn’t know flight attendants could get so many injuries!
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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No, I haven’t written more posts about this part of my life but maybe I should as many people are asking me about it :)
Crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Prince Bhatia:
Happy to show you the insights of this job as many people don’t really understand what it is all about ;)
Prince Bhatia
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I really enjoy your blog because the things I read here are new to me. I though the cabin crew is very high paid job but you proved me wrong. Another thing I was not aware that you have to take care of skin and hair more than anybody else. I just want know how much stress involve in this job. From outside it looks very glamorous and kind of a dream job.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Worldfamilytravellers:
Thanks for the comment! Yes, I used to work for Ryanair and some of the passengers were grumpy and horrible.
Worldfamilytravellers
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Great post. I think some people are so involved with themselves, that they don’t stop to think that the workers around them are people too. I bet you deal with some real jerks up there, and have to work hard to stay positive. Judging by your picture, it looks like you might work for Ryanair, if that is the case, I’m guessing you get some really grumpy travelers that are upset about fees or aren’t seasoned travelers. I always appreciate a good flight attendant, especially one that tries to help make the travel experience better for me and my family.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Alex d F:
Alex, thank you for your opinion. I do agree with you, long haul flights are less stressful for the cabin crew which is visible on their happiness :) Safe onward flights!
Alex d F
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Hi there, I have no idea how I stumbled across your blog but that’s the way of the lateral universe of the internet.
I enjoyed your article about being an air stewardess. In the last couple of years I have had the honour to fly more often than in my entire life put together. I would like to express that I massively respect cabin crew. I certainly do not think they are just waiters in the sky ( and let’s not disrespect waiters either, to be a good waiter takes great skills on many levels ). I am personally not particularly comfortable with the idea of being in this hugely complex flying machine, relying on human and computers to keep us alive in this artificially pressured environment,so I admire the lack of fear that you cabin crew have. You always look so calm… and I look to your faces for re-assurance when there is turbulence… if I saw fear or concern in your eyes it would raise my blood pressure to uncontrollable !
I admire the fact that you have deal with all sorts of situations with people from all walks of life.
What I have observed, is the happiness of the cabin crew distinctly seems to vary from airline to airline. For example, the crew on Easyjet tend to seem fairly happy and smiley whilst the crew on Ryan Air are more often blank faced and touchy if you ask them something. The other day I was on a busy flight and couldn’t find any space to put my back in the overhead compartment. The stewardess sternley said ‘theres no room left, you have to put it in front of you…’ – and she was clearly defensive and almost expecting me to argue with her. I did not and just endured the entire flight with my sizable hand case where my feet should be.
THe happiest airline crew seem to be the long-haul. On Kingfisher ( Indian airline ) the staff were impeccably happy and helpful. The same can be said for Emirates. I can only assume they are paid more and get more perks because of the long-haul nature.
Anyway I must stop talking and do some of my own work.
I hope one day to free myself from office work and do something with travelling, writing and passion like you.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Petrichor:
Thank you! Good to know that I opened the eyes of someone and it is not just the cabin crew who realise all these things :)
I quit my job in march, but still enjoy traveling :)
Petrichor
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Thanks to your post I now have a better understanding and more respect and admiration for cabin crew. I now realise how hard you have to work. I think if passengers are just more courteous and understanding towards cabin crew that would make your job more enjoyble.
It is shameful that some male passengers harass female cabin crew; they probably have the same attitude towards women in general, not just towards stewardesses.
On a positive note, I love the photos! Seeing such incredible views every time you fly must be one of the best things about being a stewardess.
I hope you continue enjoying your travels and your job.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Ed, every job has advantages and disadvantages, these are just one of them :D
Ed
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I’ve seriously thought about becoming a flight steward. At least my dreams of traveling will already be satisfied as it’s already part of the job.
Thank you for sharing these insights on the cons of being a cabin crew staff. Definitely it’s not all fun and games and it’s just part of the job that one can get.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Ayan, this is what everyone thinks, but as you can see, it’s not true. Hope you see it now more realistically thanks to my post ;)
ayan
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surprisingly this is my first time to hear a stewardess rant about her job. you are really spot-on about the misconceptions, i admit i have always seen flight attendants as lucky people who get to see the world for free, doing an easy job =)
Diego
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Just like Jarrod, I also had the fancy to become a Cabin Crew – actually I kind of do, but never thought about all the cons this profession has. Honestly I don’t know if I could take unpolite passengers without replying back in the same terms, I think I would get crazy soon enough! hahaha
And when I see that quite the large amount of you are so kind to us passengers, it seems even more unfair what certain people do! (and the worst thing is that a transatlantic flight carry 200 nice people, but it only takes 1 unpleasant being to ruin a nice day, unfortunately. :()
Anyway, I bet there are lots of good things, too, and they always prevail over the bad ones, don’t they? :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, always nice for a passionate traveller like me to get to know our dear Cabin Crew members! ;)
Cheers,
Diego
crazy sexy fun traveler
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That’s the point! All the pasengers nice except one and that just one ruins everything. I mostly have Italian passengers which is good in a way cos I can’t speak Italian good enough to answer them how they deserve… but this way they will never shut up and listen…
Thanks for ur comment ;)
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Jarrod!!! I love ur comment, we share the opinions! I wish all the passengers where like u! Hope to see u on one of my flights ;)
And yes, there r people who love to complain and argue but unfortunately we cant answer them in a way they deserve! Not fair haha …
Thanks again for ur opinions ;)
jarrod
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I read with interest this article about cabin crew as a job, Ive always had an interest in air travel, I regularly fly throughout the Uk mainly so ive seen a few things. Im currently reading a book entitled “Airline Identity, Design and Culture” by Keith Lovegrove which I recomend if this is your subject. Its an interesting insight into air Travel on board.
During my flights in my lifetime Ive watched with interest, learnt from what ive seen and comunicating with other Cabin crew. I have a friend who flies with Monarch as cabin crew, she is often away weeks on end and the word “home” is almost non existant, going home is a Holiday!
You have to respect these people (cabin crew) there is nothing that annoys me most than people who pay no attention when the safety announcment is made! If the plane crashes I want to have a chance of surviving so no matter how repetitive it is, no matter how many times its been said I LISTEN! People think it could never happen to them, if it did i wouldnt want to be on that flight with them!
Cabin Crew are nice to you, BE NICE TO THEM BACK!
The flights you describe are mainly short haul I would imagine? I can not imagine what a long haul flight must be like? Say australia or USA. Not only is it the fatigue but ther is meals to think about also which is yet another job for the Cabin Crew to Deal with.
I can relate to you about the free flights for Cabin Crew issue too! A recent chat with a very tired British Airways Cabin Crew from Heathrow to Edinburgh, told me how much she had to pay for her flight to get home!!! I naturally thought all employees would be looked after by there employers of air travel but nO??? She actually had to pay more than my fare was!!!!!!!!!!! Thats sick and I soon wrote to British airways to say so shortly after I got home!
My Final point is the people that complain! Some people live to complain!!! They see a nice natured cabin crew who they know can not answer back the way they might like to and take advantage to give them hell. Its at this point ive often felt like getting up myself and saying just ease off! I know Cabin Crew are trained to deal with with these sad o types in the correct manor but its more unneccessary stress for an already hard working job.
So, to you and all your fellow Cabin Crew I have one thing to say “RESPECT” . When ever Ive travelled Ive been treated in a nice and friendly manor and I wouldnt want to respond back in any other way. And believe me, it does pay to be nice, my last flight I got a second free drink from the Cabin crew!!!! ;):)
Well done for writing this article, perhaps a few more people will realise now its not all fun and games, and i for one support your views 100%!