The GINGER: Diary

In my experience as flight attendant, I’ve frequently encountered a lot of misconceptions, however, the reality is that one truly understands the intricacies only by actually doing the job.

I will start by listing the most controversial ones, with the first being the notion that “flight attendants are constantly partying”. The long shifts, difficulties on board with demanding passengers and delays can be a real challenge. When most layovers are short, and they barely have time to rest and eat, they rather spend their layovers in the hotel room, enjoying a glass of wine and watching movies. Often the last thing flight attendants want to do when they’re on a layover is to go out and party.

The second one would be that flight attendants “get to travel the world for free wherever and whenever they want.” While this is a tempting idea, the reality of this profession doesn’t quite align with this belief. The airlines do provide their employees with discounts on tickets, which is indeed a perk, but it’s far from making air travel cost-free. Most of the time they fly on standby tickets and flights are always full. Flight attendants work hard and often have to adhere to tight schedules during layovers, leaving limited time for sightseeing.

Some may think that being a flight attendant is an easy job that doesn’t require much effort. However, the reality is quite the opposite. The role is physically and mentally demanding. Flight attendants tirelessly remain on their feet for extended periods, gracefully manage high-stress situations, and maintain a consistently high level of professionalism throughout their duties. It’s a multifaceted role that encompasses much more than serving meals and beverages.

Furthermore, some people may perceive the long hours spent on duty during a 17-hour flight to New Zealand or a 17-hour flight to Los Angeles as a privilege because flight attendants “get to travel to amazing destinations.” However, they often underestimate the extensive preparation before and after such flights and the personal sacrifices involved.

Another misconception is that “putting bags in overhead bins for passengers is part of the job”. The reality is that the companies don’t cover injuries if they get hurt lifting bags. So, no, it’s not part of the job, but if they do it, be grateful, it’s just an extra effort they do for you.

Being a flight attendant means being awake when the world is at rest, missing out on family gatherings and special holidays, battling the unforgiving jet lag that can leave them bedridden for days, and sometimes spending their days off in bed because their body is too tired to do anything. The challenges of jet lag and long hours make their travel experiences quite different from that of leisure travelers.

There’s another belief that stewardess roles are exclusively for young individuals. Contrary to the belief, airlines greatly value experienced flight attendants who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the job. Many flight attendants build long and fulfilling careers in the industry, accumulating invaluable experience as they go along.

The Realities Behind the Glamour

Widespread misconceptions often paint the life of a flight attendant as glamorous, with opulent accommodations and lavish parties in exotic destinations. However, this narrative contradicts the true nature of the profession. Even if they’re working in first class or business class, it’s not glamorous at all. Behind the scenes, flight attendants face substantial challenges and are frequently required to summon their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to passenger safety.

Contrary to the picturesque image, their role involves hard work, dealing with demanding passengers, and being prepared for any emergency. The emotional toll is palpable, as time spent away from the comfort of home and loved ones can weigh heavily on their hearts.

Sometimes shedding tears of exhaustion and stress, because a non-stop full schedule is weighed by the flying hours that can be between 80 and 130 maximum per month. Also, struggling to form lasting relationships and friendships due to the constantly changing locations is frustrating.

When it comes to their preparation, another misconception is that becoming a flight attendant requires minimal training or qualifications. In truth, flight attendants undergo rigorous and comprehensive training, mastering a wide spectrum of competencies, from medical emergencies to security concerns. They are well-versed in aircraft safety procedures and are constantly updating their knowledge to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.

While the nature of the job involves irregular hours and frequent changes in schedules, many flight attendants appreciate the flexibility this career offers. They can often request specific days off or swap shifts with colleagues to accommodate personal commitments.

While the cabin crew lifestyle is undeniably rewarding, it’s not all about idyllic beaches and exploring exotic cities. Flight attendants make countless sacrifices to ensure passengers have a memorable travel experience. In return, they do get the opportunity to discover corners of the world they might not have seen otherwise, but it comes with its own set of challenges and hardships that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Despite the misconceptions, many flight attendants find great joy in their job. They build strong bonds with their colleagues, embark on a perpetual journey of cultural discovery, and create cherished memories along the way. It is a unique profession that requires dedication, adaptability, and a genuine passion for providing excellent service to passengers.

The next time you board a flight, spare a moment to appreciate the commitment and tireless work of the cabin crew, who are indispensable in facilitating your journey. Their dedication ensures the smooth operation and your overall comfort throughout the flight.

 PS: This comes from a former flight attendant who might have greeted you at the boarding door, either on the Boeing 777-300 or the Airbus A380-800.