Quantcast
Channel: TravelSmith: TravelCenter » Lodging & Transportation
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 23

Up in the Air – Flight Crew FAQs

$
0
0
Stewardess on the airfield. Place for your text.

Last time we spoke with our favorite flight attendant, Susan, she gave us invaluable travel tips on what to wear, what to bring and how to stay comfortable during flight. This time, we sat down to discuss the questions frequent travelers have always wanted to ask. She gave us some interesting, informative and thoroughly entertaining tidbits on life at 35,000 feet. Flight crews truly see it all, including an occasional Beatle…here’s a glimpse:

Flight Attendant FAQs

What do you like best about your job?

The flexibility really works for me. Each month is different with various destinations to choose from. I can bid to work the same days each month or opt for different days off depending on my needs.

What do you like least about your job?

Delays and cancellations. I realize from a passenger perspective how frustrating these can be. I have planned on working a turnaround or 2-day trip and been stuck out for a week or more. It’s not fun or glamorous after days without proper clothes, clean laundry, etc. I have also missed holidays, graduations, theater performances and special family dinners because I was reassigned.

What is the best way for passengers to express their appreciation to flight crews?

I always appreciate eye contact and a courteous manner. I also appreciate when passengers take off their headphones when I am asking them about food/ beverage choices. These are simple things which really make an impact. I would much rather receive an acknowledgement of my presence than a good letter!

Shop Women's Travel Clothing at TravelSmith

What is the best/most memorable gesture of appreciation you have ever received from a passenger?

I worked a trip to New York where a lovely gentleman invited the entire crew to his restaurant for dinner. He sent two limos to pick us up and we had a very memorable evening at his expense. We never saw him again but it was a kindness that we talked about for months.

Boarding groups…do they really make a difference in boarding/departure times?

I do think they make a difference. What generally holds up the boarding process are passengers standing in the aisle and leisurely removing articles from bags they are stowing, regardless of the line behind them. When the plane is boarded in groups starting from the back, that delay is somewhat minimized.

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever seen a passenger carry-on?

Airlines allow passengers to travel with emotional support animals if they have the proper documentation. I once saw a duck in a diaper preparing to board a flight. I’ve often wondered how that trip went!

Shop Travel Accessories at TravelSmith

Which item(s) should passengers just forget trying to carry-on?

Oversized artwork or posters in rolled cardboard tubes. The airline compartments and closets are not sized to accommodate them, and they cannot be adequately secured to prevent damage. If something is that valuable, please have it insured and sent to your home.

Any tips for keeping babies happy and scream-free in-flight?

If I had something that really worked I’d make millions and be able to retire! Some things I do see frequently are parents traveling with children without snacks, enough diapers or games, books or toys that could entertain their children during a flight.

What is the most popular/requested in-flight meal or food item?

Most of our passengers like the baked on-board cookies and the customized ice cream sundaes we offer. I’ve had passengers board a 14-hour flight and ask only for the ice cream sundae.

Shop Collections at TravelSmith

What is the most popular/requested in-flight beverage?

Our First Class and Business Class wines are very popular. Our labels change on a monthly basis, so there is no specific recommendation…but Reds always win over Whites…go figure.

What is the most amusing/emotional thing you have ever witnessed in-flight?

I worked a flight which had a group of WWII Vets and their families en-route to the D-Day 70th Anniversary. We were thrilled to have them and every passenger on the flight shook their hands and thanked them for their service. I was able to speak at length with several of them and hear some of their stories. They received a standing ovation when they deplaned in England.

Which items on a plane should passengers ALWAYS hit with antibacterial wipes?

Tray tables, personal video screens, bathroom door handles, flush switch, bathroom water faucet handles. It’s still shocking to me how many passengers walk down the aisle and enter the bathrooms in their bare feet…. If they only knew what I’ve seen in there.

Shop Luggage at TravelSmith

What are 5 things passengers can do to ease their flying experience?

  • If possible, allow enough time to get to the airport and navigate security. The stress of waiting in a long line when your flight is boarding is something you can manage with proper planning.
  • Stay hydrated and bring a bottle of water (we don’t always have enough bottled water for numerous requests). The cabin air is very dry and hydration is important to prevent headaches, etc.
  • Pack a few snacks in case your flight is not serving food, serving something you don’t like or can’t eat, or if you are still hungry after a meal. Also, if you are running to make your connecting flight, you might not have time to grab a meal, so snacks really come in handy.
  • If you have dietary restrictions it’s easy to pre-order a meal when you make your reservation. All airlines have some type of program, but without a pre-order we can’t accommodate you once in the air.
  • If you are a frequent flyer, invest in a good pair of noise canceling headphones. They are worth every penny.
  • You’ve probably seen and heard it all in the air – what has totally surprised you?

    Let’s just say that it’s always surprising to me what people do in their seats, regardless of being surrounded by other passengers…enough said.

    What is your favorite route to fly and why?

    I like different routes for different reasons, depending on the season. One of my all-time favorites is London: easy to navigate, always something to do, great theater.

    Shop Men's Travel Clothing at TravelSmith

    Which airports have the best food options and what are your guilty pleasures in that regard?

    LAX has improved immensely. The new International Terminal has great options including a yummy thin crust pizza. Lemonade in the Delta Terminal is a favorite, with wonderfully healthy salads, sandwiches and entrees. My guilty pleasure would be the Shake Shack at JFK; thank goodness I’m not based there!

    If you could give passengers one piece of advice, what would it be?

    Be proactive. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, get on the phone or online immediately with your carrier. Don’t stand in line at the airport rebooking center.

    Who have been your favorite celebrity passengers?

    Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach. They are consistently charming and wonderful….and they both look great!

    Got a question for the flight crew? Leave a comment below and we’ll work on a new list for future posting on Travel Center.

    The post Up in the Air – Flight Crew FAQs appeared first on TravelSmith: TravelCenter.


    Viewing all articles
    Browse latest Browse all 23

    Trending Articles