Flight Attendants Reveal Secrets Of Flying And What It’s Really Like Working For An Airline

Flight attendants might seem to have a glamorous job but there is more to the job than you might think. Yes, they get to travel for free and see every corner of the world but they also have to undergo difficult training and deal with some seriously horrible passengers.

There are plenty of secrets that your flight attendants are hiding from you behind that charming smile. Read on to learn what's going on behind the scenes while you're busy watching an in-flight movie.

They Keep Their Hands Behind Their Backs For A Reason

flight attendant with hands clasped
Twitter/JCPinHeathrow
Twitter/JCPinHeathrow

Have you ever noticed that flight attendants always seem to greet passengers with their hands clasped behind their backs? Turns out that there’s a good reason airline employees do this.

Hiding their hands makes it easier to conduct a head count as people enter the plane – they’re keeping count on their fingers! If you saw them counting on their fingers in front of you, you probably wouldn't think too highly of them. The trust between the attendant and passenger must never be broken.

ADVERTISEMENT

There's A Secret Compartment For Their Naps

ADVERTISEMENT
sleeping accommodations
Chris McGrath-Getty Images
Chris McGrath-Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When it comes to long-haul flights, you might get to take several snoozes but what about the flight crew? They constantly have to be around to tend to passenger needs and are always on their feet, but that seems like a lot for a flight that's over ten hours.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't worry, flight attendants get to take their breaks too. Big planes like Boeing 777 or 787 jets have secret sleeping cabins built in for staff. These windowless sleeping quarters are built above or below the galley, so that's probably where your favorite flight attendant is if you've noticed you haven't seen them for a while.

ADVERTISEMENT

Do NOT Go Barefoot

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
barefoot on plane
Instagram/lalawins
Instagram/lalawins
ADVERTISEMENT

Everyone understands how uncomfortable it is to be stuck on a plane for more than two hours. A lot of times you'll see that passenger who takes their shoes off, and they'll even walk around the cabin without putting them back on!

ADVERTISEMENT

It may seem like they're just making themselves comfortable, but it's actually pretty disgusting. Flight attendants know just how filthy the floor of the plane really is. Plenty of accidents occur in-flight. While those accidents do get cleaned up, it's still not as sanitary as you'd hope, especially in between flights. Plus, cleaning supplies are limited on airplanes.

ADVERTISEMENT

They Communicate With A Secret Code

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
6_flg
Pinterest
Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

The flight crew uses subtle codes to communicate with each other about the goings on in the plane without letting the passengers know. There might be things they need to tell each other to look out for, but they don't want to freak out the passengers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Those bells and chimes you often hear during a flight aren't for no reason. For example, those "dings" you hear at the beginning and end of a flight? That's to signal to the crew that the most dangerous stages of the flight are over since takeoff and landing are the most precarious parts of flying.

ADVERTISEMENT

They're Sizing You Up As You Board

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
afp_y372n-41290-69458.jpg
TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty Images
TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

It's always reassuring to see your flight attendants greeting you as you enter the aircraft. Sure it's excellent customer service but they actually have an ulterior motive for doing so.

ADVERTISEMENT

As the passengers enter the plane, the flight attendants quickly make important assessments. They look over each and every passenger and make mental notes of who might be problematic or intoxicated, who is traveling alone, or for those passengers who might be in need of extra assistance such as when they're handicapped or traveling with children. They are also seeing who's strong and who might be useful in an emergency.

ADVERTISEMENT

How You Can Possibly Score An Upgrade

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
14_flq
Pinterest
Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

While you should treat any human with the respect that they deserve in any situation, it pays to be exceptionally nice to your flight attendant. Many flight attendants say that they love customers who respond with a smile and a "thank you," and you'd be surprised to know how often that doesn't happen.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you are pretty nice to your flight attendant, you may even be able to score an upgraded seat if there were any available. It will also help if you have a legitimate reason to be upgraded, such as being too tall, pregnant, or are a frequent flyer.

ADVERTISEMENT

It Doesn't Actually Pay Very Well

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ftptrial-aa_30052018_755253-46689-85988.jpg
Mehmet Ali Ozcan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Mehmet Ali Ozcan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Flight attendants have to go to work the minute they arrive on the plane. That means doing safety checks before a flight and then greeting and assisting passengers during the boarding process. But for all they do before the plane takes off, they're not even getting paid.

ADVERTISEMENT

Flight attendants only get paid for the hours that the engine starts and the plane pulls away from the gate. Anytime before that, they aren't getting paid — or they're at least not getting paid their full rate. Hours spent away from home but not in the air are compensated with a rate as low as $1.50 an hour.

ADVERTISEMENT

They'll Cut You Off If They Need To

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
drinking on a plane
Instagram/@ikparker716
Instagram/@ikparker716
ADVERTISEMENT

You might want to watch it next time you opt for booze on a fight. Not only is it illegal for flight attendants to enable passengers to get drunk on a flight, it's actually illegal to be intoxicated on a plane.

ADVERTISEMENT

Should you end up breaking that law, you can get up to a two-year sentence for this odd criminal offense. But think of it this way: you don't need to overdo it on a flight because the changing cabin pressure causes alcohol to have a stronger effect on your body than it does on land.

ADVERTISEMENT

Order Diet Coke If You Want To Be Annoying

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
94425495-53072-13753.jpg
George Frey/Getty Images
George Frey/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

If you don't want to annoy your flight attendant during beverage service, then don't order a Diet Coke. Flight attendants hate when a passenger requests Diet Coke and for very good reason.

ADVERTISEMENT

Diet Coke is noticeably fizzier than other carbonated drinks. And at over 30,000 feet in the air, those bubbles take forever to settle. Flight attendants have to pay extra attention not to let it overflow, but that just means that it takes about three times longer to pour than the other available beverages. Flights are so dehydrating anyway so it's probably best if you just ask for water.

ADVERTISEMENT

There's A Reason They Turn Off The Lights

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

As the plane prepares for takeoff or for its descent, the lights in the cabin will get shut off. This is never really explained and there's not much to think of it since the lights get turned back on just a few minutes later.

ADVERTISEMENT

But there's actually a good reason for this. Takeoff and landing are the most problematic stages of a flight. The lights get turned off so that everyone's eyes can adjust to the light in the event of an emergency. This can help people orient themselves with the space easily if they needed to take action.

ADVERTISEMENT

Definitely Do Not Accept A Coffee

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Robert Alexander/Getty Images
Robert Alexander/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Many flight attendants wouldn't suggest drinking the coffee or tea served on flights. While the potable water is filtered and not necessarily the same water that flows through the lavatories, you still might want to pass on these hot beverages that are made in flight.

ADVERTISEMENT

The tanks that the potable water is kept in apparently don't get cleaned as often as you'd think. And sometimes, the valve for the lavatory water is located precariously close to the valve for the clean water. So next time, you might just want to stick to the bottled and canned drinks.

ADVERTISEMENT

They're Using Their Cell Phones The Entire Time

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Inside The China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition
Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Flight attendants get a perk all flyers wish they had. Besides getting paid to travel places, they get the Holy Grail of flying: free Wi-Fi and usage of their cellphones. They are often using their phones during the entire flight unbeknownst to the casual flyer.

ADVERTISEMENT

They may not make the most money in the world, but the do get to travel the globe and get paid for it. Depending on how you look at it, that might not be the worst payoff in the world.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Food Is Questionable Too

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
economou-notitle161001_npdkn-52574-79893.jpg
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking of things you should steer away from, you might also want to think twice about airline food. Meals served on longer flights usually look pretty balanced, but the nutritional content of those meals is shocking.

ADVERTISEMENT

In-flight meals are loaded up with salt, sugar, fat, and simple carbs that make you feel full but actually have no nutritional value. If you're stuck on a long-haul flight with nothing else to eat, those meals are your saving grace. But you might want to remember to bring your own food on board next time.

ADVERTISEMENT

They Have The Power To Restrain You

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
12-75797-97506.jpg
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

You better behave yourself the next time you fly. If you get too unruly, then your flight attendant has the authority to arrest you (or at the very least, restrain you). You may have seen people removed from a flight before take off, but what happens when things come to light mid-flight?

ADVERTISEMENT

If a flight attendant really needs to, they have the power to restrain overly aggressive or trouble causing passengers. They usually have zip ties available or they could use the seatbelt extensions as restraints. The passenger would then be placed in an area where they can't be disruptive and would be escorted off at the first stop.

ADVERTISEMENT

This Job Is Not For Everyone

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
flight-attendents-02
Photo by Vladimir SmirnovTASS via Getty Images
Photo by Vladimir SmirnovTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Flight attendants may have a jet-setting life with the ability to visit new places, but it's not all fun and games. On the ground, many people see flight attendants as having a glamorous job, but in the air that changes as their jobs are minimized to that of a waitress.

ADVERTISEMENT

A flight attendant job is a demanding one. You're constantly jet-lagged, sometimes having to work on flights back to back. You'll often get 4 A.M. wakeup calls and be scheduled to work on holidays, not to mention being kept apart from your family for long periods of time.

ADVERTISEMENT

You Might Want To Think Twice About First Class

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
par8201100-29191-71282.jpg
MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images
MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

It's probably not all that worth it to sit in first class. Studies have shown that in the event of a plane crash, those who are sitting towards the front of the plane are more likely to die.

ADVERTISEMENT

The safest seats are those within a few rows of the emergency exit and the aisle seats. Studies have shown that passengers in the rear of the plane have the highest survival rates compared to those in first class. In any case, no matter where you sit, it's always smart to fasten your seat belt.

ADVERTISEMENT

Flight Attendants Have To Look The Part

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
flight-attendents-03
Photo by Valery SharifulinTASS via Getty Images
Photo by Valery SharifulinTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

You might think that flight attendants have to uphold certain visual standards to hold on to their jobs. Although the requirements of looking a certain way and being a certain age are antiquated and long gone, there are still some things flight attendants have to keep in mind.

ADVERTISEMENT

Flight attendants do have to have a natural hair color and it has to be pulled back if it is long. The biggest thing the airlines look for these days is height. You can't be too tall that your head will constantly be bumping into the overhead bins, but you can't be so short that you can't perform your duties comfortably.

ADVERTISEMENT

Yes, Flight Crews Do Get Involved With Each Other

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
male and female flight attendants
Instagram/@rodrigoabordo
Instagram/@rodrigoabordo
ADVERTISEMENT

You wouldn't be wrong to assume that flight crews get involved with each other in more ways than one. Relationships between crew members are apparently quite common, which makes sense since they spend so much time with each other in such an enclosed space.

ADVERTISEMENT

While flight attendants can fraternize with one another, their main priority is, of course, to remain professional at all times. Just like any job, you wouldn't want to air your dirty laundry in front of customers.

ADVERTISEMENT

There's No Rules Against Flight Attendants Fraternizing With Passengers

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
there is no rule about fraternizing with flight attendants
athemeliotis/Pinterest
athemeliotis/Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

As for flight attendants getting extra chummy with passengers, many airlines don't really have policies on it. So if you find your flight attendant quite attractive, you can go ahead and shoot your shot. But chances are, that won't fare well because flight attendants experience too much of that.

ADVERTISEMENT

More often, flight attendants are the ones fighting off unwanted attention while they're just trying to do their job. Still, they are allowed to meet a potential partner if they wish to do so!

ADVERTISEMENT

Is The Mile-High Club A Real Thing?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
exiting the bathroom
YouTube
YouTube
ADVERTISEMENT

For as long as humans have been traveling by plane, the idea of the "mile-high club" has been glamorized. But considering what we know about airplane bathrooms (let's be real — they're tiny, the lighting is awful, and they don't always smell so good), a mid-flight romp isn't all its chalked up to be.

ADVERTISEMENT

What's more, flight attendants carefully watch the bathrooms, so even going inside of the bathroom with another person and getting away with it is nearly impossible. If you do get caught, you could face serious repercussions, including indecent exposure.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Oxygen Masks Have A Time Limit

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
1037_40_av21094628-45973-35714.jpg
Aviation-images.com/UIG via Getty Images
Aviation-images.com/UIG via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The oxygen masks on a plane will deploy when the cabin pressure falls below a certain point, but more often than not, that point never comes. In the event that it does, however, how long would it allow you to breathe?

ADVERTISEMENT

There are around 12 to 15 minutes of oxygen in those masks. It doesn't seem like a lot of time, but it is. If you ever find yourself in a situation that warrants the use of these masks, just try to relax and breathe. The pilot is working to get the plane to a safe altitude where you will be able to breathe without them.

ADVERTISEMENT

It's Not Easy To Land This Job

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
flight-attendant
Peter Bannan / Getty Images
Peter Bannan / Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Harvard had a higher acceptance rate than Delta airlines did for their job openings in 2010. If you're trying to become a flight attendant, the competition can get pretty intense.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2010, Delta announced 1,000 openings and received over 100,000 applications. Only four percent of those applications got a callback interview. Flight attendants have quite a demanding job, for very little starting pay (at least $18,000 per year). But if you have excellent customer service skills and think you can handle it, by all means, go for it! It definitely helps if you are bilingual.

ADVERTISEMENT

Your Extra Bags Won't Cause The Plane To Crash

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ts07c9bc-74191-36467.jpg
Sergei MalgavkoTASS via Getty Images
Sergei MalgavkoTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Every passenger is entitled to at least one stowed bag during their flight. But this means they'll have to pay some hefty fees for any additional baggage. While planes are designed to only accommodate one bag per passenger, the truth is your extra bags will hardly affect anything.

ADVERTISEMENT

Planes do have to have the right center of gravity for takeoff. Depending on how many checked bags do get stowed on the plane, most airlines have practiced using sandbags to even out the weight. Still, that doesn't necessarily explain why airlines charge you for extra bags, but we don't make the rules.

ADVERTISEMENT

Turning Off The Phones Isn't Actually That Necessary

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When the flight attendant requests that you should turn off your mobile devices before takeoff, it'd be in your best interest to just do as they say. While failing to turn it off won't cause the plane to crash, there's still a very good reason they ask you to do it.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cellular signals are strong enough to interfere with air traffic control frequencies, which isn't ideal when the plane is trying to take off or land. Sometimes takeoff can take longer than it needs to, so to help ease the process just turn off your devices when the time comes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Be Nice To Check-In Staff

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Mehmet Ali Ozcan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Mehmet Ali Ozcan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

It is not a smart thing to do to be rude or disgusting to a check-in staff person. They have the ability to determine where you sit. If you're a jerk and there's a slew of babies on board, they just might sit you right in the thick of the crying and fussing.

ADVERTISEMENT

Even if they smile to your face once you have been rude to them, you don't know what is awaiting you on that plane. Plus, as we've already said, the nice you are, the better your chances of being upgraded turn if a seat becomes available.

ADVERTISEMENT

Tips Are Accepted

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
tips-accepted-64136-37972.jpg
Vladimir Shtanko/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Vladimir Shtanko/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Some do not know that flight attendants can accept tips. And not only do they accept them, they greatly appreciate them, too. Those tips can also go a long way in getting you first-class treatment for the rest of the flight.

ADVERTISEMENT

A dollar might not get you far, but do not be afraid to test your luck by tipping. At the very least, you'll make someone's day. It's never bad move to pay it forward, and just like your favorite bartender or service person, flight attendants just want a little extra love, too.

ADVERTISEMENT

Keeping Your Gifts under Wraps

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ts04b939-91430-45673.jpg
Kirill KukhmarTASS via Getty Images
Kirill KukhmarTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Going home for the holidays is a tradition many look forward to. One such tradition is going home for Christmas. If you’re going home for the holidays, you might want to reconsider wrapping your gifts ahead of time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Airport security may have to unwrap and take a gander at your items. Maybe having a gift bag makes more sense. We know this isn't "on-flight" related, but sometimes a good tip needs to be given anyway.

ADVERTISEMENT

Be Wary of the Blankets and Pillows

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
passengers-sleeping-45298-72559.jpg
Gideon Mendel/Corbis via Getty Images
Gideon Mendel/Corbis via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The only time those pillows and blankets you request are clean is during the first flight of the day. That's bad news for the germophobes out there. It is likely they already know about this startling fact, but this is to those who are unaware.

ADVERTISEMENT

You might want to bring an extra jacket or headrest next time. You can also buy those horseshoe shaped pillows at airports just to be safe. Better safe than sorry, we'd hate to see you catch germs from someone you've never met before!

ADVERTISEMENT

Time To Exit

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
775192068mt012_delta_airlin-59501-54903.jpg
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

If your plane is either about to leave or it has just landed, you cannot be on that plane for longer than three hours. If you wish to get off, you are more than welcome after that time frame.

ADVERTISEMENT

Flight attendants are also required to keep the food and water cart going up and down the aisle after two hours of delay. You'll be fed for at least an hour, don't worry. Just remember, don't drink the coffee or tea!

ADVERTISEMENT

Pack An Empty Water Bottle

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
empty-water-bottle-89418-23133.jpg
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Want to save money at the airport? Pack an empty water bottle. In most cases, you would have to throw away a bottle with contents in it, so to avoid that and spending a ridiculous amount on a bottle from the airport, just bring an empty bottle.

ADVERTISEMENT

Airports have water fountains where you can fill your empty one right up. Think of the money it will save you not buying water on the plane as well. It will save your flight attendants time, too. Why bother them with getting you a water bottle when you could have pre-filled one yourself.

ADVERTISEMENT

Being Rude Gets You Nowhere

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
100243176-46872-15157.jpg
VCG via Getty Images
VCG via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Being a pain in the you-know-what does not get you anywhere in life. And it surely doesn't help while flying. Even if there is a flight upgrade available, flight attendants will not give it to you. You already knew that, though. You probably didn't know the next part.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you are a frequent flyer, it will be noted on your account you are troublesome. Just like getting a bad mark in school, you'll be considered a bad flyer regardless of how many flights you book! Do you want an A in flying or an F?

ADVERTISEMENT

Germ Alert

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ts025b75-69974-36557.jpg
Yuri SmityukTASS via Getty Images
Yuri SmityukTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Along the lines of the pillows and blankets, if you have ever put your food on your tray and eaten, or even touched your tray at all, you have more than likely just eaten baby poo.

ADVERTISEMENT

More dirty items are laid out on those trays than food. And the trays are likely only cleaned once a day. That's just disgusting. You already knew to be wary of the coffee, blankets, and pillows, but now you know the absolutely dirty truth about the food trays too! Yuck!

ADVERTISEMENT

Pilots Need Sleep, Too

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
urn_newsml_dpa_com_20090101_180513-99-288986-3-77487-43447.jpg
Christophe Gateau/picture alliance via Getty Images
Christophe Gateau/picture alliance via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Wouldn't it be great to a nap while on the job? If you have (or want to get) the proper education and capability to be away from your family for extended periods of time, you should try being a pilot.

ADVERTISEMENT

Essentially, the plane flies itself, especially during long flights. The takeoff and landing are what pilots are mostly needed for. Now if you ask your flight attendant, she'll probably tell you the pilot is awake and doing his job. No matter what, you have to maintain appearances!

ADVERTISEMENT

Threats Over the Ocean

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
inside-plane-41345-81728.jpg
YouTube/Karin Hiebert
YouTube/Karin Hiebert
ADVERTISEMENT

Here is something that is sure to shock. If the plane you are on is flying over the ocean and there is a threat reported, passengers will not be notified. You could be reading the latest issue of Time magazine, minding your own business while a threat just took place.

ADVERTISEMENT

You would never know. One of the most important jobs a flight attendant has is to help maintain peace on the plane. Imagine how much harder that would be if all the passengers were scared out of their minds.

ADVERTISEMENT

Do Not Walk Barefoot

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
bare feet on plane
Twitter/dzhjii
Twitter/dzhjii
ADVERTISEMENT

Do not ever walk barefoot once on board the plane. Everything including baby urine, blood, vomit, and milk have all been spilled on the floor of a plane. You just read how often they clean the trays and blankets, so how familiar do you think the vacuums are with those floors?

ADVERTISEMENT

The gamble is yours to take. Basically, airplanes are giant cabins you're stuck in where germs can manifest at any time. But it's totally still the safest way to travel. Just bring plenty of penicillin with you!

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Forget Your Headphones

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a row of empty seats
YouTube/MT Aviation Photo & Film -MTrain999
YouTube/MT Aviation Photo & Film -MTrain999
ADVERTISEMENT

Next time you travel, be sure to bring your own headphones. Airline-issued headphones are sometimes free, and sometimes not. And let's be honest, you're never going to reuse those flimsy things. They're more likely to break in your bag on the way back home.

ADVERTISEMENT

Depending on the length of your flight, there's more than likely in-flight entertainment that you'll want to view. You wouldn't want to have to pay for headphones to enjoy the movie.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Go To the Airport Starbucks

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Flight attendants checking cabins
Pinterest/1dqukze5ou01wrg
Pinterest/1dqukze5ou01wrg
ADVERTISEMENT

Starbucks may be delicious and addicting, but it could be better for you if you skip that long line. For one, you can get free coffee on your flight so you would be saving money.

ADVERTISEMENT

Secondly, if you are flying Alaska Airlines or Delta, you get a complimentary Starbucks as part of their services. This is something flight attendants definitely want you to know. It saves them time not making you coffee and you don't get gross coffee with water possibly from the toilet. We call that a win-win!

ADVERTISEMENT

What's the Deal With Air Marshals?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Olympic training exercise
Rui Vieira - PA Images / Contributor
Rui Vieira - PA Images / Contributor
ADVERTISEMENT

Think there's an air marshal on every flight? Not quite. While the exact number of air marshals isn't public information, CNN reported that the number of air marshals was being cut by around 3,500 back in 2014.

ADVERTISEMENT

Still, you never know when you might be sitting next to one on your flight. Air marshals wear "normal" clothing, but are armed on flights, as their presence is to protect against a terrorist attack.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Brace Position Isn't a Myth

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Flight attendant inside an air Koryo tupolev plane, Pyongan Province, Pyongyang, North Korea
Eric Lafforgue/Art In All Of Us/Corbis via Getty Images
Eric Lafforgue/Art In All Of Us/Corbis via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When flight attendants go over the safety procedures before a flight, they detail the "brace position," in which passengers put their head towards their knees and cup the back of their head lightly. But for years, some conspiracy theorists have claimed that the brace position is actually deadly.

ADVERTISEMENT

On the contrary, this position helps compact the body, protecting the vital organs from injury. The topic has been so hotly debated that Myth Busters even did an episode on it.

ADVERTISEMENT

Medical Emergencies Happen

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
British Airways liveried Airbus A380
Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images
Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Medical emergencies can happen any time — even mid-flight! Luckily, flight attendants and the rest of the crew are trained accordingly to handle a series of situations that may be thrown their way.Flight attendants are trained to act as first responders in the event that there is a medical emergency during a flight. This includes things like CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. All planes are also equipped with defibrillators and first aid kits if a passenger may need care during a flight.

ADVERTISEMENT

If there is a more grave situation, the flight attendants might ask if there is a doctor on board. A pilot may also choose to divert and ground the plane, which usually takes just 15 or so minutes, unless it is an overseas flight.

ADVERTISEMENT

Buckle Up, Seriously

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Coronavirus - Hannover Airport
Hauke-Christian Dittrich/picture alliance via Getty Images
Hauke-Christian Dittrich/picture alliance via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

You might be wondering just how safe planes are. Before taking off, flight attendants go through a number of safety checks to help put your mind at ease. Still, some passengers fear what happens once the plane in the air and the pre-flight checklist is done.

ADVERTISEMENT

Planes have been designed to be incredibly sturdy. Most are even able to withstand being struck by lightning without taking damage. That doesn't mean you should ignore the "buckle up" signal when it gets turned on, though.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Captain Makes The Rules

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
CHINA-SHENZHEN-WANG QINJIN-FROM WAREHOUSE KEEPER TO PILOT (CN)
Xinhua/Mao Siqian via Getty Images
Xinhua/Mao Siqian via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

According to flight attendants, the captain is the ultimate authority once the plane takes off. They make all decisions leading the crew and decide what to do with troublesome passengers. The captain also makes the call of what happens during an emergency.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just about the only thing the captain of a plane cannot do is arrest passengers. If there is a problem passenger, they can alert authorities, who will be waiting to arrest that person when the plane lands.

ADVERTISEMENT

They Can't Share Food

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Domodedovo Airport's airline food factory
Anton NovoderezhkinTASS via Getty Images
Anton NovoderezhkinTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Most airlines have a guideline in place that states flight attendants cannot share food on planes. This is designed to help avoid food poisoning. While they are allowed to eat pre-made meals, most prefer to bring their own food on a flight.

ADVERTISEMENT

On international flights, crew meals are provided, too, but that's not always the case on domestic flights. That's why most flight attendants know that bringing their meal is always better.

ADVERTISEMENT

Unused Food Is Thrown In The Trash

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport American Airlines economy seat in-flight meal orange juice
Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

You already know just how questionable airline food can be, so it should come as a relief to know that whatever is left over when the flight lands is thrown away. This isn't the absolute rule, but is usually decided at the discretion of the captain.

ADVERTISEMENT

While it might not be the best practice to waste leftover food, it is the reality of the airline industry. Most food on board can't be given to shelters, either.

ADVERTISEMENT

Food Is Not Freshly Prepared

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Domodedovo Airport's airline food factory
Anton NovoderezhkinTASS via Getty Images
Anton NovoderezhkinTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When flight attendants tell you that your in-flight meal has been freshly prepared, you might not want to believe what they're saying. The truth is that most of those meals are made 12 to 72 hours in advance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Does that sound fresh-made to you? These in-flight meals are packaged in a way that they can be refrigerated for up to five days and still be labeled as safe to eat.

ADVERTISEMENT

It's Not Just Your Luggage In The Baggage Compartment

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Tupolev-154 passenger plane makes last commercial flight in Russia
Kirill KukhmarTASS via Getty Images
Kirill KukhmarTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Anyone who has been lucky enough to get a sneak peek inside a plane's baggage compartment might have noticed something. It's not just your luggage that is being stowed away on planes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Flight attendants revealed that along with your baggage, there are sometimes HR (human remains) aboard. While this may sound morbid, the truth is that if someone passes away while traveling, they need to be repatriated, and one of the most efficient ways is through a commercial flight.

ADVERTISEMENT

This Engine Fact Is Kept Secret For A Reason

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Emirates Boeing 777 Flying Over The Netherlands
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Another fact about flying that your flight attendant will never reveal is what happens in a flight if the plane's engine dies. This situation is obviously a worst-case scenario, and not mentioning it helps keep passengers from panicking.

ADVERTISEMENT

That truth, however, is that planes can glide perfectly fine if the engine goes out. Pilots are trained for this exact scenario, too. So, while it may be a scary situation to think about, it's not actually as life-or-death as it may sound.

ADVERTISEMENT

What It's Like To Travel With Pets

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
New terminal of Chelyabinsk International Airport
Nail FattakhovTASS via Getty Images
Nail FattakhovTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Some airlines will allow passengers to travel with pets. This is important for anyone who is moving across the country or needs to have a therapy animal on the flight with them. But is flying actually good for your pets?

ADVERTISEMENT

One flight attendant warns that while pets are made as comfortable as possible on flights, some inconveniences cannot be avoided. The biggest of those is noise. If your pet is sensitive to loud sounds, flying might not be the best option for them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Your Safety Is Not Compromised Based On Ticket Cost

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Aircraft seating configuration on a passenger jet
Peter Titmus/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Peter Titmus/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

If you fly a lot, you might wonder if flying an economy airline is less safe than other flights. The ticket is cheaper, which leads many to wonder what corners may have been cut by the airline.

ADVERTISEMENT

The fact is that when it comes to passenger safety, it is impossible for airlines to cut costs. Any flight attendant who has worked for multiple airlines will tell you this. Legroom, seat selection, and baggage fees are different ways that airlines can cut upfront costs for customers.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Best Time To Fly Is As Early As Possible

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Major Cities In Canada Adjust To Restrictive Coronavirus Measures
Andrew Chin/Getty Images
Andrew Chin/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The best time to fly might not always be the most convenient for the passenger, according to flight attendants. Mostly because of uncertain weather conditions, the safest time to fly is always the earliest.

ADVERTISEMENT

The earlier you can wake up and get on a flight, the more likely you are to avoid thunderstorms. The air tends to be less "bumpy" earlier in the morning, so if you hate the idea of turbulence, this tip is especially important for you.