It was the most unpleasant thing: a flight attendant with 25 years of experience talked about the downsides of his job

By Tychyna TetianaFeb 14, 2024 05:05 AMNews
Share:
It was the most unpleasant thing: a flight attendant with 25 years of experience talked about the downsides of his job
An airplane passenger. Source: Pixabay

A flight attendant for a major US airline shared his opinion on various aspects of his profession. He discussed it in the Ask Me Anything subreddit on Reddit.

The steward, who has been working in the aviation industry for about 25 years, shared the nuances, discussing the pros and cons. DailyMail reported on the most daring questions and answers.

In his view, the main advantages include travel opportunities and the availability of medical insurance. He also enjoys the opportunity to experience something new in his work every day.

However, he mentioned the work schedule and lack of compensation for certain aspects of the job as disadvantages. Additionally, he found it very uncomfortable to deal with disruptive passengers.

"I prefer working on morning flights. Typically, I have to be at the airport around 5-6 am and finish by 2 or 3 pm," he explained.

He mentioned that on some flights, his workday ends by 11 a.m., while on other days, it may extend until 5 p.m.

The flight attendant explained that he chose to work on domestic flights in the United States because he prefers not dealing with time zone changes.

Regarding flight attendants' salary levels, he stated that they were "terrible" for the first two years, averaging about $25 per hour, excluding per diem. Some airlines pay more if the flights are full or nearly full.

"The maximum pay rate is reached after 13 years and is close to $80 per flight hour," he said.

Discussing incidents during turbulence, he mentioned onboard injuries.

"It was so severe that I hit my head on the door handle and got injured," he admitted.

He even shared some risky aspects of his job, such as navigating relationships with crew members or other passengers. He also noted that heterosexual pilots sometimes date homosexual flight attendants.

Lastly, he mentioned the most challenging aspects of his career.

According to him, these include altercations, passengers defecating or urinating in their seats.

"But [the worst] for me is dealing with used condoms, soiled underwear (both male and female), used tampons, and these are just a few examples," the flight attendant recalled.

He believes that COVID has affected passengers' behavior, leading to more frequent instances of foolish and unfriendly conduct.

The flight attendant also pointed out that individuals of all ages can pursue this profession.

"We have people aged 50 to 60 who get hired. Pay special attention to Southwest, Delta, Alaska, and Jet Blue," the steward noted.

He mentioned "View from the Top" as his favorite movie about air travel.

"It's... a humorous movie," he said.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM