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:
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

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

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

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News

Glasgow Prestwick Expands Summer Map with 10 Ryanair Routes

Feb 26, 2026 01:11 AM

Mexico Unrest Disrupts Flights: What Your Rights Look Like

Feb 26, 2026 01:05 AM

Ilulissat to Copenhagen Direct as New Airport Opens

Feb 26, 2026 00:19 AM

Finnair Keeps Luxembourg, Valencia and Turin on Winter Map

Feb 26, 2026 00:03 AM

Luxury Train to Link Osaka with Mount KĹŤya This April

Feb 25, 2026 23:56 PM

Ryanair Adds Dublin–Santander Flights Ahead of Bilbao Rugby Final

Feb 25, 2026 23:47 PM

Southend Lifts Liquid Limits as New Scanners Go Live

Feb 25, 2026 20:07 PM

New Visitor Fee Proposal in England Raises Concerns for Future Trips

Feb 25, 2026 05:54 AM

Hidden Muskoka Retreat to Become Bookable for the First Time

Feb 25, 2026 05:11 AM

AJet Lands in Rotterdam with New Istanbul Link

Feb 25, 2026 03:38 AM

Ryanair Lines Up Record Summer 2026 from Katowice

Feb 25, 2026 03:25 AM

Cork Gets New Summer Links to Nice and Santiago

Feb 25, 2026 03:12 AM

Etihad Marks Ramadan with Meals, Medina Flights

Feb 25, 2026 03:09 AM

Ryanair Adds Bari and Boosts Bristol Routes for 2026

Feb 24, 2026 18:06 PM

Royal Docks Plan Bold Floating Park and Lido

Feb 24, 2026 17:53 PM

Airport drop-off zone with express lane and cars

Feb 24, 2026 17:47 PM

Dual Nationals Face New UK Entry Rule

Feb 24, 2026 03:54 AM

Red Sea Resort Tops Forbes New Hotel List

Feb 24, 2026 03:41 AM

Transavia Lets Customers Resell Unused Tickets

Feb 24, 2026 03:28 AM

France Draws 102 Million Visitors as Pressure Grows on Hotspots

Feb 24, 2026 03:15 AM

Mexico Resort Flights Suspended After Cartel Violence

Feb 23, 2026 22:12 PM

Brussels Airport Faces Full Departure Halt on 12 March

Feb 23, 2026 22:09 PM

New Flight to Salerno Expands Travel Options from Genoa

Feb 21, 2026 08:16 AM

New Sanctions Against eDreams Put Online Travel Pricing Under the Spotlight

Feb 21, 2026 06:33 AM

Ryanair Sets Out Record Calabria Summer With 42 Routes

Feb 20, 2026 16:47 PM

Cardiff Gains Direct Turin Flights for Winter 2026 Ski Season

Feb 20, 2026 16:34 PM