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

Mount Olympus and D-Day Beaches Gain UNESCO Status

Jul 28, 2026 04:53 AM

More Faro Flights Take Off from Glasgow Prestwick

Jul 28, 2026 04:47 AM

Marriott Adds a Stargazing Hotel Near Joshua Tree

Jul 28, 2026 04:34 AM

London’s 22-Day Station Shutdown Has Begun

Jul 27, 2026 23:21 PM

easyJet Opens 14 Million Summer Seats Tomorrow

Jul 27, 2026 23:18 PM

Edinburgh’s Tourist Tax Is Now on the Bill

Jul 27, 2026 18:55 PM

The Egypt Passport Rule Catching Families at the Gate

Jul 27, 2026 18:42 PM

Where Europe’s Holiday Weather Is Turning Dangerous

Jul 27, 2026 18:39 PM

Condor Brings Chania to Münster for the First Time

Jul 27, 2026 18:26 PM

The Passport That Opens More Borders Than Any Other

Jul 27, 2026 18:13 PM

Ryanair Warns Passport Queues Won’t Hold the Plane

Jul 27, 2026 18:07 PM

London Gets Its Harare Link Back After 14 Years

Jul 27, 2026 00:14 AM

Why Manchester Airport Is Confiscating Yoghurt and Toy Guns

Jul 27, 2026 00:01 AM

Meal Timing May Help Reduce Jet Lag Symptoms

Jul 26, 2026 23:58 PM

Germany Calls Time on Drinking at Train Stations

Jul 26, 2026 23:45 PM

Cumbria’s Hidden Coast Gets a 34-Mile Walking Route

Jul 26, 2026 23:32 PM

Direct Bremen–Calabria Flights Return This Autumn

Jul 25, 2026 21:59 PM

Norwegian Jade and Gem Cruise Ships Get New Spas and Sun Decks

Jul 25, 2026 21:46 PM

Harry Potter and Home Alone Join US Christmas Ice Line-Up

Jul 25, 2026 21:33 PM

UK Airport Drop-Off Fees Jump by a Third

Jul 25, 2026 21:27 PM

Robotic Parking Is Coming to Gatwick This August

Jul 25, 2026 21:14 PM

Rotterdam will get a £204m ‘New Wonder of the World’

Jul 25, 2026 21:01 PM

easyJet Opens Three New Routes This Winter

Jul 25, 2026 20:58 PM

Heathrow Drops the 100ml Liquid Limit

Jul 25, 2026 20:45 PM

Portugal’s Beach Rules Could Cost Tourists €4,000

Jul 25, 2026 20:32 PM

New €88,000 Tour Retraces Homer’s Odyssey

Jul 24, 2026 04:29 AM