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

Frankfurt Opens Terminal 3 as Airlines Begin Move in Phases

Apr 24, 2026 10:58 AM

Flights Resume Between Doha and UAE as Damascus Returns to Map

Apr 24, 2026 10:45 AM

Rome to Santo Domingo Joins ITA’s Winter Long-Haul Line-Up

Apr 24, 2026 10:32 AM

Xi’an Gains First Direct Link to Vienna With New China Eastern Route

Apr 24, 2026 10:29 AM

New EU Pet Rules Add Costs and Paperwork for UK Travellers

Apr 24, 2026 01:36 AM

African Art Tour to Travel Across Four Capitals Before Brussels Stop

Apr 24, 2026 01:23 AM

Riga–Oulu Flights to Continue Through Winter After Strong Early Demand

Apr 24, 2026 01:17 AM

Jet2 Adds Paris Route From East Midlands for Summer 2027

Apr 23, 2026 21:04 PM

Ryanair Tightens Check-In Cut-Off With Earlier Desk Closures

Apr 23, 2026 20:51 PM

Mayfair Bank Building to Become Boutique Hotel

Apr 23, 2026 20:48 PM

Shannon Adds Direct Frankfurt Flight With Weekly Summer Service

Apr 23, 2026 20:35 PM

Helsinki Opens Car-Free Bridge Linking Islands to City

Apr 23, 2026 20:22 PM

Aegean Links Greece to China With New Air China Deal

Apr 23, 2026 20:19 PM

UK Coastguard Warns Over Deep Sand Holes at Busy Beaches

Apr 22, 2026 21:26 PM

Ryanair Urges Austria to Scrap €12 Flight Tax Amid Route Cuts

Apr 22, 2026 21:13 PM

Athens Weighs Limits on New Hotels Amid Tourism Pressure

Apr 22, 2026 21:07 PM

Lufthansa Cuts Short-Haul Flights While Shifting Focus to Key Hubs

Apr 22, 2026 21:19 PM

Big Orange Sale Opens Early Deals on 2026–2027 Holidays

Apr 22, 2026 02:54 AM

Madrid Airport Hotel Adds Resort-Style Stay Near City Centre

Apr 22, 2026 02:41 AM

Stuttgart Gains Gatwick Route as Eurowings Expands London Choice

Apr 21, 2026 18:48 PM

AirAsia Moves Hong Kong Check-in to Terminal 2 Ahead of Summer 2026

Apr 21, 2026 18:35 PM

Jet2holidays Adds Mainland Spain Eurocamp Parks for Summer 2026

Apr 20, 2026 23:22 PM

British Airways Opens St. Louis and Guernsey Routes

Apr 20, 2026 23:19 PM

Virgin Atlantic Launches Flight Search App Inside ChatGPT

Apr 20, 2026 23:06 PM

Cyprus 5 Beach Resort Discount Covers Summer 2026 Stays

Apr 20, 2026 22:53 PM

SKY Express Issues Additional Guidance After Recent Airport Delays

Apr 20, 2026 00:37 AM