From Business Insider · Beth Windsor · · 2m
A flight attendant's 8 secrets for flying as a passenger
After a decade in the air, a former crew member shares the habits she never breaks when she flies.
In brief
After a decade in the air, a former crew member shares the habits she never breaks when she flies. A former flight attendant reveals eight practices she follows on every flight, from choosing window seats to skipping the call bell unless there is a medical emergency. Originally reported by Business Insider.
Window seats win every time
A former flight attendant with over a decade of experience always chooses window seats on commercial flights. She values having a place to rest her pillow and an armrest of her own, plus protection from carts and people passing by in the aisle.
Avoid noisy seats when booking
She never books seats near restrooms or galleys, knowing how noisy and busy those areas become. She also avoids bulkhead seats where people with babies often book because bassinets for infants can be placed there.
Change into loungewear once airborne
Though she boards in an immaculate outfit with hair and makeup done, she heads to the bathroom to change into comfortable loungewear. She brings lightweight, layerable pieces in her carry-on, avoids tight waistbands, and chooses fabrics that won't wrinkle easily.
Pack hotel slippers for comfort
She brings complimentary slippers from hotels on long flights, avoiding uncomfortable shoes while respecting fellow passengers. The slippers slip on and off easily, can be worn to the bathroom, and are thrown away at the end of the flight.
Count rows to the nearest exit
She takes note of her nearest exit and touches the headrests as she counts the rows back to her seat. If the plane crashes, this can help her navigate to an exit in low visibility, a technique learned from countless hours of safety training.
Bring your own food and water
She skips airplane food, which contains added salt and sugar that contribute to dehydration and bloating. Instead, she brings her own meal like airport sushi and healthy snacks, plus water with electrolytes, so she can eat on her own schedule.
Protect your skin and respect crew
On long-haul flights, she uses an intense hydration sheet mask, under-eye gel patches, moisturizer and SPF fifty. On shorter flights, she wears long-lasting moisturizer, vitamin-C serum and strong SPF. She also avoids using the call bell unless there is a medical emergency or urgent assistance needed.
Here's the gist
A former flight attendant reveals eight practices she follows on every flight, from choosing window seats to skipping the call bell unless there is a medical emergency.
