From drinking tea to ignoring safety instructions, a former flight attendant has revealed some of the things she would never do as an airline passenger after learning the ins and outs of the industry.
A flight attendant from the US, who has worked as a cabin crew for several airlines for several years, shared some of her observations and professional tips with DailyMail.com.
She also revealed some of her hates, with everything from strong perfume to oversized carry-on luggage among her complaints.
Book a flight down for some insights so you’ll have less stress and a safer trip the next time you fly.
Wear socks or go barefoot
Don’t wear socks and don’t walk barefoot, the travel expert warns airline passengers
Planes are not thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis, the former flight attendant says, so for that reason she advises against walking around in socks or barefoot.
She advises: ‘The carpets are quite filthy and the washroom floors are getting dirtier as the flights go on.
‘I would bring a pair of slippers to wear on the plane.
‘When you’re done with them, you can simply put them in a ziplock or plastic bag, soles together, to keep them away from other items in your bag.
‘Slippers can be washed off easily.
“An alternative is to pack a pair of hotel slippers and throw them away on the plane when you’re done with them.”
Reserve a seat at the back of the plane
After years of working on aircraft, the airman has seen the anxiety caused by long disembarkations and people at the back of the plane trying to connect.
For that reason, she says she would never book a back seat, especially with a layover of less than an hour.
If you can, she says, choose premium seats at the front of the cabin or seats as far forward as you can in economy class.
She adds: ‘If you can’t book, ask a flight attendant if there are available seats closer to the front if the flight is not busy.
“Sometimes, if you’re polite, they can accommodate you.”
Sneak big bags as hand luggage
“Many people try to take big bags with them as hand luggage, but this stops everyone because larger bags are more difficult to store,” says the enthusiastic traveler.
With that in mind, she only travels with one small personal item in the cabin and checks any larger bags.
“Not only does it lighten my load, but every little bit helps make boarding a seamless experience,” she says
Drink coffee or tea during a flight
The hot water pots are rarely ‘thoroughly cleaned’ on flights, says the travel professional
On almost all flights, even on short flights, there is a hot drinks service, but the flight expert warns against drinking tea or coffee on the plane.
She says the hot water pots are rarely “thoroughly cleaned” and can be a breeding ground for germs.
Instead, she recommends drinking cold drinks during the flight or filling a bottle with a hot drink from an airport vendor before boarding.
Wear strong perfume
‘What may smell good to you may not smell so heavenly to the person next to you, so try to avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes if you can,’ says the ex-cabin crew.
She also points out that some people may be allergic or hypersensitive to scents.
In addition to avoiding perfumes, she recommends avoiding curries or garlicky dishes before flying, because “not everyone wants to inhale the remnants of last night’s dinner.”
Her pro tip is to shower before going to the airport and use a mild deodorant.
While ‘for those with lounge access, there are often showers where you can freshen up too.’
Skip drinking water
After spending long periods of time on planes, the former hostess says she realizes the healing power of water.
She recommends taking one large bottle of ‘pure’ water and sipping it throughout the flight.
The pilot explains: ‘The air is dry and less oxygen-rich and you will quickly get a headache.
‘This makes water your best friend. Try to avoid alcohol if you can and stick to good old H2O. You will feel much refreshed once you reach your destination.”
Another wellness tip she recommends is getting up to stretch “about every two hours.”
Ignore the safety instruction
‘It is important to know where your oxygen mask comes from and how to put it on,’ says the former flight attendant about safety instructions
Working on different planes, the former flight attendant says she has realized how important it is to listen to safety instructions as layouts can vary ‘hugely’.
The travel professional explains: ‘Although the briefing is annoying to watch, they are generally quite quick and helpful if an emergency arises.
‘It is important to know where your oxygen mask comes from and how to put it on.
‘The same goes for your life jacket.
‘What I also like to do is count the lines to the exit doors. This way, if the lights go out or smoke enters the cabin, I know approximately how far I have to travel.’
Unfasten my seat belt
“Having witnessed many unexpected turbulences, I will always keep my seatbelt buckled during flights,” says the ex-airhost.
If you plan to move around the cabin to visit the washroom, go to the galley or just stretch your legs, she recommends moving “with a purpose.”
She adds: ‘It’s very important not to aimlessly block aisles.
“If you just stand around it you could be taking unnecessary risks and if the plane starts to shake your head could hit the ceiling before you have time to react.”