The jet-setting life of a flight attendant is usually associated with luxury, excitement and exotic destinations.
But according to those in the business, the behind-the-scenes reality is ‘far from glamorous’.
Annette Long – a flight attendant of 13 years – told Business Insider despite the allure of a high-flying career, it can be physically demanding, tiring and lonely life.
Flight attendants (not those pictured) have revealed what it is really like behind-the-scenes on a long-haul flight
While a jet-setting career sounds glamorous, many airline workers point out it is not a life of luxury
‘The job itself is far from glamorous. Even if you’re working in first class or business class, it’s not glamorous at all,’ she said.
Several other anonymous airline staff members also spilled the secrets behind living life out of a suitcase and were quick to clarify the countless misconceptions of unknowing passengers.
One flight attendant points out there is an illusion that airline workers party all the time and are always jaunting around every corner of the globe.
The reality is flight staff prefer to spend their free time either sleeping or relaxing after a gruelling 15-hour shift.
‘We spend most layovers in bed with wine and Netflix,’ one flight attendant told the publication.
One flight attendant points out there is an illusion that airline workers party all the time and are always jaunting around every corner of the globe
The reality is flight staff prefer to spend their free time either sleeping or relaxing after a gruelling 15-hour shift
‘We spend most layovers in bed with wine and Netflix,’ one flight attendant told the publication (pictured is Emirates Airline Instagram Ambassador Amy Bartholomew)
Other airline employees disputed the myth that it is an easy job or the vocation is simply that of a ‘glorified waitress’.
‘It takes years to get to the point where customers don’t see you sweat and you give excellent customer service,’ another worker said.
‘Our job is dangerous, physically demanding, and laden with immense responsibility for the safety, security, and survival of our passengers.’
The anonymous flight employees also reminded passengers that they are far from being unintelligent or uneducated and most have to jump through many hoops to land the job.
‘Our job is dangerous, physically demanding, and laden with immense responsibility for the safety, security, and survival of our passengers,’ one airline worker said
The anonymous flight employees also reminded passengers that they are far from being unintelligent or uneducated and most have to jump through many hoops to land the job (stock image)
A flight attendant career can be very taxing and physically exhausting, airline staff say (stock image)
Other airline employees disputed the myth that it is an easy job or the vocation is simply that of a ‘glorified waitress’ (stock image)
Some also added that it is simply wrong to assume all fight attendants ‘sleep around’ or that they can be found in the beds of strangers around the world – and say it is untrue that all male flight attendants are gay.
‘We may be married with children, not looking for dates for the night on the plane,’ one said.
And others were happy to dispel the myth that upgrades to first class or business class can be doled out like lollipops.
According to those in the flight industry: ‘A change or upgrade can get you fired these days. And it’s not worth our jobs.’
Some also added that it is simply wrong to assume all fight attendants ‘sleep around’ or that they can be found in the beds of strangers around the world – and say it is untrue that all male flight attendants are gay (stock image)
During a gruelling ‘ultra long-haul’ flight, airline workers must sleep in tiny cramped beds
Living life in the air can be a physically demanding vocation which takes a toll on staff