Cabin Crew Confessions: Part 1

For many, the idea of being a cabin crew member conjures up images of glamorous travel, exciting destinations, and a fast-paced lifestyle. But what is it really like to spend 30 years working in the skies? In this Cabin Crew Confessions 2 part interview, we spoke to Natalie, a seasoned cabin crew professional, to get an inside look at the highs, the challenges, and the unexpected moments that make this career so unique.

In this first part, Natalie shares what people don’t expect about the job, the surprising realities of air travel, and how the role has changed her perspective on the world. Keep an eye out for Part 2, where she shares her advice for aspiring cabin crew, insights into how the job has evolved, and her top tips for handling long-haul flight.

What is the best part of being cabin crew that people don’t expect?

One of the best perks is having a long layover after an intercontinental flight—usually around 22 to 23 hours. You get to stay in a four-star (or higher) hotel and have free time to explore the city. A lot of people don’t realise how much opportunity there is to experience different places while working as cabin crew.

What’s one thing about the cabin crew job that always surprises people?

People are often surprised by how many passengers are afraid of flying. Many of them feel anxious, agitated, or even angry, and it usually comes down to the fact that they feel out of control. As cabin crew, we see this all the time and part of our job is helping passengers feel more at ease during the flight.

What does a typical workday look like from sign-on to sign-off?

When we arrive at our base station, we swipe our passports to check in for duty. Then we meet our colleagues—who, most of the time, we’ve never worked with before. But within minutes, we form a team and prepare for the flight.

While every flight is different in terms of passengers and destinations, the fundamentals remain the same: ensuring flight safety, being prepared for emergencies (whether medical or operational), and providing excellent service. The crew changes on each flight, but we all know our roles and responsibilities inside out.

What is the most unexpected or unusual thing you’ve had to deal with mid-flight?

Wow – you really are after cabin crew confession! I’ve dealt with medical emergencies like heart attacks, passengers fainting, and even some who have been sick for the entire flight. I’ve also had to manage passengers fighting with each other or even with the crew!

But there are also fun and heartwarming moments. On one flight, I played matchmaker for a passenger! A woman helping us in the galley noticed a gentleman she found attractive. I ended up setting them up for a date by breakfast time. The other passengers got really involved and kept asking if the date was going to happen—it was such a fun experience.

What are the things passengers do that annoy cabin crew?

It’s frustrating when people argue over tiny amounts of space. You’re in close quarters on a plane, so being a little more patient and understanding makes a big difference. Another issue is when people recline their seats too far into someone else’s space or constantly push on the back of the seat in front.

One of the least hygienic things we see is when parents change their baby’s diaper on their lap or in the sleeping cradle instead of using the bathroom. It’s not pleasant for the other passengers!

How has being cabin crew changed your view on travel and people?

Before I became cabin crew, I had never flown. I didn’t know much about the world. But over the years, I’ve been everywhere—India, South America, Asia—places I didn’t even know existed before.

I used to think people in different countries would be completely different, but the truth is, we’re all more alike than we think. Everyone has the same basic needs, just with different cultural backgrounds. If you’re open to those differences, you realise that people are fundamentally the same everywhere.

Natalie’s journey as cabin crew has been full of adventure, challenges, and unforgettable moments. In Part 2 of this cabin crew confessions interview, we’ll explore more behind-the-scenes insights, including the skills needed to thrive in this career and the biggest myths about being cabin crew.

Thinking about a career in the skies? Cabin Crew Wings is here to help you land your dream job. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our chat with Natalie, and in the meantime, explore our eBooks and eCourses in our online store to kick start your journey!