Cabin Crew Confessions: Part 2

If you haven’t read Part 1 of this Cabin crew confessions interview, make sure you check it out here to get more insights into life as a cabin crew member!

We’re back with part two of our conversation with Natalie, an experienced cabin crew member with nearly 30 years in the industry. In this segment, she shares her advice for aspiring cabin crew, insights into how the job has evolved, and her top tips for handling long-haul flights.

What’s one skill you think every aspiring cabin crew should have?

What I see in all my colleagues is that they genuinely enjoy making others feel happy and cared for. That’s a big part of the job, so it’s important that you naturally enjoy giving to people.

You also have to be tolerant. You’re in a confined space with lots of people, and no one can go anywhere else. That means we all need to get along. Everyone has their own background and circumstances, which can sometimes reflect in their mood and behaviour. Being able to accept and navigate that is essential.

What advice would you give to someone who’s nervous about the cabin crew recruitment process?

The best thing you can do is just be yourself. The recruiters have ways of seeing the real you through their questions and assessments, so there’s no point in trying to be someone you’re not.

If you’re not a people person, they’ll see that—and honestly, this job might not be the right fit for you. But if you genuinely enjoy working with people and are willing to put in the effort, that will shine through.

Do you remember your first flight as cabin crew? How did it go?

Oh, absolutely! My first flight was to Chicago, and it was my trainee flight. I was so excited—I wanted to help every passenger, serve food and drinks, and talk to everyone. There were so many different nationalities on board, and I found it fascinating.

The flight was about eight or nine hours long, and I was so caught up in the experience that I completely forgot to eat or drink myself! By the time we landed, I was exhausted, starving, and thirsty—but still absolutely thrilled to be there.

Has the job changed a lot since you started?

Yes, massively! I started in 1995, and back then, we didn’t have mobile phones. Nothing was recorded, and there was just one television screen in the ceiling playing a single movie. Whether you wanted to watch it or not, that was your only entertainment! People would read books, knit, or chat with each other more.

There was also a smoking section in the back of the aircraft—which, thankfully, is no longer a thing!

Flying back then felt more like an event, something special. Nowadays, it’s more of a routine means of transport, like taking a train or bus. People fly to get somewhere rather than for the experience of flying itself.

How do you handle the challenges of long-haul flights and irregular sleep patterns?

It’s a huge challenge! One of the most common conversations at layover breakfasts is, “How was your night?” because many of us struggle with sleep. About 20 years ago, I went through a period where I barely slept for three months, and it was exhausting. But I’ve since learned what works for me.

I always bring my own pillow on flights, and I have a 15-minute sleep sound recording on my phone. When I put in my earplugs and listen to that, I can sleep almost anywhere.

What are your go-to tips for staying energised during a busy flight?

1. Stay hydrated – Drink lots of water, but not too much at once because your body can only absorb so much. I add a little Himalayan or Celtic sea salt to my water to help with hydration.
2. Avoid alcohol – As crew, we can’t drink during flights, but even if I could, I wouldn’t. Alcohol drains your energy and makes you more tired.
3. Eat well – I try to eat as healthily as possible and sometimes bring homemade food with me.
4. Get fresh air and move – During layovers, I walk a lot, spend time outside, and get as much natural light as possible.

What’s your favourite layover destination?

Cape Town! It has everything—mountains, the sea, stunning landscapes, and incredible food. Some of the world’s best chefs have restaurants there, and the weather is always beautiful when I visit.

Quickfire Questions:

Window or aisle seat?
Aisle! I like to be able to get up and move without disturbing others.

Front or back of the plane?
Business class is always nice, but the back of the plane tends to be more fun and sociable.

Long haul or short haul?
I prefer short haul.

If you weren’t cabin crew, what would you be doing?
I studied business economics, so maybe something in that field. But honestly, I love the diversity of being cabin crew too much—I’d find it hard to do the same thing every day.

Natalie’s decades of experience have given her incredible insights into life as cabin crew, and we hope you’ve found her cabin crew confessions and advice valuable! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Cabin crew confessions, Part 1′, where she talks about surprising aspects of the job, difficult situations mid-flight, and her most memorable experiences.

If you’re inspired to pursue a career in cabin crew, Cabin Crew Wings is here to help you succeed! Keep an eye out for more interviews, tips, and guidance to help you land your dream job in the skies. ✈️