The way to Fly

With all the flying that is coming back after the horror of last year, I felt it only right to give a little perspective from a flight attendant on what to do and what not to do when it comes to traveling by plane. I am sure some of the tips I give can apply to traveling any other forms of transportation. It just always seems like everyone turns their brains off as soon as they step foot into the airport. I am here to help 😇.

So let's get into it...

Planning

This is a must. I know so many people like to take a trip spur of the moment. Honestly, that makes for an exciting trip. However, the actual vacation should be a spur of the moment. You want to make sure that you plan what you are going to do before you get to your destination.

Things to think about:

• Pack for the plane
• Make sure that you are thinking about the actual transportation. Planes tend to get a bit cold and most airlines do not provide pillows/blankets. Especially after COVID. 
• Bring a jacket or blanket. You may also want to bring a neck pillow to get comfy on some of the longer flights.
• Have headphones
• Pack a charger
• Pack snacks, you never know how hungry you might be
• ALWAYS, ALWAYS HAVE A PEN!!! You never know if there is a form you will need/want to fill out. 
• Bring food. 
• There isn't always a meal on the flight. You are allowed to bring food through security. Just no liquids. 
• If you have kids, PLEASE pack food/snacks for them. There are too many times that flight attendants get yelled at because we did not have food for their children. 
• Make sure you give yourself enough time (i.e. get to the airport EARLY!!!)
• You have to think about parking
• Do you need to check any luggage
• How long the security line might be
• The lines to go through TSA are always different. Sometimes they are long and sometimes they are short. You just never know, so make sure you get there early. 
• What can you bring through security?
• You can usually find out what you can and can not bring through your airport website. There is a section for security. Or, better yet, google it! Sometimes it will give the direct link you need. 
• Do you need extra time because of kids, pets, etc. 
• Do you have any articles of clothing that will sound the alarms! 
• I would suggest packing your belt/heels. It's easier to go through security when it goes smoothly.
• Empty your pockets. 
• Just listen to what they are telling you to take out of your bags

You have now made it past security!!!! You are one step closer 😅!!!

Now it is time to make your way to your gate. This is the part that I will try to add as much detail as I can. If I am missing something or you do not understand, feel free to ask whatever questions you might have. 

After Security

This is the time you really need to focus. You want to make sure you get to your gate on time but still stop for things you need. This is another reason why you want to get to the airport early. 

Things to think about:

• If you did not pack any food or snacks, do you need to stop and get food?
• There can be long lines sometimes at the restaurants, give yourself time. 
• Get to the airport early!
• You can even buy blankets/pillows at the airport if you forgot to bring one. 
• Use the bathroom! 
• Sometimes there might not be enough time to use the bathroom on the plane before take-off. 
• Bring headphones. 
• Headphones are required on the plane when you are listening to something. It is a great consideration to not have others listening to the movie/show/game you are watching/playing.
• If you are traveling with a kid that needs milk, buy some! 
• We do not have refrigerators on the plane, so there is nowhere we can store milk. It is not something we carry on the planes.  

You are doing so good right now!!! Please pat yourself on the back! 

You now have everything you need and made it to your gate. What now?

I will tell you 😊!

Boarding

This is the part that gets crazy. Again, just make sure you focus and listen to what is being said. Even if you have heard it before. Announcements change all the time. Especially now. 

Things to think about:

• Do you have your boarding pass?
• Sometimes people lose them from the security point to the gate. 
• The agents can always reprint them for you
• Double-check your seat assignment. 
• I know that when you book your flight, you picked your seats. However, they are always subject to change. Just check with the agent that you still have the same seat. Especially if you are traveling with others.
• Do NOT crowd the boarding line. 
• I promise you will get on the flight. Crowding the line area will just make things harder for boarding. 
• Wait for your group to be called and then make your way up to the boarding line. 
• Take your headphones off. 
• There is nothing more annoying than someone with headphones on when you are trying to talk/explain something to them. 
• Just be courteous. 
• DON'T BE DRUNK
• Yes, there are bars in the airport but do not come to the plane drunk. It is the one sure way to get kicked off a flight before getting to your seat
• I know there are nervous flyers out there but being drunk will not help your situation. Alcohol works differently when you are in the air. Having a medical in the air, NO THANK YOU!
• I also know there are a lot of people out there saying to take a pill with alcohol to calm your nerves, please don't. That is just terrible advice. You just don't know how the reaction to that will be once you are in the air. 
• We are always here to help you and help keep you calm if you need us. 
• If you can not put your luggage in the overhead bin on your own, CHECK IT!
• CSAs will usually make an announcement to check your bags without a fee. Take advantage of this. 
• If you do not want to break your back or any part of your body to put your luggage up, why would a flight attendant want to? If we get injured putting your bag up, we are not covered for that. 
• For most airlines, flight attendants are not paid for boarding. So we would not be on company time if we got injured putting your bag up. 
• Be nice!
• The CSA agents get yelled at for things that are out of their control. Please just be kind when asking for things. 

Whoo! You have scanned your boarding pass and you are on your way onto the plane!! Can you believe you made it this far? Now is the time to really focus! This is your time to shine!!! 

Getting on the plane

You just scanned your boarding pass with the agent and you are now headed down the jetbridge. At this time, you still have things that need to get done before take-off. 

Things to think about:

• Be polite.
• When coming on the plane, flight attendants will always say Hi or welcome if they are not busy. Just say hi back...with your headphones off and sunglasses off, please.
• Remember, they will see you again during the flight. 
• When moving down the aisle to find your seat, pay attention. 
• Find your seat, put your bag in the overhead bin and step into your row.
• If you need something from the bag you are putting in the overhead, get it out before boarding the plane. The same goes for if you need to take your jacket off. Do so before you board the plane. 
• Just remember that there are people behind you trying to get to their seats as well. 
• If you know you will need something before you sit, ask the first flight attendant when boarding.
• Asking the first flight attendant can help us get things moving 
• Also, that flight attendant might have what you need and can just hand it to you.
• If you need water, just ask.
• We do not need to know why you need water. Just simply ask if you can get some water and we will get it for you.

You are now at your seat. You have everything you need so it just time to sit back and relax. Get your book out, put your headphones in, or get your eye mask ready. You are now so much closer to your destination!

During flight

The safety demo has been done and you are ready. 

"It is now time for take-off, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are up and seat belts are securely fastened. Laptops and other devices must be held or secured. Just sit back and relax and enjoy the flight". 

Now that we are finally in the air, it is time to get things started!!! You can no plug in your chargers and get comfy. You are now thirsty and you really need to use the bathroom. Well, here comes your next step. 

Things to think about:

• Wait for the ok to get up and go to the bathroom. There is always a ding when the plane has reached 10,000 ft. 
• It is still not that safe to get up but if you need to use the bathroom, go for it. The flight attendant might tell you to be careful though. It is just habit by now so don't take any offense to it. 
• As the flight attendants are getting ready to bring that drink cart out, take a look at the menu
• It really helps us when you know what you want to drink and we have what you want to drink.
• Also, make sure to listen for a PA just in case we have run out of something. 
• When ordering your coffee, tell us how you want it
• We can not read minds. If you want cream and sugar, let us know
• Again we do not have milk!
• If you have dietary restrictions, bring your own stuff. We are not the grocery store.
• Speak up! 
• We could not hear you before the mask and now with a mask, it is really hard to hear your whispers. When you tell us your order, just speak up, please. 
• TAKE YOUR HEADPHONES OFF! 
• When you ask us for a drink, we might have a reply for you. Please just take your headphones off so you can hear what we are saying. 
• No, we can not take your trash while doing the beverage cart.
• That is just nasty!
• Bathrooms
• Please wear shoes (socks do not count as shoes). We do not know what is on that floor. It could be water from the sink or it could be pee. 
• Especially have your kids wear shoes. 
• Look at the door
• The door will tell you if you need to push it open and if someone is in the bathroom
• Green = GO, Red = Stop
• The door handle is like a regular door handle
• No, the ashtray will not let you in the bathroom
• I am genuinely curious as to where you have traveled to think a door would open by pulling on the ashtray. 
• Please do not stand in the galley to wait for the bathroom. 
• Look at the galley as our breakroom. We just want to relax for a bit and eat our food without you stretching in front of us
• Also, please do not ask for our food, even if it is a joke
• I have had my food taken and even had someone try my food without asking. 
• The call light
• This is used for emergencies. However, we understand when you can not get out of your seat to get a drink from the back. 
• Ring it with caution. We will bring you your drink. 
• Do not be that person that rings it for everything. Again, this is used mainly for emergencies. 

It is almost time for landing and the pilots have made their announcement. This is your time to use the bathroom one last time if you need to. 

Prepare for landing

"It is now time to prepare for landing. Bring your seat back and tray table up. Laptops and other devices must be held or secured. Fasten your seatbelt and remain seated for the rest of the flight". 

Things to think about:

• If you have kids, now is the time to get things ready. 
• Pack up what you need to and get them prepared to get off the plane.
• Once we have landed, I assure you that you will not beat the plane to the gate.
• Landing does not mean you can get up. 
• Keep your seat belts on and just wait.
• Once we are at the gate and the seatbelt sign is off, allow the flight attendant to do their job first.
• We know you probably have to use the bathroom but first, we need to make sure we do our duties to safely get you off the plane.
• Just wait
• It doesn't make sense to crowd the aisle to get off the plane. Wait until it is almost your turn or it is your turn to get out of your seat. 
• Make sure to check your seat and around your seat for any items you might've left. 

You are now off the plane and all you need to do now is follow the signs to baggage claim.

We hope you enjoyed your flight and hope to see you again soon!