Life at 30,000 feet isn’t just about serving drinks and ensuring seatbelts are fastened—it’s a whirlwind of unpredictable, sometimes jaw-dropping experiences. A flight attendant with 25 years of service recently shared his wildest tales, revealing both the glamour and grit of life in the skies.
Taking to Reddit for an “Ask Me Anything” session, the anonymous cabin crew member—who works for a major US airline—didn’t hold back. While he cited travel perks and healthcare benefits as job highlights, he also exposed the bizarre and often messy realities he’s encountered over the years.
The Wild and the Weird
Asked about the most shocking incidents, the flight attendant described passengers behaving in ways that defy belief:
- Unruly behavior: Fights breaking out mid-flight and passengers refusing to comply with basic rules.
- Unsanitary surprises: Discovering used tampons, condoms, and even underwear left behind. In one instance, a passenger allegedly defecated in their seat, leaving the mess for the crew to handle.
- The unexpected: Passengers attempting to join the mile-high club is more common than you’d think, with the flight attendant catching at least one couple each year trying to sneak into the lavatory.
“Some people think getting on a plane is a right, and they don’t take what we say seriously,” he said, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened passenger attitudes.
The Risqué and the Romantic
When it comes to inflight romances, the attendant admitted he’s had a fling with a passenger post-flight but turned down offers from coworkers. Surprisingly, he revealed that “straight married pilots hooking up with gay male attendants” is a more frequent occurrence than most would expect.
The Job’s Rough Edges
Beyond the drama, the flight attendant detailed challenges like turbulence so severe that it once caused him to hit his head on a door handle, resulting in a cut. He also explained that the early years of the job are financially tough, with starting pay at around $25 per flight hour.
Still, he encouraged anyone interested in the profession to give it a shot. “We have people in their late 50s and 60s getting hired,” he said. “I’d recommend airlines like Southwest, Delta, Alaska, or JetBlue.”
Memorable Celebrity Encounters
The flight attendant’s time in the skies has included run-ins with celebrities. He fondly recalled Gene Simmons from KISS as one of the nicest passengers but didn’t hold back about Julia Roberts, describing her as “not nice at all.”
Despite the challenges, he cherishes the unique experiences and recommends the career to those seeking adventure, variety, and an ever-changing work environment.
