Above the clouds, flight attendants witness every move. During a talk at Air Hollywood, one crew member, Jamila Hardwick, opened up about things passengers do not know. What happens in the cabin might surprise you – like how drinking soda affects your skin. Pouring soda into plastic cups? That spreads acid smells fast. Staying hydrated matters, yet skipping water for juice or tea changes pressure midflight. Here are 10 key takeaways for your next trip.
Skip the Coffee and Tea Onboard
From the plane’s storage tanks, water flows into hot drinks. Airlines drain and clean those systems just a handful of times annually – rules dictate that pace. Some flight attendants skip those beverages because they worry about the inside pipe cleanliness.
Diet Coke Takes Extra Time to Pour
Up in the air, Diet Coke bubbles harder than the rest because pressure changes help carbonation go wild. That means drinks arrive slower, which is why the crew tend to fill glasses with something else before getting to it.
Don’t Ask Crew to Stow Your Heavy Bag
Only after the cabin door shuts does the flight attendant start earning. A hurt back from lifting your bag might not be seen as job-related. You’re responsible for your own stuff stowed overhead – safety sits with you.
Bring Your Own Blanket And Pillow
Every now and then, airline blankets plus pillows go through a clean cycle between trips – though rules differ across carriers. What wraps the pillow might shift, yet what fills the stuffing usually remains untouched. Bringing your personal set helps keep things fresher plus softer.
Tray Tables Are a Germ Hotspot
Between landings, cleaners work fast – no chance to clean each tray carefully. Every time something goes on the tray table, grab a disinfectant wipe first.
Kindness Opens Doors for Better Service
Folks who act kindly tend to find helpers easier – like swapping seats or bringing extra sips. Those on flights notice smiles go hand in hand with better treats now and then.
Water Quality Varies by Airline
Even though rules say tanks need checking now and then, some pilots and ground staff lean toward bottled or canned beverages just because it feels safer – particularly during extended trips.
Cabin Cleaning Focuses on High-Touch Areas
Sometimes rush jobs leave spots untouched. Focus first on your own area – seats, monitors – for better safety.
Altitude Affects Beverages Differently
Up at 40,000 feet, soda fizzes faster. If time presses, pick bottles that lose their bubble quickest. The flight staff moves more smoothly when drinks don’t lag.
Small Acts of Courtesy Go Far
A quiet thank-you, or holding back when places get tight, often creates warmth. Staff notices kind travelers – those ones might get better service later without asking.
