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Confessions Of An Airline Cabin Crew

Confessions Of An Airline Cabin Crew

Out of date food and wee on the seat - enjoy your flight, folks

EMS 7

EMS 7

What's it really like to work as cabin crew on one of the UK's most popular airlines?

We spoke to a cabin crew member on one very popular carrier to lift the lid on what the staff - and customers - get up to.

Our man revealed some tricks of the trade - especially around food and drink - along with some of the worst customer behaviour. Oh, and the reason that he never flies with the airline he actually works for...

One member of cabin crew told LADbible what really goes on.
PA

"This is a job that doesn't get boring, and after years of doing this I still get surprised almost on a weekly basis. I had a passenger pee on my jump seat. That was a memorable moment.

"A lot of alcohol is served on board our aircraft, and most people bring their own bottles and know how to hide them.

"It's a confined space and with the pressure, alcohol affects people more. It's only a matter of time until safety is seriously compromised."

Duty-free shop in south China. Many people bring their own alcohol on to flights.
PA

"In terms of the food, everything we have on board is usually healthy, but what they call 'fresh food'... well, that's not the case.

"It's supposed to be frozen and cooked directly into the oven. However, it gets loaded on board the night before on boxes (without thermal containers) and when we get in the aircraft at 5am it's already unfrozen.

"This same food is served until the end of both shifts the aircraft operates, landing at 12am. Which means the food is out of its standard for almost 24 hours.

"I worked in the hygiene and food standard sectors. This would not be allowed according to any standards if it were properly investigated.


"In terms of where we fly to and when...most of the bases they are 'closing permanently' are closed every year during the winter season.

"Then staff are transferred around the network if they want to keep flying or are made to take unpaid leave.

"It makes no difference which words they use. They can just 'permanently close' them this year for winter, again, and then decide to open them for summer.

"The ones who are 'lucky' are transferred temporarily to other bases like mine. Since they request to be transferred, the company doesn't cover any expenses, which means that in the majority of cases the crew is paying for two flats or rooms.

"The ones flying have their flight hours reduced to half, and since until very recently most crew didn't receive a basic salary, so it was very hard to pay for expenses.

"The problem is, this year, a lot of people in my base are requesting unpaid leave and being refused it. The rules are bent on a daily basis. Staff are treated more like numbers than actual employees.

"There are some pros though. I get to live where I want. Most people can't say the same because they don't get the transfers they want. I'm lucky.

Passengers walking with their suitcases could be a thing of the past.
PA

"How do you get around baggage restrictions? Don't fly with us! I don't fly with us anymore. The prices don't justify it anymore - there are similar and sometimes cheaper prices with other companies.

"And they will always surprise you with a new policy designed to make you spend more and have a very uncomfortable trip. Maybe even no trip at all.

"Some people have waited almost one whole year to be refunded for cancellations.

"I don't intend to work as a cabin crew member for much longer, but if my story can help improve other people's conditions and safety, I'm happy to share."

There you have it - bet you can't wait to board that next flight, don't forget to order your fresh meal. Oh wait...

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Interesting, Community