22 Secrets Flight Attendants Won't Tell You About

    Yeah...those earbuds are reused. Yes, even if they come in a sealed bag.

    Bibiñe Barud
    by Bibiñe Barud

    Staff Writer, Mexico

    1. "Planes are only deep-cleaned about once a month."

    emmaruthwells / Via Twitter: @emmaruthwells

    Sure, someone does a superficial pass after every flight, but it's not thoroughly cleaned until they take it to the hangar.

    2. "We notice when two people go to the bathroom together."

    Giphy / Via giphy.com

    It's not super common, but it happens. And it's the most unsanitary thing ever... Remember what we just said about the plane only being cleaned once a month?

    3. "You never get used to little kids crying."

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    You sort of stop hearing them, but you don't get used to them.

    4. "Relationships between crew members are very common."

    Miramax Films

    Pilots end up with pilots, flight attendants end up with flight attendants, mix and match, etc., etc., etc.

    5. "Depending on the airline, we sometimes get to fly for free."

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    "It's a benefit that not all airlines have, but many do." Others might give discounted plane tickets.

    6. "The earbuds are reused."

    TuCODmexico / Via Twitter: @TuCODmexico

    Yes, even if the bag is sealed. They are cleaned and rebagged. Ew.

    7. "The blankets, too."

    sofijijon / Via Twitter: @sofijijon

    They're washed after every flight, but if you thought you were getting a brand new blanket every time, you're mistaken.

    8. "Despite the rumors, the recommended positions on the safety card are not designed to make you die quicker."

    lososait / Via Twitter: @lososait

    They're actually meant to help you survive impacts.

    9. "The water they use for tea and coffee is drinkable, and it's changed between every flight, but..."

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    The tank that the water is stored in is not usually cleaned daily — more like...when someone thinks to do it?

    10. "Food is thrown out after every flight."

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    What happens to it after that is up to each airline.

    11. "If a drunken passenger is cool, it's all good. But if they get annoying..."

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    There's different ways to handle an inebriated passenger, but if they're being rowdy or obnoxious, there will be an officer waiting to escort them to security when the plane lands.

    12. "We don't have special secret codes or anything."

    T-kinoko

    There are standard expressions and service signs, but nothing top secret.

    13. "Many of us have hookups in the different cities we visit."

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    But sometimes flight attendants are on their own when they end somewhere other than home.

    14. "There's not really a restriction on the amount of snacks a passenger can request, but it does depend on how you ask for them."

    Irina Griskova / Getty Images

    As long as there's plenty to go around, there's no limit. But if you're not nice about it when you ask, you might get told to piss off.

    15. "It doesn't bother us if you request a drink when the cart is not going through."

    Tuned_In

    What does bother us is a lack of courtesy, or if you're impolite when you make demands of us.

    16. "Male and female flight attendants go through the exact same process (including psychological evaluations!) before they're hired."

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    There's no difference.

    17. "The weirdest thing that happens frequently is people deboarding the plane and leaving all their baggage behind."

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    Don't you need that?

    18. "It's not that common for passengers to hit on us."

    JiveRecords

    It doesn't happen every flight like in the movies, but it does happen occasionally.

    19. "Different medical emergencies call for different procedures."

    Oktay Ortakcioglu / Getty Images

    First, you ask if there are any medics aboard the plane. If no one can help, there are basic procedures, first aid kits, and defibrillators. If it's very serious, the plane can make an emergency landing at the nearest airport.

    20. "Most of the uniforms are uncomfortable and ugly."

    MARWAN NAAMANI / Staff

    Some aren't so bad, but they're few and far between.

    21. "The best part about being a flight attendant is that you get paid to travel around the world."

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    22. "You can get anything from free booze or extra food to a seat upgrade..."

    damnconz / Via Twitter: @damnconz

    ...if you know how to ask for it.

    This article is based on the experiences of several flight attendants, who we thank for their collaboration.

    This post was translated from Spanish.