Pilots and Flight Attendants Give You 8 Tips For Flying
Whether you are on the road (or in the sky) constantly or travel incidentally, chances are that all your travel experience does not match up with the experience levels of the professionals – we are talking about the flight attendants and pilots who are in the air each time that they show up for work. I sat down with a number of different crew, and I have found that when you speak freely (and off the record) you are able to garner a great deal of amazing information.
Pilot Tip #1 – Getting Kids Into The Cockpit
Most people believe that the cockpit is entirely off limits nowadays, this is not true. In fact, visits are welcome if the plane is at the gate, either before or after the flight. Most pilots are happy to have a young guest stop by, if they are not too busy with other things. While not everyone has the same amount of time, most pilots will find it flattering that someone takes an interest in what they do.
Flight Attendant Tip #1 – Curing/Preventing Your Jet Lag
You have probably noticed that most flight attendants look refreshed and happy after long trips. While other people are struggling with a jet lag, the flight attendants are smiling. According to most flight attendants that we spoke to, the cause for your tiredness and aches and pains is because you are simply dehydrated. Make sure that you bring some water on your trip.
Pilot Tip #2 – The Dangers Of Turbulence
Even though it seems dangerous, even the worst turbulence is not much more than a nuisance. In fact, most pilots will admit that turbulence is perfectly normal. Experiencing turbulence cannot cause the plane to go into a tailspin or turn it over.
Flight Attendant Tip #2 – Keeping Your Feet Off The Walls
If you ever had someone over, you would be rather surprised if they decided to prop their feet against your living room walls. The same goes for being on the plane, keep your feet off the walls. This was a point of frustration that many flight attendants wanted to share. Not only is it disrespectful and rude, it can be dangerous during turbulent takeoffs and landings.
Pilot Tip #3 – The Best Seats For Nervous Fliers
If you already do not like flying and are bothered by engine noise and/or turbulence, you want to avoid the rearmost rows. The back of the plane is always going to be noisier, and tends to sway more during turbulence. Even though it does not make a great deal of a difference, the seats over the wings are typically the smoothest ones.
Flight Attendant Tip #3 – If I Am Sitting Down, You Should Too
If you want to determine whether the conditions might be hazardous, pay attention to the flight attendants. If they are still experiencing minor bumps, chances are that they will move around the cabin. However, if they know that things are going to get intense, they will remain seated.
Pilot Tip #4 – What Is That Noise When The Plane Lands?
Most passengers want to know what is going on when they hear the racket after the plane lands. These are the jet engines switching to "reverse" to slow the plane down. It is also important to remember that you cannot measure a pilot's skill because of a "rough landing" by passengers' standards. When it comes to landing a plane, countless variables go into the whole process. Sometimes these “rougher landings” are even intentional.
Flight Attendant Tip #4 – No, You Cannot Stuff Your Oversize Bag Into The Overhead Bin
Especially now that you have to spend money in order to check your bag (both ways), most flight attendants understand that you would prefer not to check your bags. However, this means that you have to pack smart. If you manage to get past the gatekeepers with a bag that is NEVER going to fit in the overhead compartment, just be honest and have them check it for you.
Again, the best thing that you can do is ask one of the nearby flight attendants about what you should do with the bag. Chances are that they will take the bag for you with a smile on their face.
You can also read these top 10 insider tips for flying.
