Our DMs have been flooded with the same question: "What should I bring my flight attendants?" So this week, we settle it once and for all — with a big disclaimer up front that gifts are never required, just kindness. But since the trend isn't going anywhere, let’s break down practical gift-giving etiquette, the best (and worst) things passengers have actually brought them, and why unsealed "Nana's cookies" are hard no-no matter how good they smell.

We talked about our last Peru group trip (Machu Picchu, non-negotiably difficult but worth every minute) and tease upcoming trips to Iceland, the Baltics, and Albania, before getting into a Galley Gossip story involving a suspiciously buzzing carry-on bag and a job interview gone hilariously sideways.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] Welcome to Episode #51!
[1:20] Drew and 2 weeks of flying
[2:35] Get ready for Rich
[4:21] This is why StaffTraveler is the #1 non-rev app
[7:43] Peru was AMAZING!
[11:09] Practical tips for gift-giving flight attendants
[13:43] We love our gate agents and pilots
[14:36] Greet us then give the gift
[15:30] Don’t expect anything in return
[16:43] Get creative, local treats, have variety
[19:34] Flight attendants love coffee!
[23:07] Gifts we don’t recommend
[27:45] Weird gifts (like tequila chocolate)
[30:16] Drew is over the chocolate
[32:52] Galley Gossip

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We agree, turbulence, for first-time-flyers or even regular flyers, can get a little scary. 

And yes, your feelings are totally valid. In fact, we appreciate passengers who share their worries or fears with us.

While we flight attendants can't promise that you’ll suddenly love flying, there are a few “flight attendant-approved” tips that you can try to make flying a little easier. In this episode, let’s talk about facts from IATA, our advice for anxious flyers, and how StaffTraveler helps us travel anywhere around the world!

Know someone who is afraid of flying? Send them this episode to calm their nerves!

Original Music by Griefcat

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] Welcome to Episode #50!
[1:14] Facts from IATA
[2:27] Summer has been summering
[4:16] Rich threw a cookie at a passenger!?
[6:57] If you’re a nervous flyer, talk to us
[10:49] Turbulence can be uncomfortable
[14:23] Watch us
[17:05] Normal noises
[18:20] Have faith in your flight crew
[20:00] Choose wisely
[21:46] Distract yourself during takeoff
[22:42] Don’t doomscroll
[23:46] It’s okay to be a nervous flyer!
[25:30] Redundancy keeps us safe
[27:14] Drew’s perfect landing…on a jumpseat
[29:08] Flight attendants are always ready
[32:04] We travel the world with StaffTraveler
[35:57] Galley Gossip

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We’re taking a closer look at the current state of the aviation industry. This is our time to talk about the realities, empathize with each other, and discuss what’s really going on in aviation right now.

We’re so excited to have labor leader Sara Nelson in the studio with us this week. Sara is the International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO and was called “America’s most powerful flight attendant” by The New York Times. She is currently leading over 55,000 aviation first responders in 20 airlines all over the United States. Her relentlessness and willpower make her an icon for all of us.

We get into the shutdown of Spirit Airlines and what it means for thousands of workers, the situation involving ICE and flight attendant Enzo Thompson, the continued strain on our Air Traffic Control system, government shutdowns, recent aviation incidents, and the bigger question so many crew members are asking: should we be worried about where the airline industry is headed?

Sara also shares her perspective on what flight attendants should be paying attention to, what we can actually do, and why having a strong collective voice matters SO much right now.

Solidarity forever!

Chapters:
[0:00] Welcome to Episode #49!
[1:37] Sara Nelson on labor movements
[5:11] The amazing letter carriers union 
[6:18] Working people have to fight back
[7:34] Our air traffic controllers
[12:19] The BIG issue 
[16:49] Everything is political
[19:58] Are flight attendants safe?
[25:44] Yes, flight attendants want unions
[31:35] Let’s talk about Spirit Airlines
[35:44] Unions support and protect flight attendants
[38:57] We love Spirit flight attendants! 
[44:45] Should we be concerned?
[49:30] At the forefront of people's rights
[51:25] Using power for the greater benefit
[56:46] Flight attendants are first responders
[1:00:16] Flight attendants represent
[1:01:43] Sara Nelson has high hopes
[1:05:56] The magic of flying
[1:09:25] Let’s play Cross-checked!

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People have so many common misconceptions about us, flight attendants, and the aviation industry.

Being a flight attendant is all about ensuring every passenger is safe and comfortable on board. While we enjoy great flight perks and benefits, our schedules can be incredibly tricky to manage. In this episode, we’re breaking down the 15 common misconceptions people have about flight attendants and what our routine actually looks like.

Is being a flight attendant an easy job? Let’s laugh and talk about it!


Episode Highlights:
[0:00] Welcome to Episode #48!
[1:19] Drew: it’s fineee, I guess
[2:05] Rich & that intense encounter
[6:03] Misconception#1 - Just to serve drinks?
[8:46] Misconception#2 - Connecting flights attendant
[12:21] Misconception#3 - Flight attendants are smart and valuable
[14:55] Misconception#4 - No upgrades
[19:00] Misconception#5 - We can only assist you
[23:41] Misconception#6 - Flight attendant rates
[26:40] Misconception#7 - A regular route
[30:22] Misconception#8 - Flight attendants have unpredictable schedules
[32:29] Misconception#9 - Flying free-ish
[35:16] Misconception#10 - The accommodations we stay in
[37:29] Misconception#11 - Explore every city in 10 hours
[40:09] Misconception#12 - We know each other
[42:27] Misconception#13 - Dating in the industry
[45:36] Misconception#14 -  Are we never home?
[47:49] Misconception#15 - This is probably not an easy job
[49:58] Galley Gossip 

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We have been on countless flights where passengers can’t seem to find anything…including the menu in their seatback pocket.

While we love helping out in any way possible, we always advise looking around your seat or checking the signage before asking. In this episode, we’re talking about where the menu is hiding and the “passenger overwhelm” with all the signs, announcements, and in almost everything onboard.

Next time you are on a flight, don’t forget to check  your seatback pocket!


Episode Highlights:
[0:00] Welcome to Episode #47!
[1:17] There’s a menu in the seatback pocket?
[2:18] Before we judge…
[3:23] Maybe it’s just sensory overload
[6:41] Just take a moment to look around
[8:04] Rich trusts passengers will figure things out
[9:14] Menu overwhelm, so they picked water
[11:06] So many things to look at!
[12:31] You are allowed to ask (we approve!)

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We’ve seen some unpopular travel opinions on social media lately. Let’s talk about them and laugh about how some on this list can make us go uhh…

While travel opinions might help us become better and more prepared travelers, they might not be the best pieces of advice to share. Ask someone reliable—and of course, listen to our podcast where we share fun and practical travel advice on all things aviation-related. In this episode, we’ll comment on the 13 travel opinions shared with us by our followers!

Join the conversation on Threads!

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] Welcome to Episode #46!
[1:19] Rich survived a nightmare week
[6:32] Drew, an emo week, and wigs
[9:17] No one knows how to form a line!
[12:07] Unpopular opinion #1 - Take a course before booking a ticket
[13:37] Unpopular opinion #2 - Do we get what we paid for?
[16:12] Unpopular opinion #3 - First class
[16:42] Unpopular opinion #4 - Every airline is different
[18:19] Unpopular opinion #5 - Is boarding early a flex?
[20:12] Unpopular opinion #6 - Super early people in the airport
[21:33] Unpopular opinion #7 - Going with the flow is okay
[24:02] Unpopular opinion #8 - Don’t expect strangers  to switch seats for you
[25:20] Unpopular opinion #9 - Baggage weight limit
[26:03] Unpopular opinion #10 - The window seat
[26:53] Unpopular opinion #11 - Drinking airplane coffee  
[28:17] Unpopular opinion #12 - You don’t need to pack that much
[29:17] Underpacked for a cruise experience
[31:25] Unpopular opinion #13 - Clapping is wholesome

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Oh, the seatbelt sign is on. What should I do?

Well, first, you can stay seated and listen to us flight attendants! We can’t predict turbulence, but we can ensure your safety onboard. In this episode, let’s talk about turbulence and why you should stay buckled in-flight.

If you can stay buckled on an hour-long car ride, why can’t you on an airplane? Right?

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] Welcome to Episode #45!
[1:12] Why stay buckled?
[2:10] Drew & wild turbulence
[3:48] We just can’t predict it
[4:52] You buckle up in a car, why not on the plane?
[5:37] Drew’s two school of thoughts
[7:40] Don’t ask if you’re going to do it anyway
[9:22] Just stay seated, Ma’am

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Hollywood has a lot to say about flight attendants! While we aren’t always depicted correctly, we still love most of the shows on this list.

Flight attendants are trained to be safety-centered and approachable, yet we're often portrayed as overly dramatic or the first to panic in critical situations. In this episode, we’re breaking down 20 movies & TV shows that may or may not have properly depicted us aviation crew. Let’s talk about pop culture and how these portrayals have evolved over the decades.

What are your favorite movies or shows featuring flight attendants? Let us know in the comments!


Episode Highlights:
[0:00] Welcome to Episode #44
[1:09] Drew has no complaints
[2:18] That one crazy thing tips Rich’s day
[5:03] Flight attendant portrayal in the media
[7:00] Flight attendants need to see this movie!
[10:21] Catch me if you can
[11:42] Bridesmaids—a personal favorite
[13:36] A 1980s classic
[14:36] Flight
[16:41] Who remembers this movie?
[17:59] A beautiful analogy for marriage
[20:43] The worst case scenario
[22:00] This movie made us feel seen, respected
[23:48] A pretty good depiction of flight attendants
[25:53] In crucial moments, we are the first responders
[27:10] Obsessed with this TV show
[29:37] An intriguing representation of flight attendants
[31:50] A mockumentary
[32:52] Drew approved this TV show
[33:56] Fly Girls
[34:46] The most accurate take on flight attendants?
[35:25] Nothing to do with aviation
[35:56] Mad Men
[36:28] We can’t forget Friends!

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Side hustles are the best way to fully express yourself, explore more hobbies, and fuel the passions you’ve always wanted to pursue.

Most flight attendants we know have a side hustle or “side quest” they are deeply passionate about. In this episode, we are honored to feature the Queen of Side Hustles herself, Kara Adams! Kara is a loving mom, flight attendant, artist, author, yoga instructor, and so much more.

In this episode, she breaks down how she manages multiple side hustles, builds healthy habits, and keeps her creative spark alive even while flying. We’ll also talk about her favorite books and an upcoming documentary about flight attendants!

What is your side hustle? Share your stories with us!

Connect with Kara on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/karacadams/

Check out her amazing murals!
https://karacadams.com/5f2b0c88f2d0e

Episode Highlights:
00:00 Welcome to Episode #43!
01:16 Cats are everywhere
03:56 Kara & her crazy passenger experience
05:45 An escape from reality
08:20 Take care of yourself first
11:42 Kara’s side hustles
14:16 Has flying influenced her side hustles?
15:34 She’s also a muralist!
17:29 That creative switch 
20:12  Don’t stop creating
22:30 What do you do outside of flying?
24:21 Kara & what’s coming
26:25 Cabin Pressure: a story about flight attendants
28:58 To connect is our goal
30:26 Reflections
33:25 Let’s play Cross-checked!

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We’ve all been there. Getting on your first flight can be scary! But no matter how nerve-wracking it can get, flight attendants will always be there to ensure your safety onboard.

With that being said, if you’re a first-time flyer… there’s a good chance your flight attendants can spot you a mile away!

In this episode, we’re talking about the 15 signs that tell us you are a first-time flyer, sharing our best flying advice, and spilling some of our favorite passenger experiences.

Let’s laugh it all out and reminisce about the first time we ever boarded a plane!

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Welcome to Episode #42!
[0:53] Are you a first-time flyer?
[01:35] Drew, good flying, base hopping
[4:30] Rich, trains, and a cranberry vodka
[8:20] Sign#1: Wreaking havoc
[11:41] Sign#2: Way too early at the gate
[14:04] Sign#3: Is clapping cute or cringe?
[16:16] Sign#4: Too shocked by the turbulence
[18:34] Sign#5: Extremely silly questions
[20:10] Sign#6: The bathroom question
[21:21] Sign#7: The seat algebra
[24:42] Sign#8: Overpacking
[26:42] Sign#9: Yes, there are boarding gates
[28:10] Sign#10: You must be an influencer!
[30:23] Sign#11: We love the safety demo
[33:51] Sign#12: Suitcase & the open bins
[36:42] Sign#13: Small lavatory
[38:01] Sign#14: Why are you standing?
[40:58] Sign#15: Making the connection
[43:35] Galley Gossip
[46:07] Let’s reflect

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If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your schedule wondering how you’re supposed to do one more trip, counting down the days until vacation before your current one even starts, or questioning whether you still love a job you once couldn’t imagine doing anything else… this episode is for you.

We’re talking all about flight attendant burnout—what causes it, what it looks like, and how we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) to navigate it. This isn’t one of those episodes where we pretend to have all the answers. It’s just an honest conversation about the reality of working in aviation and the importance of taking care of yourself in an industry that often expects you to keep pushing.

Whether you’re a flight attendant, another aviation professional, or someone who’s simply feeling burned out by life in general, we hope something in this conversation resonates with you.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] Welcome to Episode #41!
[1:31] Drew, mixed up flying, and a secret pizza place
[3:04] Rich needs a day off 
[5:10] Burnouts among flight attendants
[8:01] What causes these burnouts?
[9:13] A good crew means everything
[11:22] Airlines, don’t forget about your flight attendants
[14:56] We just need a minute!
[16:38] How do we prevent burnouts?
[16:48] Tip #1 - Remember the why
19:14 Tip #2 - Have fun outside work
[21:11] Tip #3 - Use your work benefits
[23:28] Tip #4 - Switch up your flying schedule
[25:45] Tip #5 - Side hustles are honestly really cool
[30:23] Tip #6 - Enjoying a hobby is therapeutic
[32:46] Tip #7 - Take a break from social media
[35:13] It’s okay to get tired!
[36:13] Communicate with your coworkers
[38:23] Our advice for you
[40:05] Galley Gossip

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