Latest news with #flightAttendants
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Plane passenger's 'disgusting' habit mid-flight sparks fierce outrage
A woman on a recent Delta flight horrified fellow passengers after propping her bare feet without socks on the TV screen in front of her. Someone else on the flight snapped a photo of the bizarre and unhygienic moment and shared it to Reddit, where it quickly went viral. 'Jesus Christ…' they captioned the post, adding: 'Do I even need to say anything?' Though it's unclear whether she was using her toes to actually interact with the screen, the image showed her shoe and sock-less feet pressed against the in-flight entertainment system. It sparked widespread disgust online and reignited debates about personal space and airplane etiquette. The poster later responded to a comment, saying: 'She had them on the wall first and I was like, [What the f**k], but OK." Now they're on the goddamn touchscreen. Come on.' Some comments read: 'People are so disgusting,' 'Gross,' and, 'Flight attendants really need to start saying something.' 'I never wear shorts, short sleeve shorts, flip flops, or open-toe shoes on a plane... Ever... they are so incredibly dirty,' one user said. 'The bare feet people on planes is just gross… especially when they stick them on things,' another wrote. 'I can smell this photo. I'd be so upset if I had to sit near this,' a different user expressed. 'Where are the flight attendants? Did anyone complain?' someone else asked. 'Ewww no one wants to see toes in the air,' one person admitted. Someone else wrote: 'Absolutely THE F**K not. Why are grown adults so gross?!?!' 'Do flight attendants just not want to get into a fight or what? [In my opinion], it's perfectly reasonable to ask her to keep her feet off the... screen,' another user explained. Recently, insiders exclusively revealed to the Daily Mail the absolute worst ways vacationers can behave, from forcing other tourists to swap seats with them against their will to cutting their toenails onboard. The worldwide baggage shipping company Luggage Forward conducted a study of airplane etiquette preferences and found the worst offenders (in order) were talking loudly on a plane, playing a video or music without headphones, eating smelly food, taking off your shoes, and using both armrests. There are also massive personal grooming mistakes people make while flying, etiquette expert Genevieve 'Jenny' Dreizen, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, told the Daily Mail. One no-no is people toenail clipping or in-flight manicures, which Dreizen fittingly described as 'deeply unhygienic and very disruptive.' And no matter how comfortable it may seem, keep those shoes on. Dreizen believes that everyone 'should attempt to keep their shoes on for safety reasons because on a typical flight, there's really no need to take them off.' 'No bare feet on the seats or in the aisle, ever,' Dreizen said, adding, 'It's a plane, not your living room.'
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Pan Am returns to JFK Airport with flight commemorating Southern and Northern Trans-Atlantic routes
Pan Am left an incredible mark on aviation history, and on Tuesday there was a rare opportunity for history to repeat itself. For more than 60 years, Pan American World Airways, also known as Pan Am, took its passengers to new limits. On Tuesday, there was a commemorative flight out of John F. Kennedy International Airport that paid tribute to one of the world's great airlines. Complete with Pan Am logos, the private charter jet took off on a 12-day journey, tracing the legendary Southern and Northern Trans-Atlantic routes. Passengers will be making stops in Bermuda and throughout Europe. With everything included, such as 5-star hotels, the nostalgic trip costs $60,000 per person. Organizers are also now putting together another trip that will be 21 days, called "Tracing the Trans-Pacific," which will cost $95,000 per person. Flight attendants mark the different eras with what they wear Officials are making the experience as immersive as possible. The entire aircraft is configured with all business class lie-flat seating, and flight attendants are dressed in replicas of the original Pan Am uniforms. "It's such an honor and a privilege to be stepping into this uniform," flight attendant Anna Maria Aevarsdottir said. "We hope we can embrace the grace that they showed America." Each of the flight attendants is representing a different time frame. "I am wearing the galaxy gold and my colleagues are wearing the Super Jet Blue," Aevarsdottir said. The uniforms are something Anita Mathewson knows all about. She was once a flight attendant for Pan Am. She was on hand Tuesday to relive those glory days, but this time as a passenger with her two daughters. "It was a wonderful time in my life. Pan Am was beautiful," said Mathewson, of Norfolk, Connecticut. "Pan Am was about the airline, but it was more about the people. It was the people and the experiences," added Linda Freire, chair of the Pan Am Museum. The trip is a full-circle moment for one family One of the many pilots behind Pan Am's rise to fame was the father of Sheryl Slyter and Louise Koch. "When we were kids, he always brought back stuff from different countries that he visited," Koch said. Now, it's their turn to see those same places their dad flew thousands to and from, since they're passengers on the first commemorative Pan Am jet. "Knowing he was with the flying boats and all the places we are going, that he flew into," Slyter said.
Sky News
3 days ago
- Business
- Sky News
EasyJet cabin crews in Spain to go on strike next week
EasyJet cabin crews in Spain will go on strike over their pay for three days next week. The USO union in Spain said the industrial action would take place from Wednesday 25 June to Friday 27 June. It said more than 650 flight attendants – based in Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca – could be involved. However, the airline said it intended to operate normally and hoped to avoid any disruption. The union said easyJet cabin crews earn much less in Spain than in other countries. It added that the aim of the strike was "to level the crews' working and wage conditions in Spain with the ones at other bases of the company in Europe". A spokesperson for the airline said it would do everything possible to minimise the impact of the strikes. They added that easyJet employed crews in eight different countries "on local terms and conditions".
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Travel + Leisure
30-05-2025
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
Flight Attendants Share 5 Genius Ways to Make the Middle Seat the Comfiest Spot on the Plane
Just because the middle seat may seem like the least desirable spot on the plane (which is why it's often the only one left to book), it doesn't mean it has to be miserable. According to flight attendants, with the right mindset (and a few smart travel essentials), you can turn that dreaded middle seat into a surprisingly comfortable experience. 'I suggest reframing the way you view the middle seat,' flight attendant Aura E. Martinez shared. 'Instead of seeing it as a disadvantage, try to embrace the opportunity for connection.' You never know who you'll end up next to, and even if you're not in the mood to chat, being prepared can make all the difference. That means bringing your own entertainment, staying comfortable, and making the most of your personal space. From noise-canceling headphones and supportive neck pillows to slim portable chargers, these flight attendant-approved picks will help make your next middle seat feel a lot more like an upgrade. Plus, prices start at just $13. Reclaim Your Armrest Space Tip: 'The middle seat gets both armrests—that's the rule,' Karen Young, a Delta flight attendant who's been in the industry for 47 years, said. The middle seat often feels like the wild west of the cabin, where everyone seems to spill into your space. But according to flight attendants, claiming your territory starts with the armrests. 'People overflow and morph into the middle seat,' Young shared. 'Those armrests define your space—don't feel pressured to raise them.' Fellow flight attendant Crista Treat agrees: 'Establish dominance first with the armrests, because those are yours.' A good strategy? Keep your elbows gently anchored and resist the urge to cave to your seatmates' spread. If one of them reclines, Carin, a seasoned flight attendant, suggested, 'Wiggle your elbow into the back edge of the armrest. They'll likely move, and you get your space back." What to pack: EverSnug Travel Blanket Amazon This lightweight, ultra-packable blanket can double as your personal barrier. Carin swears by wrapping yourself 'like swaddling an infant' to avoid armrest disputes. 'You'll likely wake up to find your neighbors have repositioned,' she added. Bonus: This one attaches easily to your carry-on and spares you from those scratchy airline blankets. Get Comfortable Enough to Sleep Tip: "A good neck pillow is key,' Treat suggested. 'Sleeping through half the flight helps you forget you're stuck in the middle.' The best way to make the middle seat disappear? Sleep through it. A supportive neck pillow and an eye mask not only help you drift off faster but also keep your head from bobbing onto your seatmate's shoulder (never a great first impression). What to pack: Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow Amazon With memory foam construction and seat straps that anchor it in place, this Cabeau neck pillow is a game-changer. 'It comes with a small carry bag where you can put your cell phone, lip gloss, etc, in so you don't need to reach for your bag in the overhead bin,' Martinez shared after dubbing the Cabeau version as her go-to neck pillow. Now, you don't have to rummage through the overhead bin midflight. What to pack: Trtl Travel Pillow Amazon Carin, on the other hand, called Trtl's compact pick her go-to. 'I love the secure closure—it doesn't slide off while you're napping,' she explained. Its sleek, scarf-like design makes it perfect for middle seat naps, offering structured neck support without the bulk. Create a Personal Bubble Tip: 'It's about creating a little cocoon,' Martinez advised. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask can transform your seat into a private zone. The key to surviving the middle seat? Mentally checking out. Layering sound-blocking headphones with a good eye mask signals to your neighbors and your brain that you're off the clock. What to pack: JBL Noise-Canceling Headphones Amazon 'These fold up easily, last for 75 hours, and don't break your heart if you lose them,' Carin said of JBL's top-rated headphones. She added that they're preferred among her crew and way better than 'chasing them around on the dirty aircraft floor.' Plus, she noted the noise-canceling feature is one of her favorite assets and emphasized how effective they are. These headphones are also foldable, so they fit seamlessly into your carry-on. What to pack: Bose QuietComfort Noise-canceling Headphones Amazon Looking to invest in real peace and quiet? Martinez recommends this premium pair from Bose. 'They're a game changer in tight spaces,' she said, allowing you to zone out even when you're sandwiched between two strangers. What to pack: Mzoo Sleep Mask Amazon This memory foam blackout eye mask has air holes for breathability and an adjustable strap to fit every head. The best part? It contours to your eyes, so there's no pressure on your lids while you nap, even in the dreaded middle. Keep Your Circulation Flowing Tip: 'A foldable seat cushion improves circulation on long flights,' Martinez shared. Chiming in, Carin added, 'Compression sleeves are a must for anything over four hours.' Middle seats often mean less freedom to stretch, so it's extra important to keep your blood flowing. A supportive seat cushion can ease pressure points, while compression socks and sleeves help fend off swelling and fatigue. What to pack: ComfiLife Ergo-gel Travel Seat Cushion Amazon Say goodbye to numb legs. This traveler-loved cushion's gel grid relieves pressure and keeps things cool. 'I used this on two 8-hour flights,' one Amazon reviewer said, 'and it kept my sciatic pain from flaring up.' What to pack: Zensah Compression Sleeves Amazon Carin said she won't board a long-haul flight without Zensah's compression sleeves. 'They make a huge difference for circulation and fatigue,' she mentioned. Slide them on before takeoff and keep your legs feeling light, even after hours in the air. Stay Self-sufficient Tip: 'Bring your own water and snacks so you don't have to bug the aisle person,' Treat recommended. Being in the middle often means waiting until the beverage cart rolls by—or worse, asking your seatmate to get up. Avoid the awkwardness by having everything you need within reach. What to pack: Yctmall Collapsible Water Bottle Amazon This space-saving travel bottle folds down flat when empty and is lightweight enough to stash in any bag. Fill it up post-security and stay hydrated without shelling out for overpriced airport drinks. What to pack: Charmast Portable Charger Amazon With Charmast's best-selling portable charger, an outlet war between you and your seatmates isn't necessary. It works with all smartphones and saves you from digging around for cords. It's fast, reliable, and ideal for recharging on the go. Bring entertainment Tip: 'Just in case the entertainment system doesn't work, it's always best to be prepared,' Martinez said. There's nothing worse than settling into your middle seat only to find the in-flight screen frozen or, worse, not there at all. To avoid relying on glitchy airline tech, seasoned flight attendants recommend loading up your own content in advance. Whether you're bingeing a new series or catching up on your book list, coming equipped with your own screen can turn a frustrating flight into a productive or relaxing one. What to pack: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Amazon Amazon's popular Kindle e-reader is slim, lightweight, and built for battery longevity, lasting up to 10 weeks on a single charge. The glare-free screen feels like real paper (even in direct sunlight), and it won't strain your eyes during a long haul. Load it up with travel guides, thrillers, or that beach read you've been meaning to finish—no Wi-Fi required. What to pack: Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet Amazon This versatile Amazon Fire tablet has a 13-hour battery life, a vibrant 10-inch screen, and access to all your streaming apps—from Netflix to Prime Video. Download your shows before boarding, and you're set, even if the seatback screen lets you down. It also doubles as an entertainment hub for your next hotel night, too. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
National Post
29-05-2025
- General
- National Post
Flight attendants and gate agents reveal 11 things you should never do when flying
Article content From cutting in line to swapping seats at the last minute, poor travel etiquette has a way of testing everyone's patience. We asked flight attendants and gate agents to spill the tea on the habits that drive them (and your seatmates) up the cabin wall. Here's a flight plan for cultivating mile-high manners that can make flying more pleasant for everyone. Article content Article content Licence to fly Article content Article content That panicked pat-down of empty pockets at the check-in counter is an airline agent's recurring nightmare. Airlines require a valid government-issued photo ID matching your ticket name precisely — not your nickname, maiden name or creative spelling variation. Article content Article content While airlines can typically correct minor name misspellings (often up to three characters), anything more might incur fees. Expired driver's licences don't fly, passports need six months' validity for many destinations and countries like the U.K. and Australia require pre-approved digital travel permits. Article content The golden rule of air travel documentation? Check everything twice before heading to the airport. Without a valid government-issued photo ID with your full name and date of birth, there's very little the airlines can do to help. Article content When passengers arrive at the airport unaware of their fare's baggage allowance, it creates a domino effect of delays throughout the boarding process. Gate agents forced to explain policies, process unexpected payments and tag last-minute checked bags are pulled away from other pre-departure tasks. Article content Article content Having to deal with a passenger who has blown way past their baggage allowance can be 'incredibly frustrating and has consequences,' said one gate agent working out of Calgary International Airport, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Article content What begins as one passenger's confusion can result in a pushed-back departure time, affecting everyone's connections and plans. Understanding your specific baggage allowance before arriving at the gate helps ensure a smoother journey for all.
