When it comes to flying, we all want to have a comfortable and hassle-free experience. But did you know that there are certain things you might be doing on a plane that could be making your journey less pleasant, or even putting you at risk? Flight attendants, the unsung heroes of the skies, have seen it all and have some valuable advice to share. With years of experience under their belts, they know the ins and outs of air travel better than anyone.


Recently, a couple of seasoned flight attendants took to social media to reveal the common mistakes passengers make while flying. Their insights are not only eye-opening but could also change the way you fly.


Firstly, let's talk about attire. Flight attendant Cher Dallas, with five years of flying experience, strongly advises against wearing shorts on a plane. While it might seem like a comfortable choice, especially if you're heading to or from a warm destination, Dallas warns that it's not practical. Planes can get chilly, and in the event of an emergency evacuation, exposed skin could be at risk of injury when sliding down an evacuation slide. So, it's best to opt for longer pants to stay warm and protected.


Another crucial tip from Dallas is to avoid tight layovers. She recommends booking a connection time of at least three hours between flights. Delays are common and unpredictable, and a tight connection increases the likelihood of missing your onward flight. Giving yourself a buffer can save you from the stress and inconvenience of rebooking and potentially losing a day of your trip.

When it comes to in-flight hygiene, Dallas has a surprising revelation about the aircraft bathrooms. She never uses the toilet paper provided, suggesting that it's often damp, which could be unhygienic. Instead, she recommends bringing your own pack of tissues or Kleenex for personal use.

Dallas also shares some etiquette tips regarding interaction with flight attendants. She urges passengers not to ring the call bell just to hand over trash, as attendants regularly pass through the cabin to collect it. Additionally, she advises against handing trash to flight attendants during food and drink service, as it's not sanitary. If you need to dispose of waste outside of collection times, you can always take it to the bathroom bin yourself.


Moving through the cabin can also be a minefield. Dallas warns against trying to squeeze past the service cart during food and drink service. The carts are heavy and can cause injury if they pin you against the seats. Patience is key here; wait until the aisle is clear to move about the cabin.

As for boarding and deplaning, Dallas suggests refraining from asking for food or drinks as soon as you board, as flight attendants are busy preparing for takeoff. She also recommends staying seated until the plane has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign is turned off, as standing too soon can be unsafe and slow down the deplaning process.

Flight attendant Aislinn Swain echoes some of Dallas's advice and adds her own. Swain advises against asking for ice in your drink, as the ice may not be the cleanest due to handling and storage conditions. She also stresses the importance of wearing sunscreen on flights, as UV exposure can be higher at altitude, and keeping your shoes on for hygiene reasons and safety during takeoff and landing.


These flight attendants' tips are not just about personal comfort; they're also about safety and consideration for others. By following their advice, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable flight experience for yourself and your fellow passengers.


So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, next time you're preparing to take to the skies, keep these tips in mind. Dress appropriately, plan for longer layovers, practice good hygiene, be considerate of cabin crew and fellow passengers, and stay safe during critical moments of your flight. And remember, if you have any of your own flying tips or experiences to share, we'd love to hear about them in the comments below! Safe travels!