Airlines Archives

What’s in an airplane seat?

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Nov 14, 2021 | 0 comments

Consideration should be made in choosing your seat on an airplane, especially over long distances. Frequent travelers usually have a preference noted in their flight record and know to get to the airport early to request a change if their choice is not available. Here are a few ideas on seat preference so you can make a more educated choice the next time you fly.

Middle seat

The middle seat is usually considered the worst seat. Inevitably, there is a struggle for an available armrest, and you are stuck tucking your elbows close for the entire flight. However, there are some benefits to the middle seat. If you have a close connection, choosing a middle seat closer to the front of the aircraft allows you to deplane faster than another choice further back on the airplane. Additionally, choosing a middle seat makes it more likely that someone else will choose another row rather than be next to you. In many cases, you might end up with the entire row to yourself or at least have a seat next to you open. There’s no guarantee, but if you have no choice.

Bulkhead seat

The bulkhead seat is the seat directly behind a divider partition on an airplane. If you’re tall, this is one of the best options for seating as it has somewhat of built-in legroom. The caveat is that not all airplane designs are the same, so checking out the airplane diagram before deciding is recommended. The negative of a bulkhead seat is that it is also the desired space for parents traveling with babies or lap children. Many airlines provide bassinets that can be attached to the wall for babies to sleep on long-haul flights. Additionally, all items must go overhead as there is no under-seat storage. Considering the length of your flight will help you better decide on this choice.

Aisle seat

The aisle seat is also a preferred seat for those that are taller. With this option, you can stretch your leg into the aisle instead of having your knees bent for the entire trip. However, you must be careful as flight attendants cannot see over the serving carts, so you’re also more prone to get hit by a service cart if you’re not careful. Additionally, you will have to get up to allow your seatmates to leave their seats.

Window seats

Window seats are great if you do not want to be bothered by anyone, and they are great if you’re going to sleep as they can also double as a headrest when sleeping. However, getting out inflight to leave your seat can be a hassle as you must ask your seatmates to get up or somehow try to climb over them to get out. If you have a small or weak bladder, I do not recommend this seat.

Exit row seats

These are the seats that have removable windows or doors used to exit the aircraft in an emergency. One nice feature of an exit row seat is that it usually has more legroom. Therefore, it is another excellent choice for taller people. One drawback is that it has an age restriction and disability restriction, so travelers with disabilities or families with young children cannot be seated here. Another disadvantage is that some exit row seats do not recline or have limited recline ability. Additionally, exit row seats tend to be colder as you are seated next to a door or window with seals. Make sure you dress accordingly for these seats.

People often ask my preference in seating, and it varies for me. If it’s a short flight, I use the bathroom before and choose a window seat. For longer flights, I prefer the aisle. I try not to get bulkhead seats as small children are usually nearby, but I like them if my other options are unavailable as I have more legroom. I’d choose a middle seat over another if it’s closer to the front of the airplane. I avoid exit row seats because I find it colder. What’s your preference? I’d like to know

No retirement regrets

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Nov 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Since retiring from my flight attendant career, my most asked question is, do I miss it? I do, but not in the way most people expect. My flight attendant career gave me some of the most incredible memories of my life. However, as I think about the job and the realities that flight attendants face now, I have no regrets about leaving the career.

Recently, a flight attendant was assaulted on an American Airlines flight and may have had her nose broken. The assailant claimed that the flight attendant “hit her nose against the palm of his right hand” and claimed he had “psychological damage from the injury.” I have read and listened to stories about the incident, but few from the flight attendant’s perspective involved or any other flight attendant’s perspective.

According to reports, the issue began when the flight attendant informed the flight attendant of the Fasten seat belt sign. She was doing her job!!! Contrary to what many people think, the primary duty of a flight attendant is to save lives. They train continually and yearly for the career, guided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules. Not advising the passenger of this obvious fact was putting her job in jeopardy.

Flight attendants, like many others, are not self-employed, and they have families and loved- ones that depend on their ability to provide. Their job is governed by the rules and regulations not only of the airline but of the FAA. Most importantly, interfering with the duties of a crewmember violates federal law. Recently the job has brought more risk than reward.

An airline ticket is valid only to and from the cities on your ticket or trip record. An airline will provide service as they see fit, and the flight crew does not determine that service. The flight crew performs the service provided by the airline. They cannot deliver items or services not provided in advance by the airline.

A flight attendant may have several flights in a day and be on several different airplanes within the same day. Sometimes their duty days are more than 10 hours, and rarely is there time to get off the aircraft and purchase food. More so, once duty starts for a flight attendant, there is usually no designated lunch break until the duty day ends.

The realities of Covid have not only increased stress for air travelers but flight crew as well. Flight crews are not provided meals in many cases, and if they are, individual dietary needs are not acknowledged. Before Covid, many airlines cut back on service, and passengers were advised to purchase food at the airport or bring their own.

The career I left provided many opportunities to travel the world. Currently, airplanes are more crowded, services are fewer, and people are more frustrated by wearing masks or being told to comply. In addition, the stress of airport security and baggage fees or allowances make the travel experience much more stressful than it ever has been.

The next time you travel, I hope you have no regrets but, more importantly, cause your flight crew to have no regrets as well.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/man-charged-after-alleged-assault-on-american-airlines-flightattendant/ar-AAQf6cP

Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Oct 10, 2021 | 0 comments

Recently a friend traveled from Washington DC to Egypt. She discussed with me the harrowing experience of trying to get a required Covid test for travel. With recent federal guidelines, the need for Covid testing has increased, and availability has decreased. As the holidays are a busy travel season, it stands to reason travelers needing testing during the holidays will also surge. Here are a few things to think about regarding Covid testing and the holidays.

A surge in Covid testing

Many of the issues involved with the current availability of Covid testing affect the recent executive order requiring Covid vaccination for federal employees. Companies with over 100 employees will be required to comply with the order or face significant fines. As expected, there are many questions regarding the order and implementation that need an answer. However, the demand for Covid testing has risen, and so travelers need to prepare.

Thanksgiving travel

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s usually one of the busiest times for people to travel. In 2020, many suggested curtailing travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, and many ignored that suggestion. In preparation for the upcoming busy Thanksgiving travel season, the U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act may require all passengers on domestic airlines to either be fully vaccinated, tested negative, or fully recovered from Covid.

Preparing for holiday travel

In essence, travelers should be aware of travel restrictions and Covid guidelines. They should know where their Covid testing sites are. Find out if they need to have Covid symptoms or can test as a precaution. Research the timing of their test before seeing friends and family as exposure varies. It’s also good to know the different Covid test options, PCR or antigen.

As with any travel experience, preparation is critical. Stay safe this holiday season and if you choose to travel, do it safely.

Travel and the language barrier

by Donna Hunter PhD | Oct 6, 2021 | 0 comments

It’s true that not being able to communicate can be frustrating and scary. However, it should never be an excuse for not traveling. There are universal ways of communicating like yes and no, and many other common gestures. There are also plenty of mute, blind, and or deaf people who travel. Not knowing a local language is very similar in that a few key phrases or gestures will help travelers through most situations. Here are a few ideas on travel and the language barrier.

Body language.

People communicate both verbally and nonverbally. If there’s one universal language that crosses all borders and cultural differences, it’s body language. Often, we don’t realize how much we communicate through facial expressions or gestures. When language is a barrier, the power of body language becomes enhanced. It’s incredible how much miming and pointing will suffice in any language.

English

Just as body language crosses borders, English is also considered the universal language of travel. Many tourist attractions have signage written in both the local language and English. The chance of traveling to a place where no one speaks English is very slim. However, communicating to locals in their language, no matter how inadequate your language skills, makes you a better world citizen.

Facial expressions.

It’s incredible how much we can communicate with our facial expressions. Our faces express and provide hints to our thoughts and feelings. Looking confused or worried will most often get you a response of help. A smile is understood universally as being friendly and open. With facial expressions, sometimes no words are needed.

Hello and thank you.

Just these two phrases will suffice despite any language barrier. No matter the destination, learning just these two phrases in the language of your destination will allow you to get by. Although these two words are not enough to carry a conversation, they will indicate respect for the language and people. Respecting the language of your destination will always get you the assistance you need for further communication.

The essential part of communication is giving and receiving information. When language is a barrier, it can be frustrating, stressful, and scary. However, travelers do not have to speak the native language to be understood when traveling to a country with a language barrier. Knowing a local language can enrich your travel experience, but not knowing should never be an excuse for not traveling.

Have you traveled and experienced a language barrier? How did you overcome it? I’d like to know.

Flight attendants and 9/11.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Sep 11, 2021 | 0 comments

Crew ID

September 11, will always be a day of remembrance. I was an American Airlines flight attendant at the time. It is a particular day that would always sit heavy in my heart. I was based in New York, where this tragedy occurred, and I had flown with some of the crew who perished that day. Flight attendants and 9/11 will forever be intertwined.

Along with the trauma that the world has experienced, flight attendants experienced dramatic changes in their work environment. Along with these changes, the job description has remained the same yet has changed. The career of a flight attendant is more than serving snacks and drinks on an airplane. Flight attendants have always been responsible for travelers’ safety, security, and comfort. Their duties are similar to first responders. They are trained to fight fires, handle medical emergencies, and are retrained and recertified every year by the FAA.

At this time of year, we are bombarded with the phrase “never forget.” For many flight attendants, it’s almost impossible not to do so. New safety rules about congregating in the aisles, galleys, or near the lavatories were implemented worldwide. Everyone who flies is reminded of those rules. But flight attendants are daily assaulted for trying to enforce those rules. These rules, which may seem trite to travelers, are a daily reminder of 9/11 to flight crews. Somehow when travelers are on board, many seem to conveniently forget the reason for these rules.

9/11 saw changes that did not happen over time but overnight. Airplanes were grounded, and airport procedures forever changed. These security changes not only occurred in the airport but in businesses and public places all over. The world was on alert to be vigilant, and flight attendants needed to be more observant. A passenger’s trip to the bathroom was no longer routine; we had to subconsciously note how many times and how long they stayed in the lavatory. We had to wonder if the souvenir picture passengers were taking was simply that and no more. So, while passengers think the flight attendant’s job is routine, know that they have a lot more on their minds.

For travelers, the changes 9/11 brought included security screenings that can be intrusive at times. Passengers now had to take off shoes, belts, and odd pieces of clothing. Everyday items are currently judged for their ability to be used as weapons and confiscated. Travelers can no longer take liquids beyond security. Even breast milk or baby formulas became suspect. Airlines stopped serving food, and airport options are less plentiful and more expensive. Travel, in general, has gotten harder for travelers.

I’d like us to remember that while the events of 9/11 are not always on the minds of the public. They are forever on the minds of flight crews, and they will “never forget.” I hope this post has given you pause for thought this day, the 20th anniversary of 9/11. I hope you remember it the next time you travel and give grace to your flight crews who never can forget.