What’s it like….being a flight attendant?

When I was a little girl I wanted to be one of two things – a nurse or a flight attendant.

Unfortunately, when I hit my teens the height restrictions for being a flight attendant remained and, as I wasn’t getting taller than 5’1, the choice was taken out of my hands.

But I’ve always admired flight attendants – mostly for having to endure disruptive passengers, sick bags and constant jet lag. I mean, can you  imagine?

So when I had the opportunity to chat with Christopher Babayode, who has been a flight attendant for more than 17 years and has recently published a book about beating jet lag, I seized it with both hands.

Here’s what he had to say…

What’s a typical day in the sky like? 

A typical day involves a preflight briefing about the flight; checking the safety and security of the aircraft; meeting and greeting the passengers, serving meals and beverages; arriving at the destination disembarkation; checking the aircraft; and going to the hotel checking in. Anything between 18hrs to 2 days off which I usually use to go to the gym and sight see and meet up with crew before we do it all again on the way back home.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The  variety. Working with a variety of people, you never know who you’ll work with when you get to the briefing room or what adventure lies in store on the flight or when you get to the destination.

And any downsides?

Not having as much time at some destinations as I’d wish.

How do you deal with disruptive passengers?

There are levels of cautions and warnings depending on the kind of disruption. Ultimately they can be handcuffed until we land and handed over to authorities if they refuse to comply with the crew.

Where do you frequently fly from and to – and how long does this usually take?

North America. It takes anywhere between five and a half hours to 12 hours depending on the weather.

And where do you head to for your own holidays?

California.

What’s the nicest experience you’ve had?

Going up to Edinburgh during the Edinburgh festival, looking out the window to see 5 shades of the orange, purple and red as the sunset while having some musicians in the cabin get out their violins, fiddles and play. It was like an opening scene of a film before the credits start.

And the worst?

Delays are an inconvenience especially if you have plans.

How often do you train/retrain?

I have an annual security and emergency procedures check each year, but there are updates and trainings regularly throughout the year.

What’s your favourite destination?

San Francisco.

What destination would you like to go to?

San Diego.

What do you get up to in destinations when you have to stay there? And do you socialise with other crew members?

Sightseeing, relaxing and socialising –  yes, crew are very social!

What inspired you to write your new book?

My own need to beat jet lag and fly healthily as a flight attendant; I’m also a practising nutritional therapist.

What’s your number one tip for overcoming jet lag?

If you travel often and suffer from jet lag stop looking for ‘tips’ and work on a long term solution. If you travel often, chances are there is a lot at stake and you don’t want to arrive and perform or enjoy less than you could because jet lag ruined your trip.

How important is it to be prepared for jet lag?

It’s really important; getting and staying hydrated and alkaline is underrated by most flyers. However, it is vital as the flying environment is acidifying and the rule of thumb is that it takes 20 apart alkalinity to neutralise 1 part acidity in the body.

Acid diets and lifestyles people lead mean they board the plane at a disadvantage to start with and flying compounds this.

Chris’ new book, ‘Farewell Jet Lag’ is available for £14.99 from Panoma Press. 

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