Flight Attendants on the Ground: What We Do Between Flights
TPG’s favorite Flight Attendant Insider Carrie A. Trey is back, this time with some insight as to what goes on between flights.
The stress of being an airborne beverage engineer/therapist/nurse/cleaner/caregiver can be a lot to handle and there are any number of things we crew members do between flights. On quick turns when we're flying within the US, intra-Europe or intra-Asia, we'll try to grab a quick coffee or a bite to eat — and if we're lucky, a cat nap — while the ground staff clean the aircraft. But how about during longer stops? Here's a look at some of the things we usually do.
Enjoy Special Perks Just for Crew Members
Many airlines have started opening up crew-only facilities at hub airports. While crew lounges have been a fixture at airports for years, many now also offer gyms and even spas! Who wouldn't love getting a mani/pedi between flights or running off some of that stress on the treadmill? Almost every airport I've flown through offers crew discounts, so of course we love to do a bit of shopping as well. Brussels Airport (BRU) takes the cake here though, with a crew-only duty free shop that can only be accessed from the tarmac — the crew smoking lounge is right next door and is quite the social hub. The KLM Crew Centre in Amsterdam (AMS) has gorgeous high-ceilings and a light, airy feeling about it, perfect for enjoying a coffee between flights, while the Emirates Crew Centre in Dubai (DXB) has a Duty-Free shop with steeply discounted prices (AMS has one, too).
Many crew-only lounges also have sleeping rooms with big, cozy recliners in case you fancy a nap before your next hop, and will have bathrooms fully stocked with toiletries, irons and everything else you'd need to spruce up before you get back in the air. Crew lounges also have special rooms where FAs can be briefed before they begin a trip — usually in a large room with conference tables or a screen on the wall displaying pertinent information about the crew and flight ahead.
Treat Ourselves to a Great Meal
We love to eat, and airline food can only be so good, as I'm sure you know by now. Here are some of my favorite airports to grab a bite.
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS): Home to great cafés, cold beer — when we're not on duty, of course — amazing fresh juices and delicious sushi at the Albert Heijn Market.
- Athens International Airport (ATH): I absolutely love the moussaka and kebabs served in the food court here — get even them put in a to-go box to enjoy on the plane and make everyone around you jealous.
- Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): There are so many spots scattered throughout the airport if you wan to get that last Pad Thai or curry, and all of them are just so delish! Silom Village on the departures level is a personal favorite — get the wicked mango and sticky rice to go.
- Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (CPH): Another great food court, including iconic Danish bakery chain Lagkagehuset, a great spot to grab a delicious sandwich on the go. There's also YO! Sushi, perfect if you have a slightly longer layover and are craving something fishy.
- Los Angeles International (LAX): If you're lucky enough to be puttering about Terminal 5, stop by the Lemonade outlet, which serves up delicious fresh salads, main dishes and of course, lemonade.
- Mexico City International (MEX): Visit the fabulous food court in Terminal 2 before security, where you can get fresh tamales and delicious chilaquiles before you go.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (JFK): Terminal 4 has recently undergone a massive renovation and now includes not one but two Shake Shack outlets. A burger and a shake instead of chicken or beef? Yes, please!
Do the Old Slam-Click
A ubiquitous term within the airline industry, slam-clicking refers to the practice of slamming your hotel door, clicking the lock behind you and not making an appearance again until it's time to go back to work. Sometimes you just need a little me time between flights and when you do, SLAM CLICK! What happens behind said hotel door, you'll never know...
Keep Up With Training
As you know all too well, the only constant in the airline industry seems to be change. For us, keeping up with all the changes in the way we do service requires a lot of work, what with all the new products being offered and the old products being discontinued. To keep us all up-to-date, in addition to our annual visits to the training center, flight attendants are required to do computer based training modules — or CBTs as they're referred to at most airlines — throughout the year. They can often only be completed on a computer located in a crew lounge, so a few hours between flights is the perfect time to bang out a few.
Clean Up Shop
Depending on what carrier we fly for, some of us are tasked with cleaning the cabin. In that case, as soon as you're off the plane, it's into the aisle we go to try to get things tidied up and ready for the next group of passengers. This is a task we try to do as quickly and efficiently as possible, with the end goal of having time for a little snooze before our next guests board.
Do you have a question for Carrie A. Trey? Let us know in the comments, below.
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Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.