#fal*

[flygirlreads]

I got cleared to work and am proud to say I got a Paris for next week and it’s about damn time, I need some more butter.

[flygirlreads]

I’m afraid of flying but have to soon. Any tips?

Honestly, it depends on the reason you are scared to fly…But I’ll give you a general list to help.

Know you itinerary. Take a screen shot of the email and set it as the lock screen on your phone. This way you know ALL flight times and flight numbers

Download the airline’s app. Most of the legacy carriers in the US you can create a free rewards account. Create the account, download the app, and upload your confirmation number to the app. It will then sync your travel day to the app and help you stay up to date on airports, possible delays, and other things.

Stay hydrated. Flying can be drying and exhausting. Staying hydrated can help keep you calm and focused. (Bring a refillable water bottle to refill past security.)

Depending on the airport, be there about 2 hours before the flight. This gives you enough time to check a bag if you have too and get through security without rushing. If you get short for time and have to rush, it can add to the stress.

When you’re boarding, if you are comfortable, ask the flight attendants to talk to the pilots. Usually they’ll let you. Familiarizing yourself with the faces that are flying the plane tends to help. The guys and gals upfront are usually super nice and love a face saying hello.

Be OK with telling a flight attendant “I’m sorry I am a bit of a nervous flyer and might seem a little stressed on this flight.. I just wanted to tell you now.” While you’re boarding or when they do their final safety checks.

Bring a set of GOOD earphones and pre-download movies/shows to any electronic device you can. Pack a good book, a crossword puzzle. Just bring things to help keep you entertained so your mind can focus on other things!

Have fun. Flying is actually the safest mode of transportation! 

And lastly, have a meditation app, or a breathing app. If you get super stressed, these can help when you feel the stress coming. (Also ring a flight attendant call button and tell them. We’re trained to help you! They’ll probably give you oxygen and it helps SO MUCH.)

[flygirlreads]

Do you work for a legacy carrier?

Yes, I do! 

[flygirlreads]

1.As a flight attendant, if you need time off do you get it? Like is your work understanding with your wrist injury? 2. Are there good health benefits? 3. When you travel this summer, are you going alone?

I could write a whole manual on my schedule. Moral of the story, yes if we need time off we can stack our trips so we get time off. I usually am off the first week of the month, work the middle two with 1 day off between each group of 7, and then have the last week off. My wrist injury is actually worker’s comp, so I am out of work because I literally can’t use my hand and am getting partial pay for my time off. It’s short term disability. The health benefits are OK they could be better in my opinion, but honestly some coverage is better than none and I’m thankful that it’s reasonable. If I do get to travel this summer, most of it will probably be alone. Unless I convince my mom or my sister to go! 

[flygirlreads]

Hiding in the bathroom: a novel by me

[flygirlreads]

*internally screaming bc passengers are coming down the jet bridge any minute and I haven’t finished my snacks*