Glimpse into the life of a Flight Attendant
The world of a Flight Attendant is a world filled with mystery, intrigue, and secrets. Enter Heather Poole, a veteran Flight Attendant who published a tell-all book on the “glamorous” life that she’s lead for nearly 20 years. “Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crashpads, Crew Drama, and Crazy Passengers at 35,000 Feet
I picked up the book about a month ago because I follow Heather on Twitter (@Heather_Poole), and enjoy her quips and observations about the airline industry. I started to peruse the book on Amazon using their free preview and found myself angry that they had cut out certain pages of each chapter.
My reading this afternoon. Amazon’s preview had me hooked after two pages so I ordered up a copy. @Heather_Poole pic.twitter.com/Hz2WoVZQYi
— Christøpher Sant (@chmsant) July 5, 2015
She even responded…
@Heather_Poole I can’t wait to read it all. You know it’s good when I found myself upset at Amazon for hiding pages mid-story.
— Christøpher Sant (@chmsant) July 5, 2015
That’s how you know a book is REALLY good.
After reading the book I have an even greater appreciation for the world that Heather and others live at 35,000ft. Granted, I try my best to greet the flight crew, have my drink order prepared, and make sure to say please and thank you. Sure it’s part of their job to provide beverage service, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be thanked for their work. The other reason I wanted to read the book is because it reflects a lifestyle I almost joined back in 2011. In February of that year, I interviewed for an Italian-speaking Flight Attendant position with a mainline carrier alongside a friend of mine, who I knew from Italy. Long story short, she got the job and has been flying ever since. I was stuck in a holding pattern of sorts for quite a while until I finally got that “Thanks but no thanks” email. While this friend and I don’t talk that often any more, I’ve always enjoyed the snapchats and stories she’s shared about the world that many people don’t understand. “Cruising Attitude” fills in some gaps, and allows us a glimpse of what it’s truly like on the other side of that beverage cart.
I’ve written before about how it’s important to take care of those that take care of you, and what you shouldn’t do on a flight, but let me add a few more things that Heather suggests:
- Make eye contact with the Flight Attendant
- Use your “Please” and “Thank-You’s”. (It’s good habit, but it will also make your mother proud.)
- Be kind.
Heather, thanks for sharing your stories. I hope one day to be on your flight, have you sign my book, and catch a few of those witty quips in person. Until then, safe skies!
If you’d like to order up a copy of “Cruising Attitude” for yourself, just head on over to Amazon by clicking the picture below.
