Flight attendants seem to live an ideal life — getting paid to fly to exotic locations and traveling the world in a way that should guarantee safety.
Unrelated flight photo | Omar Prestwitch/Unsplash
However, a much darker aspect of the job is below the surface, as revealed by a former flight attendant with years of experience.
In an interview with VICE, a former flight attendant with six years of experience with low-cost and premium airlines in Asia discussed her time in what she learned to view as a “hyper-sexualized and glorified job.”
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She explains that the almost expected unruliness from customers can sometimes go to extremes, especially when dealing with issues sexual in nature. From dealing with a man masturbating on board to the many couples that get caught having sex, flight attendants must deal with all the awkwardness that comes with it.
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On a more serious note, flight attendants are also targets of violence and harassment, sometimes even from their own crew. In addition to seeing a co-worker get splashed and burned with hot noodles, the interviewee also revealed that she had been targeted after refusing to have sex with the captain.
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Flight attendants are often known for their beauty as the face of the airline, and it seems many go to extreme measures to maintain their appearances, as required by the airline. The interview subject revealed that many were known to do a multitude of drugs while on the job to keep their weight low, as well as seek out dangerous plastic surgeries.
Failure to pass an appearance check by the grooming manager could result in being grounded til the “issues” like weight gain and skin condition were fixed.
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With such a focus on appearance, the interviewee’s most shocking revelation might not be surprising; many flight attendants were prostituted to rich and powerful clients, going along with it to stay employed.
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She finished the interview by revealing her struggles since leaving the industry and warning others of the dangers of being a flight attendant.
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You can check out the full interview below.
