Should Flight Attendants Be Nicer?

Between climbing mountains in Peru, exploring the chaos of India, and celebrating our ninth wedding anniversary in Nepal, we have covered a lot of ground this year, and this week we are sharing the highlights, the surprises, and the stories that didn’t make it to Instagram. It was two group trips and one very non-casual “low-key” anniversary adventure, and each one was completely different from the last.We recap showing up in Lima in the middle of a city-wide celebration, the difference between Machu Picchu’s two circuits (one of which nearly did Andrew in), watching the Taj Mahal glow at sunrise, and a Nepal trip that ended up being more peaceful than either of us expected. Plus, Rich’s story about a very annoying passenger on the flight home, a plea for five stars on Apple Podcasts, and a thank you to Staff Traveler for helping us get from India to Nepal on a budget.Episode Highlights:[0:00] Welcome to Episode #58![1:27] Drew on “vacation mode”[2:12] Rich & the Karen inflight[4:35] 5 stars on Apple Podcasts![6:31] Peru taught us a valuable lesson[9:45] Our immersion in Lima [12:21] The beauty of Machu Picchu[16:07] The biggest surprise about Peru[20:35] Unpacking India[22:12] Delhi was cool and overwhelming![24:25] Indian food was just amazing![27:53] Agra and Taj Mahal[29:26] Taj Mahal took our breath away[32:17] The Pink City[34:19] Shout out to the SHEROES![38:10] StaffTraveler is our travel buddy[40:50] Was Nepal the best choice?[42:27] Stumbling into an art festival in Kathmandu [44:05] Sharing momos[45:40] Having a local guide helps a lot[47:38] Stepping back in time in Bhaktapur[49:04] Why Andrew wasn't able to climb Mt. Everest[50:55] A treat for us, wellness people[52:53] The peace in Nepal[54:42] The Lab, a vinyl and cocktail bar![56:27] The  teamwork, love, and sceneries in Peru[58:36] Witnessing survivability and support in India[59:29] Slightest glimmer of hope[59:59] Travel with Two Guys![1:00:51] Our big favorText us or leave us a voicemail! This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app! If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out StaffTraveler for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Download StaffTraveler, The #1 Non-Rev App! (It's FREE!)Join the Galley Gang for behind-the-scenes content!Submit your story for our Galley Gossip segment!Travel with us on one of our upcoming trips!Music by Griefcat

If you could go back in time and give your new-hire self one piece of advice, what would it be? We asked flight attendants on Threads, and the answers poured in. This week they go through their favorite responses (from “drink more water” to “don’t sleep with pilots,” which Andrew respectfully amends) and our own hard-earned lessons, like keeping ramen in your bag, learning to bid while you’re still on reserve, and never being the person who hands their drink back to the flight attendant mid-service.We also take a moment to talk directly to the senior flight attendants who think new hires should suffer because they did, and explain why “that’s how we’ve always done it” is not a good enough reason. Plus, Andrew’s rant on passengers who stand up seven times during boarding to dig in the overhead bin, and a Galley Gossip story from a listener’s 96-year-old mom, who flew for American Airlines in 1953.Join our conversation on Threads - https://www.threads.com/@twoguysonaplaneEpisode Highlights:[0:00] Welcome to Episode #57![1:04] Rich, drinks, & the chaotic colleague[6:48] Nesting bags are essential[9:39] Like and subscribe![10:51] #1 - Drink lots of water[12:22] #2 - Take care of your feet[13:31] #3 - Don’t sleep with pilots…or have fun[14:36] #4 - Love your fellow crew members[17:06] #5 - Be mindful all the time[18:12] #6 - Avoid the commute[19:36] #7 - Download StaffTraveler![20:33] #8 - Have your work bag ready always[21:55] #9 - Pack the night before[22:54] #10 - Don’t be the last one[24:00] #11 - The job gets better over time[25:00] #12 - Food is life[27:39] #13 - Go to bed and rest![28:36] #14 - Set your boundaries[30:55] #15 - Bid smart & read your contract [33:12] #16 - Health is wealth[34:52] #17 - Stay out of trouble[37:28] #18 - Compassion and empathy[38:31] #19 - Be kinder to new hires[42:42] #20 - Take things seriously [46:07] #21 - Enjoy your aviation career[46:36] Rich’s advice: Don’t overspend[47:56] Drew’s advice: Use your flight perks & benefits[49:44] Join Two Guys on our trips![51:21] Galley GossipText us or leave us a voicemail! This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app! If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out StaffTraveler for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Download StaffTraveler, The #1 Non-Rev App! (It's FREE!)Join the Galley Gang for behind-the-scenes content!Submit your story for our Galley Gossip segment!Travel with us on one of our upcoming trips!Music by Griefcat

Every time we post “please stop biting flight attendants” on social media, someone in the comments asks who on earth is doing that. This week, we answer with a tour of the most recent viral passenger incidents of the past couple of years, and explain what the videos don’t show about what’s happening behind the scenes: the steps crew take before things escalate, why diversions and restraints are a last resort, and why flight attendants can’t give you the benefit of the doubt near an aircraft door.Along the way, we dig into the FAA’s unruly passenger numbers, how alcohol becomes a whole-crew conversation the moment a drink is poured, and the exit row briefing that gets people in trouble. Plus, Rich’s chaotic summer of Houston turns (Andrew has officially banned him from the city), a call for five stars on Apple Podcasts, a Galley Gossip story about a flight attendant who blamed everything on her coworker’s zodiac sign, and a heavier-than-usual closing conversation about what these incidents do to the flight crew who endure them.Episode Highlights:[0:00] Welcome to Episode #56![1:07] The season transition & wilder passenger stories[1:51] Rich’s chaotic summer flying[2:14] Banned from Houston![4:46] Low Apple Podcasts rating?[6:13] Unruly passengers stats[8:10] A passenger punches flight attendants[9:36] Drew’s take on Soma Blair’s incident[12:51] An unruly passenger duct-taped to the seat[18:26] Passenger opening an emergency exit[19:31] A disruptive passenger & aircraft doors[22:39] Stabbing with a fork (gets arrested!)[25:22] Breaking the panels[27:59] Restraints free…twice[28:50] Intoxicated & a skateboard weapon[33:05] Swallows rosary beads then fights[35:23] Passenger panics during landing[39:09] UFC Champ disagreement[44:07] Slaps a flight attendant’s backside[46:27] A woman strips naked[50:42] We love you, Galley Gang![52:15] Galley GossipText us or leave us a voicemail! This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app! If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out StaffTraveler for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Download StaffTraveler, The #1 Non-Rev App! (It's FREE!)Join the Galley Gang for behind-the-scenes content!Submit your story for our Galley Gossip segment!Travel with us on one of our upcoming trips!Music by Griefcat

Flights get delayed, policies make no sense, and the first person you vent to is usually a gate agent or flight attendant. Here’s the thing: half the time,  we are just as annoyed as you are, and often they aren’t even getting paid while it’s happening. This week they go through 25 things airlines do that drive passengers and crew crazy, from delays with zero information to connection times that no human could make.Hear our rants about the people who book the aisle and window and then pass a laptop over the middle seat, We tell a story of a tiny emotional support dog, a very messy plate of chicken and rice, a surprise $200 tip, then settle the great “should airlines nickel-and-dime you” debate (with a eulogy for Spirit). Plus, a deeply personal plea for better wheelchair assistance and a request for more air vents on Airbus jump seats.PS: You can check out the Everyone’s A Little Queer Podcast HERE!Episode Highlights:[0:00] Welcome to Episode #55![1:16] Loving our new Two Guys merch[2:16] The thing that annoys Drew…and us[5:17]  Rich & the $200 tip[10:54] Subscribe to our YouTube channel! [12:22] Delays with no information[13:49] Departure times[17:05] Short connections[20:00] It can be really impossible[21:08] Overbooked[22:21] Small leg room[23:21] We love you, Spirit![24:38] The two schools of thought[27:56] Fares. boarding, restrictions[28:15] These carry-on policies[31:06] Charging checked bags[33:31] Bag rules[34:35] Seat selection[36:55] Separating families[38:13] We don’t love aircraft swaps[39:15] Communication problems[40:35] They just don’t work[42:04] The catering[42:58] Does this annoy you?[43:46] Not enough time to clean[45:03] It’s so hot in here[46:55] Understaffed![49:27] Schedules that don’t work[49:56] Policies should actually workText us or leave us a voicemail! This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app! If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out StaffTraveler for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Download StaffTraveler, The #1 Non-Rev App! (It's FREE!)Join the Galley Gang for behind-the-scenes content!Submit your story for our Galley Gossip segment!Travel with us on one of our upcoming trips!Music by Griefcat

Flight attendants, pilots, and gate agents all do it: they get on an airplane to get to the airport where they get on another airplane for work. We have both commuted at different points in their careers (Andrew for ten years, Rich for a rough six months of Megabus-and-regional-flight chaos), and this week we break down what it's actually like, from why people do it to what it costs them.We talk about crash pad life (including the hot bed vs. cold bed divide), why commuting is basically a second full-time job, and our hard-earned "commuter commandments," like befriending your gate agents, packing shelf-stable food, and never walking away from the gate just because the door closed. Plus a round of Would You Rather, a rant about the passenger who slept through his own deplaning, and a favor to ask of everyone listening on Apple Podcasts.Episode Highlights:[0:00] Welcome to Episode #54![1:16] Rich, the delays, and the sleepy passenger[3:01] It’s those passengers in the back[4:59] Drew & a mental health break[6:56] A  5-star rating would be nice![8:36] The struggle is real for closer commutes[10:35] Base hoppers[12:33] Each base has its own personality[14:15] The crazy part about commuting[15:45] What kind of commuter are you?[16:45] Flight attendant tip: Take the first flight of the day[18:04] Commuting is a second full-time job[20:05] Crash pads[25:35] Our worst commuting experiences[27:33] Commuter commandments[27:45] StaffTraveler: The #1 Nonrev App for commuters[29:54] Befriend gate agents[31:49] Snacks are essential[32:35] Know the weather[33:47] Never celebrate until takeoff[35:54] Let’s play: Would You Rather?[41:43] Is commuting worth it?Text us or leave us a voicemail! This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app! If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out StaffTraveler for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Download StaffTraveler, The #1 Non-Rev App! (It's FREE!)Join the Galley Gang for behind-the-scenes content!Submit your story for our Galley Gossip segment!Travel with us on one of our upcoming trips!Music by Griefcat

There's nothing worse than boarding a new aircraft and finding the galley left in shambles by the previous crew. We spend plenty of time on this show discussing passenger etiquette, so this week we are turning the mirror on flight attendants and breaking down the unwritten rules of the galley, aka the office, the kitchen, the break room, the storage closet, etc., that also happens to sometimes be the only sane corner of the airplane.From wet counters and unlatched carts to hoarded ice mallets, a mysterious abundance of hand soap, and a heated debate over who actually answers the call bell, we’ll talk and laugh about what every crew member should be doing (and what flight attendants are all quietly guilty of).Episode Highlights:[0:00] Welcome to Episode #53![1:17] Drew & the crew’s pet peeves[3:06] Those galley behaviors[5:18] Rich & the nervous passenger[8:47] We love our Senior Mamas![10:30] Wipe the counters down[11:54] Restock your toppers[14:42] Downline supplies[16:26] The easiest flight attendant to work with[18:42] Dispose of trash properly[21:36] Get out of the way[24:01] Pitch in[26:42] Do you like answering call bells?[28:44] Just put it back[33:04] Be a good jumpseater[36:05] It should look better[38:33] Galley etiquette summed up![40:12] Galley GossipText us or leave us a voicemail! This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app! If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out StaffTraveler for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Download StaffTraveler, The #1 Non-Rev App! (It's FREE!)Join the Galley Gang for behind-the-scenes content!Submit your story for our Galley Gossip segment!Travel with us on one of our upcoming trips!Music by Griefcat

"Flight attendants used to be so much nicer." We have heard it all before—in this episode, we’ll actually sit with the question instead of dismissing it. The honest answer: sometimes, maybe, but being nice doesn't mean saying yes to everything, and a lot of what passengers read as rudeness is really just policy enforcement, boundary-setting, or a flight attendant who's already been ignored by 100 people that day.We get into real moments from the last few weeks—a maintenance-related reseating that turned into a shouting match, the exhausting experience of working with a coworker who makes offensive generalizations and doubles down when called out, and the psychology of why grown adults get so defensive about a seatbelt. They land somewhere honest: everyone, crew and passengers alike, could probably stand to give a little more grace. Plus, a Galley Gossip story that will make you rethink public grooming forever!Episode Highlights:[0:00] Welcome to Episode #52![1:32] Drew’s encounter with a family of six[5:25] Rich calls these people out[7:12] Seeing the beauty of other cultures[8:46] Should flight attendants be nicer?[10:30] The value of empathy and patience[11:56] You get the energy you give[13:58] When passengers ignore us[15:08] Saying “No” doesn’t make us the bad guys[16:18] There are policies to follow![17:53] Do adults hate being told what to do?[20:45] Our intent is not to fight with people![25:33] Bad days & picking fights[[26:24] Our encounter with that flight attendant[28:36] The bottomline[29:35] Did they mean to be rude?[32:34] Galley Gossip Text us or leave us a voicemail! This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app! If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out StaffTraveler for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Download StaffTraveler, The #1 Non-Rev App! (It's FREE!)Join the Galley Gang for behind-the-scenes content!Submit your story for our Galley Gossip segment!Travel with us on one of our upcoming trips!Music by Griefcat

Our DMs have been flooded with the same question: "What should I bring my flight attendants?" So this week, we settle it once and for all — with a big disclaimer up front that gifts are never required, just kindness. But since the trend isn't going anywhere, let’s break down practical gift-giving etiquette, the best (and worst) things passengers have actually brought them, and why unsealed "Nana's cookies" are hard no-no matter how good they smell.We talked about our last Peru group trip (Machu Picchu, non-negotiably difficult but worth every minute) and tease upcoming trips to Iceland, the Baltics, and Albania, before getting into a Galley Gossip story involving a suspiciously buzzing carry-on bag and a job interview gone hilariously sideways.Episode Highlights:[0:00] Welcome to Episode #51![1:20] Drew and 2 weeks of flying[2:35] Get ready for Rich[4:21] This is why StaffTraveler is the #1 non-rev app[7:43] Peru was AMAZING![11:09] Practical tips for gift-giving flight attendants[13:43] We love our gate agents and pilots[14:36] Greet us then give the gift[15:30] Don’t expect anything in return[16:43] Get creative, local treats, have variety[19:34] Flight attendants love coffee![23:07] Gifts we don’t recommend[27:45] Weird gifts (like tequila chocolate)[30:16] Drew is over the chocolate[32:52] Galley GossipText us or leave us a voicemail! This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app! If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out StaffTraveler for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Download StaffTraveler, The #1 Non-Rev App! (It's FREE!)Join the Galley Gang for behind-the-scenes content!Submit your story for our Galley Gossip segment!Travel with us on one of our upcoming trips!Music by Griefcat

We agree, turbulence, for first-time-flyers or even regular flyers, can get a little scary. And yes, your feelings are totally valid. In fact, we appreciate passengers who share their worries or fears with us.While we flight attendants can't promise that you’ll suddenly love flying, there are a few “flight attendant-approved” tips that you can try to make flying a little easier. In this episode, let’s talk about facts from IATA, our advice for anxious flyers, and how StaffTraveler helps us travel anywhere around the world! Know someone who is afraid of flying? Send them this episode to calm their nerves!Free Resources:Airplane Sounds Explained:https://safelyaboard.com/learn/sounds-on-a-flightTurbulence Forecaster:https://safelyaboard.com/turbulenceOriginal Music by GriefcatEpisode Highlights:[0:00] Welcome to Episode #50![1:14] Facts from IATA[2:27] Summer has been summering[4:16] Rich threw a cookie at a passenger!?[6:57] If you’re a nervous flyer, talk to us[10:49] Turbulence can be uncomfortable[14:23] Watch us[17:05] Normal noises[18:20] Have faith in your flight crew[20:00] Choose wisely[21:46] Distract yourself during takeoff[22:42] Don’t doomscroll[23:46] It’s okay to be a nervous flyer![25:30] Redundancy keeps us safe[27:14] Drew’s perfect landing…on a jumpseat[29:08] Flight attendants are always ready[32:04] We travel the world with StaffTraveler[35:57] Galley GossipText us or leave us a voicemail! This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app! If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out StaffTraveler for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Download StaffTraveler, The #1 Non-Rev App! (It's FREE!)Join the Galley Gang for behind-the-scenes content!Submit your story for our Galley Gossip segment!Travel with us on one of our upcoming trips!Music by Griefcat

We’re taking a closer look at the current state of the aviation industry. This is our time to talk about the realities, empathize with each other, and discuss what’s really going on in aviation right now.We’re so excited to have labor leader Sara Nelson in the studio with us this week. Sara is the International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO and was called “America’s most powerful flight attendant” by The New York Times. She is currently leading over 55,000 aviation first responders in 20 airlines all over the United States. Her relentlessness and willpower make her an icon for all of us.We get into the shutdown of Spirit Airlines and what it means for thousands of workers, the situation involving ICE and flight attendant Enzo Thompson, the continued strain on our Air Traffic Control system, government shutdowns, recent aviation incidents, and the bigger question so many crew members are asking: should we be worried about where the airline industry is headed?Sara also shares her perspective on what flight attendants should be paying attention to, what we can actually do, and why having a strong collective voice matters SO much right now.Solidarity forever!Chapters:[0:00] Welcome to Episode #49![1:37] Sara Nelson on labor movements[5:11] The amazing letter carriers union [6:18] Working people have to fight back[7:34] Our air traffic controllers[12:19] The BIG issue [16:49] Everything is political[19:58] Are flight attendants safe?[25:44] Yes, flight attendants want unions[31:35] Let’s talk about Spirit Airlines[35:44] Unions support and protect flight attendants[38:57] We love Spirit flight attendants! [44:45] Should we be concerned?[49:30] At the forefront of people's rights[51:25] Using power for the greater benefit[56:46] Flight attendants are first responders[1:00:16] Flight attendants represent[1:01:43] Sara Nelson has high hopes[1:05:56] The magic of flying[1:09:25] Let’s play Cross-checked!Text us or leave us a voicemail! This episode was brought to you by StaffTraveler, the #1 non-rev app! If you travel on standby and are looking to make your journey easy and stress-free, check out StaffTraveler for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.Download StaffTraveler, The #1 Non-Rev App! (It's FREE!)Join the Galley Gang for behind-the-scenes content!Submit your story for our Galley Gossip segment!Travel with us on one of our upcoming trips!Music by Griefcat