Two Guys on a Plane

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-s...

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 d...

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 p...

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 s...

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 malle...

"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 reseatin...

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 (Ma...

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 hel...

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 a...

People have so many common misconceptions about us, flight attendants, and the aviation industry. Being a flight attendant is all about ensuring every passenger is safe and comfortable on board. While we enjoy great flight perks and benefits, our schedules can be incredibly tricky to manage. In this episode, we’re breaking down the 15 common misconceptions people have about flight attendants and what our routine actually looks like. Is being a flight attendant an easy job? Let’s laugh and t...

We have been on countless flights where passengers can’t seem to find anything…including the menu in their seatback pocket. While we love helping out in any way possible, we always advise looking around your seat or checking the signage before asking. In this episode, we’re talking about where the menu is hiding and the “passenger overwhelm” with all the signs, announcements, and in almost everything onboard. Next time you are on a flight, don’t forget to check your seatback pocket! ...

We’ve seen some unpopular travel opinions on social media lately. Let’s talk about them and laugh about how some on this list can make us go uhh… While travel opinions might help us become better and more prepared travelers, they might not be the best pieces of advice to share. Ask someone reliable—and of course, listen to our podcast where we share fun and practical travel advice on all things aviation-related. In this episode, we’ll comment on the 13 travel opinions shared with us by our f...

Oh, the seatbelt sign is on. What should I do? Well, first, you can stay seated and listen to us flight attendants! We can’t predict turbulence, but we can ensure your safety onboard. In this episode, let’s talk about turbulence and why you should stay buckled in-flight. If you can stay buckled on an hour-long car ride, why can’t you on an airplane? Right? Episode Highlights: [0:00] Welcome to Episode #45! [1:12] Why stay buckled? [2:10] Drew & wild turbulence [3:48] We just can’t pr...

Hollywood has a lot to say about flight attendants! While we aren’t always depicted correctly, we still love most of the shows on this list. Flight attendants are trained to be safety-centered and approachable, yet we're often portrayed as overly dramatic or the first to panic in critical situations. In this episode, we’re breaking down 20 movies & TV shows that may or may not have properly depicted us aviation crew. Let’s talk about pop culture and how these portrayals have evolved over...

Side hustles are the best way to fully express yourself, explore more hobbies, and fuel the passions you’ve always wanted to pursue. Most flight attendants we know have a side hustle or “side quest” they are deeply passionate about. In this episode, we are honored to feature the Queen of Side Hustles herself, Kara Adams! Kara is a loving mom, flight attendant, artist, author, yoga instructor, and so much more. In this episode, she breaks down how she manages multiple side hustles, builds he...

We’ve all been there. Getting on your first flight can be scary! But no matter how nerve-wracking it can get, flight attendants will always be there to ensure your safety onboard. With that being said, if you’re a first-time flyer… there’s a good chance your flight attendants can spot you a mile away! In this episode, we’re talking about the 15 signs that tell us you are a first-time flyer, sharing our best flying advice, and spilling some of our favorite passenger experiences. Let’s laugh it...

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your schedule wondering how you’re supposed to do one more trip, counting down the days until vacation before your current one even starts, or questioning whether you still love a job you once couldn’t imagine doing anything else… this episode is for you. We’re talking all about flight attendant burnout—what causes it, what it looks like, and how we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) to navigate it. This isn’t one of those episodes where we pretend t...

What language are flight attendants speaking? No more guessing—you’ll learn the secret flight attendant terminology with us! In this episode, we’re decoding crew jargon, cryptic galley phrases, and the coded chaos of the aviation industry. We’ll break down important flight attendant terms, popular aviation acronyms, and trendy lingo only we aviation pros can understand. This might sound like a lot, but trust us, it’s not! Learn something new while having a laugh with the Galley gang. If we ...

Are all TikTok “travel hacks” even real? Obviously not! We’ll tell you which TikTok hacks are good, bad, or not even a hack at all. In this episode, we are debunking travel hacks that make us cringe. Listen to our “flight attendant-approved,” real-life advice and practical hacks that will make your trip safer and more comfortable. Don't believe everything that you see on TikTok. As responsible passengers, it is essential to do your research before every trip, ask advice from experienced trave...

Behind every airline is a huge group of hardworking people ensuring the safety and comfort of every flight. It is the frontliners who truly run the show and are the real heart of aviation. But what happens to the thousands of aviation professionals when an airline disappears? In this episode, we are talking with former Spirit Airlines flight attendant and union representative, Donald Gionta. Donald was with the airline for 8 years and is here to share his memorable experiences with Spirit, hi...

Happy Pride Month, everyone! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Let’s appreciate how far we’ve come as a community—how we’ve earned our place, gained a meaningful representation, and how we can walk freely and fearlessly anytime, anywhere. While there are still stereotypes surrounding the LGBTQ+ community and so much work to be done in breaking those stigmas, we can’t help but be proud of the progress and effort each of us is putting in to make our voices heard and our presence felt. “Why are many flight attendants g...

Have you seen the standby list in July? If you have, then you completely understand the stress and crazy things passengers go through at this time of the year. Non-Rev travel in the summer is not for the weak! You need a solid backup plan, good weather, and hopefully—an extra tablespoon of patience. Non-revving can be chaotic, and that’s okay! It has taught us the value of patience and flexibility. Plus, our loved ones always get a thrilling sense of adventure out of it! In this e...

This week, we are flying with a purpose. We recently connected with a team of inspiring individuals who work to make a resounding impact in their communities. Galley Gang, let’s remember that even our smallest acts of service can truly create a ripple effect that inspires change. In this episode, we are joined by Reid & Alé from Elevated Access—a non-profit organization that connects individuals who need to travel for gender-affirming care and abortion care with their growing network of ...

Are flight attendants judging you? (Maybe, just a little). In reality, we are focused on your safety and on-watch for potential threats or issues that might arise onboard. In this episode, we’re reacting to passenger red flags and how we “calmly” deal with them—from coping with rude remarks to managing a large group of rowdy adults. Trust us, a day in the life of a flight attendant is never short of drama and wild sights! A simple gesture of appreciation can completely change our ...

We need more good passengers on our flights! While people often think flight attendants are hard to approach, it’s actually incredibly simple. In reality, it’s the most basic acts of politeness and common courtesy that keep us flight attendants happy and grateful. In this episode, we’re throwing some well-deserved love and appreciation to all the lovely passengers out there. If you're already that model passenger, or just looking to become a certified “flight attendant favorite,”—this is defi...

Threads is our favorite social media platform right now! Why? Because we're able to share our most unhinged thoughts there…and apparently, they are very relatable! Join the conversation on Threads! We recently posted a poll on Threads and asked our audience, “Flight attendants, what is the most jaw-dropping thing you’ve ever seen a passenger do?” Surprisingly, we got a ton of interesting responses, and they didn’t disappoint. From sudden outfit changes to a tin foil hat, it’s like the w...

How do flight attendants balance raising a family with an unpredictable flying schedule? And what is it really like to work at 35,000 feet while pregnant? Our guest this week, Brittney, shares her firsthand experience as someone who’s living both lives — flight attendant and mom — and she’s not holding anything back! From working flights while pregnant (yes, it’s as intense as it sounds) to the reality of airline policies, she breaks down what actually happens behind-the-scenes and what most ...

We’re switching things up and having some fun today—because honestly, sometimes you just need to laugh about the chaos that comes with this job. We’re diving into an aviation-themed game of “Would You Rather,” and let’s just say… some of these choices had us questioning everything from our travel habits to our sanity. From standby wins to airport meltdowns, we’re breaking down the realities of life in the sky in the most unfiltered way possible. Along the way, we’re talking about flying in ba...

We’re sitting down with Adriana Brauckmann—host of The Pre Nup Podcast — to talk all things weddings, travel, and yes… flying fears. From destination weddings and honeymoon trends to the chaos of bachelor and bachelorette parties, this one’s packed with stories, laughs, and some seriously helpful insights if you’re planning a big trip (or a big day). We also flip the script and let Adriana grill us as nervous-flyer passengers. We get into turbulence, airplane mode myths, overhead bin drama, a...

As flight attendants, we learn so much during our new hire training and yet… there’s so much they don’t teach you! In this episode, we’re getting real about the stuff you only learn once you’re actually out there flying. From the chaos of adjusting to the lifestyle to the small habits that can make or break your experience, we’re sharing the advice we wish we had—and the advice you all brought to the table. We dive into everything from protecting your peace (and your sleep), to navigating cre...

In this episode, we’re taking you along on one of our wildest travel adventures yet—our group trip to Thailand. What should have been a smooth non-rev journey quickly turned into a chaotic travel saga involving snowstorms, canceled flights, last-minute tickets, and a four-hour Uber ride through a blizzard just to make it to the airport. Somehow, against all odds, we made it to Thailand… barely in time for the trip to begin. Once we arrived, though, the adventure really kicked off. From ...

Hotels. The glamorous perk of flight attendant life… until they’re not. This week, we’re pulling back the curtain on what crew hotel life is really like — the good, the weird, and the absolutely unhinged. From “food beds” vs. “sleeping beds” to conference tables with no actual beds in sight, we’ve seen it all. We’re also venting (just a little) about holiday passengers, airplane bathroom etiquette, and those deplaning sprinters who think row 37 is somehow first off the aircraft. Plus, in Gall...

February has us feeling reflective… and real. With Valentine’s Day just behind us, we’re discussing what it actually looks like to be married, both work as flight attendants, and somehow still like each other. People always ask us, “Do you ever even see each other?” And honestly? Sometimes… no! But we’ve learned how to turn that into our superpower. In this episode, we talk about intentional time, opposite schedules, missed trains at the airport, and the tiny rituals that keep us grounded whe...

So many people ask us, “How do I become a flight attendant?” and while the technical answer is simple—go to the airline’s website and apply—the real question is *what airline should you be applying to in the first place? In this episode, we take a step back and talk through everything you should seriously think about before you ever hit that apply button. From airline personality and uniforms to bases, commuting, aircraft types, pay structures, and company culture, we’re breaking down the stu...

Ever wonder how those wild aviation headlines actually come together, and what’s really going on behind the scenes when travel chaos hits the news? This week, we’re recording *on location* in New York City and flipping the script with someone who usually asks us the questions. We’re joined by consumer travel reporter Zach Wichter, and trust us, this one is packed with insight, laughs, and plenty of “oh wow, that tracks” moments. We dig into passenger behavior, TikTok “travel hacks,” accessibi...

Ever think about the firsts that shape a career? In this episode, we’re taking a nostalgic stroll down memory lane and talking about the moments that made us who we are as flight attendants. From first trips and first layovers to the early chaos, nerves, and excitement that come with being brand new, we’re reflecting on why—despite the complaining—we really do love this job. Along the way, we get real about turbulence, crew bonding, passenger moments that stick with you forever, and those tim...

In this episode, we decided to flip the script a bit. You hear us complain about passengers all the time—on the podcast, on the jumpseat, in the galley, everywhere. So today, we handed the mic to you: the passengers. We asked what flight attendants do that drives you nuts, and wow… you did not hold back. From safety announcements you swear are unintelligible, to overhead bin drama, to call bells, credit card pitches, bad perfume, and everything in between—you told us exactly how you feel, and...

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the chaos, comfort, and absolute craziness of spending the holidays as flight attendants—and we brought two of our favorite people along for the ride. We’re joined by our friends and fellow crew members, Bre ane Caleb, who have somehow managed to turn missed holidays, graveyard-view hotel rooms, and granola-bar “Christmas dinners” into some of the most magical traditions we’ve ever experienced. Together, we talk about the wild layovers that shaped...

Ever wonder what it’s like to fly the skies on a whim, hopscotching from one city (or country!) to another without a confirmed seat in sight? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the wild, wonderful world of non-rev adventures — the ultimate flight attendant perk. From unexpected detours to last-minute jaunts across the globe, we’re sharing our favorite standby travel stories and tips for how to navigate the chaos with humor and heart. We’re spilling all the tea on the perks (and perils) o...

In this special Veterans Day episode, we sit down with the incomparable Keturah Johnson—combat veteran, flight attendant, and International Vice President of AFA-CWA. As the first queer woman of color and veteran elected to serve in this powerful union role, Keturah shares her extraordinary journey from the tarmac to the battlefield to the picket lines. She opens up about her military service during “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” her fierce advocacy for trans rights, and the fight for visibility an...

Have you ever wished there was a school for airplane passengers? Well, class is in session! In this episode, we're diving headfirst into the do’s and don’ts of airplane etiquette, straight from the galley to your ears. From overhead bin blunders to bare feet horror stories, we’re breaking down everything that makes us cringe—and laugh—when flying the friendly skies. And yes, we’ve got thoughts on your speakerphone convos and tuna sandwiches too. We’re sharing real listener stories, our own in...

Jet lag—it’s that relentless travel companion we never asked for but always seem to bring along. In this episode, we’re unpacking the reality of jet lag from the flight attendant perspective: what works, what totally doesn’t, and the hilarious and horrifying travel stories we’ve collected along the way. Whether you’re someone who swears by strategic napping or you’re just trying to make it to the Airbnb without puking into a canal (hi, Amsterdam), this one’s for you. We’re also diving into Ti...

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into one of the biggest debates in the airline world: regional versus mainline flying. Rich has always flown mainline, while Drew brings a ton of insight from his years working at a regional airline. So we’re unpacking the real differences in schedules, pay, camaraderie, catering (or lack thereof), and what it truly means to fly solo on a 50-seater. Whether you're in the industry, considering becoming a flight attendant, or just a curious traveler, this...

Ever wondered what flight attendants really think about your in-flight behavior? In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into a spicy list of audience-submitted hot takes about air travel—and trust us, some of these takes had us howling, gasping, and nodding in agreement. From flip-flops in the lav to the eternal debate over seat reclining, we’re unpacking it all from 35,000 feet. We also kick things off with a little summer flying catch-up—how we keep ourselves sane (and stylish) on those sw...

Ever feel like your flight attendants are just out to nag you? In this episode, we’re pulling back the galley curtain to explain why those “annoying” reminders—seat belts, tray tables, and stowing your bag—are actually life-saving safety protocols. From clear-air turbulence to last-minute emergencies, we walk through the real reasons why the little things we ask of passengers matter in a big way. Trust us, it’s not about being on a power trip—we genuinely care. We’re also sharing a wild in-fl...

This week, we’re beyond thrilled to welcome Sara Nelson, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA), into the studio. From wrangling a six-foot-seven passenger mid-flight to wrangling billion-dollar contracts at the bargaining table, Sara brings stories, laughs, and powerful truths about the airline industry you won’t hear anywhere else. We talk about her nearly 30-year career, the moments that lit her fire for union advocacy, and why solidarity is the most impo...

Ever wonder what really goes down on a flight crew layover? In this episode, we’re pulling back the hotel room curtain and dishing on the layover life—whether we’re out chasing the best food spots or locked in our rooms with Netflix and snacks. From wild travel delays to postcard collections, this episode is a true behind-the-scenes look at the weird, wonderful, and sometimes downright chaotic world of flight attendant downtime. We dive into what makes or breaks a layover (spoiler: it’s not j...

Ever wondered if you should be tipping your flight attendants? In this episode, we break down the complex world of in-flight tipping and gifting. We dive into what tipping means in our industry, the fine line between appreciation and expectation, and why a genuine "thank you" can go further than a $5 bill. We also share some of our favorite (and cringiest) experiences receiving treats, tips, and thoughtful surprises in the sky. We talk all things passenger courtesy, the psychology of gifting,...

Ever wondered how we flight attendants actually plan our lives around the chaos of air travel? In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the mystery of our schedules. From the strategies we use (or don’t) when bidding for monthly trips, to how our contracts shape our work rules, we’re breaking it all down in a way only two seasoned crew members can. And no, we don’t just work weekdays or fly the same routes over and over again. We’re diving into why one of us crams all the hours into...

Hey friends! We’ve got a special one for you today – joining us in the studio is none other than our amazing friend Heather Phillips! She flew in just for this, and we couldn’t be more pumped to have her with us. Originally from Knoxville and now repping the Windy City, Heather has a wild, inspiring journey from answering a newspaper ad at 19 to spending 12+ years in the skies and now thriving as an airline recruiter. In this episode, we talk about all things in the world of airline recruitin...

Hey friends! In this episode, we’re diving into a topic we get asked about all. the. time. — why does it seem like so many flight attendants are gay? We’re breaking down the stereotypes, the realities, and sharing our personal journeys as a queer married couple working in aviation. From uniform policies to cultural experiences, from the freedom of anonymity to the challenges of truly being seen — we get into it all. We’re also talking about how this industry has given us the space to be our l...

Ever wonder if you'd thrive wandering the streets of Paris solo or if you're better off swapping stories over cocktails with new travel buddies in Bali? In this episode, we’re soaring into the pros and cons of solo vs. group travel—from creepy stares at 35,000 feet to magical nights under the Eiffel Tower. We’re opening up about our own travel habits, biggest surprises, and a few hilarious (and slightly sketchy) stories from our journeys. We’ll also chat about how our flight attendant perks h...

What happens when two flight attendants fall in love at 35,000 feet? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain (literally) on what it’s like to date and build a life together while living the chaotic, beautiful, and always unpredictable life of flight crews. From long layovers to long-distance romance, we’re sharing our own story of how we met in the skies, made it work, and how our relationship has taken flight over the last 11 years. We talk about everything from early awkward first e...

Let's get into the good stuff—and by that, we mean the things that make our eyes twitch and our patience disappear at 35,000 feet. We asked you on Threads, “What’s something people do on planes or in airports that drives you absolutely nuts?” And wow… y’all did not hold back. From people who act like the overhead bins are their personal closets to those who think the aisle is a yoga studio, we’re diving into some of the most hilariously frustrating behaviors that we as flight attendants—and f...

In this episode, we’re sharing the story that started it all leading us to a life at 35,000 feet. We’re rewinding the clock and taking you through our very first steps into the world of aviation. From spotting a newspaper ad to late-night wine-fueled job applications, our journeys to the jump seat couldn’t have been more different—but they both led us to a career we absolutely love. If you've ever been curious about the real-life process behind becoming a flight attendant—or thought it was ju...

Welcome back to Two Guys on a Plane! This episode is extra special because it’s all about YOU. We opened up our Instagram and let you ask us anything — and you guys did not hold back. From how we met, to our favorite layovers, our most unforgettable celebrity encounters, and even our weirdest finds in the seatback pockets... we’re spilling it all. We’re soaring into flight attendant life, our personal travel hacks, favorite airports, and of course, plenty of hilarious stories along the way. T...

Hey y’all, it’s Rich and Drew—your favorite flight attendants and meme-makers—and we’re officially bringing you behind the curtain (and out of the galley) with the very first episode of the Two Guys on a Plane podcast! This “pilot” episode is our chance to spill all the tea on how our now-not-so-little Instagram account went from cheesy travel pics to a community-driven platform full of memes, laughs, and heartfelt stories from flight attendants around the world. We’re talking about where the...

Buckle up, jet setters! We’re Drew and Rich — two seasoned flight attendants with enough miles traveled and coffee stains to last a lifetime — and we’re pulling back the galley curtain on life at 35,000 feet. On Two Guys on a Plane, we’ll share everything from hilarious mid-air meltdowns and heartfelt cabin confessions to the wildest in-flight moments we’ve faced, with just enough sarcasm to keep your tray tables upright and locked. While we can’t promise to get you a free upgrade, we can pro...