Flight

Cabin crew adopt a specific safety posture with hands on their thighs during critical flight phases – and there’s an important reason behind it

For most flyers, those brief minutes before takeoff and after landing pass by in a blur — heads buried in mobile phones, half-watching the safety demonstration, or simply killing time until the aircraft reaches cruising altitude. However, for cabin crew members, these seemingly routine moments represent the most dangerous stretches of any flight, demanding razor-sharp attention, rigorous protocols and a meticulously rehearsed physical stance that passengers often notice but seldom comprehend.

Throughout these critical periods, flight attendants are vigilantly scanning the cabin to guarantee everything is properly secured. Travellers must remain seated with seatbelts fastened, tray tables tucked away and seats in the upright position, enabling the crew to devote their complete attention to safety matters.

Aviation experts confirm this elevated level of alertness is crucial, as the vast majority of incidents take place during takeoff and landing.

In conversation with Travel + Leisure, Katherine Drossos, a qualified flight attendant and in-flight supervisor at Cirrus Aviation Services, outlined the importance of these crucial moments. “During the critical phases of flight, specifically takeoff and landing, cabin hosts ensure the cabin is fully secure and passengers are seated, briefed, and prepared. This allows full focus on safety during the most sensitive portions of the flight,” she says.

Part of that groundwork involves the safety briefing, which details seatbelt usage, oxygen masks and life jackets. However, once the demonstration wraps up and the plane starts climbing or descending, travellers might notice something else: cabin crew seated bolt upright in their jump seats with their hands positioned firmly on their thighs or tucked underneath their legs, reports the Express.

While many assume they are merely “sitting on their hands”, Drossos clarifies the stance is deliberate. “What passengers often interpret as cabin hosts ‘sitting on their hands’ is actually a deliberate brace-ready position. Cabin hosts sit upright in the jump seat with feet flat on the floor and hands secured on their thighs or beneath the legs,” she explains.

“This posture stabilises the body, minimises the risk of injury during sudden movement or turbulence, and ensures hands are immediately available to respond if an evacuation or safety action is required.”

While precise hand positioning may differ based on airline protocol or aircraft model, the objective stays the same. Drossos points out that the stance is engineered to maintain “stability, alertness, and immediate readiness during the most critical phases of flight”.

The physical stance is merely one element of the procedure. While seated, cabin crew simultaneously undertake a silent mental rehearsal of emergency protocols.

“While seated, cabin hosts also conduct a silent safety review, mentally walking through emergency procedures, identifying exits, and confirming evacuation commands and responsibilities,” Drossos explains. This guarantees they are entirely ready to respond immediately should anything go awry.

The technique shot to prominence after a flight attendant known as @_hennylim went viral on TikTok for demonstrating the routine. In her clip, she displayed two crew members boarding the plane, getting into their jump seats, securing their seatbelts and positioning their hands underneath their legs.

She characterised the stance as the “bracing position”, outlining that it requires sitting upright with palms facing upwards, thumbs tucked in, arms loose and feet planted firmly on the floor. The objective, she noted, is to limit movement and minimise injury should an unexpected impact occur.

Passengers are not obliged to adopt the identical brace position, but aviation professionals recommend staying alert during safety demonstrations, studying the safety card, keeping seatbelts secured and ensuring seats are in the upright position during takeoff and landing. While it might appear straightforward, the manner in which flight attendants sit demonstrates comprehensive training and continuous alertness — a discreet yet crucial aspect of keeping everyone on board secure.

Travel vlogger Just Deano paid just £15 on Ryanair for a flight from Manchester to Spain’s Costa Del Sol, where he soon discovered a pub making a surprise claim

A man who booked what he claimed was Britain’s cheapest flight was gobsmacked by what awaited him at his destination. Content creator Just Deano set his alarm for the crack of dawn to catch his bargain departure from Manchester Airport.

Explaining his early start, he told viewers: “It was the cheapest flight hence why I had to get up at four in the morning!”

Using Skyscanner to hunt down the most wallet-friendly option, Deano snapped up a single Ryanair ticket to Malaga on Spain’s Costa Del Sol for just £15. Following his three-hour flight, he admitted he was simply “winging it” after failing to sort out somewhere to stay or a return journey home.

But after browsing Booking.com, he discovered a pod at a hostel in Malaga’s heart, costing him £111 for three nights. He remarked: “Just looking at this map here, I might have struck gold with where this hostel is, it is right in the centre of everything. I can see the cathedral and everything all round it so hopefully this is a pretty nice spot.”

Once he’d completed his lengthy trek and settled into the swanky Coeo Pod Hostel Beatas Malaga, Deano was ready to relax – and where better than an Irish pub?

Addressing his 36,600 followers, Deano revealed: “There is somewhere I am going first. I have changed my T-shirt; I’ve got my Guinness T-shirt on and I’ve got my Guinness socks on. But, when I was walking through this Old Town, I saw an extravagant claim by a pub.

“This one where I am going to claims to be the smallest Irish pub in the world. So we are going to go there, sample their Guinness, why not? It’s Friday night after all. This place is buzzing, absolutely buzzing with life.”

While there’s no official record holder for the world’s tiniest Irish pub, several establishments stake their claim, including The Dawson Lounge in Dublin and Lynott’s Pub on Achill Island. Since 2017, however, the Neil MacGregor pub in Malaga has proudly displayed signs throughout its compact premises declaring itself “the smallest Irish pub in the world”.

Arriving on a Friday evening, Deano acknowledged he’d chosen the “worst possible time” to drop by, as the outdoor seating area was heaving with drinkers. Nevertheless, he managed to secure a spot, and the barman delivered him a pint of the dark brew.

Savouring his drink, he remarked: “I have had my fair share of Guinnesses in Spain. Well, I’ve had my fair share of Guinness anywhere. That one was actually very very good. I was a bit worried when it first came out obviously it was absolutely mental as well. But that one, decent. Now, I don’t know how much it cost but I need to order another one just in case. I need to make sure if it were just a fluke.”

Wrapping up his visit, he reflected: “Ok, that was Neil MacGregor’s, the smallest Irish pub in the world apparently. I got the oldest pub in Ireland wrong a few months back so you can’t believe what’s written on the pub walls, can you?”

After sharing the video, which can be viewed in its entirety here, one viewer responded: “Deano, don’t get me wrong, but why would you go to the Costa del Sol, eat pizza, and go to an Irish Pub to drink Guinness? You can get that stuff on any high street in Britain. My only assumption is you feel ‘safe’ doing that. Get out there, man. Travelling a life adventure.”

Another commented: “Great price for that location hotels are expensive there. One of my favourite cities . Tapas bar next to the smallest bar does great food.”

A third chimed in with: “Wow deano that best hostel I’ve seen on your video.”

Roksana wants bigger passengers to have to be checked before they fly to make sure they fit

A woman says passengers who are overweight should be ‘checked like hand luggage at the airport’ after she was ‘squashed’ in her plane seat for hours by a woman who ‘used her as an arm rest’ and refused to get up to let he use the toilet.

Roksana Ashcroft, 22, was flying from Bangkok to London Heathrow, via Kazakhstan, after a month-long holiday when she found herself next to a larger passenger. Roksana claimed that the lady was “using her hip as an armrest.”

Roksana, from Nottingham, said: “I was sitting in the middle seat with a large lady to my right on the aisle seat who was using my hip and leg as an armrest. She was very rude when I asked her politely to let me out to go to the toilet seven hours into the flight, when I was in a lot of pain from her resting her arm on me.

“She refused to stand up, which is when, after 15 minutes, I decided to press the button to call for a flight attendant who was very helpful and didn’t take her ‘I’m too tired to stand up as an answer’. I was mortified. As soon as the lady sat down, she instantly lent her arm in front of mine, so it was like I was being pinned back by her arm.

“The flight was very uncomfortable and left my hip and leg in a lot of pain. I had to lean over to my boyfriend the whole flight to try and give her a bit more room. I believe airlines should either make seats bigger and accommodate plus-sized people, or they should bring in some sort of check-in method that would stop plus-size people from hanging over their seats just like they check baggage.”

The incident happened on an Air Astana flight on January 3. Roksana shared a video of the woman with the caption: “I’m sorry, but can we please start a petition for larger people to have to book two seats. Not to be rude, but because I spent nine hours with a lady leaning her arm on my hip and leaving me in so much pain”.

She said: “I took the video to document my journey as I do a lot of different vlogs. The reaction online has been quite mixed. A lot of people were agreeing and reposting the video, but then I had quite a few comments from people stating I should be buying an extra seat for myself instead of her.

“I obviously disagree with that after paying for a seat that I fit into perfectly fine. I understand not everyone wants to be filmed in public, but I think situations like this should be spoken about more to avoid these situations.

“A lot of people in the comment section have shared their own similar experiences. Air Astana is quite spacious compared to other airlines and offers booking a full row to yourself.”

Others were divided, as some agreed with Roksana and others slammed her for filming the passenger without her consent. One person said: “Can we please start a petition to stop filming people without them knowing.” Someone else said, “Or you could buy a first-class seat.”

Another person added: “I’m a bigger person and this is why I don’t fly. Because I don’t want someone filming me.”

A fourth person said: “I am a big lady and I always pay for two seats. It saves so many problems. I’m big because of medication so hopefully when I am off it I can go back to buying one seat.

“Do not expect to get the seats at the same price as everybody else.”

Someone else said: “Need to charge for person’s weight as they do with cases and provide larger seats.”

Another person added: “Airplanes should be like rides that have a specific seat size. If you can’t fit, you can’t fly.”

An Air Astana spokesperson said: “The airline regrets the impressions experienced by the passenger. Air Astana adheres to the principles of respectful and equal treatment of all passengers, and does not tolerate discrimination based on individual characteristics, and operates in strict compliance with aviation safety requirements.

“Passengers who prefer additional personal space may choose alternative seating options with enhanced comfort.”

Cabin crew member Cher shares the insider tricks she uses on every flight – from avoiding being bumped off oversold planes to protecting your skin at 30,000 feet

A cabin crew member has lifted the lid on her insider knowledge and disclosed the tricks she uses when travelling that passengers can adopt too. Flight attendants have racked up some of the best hacks on navigating air travel thanks to travelling the world.

Cher, who has been working on aircrafts for five years, shared three crucial tips she’s gathered during her time in the aviation industry. She ensures she implements her own advice even during personal trips to guarantee her journey runs smoothly.

Her guidelines can be applied by anyone, not just cabin crew, so keep them to hand for your upcoming getaway, reports the Express.

Check-in

Cher’s first recommendation is that she always checks in at the earliest opportunity for her flights when travelling as a passenger. She elaborated: “Airlines often do something called overselling the flight, which is where they sell more tickets than there are actual seats on board.”

The flight attendant explained that typically this system works as numerous passengers tend to miss their booked flight. But if that doesn’t happen, Cher noted you might hear a tannoy announcement at the airport offering vouchers to travellers willing to forgo the flight due to excessive ticket sales.

“If some people won’t take that voucher, it means they are going to bump the last few people that have checked in off of the flight,” she revealed.

“If you are waiting until the last minute to check in for your flight, then you’re going to get bumped onto the next flight either later that day or the next day, which could totally ruin your trip.”

Cher also pointed out that early check-in allows passengers to secure “better” seating options.

Sun cream

The cabin crew member revealed she never boards without SPF protection. Cher highlighted that research has shown airline staff face heightened skin cancer risks.

She explained: “I do my best to try to keep the window shade closed as much as I can.” Regular travellers might want to follow suit by applying sun protection and keeping window blinds down during flights.

Hand luggage

Cher urges people to put important items in carry-on baggage rather than checked suitcases. She even recommends these essentials be kept in the personal bag that sits at your feet.

She warned: “It is not uncommon for somebody to mistake your carry on as theirs and take it off. I have seen this dozens of times.”

Cher advises packing underwear, a toothbrush, toiletries or “anything you couldn’t go a couple days without” in this bag. She noted: “The best thing in aviation is to basically prepare for the worst.

“Flight attendant bags are marked up to the nines with custom tags so we can identify them as ours. I would recommend doing something on your bag that will prevent somebody else from confusing it as theirs.

A TRAVEL expert has revealed the big mistake you are making when your flight is cancelled that could leave you stuck at the airport.

Thousands of passengers across the UK and Europe have been left stranded by cancelled flights in recent days, due to the severe weather.

More than 700 flights have been cancelled at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport today.

This comes after another 900 since Sunday were cancelled, with more weather warnings in place.

And Liverpool‘s John Lennon Airport was forced to close on Monday after the runway was covered by snow.

More than 200 flights were cancelled across the UK yesterday as well after temperatures dropped to -12C.

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HotelPlanner boss Tim Hentschel explains that waiting for the airline to book you a hotel is advised against, as well as to avoid calling hotels.

He said: “Airport hotels are usually prepared for unexpected surges in demand whenever travellers are delayed at airports.

“That said, once the standard rooms are booked, any last remaining saved occupancy will come at a premium.

“The natural action may be to call the nearest hotels, but booking online is actually better than over the phone in these situations.”

Hentschel explained the hotel phone lines often become jammed in the surge to bag the last remaining rooms.

Instead, he recommended booking hotel rooms online to “beat the rush”.

He added: “This is when seconds might count and demand for rooms are at a peak, so there really is no time to be sitting on hold.

“Booking online is a much more efficient way to find rooms at short notice, and booking engines find a way to pick out the best rates.”

Airline KLM – which has been most affected by the Amsterdam cancellations – backed this up.

They said online in a travel warning: “If you need a hotel because your flight is the next day, the quickest option is to book one  yourself and request reimbursement through our website.

“We recommend Booking.com to find suitable accommodation.”

Over the winter months passengers who are flying abroad face disruption because of worsening weather conditions such as snow and high winds.

Airline employee Natalie also offered some of her top tips for what to do at the airport if affected.

This includes downloading the official smartphone app of the airline you’re flying with.

This could give you up-to-date notifications just as fast as the airline employees located at customer service points at the airport.

Here’s what you need to know about claiming compensation if your flight was delayed or cancelled.

A NEW route to a city that straddles both Europe and Asia is coming to a major UK airport.

From March 18, Turkish Airlines will be launching a new route between London Stansted Airport and Istanbul.

It marks the first flights for the carrier from the UK airport.

There will be up to 15 flights a week to the Turkish capital.

Istanbul is just four hours from the UK and was named the world’s best airport by the World’s Top 10 International Airports survey earlier this year.

The city features cobbled streets and the famous Blue Mosque, which was created in 1609.

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It is free to enter and is known for its blue tiles and six minarets.

If you like shopping head to the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.

Inside visitors will find locally crafted carpets, lanterns and even sweets.

One recent visitor said: “The Grand Bazaar is huge, colorful, and full of energy.

“Walking through the endless lanes feels like stepping back in time, with shops selling carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs everywhere.

“The mix of history and daily life makes the bazaar unforgettable.”

Hotels in Istanbul can cost as little as £20 per night.

Or you could stay at the more premium DoubleTree by Hilton for £72 a night.

Back in July, Gareth Powell, managing director at London Stansted, said: “This is a major milestone for the airport and a strong vote of confidence in both our operation and the vibrant, fast-growing region we serve.

“Istanbul is a fantastic destination in its own right, but this new service also opens the door to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network, connecting London Stansted to over 353 destinations across Asia, Africa, Australia and beyond.”

Mehmet Gurulkan, Turkish Airlines’ general manager for London, said: “This new service increases our total weekly UK–Istanbul frequencies, providing passengers even more choice and greater connectivity to our global network.

“By operating from Stansted, we are happy to support the airport’s continued growth and contribute to job creation and economic development in the region.”

In addition to the new Stansted-Istanbul route, a number of other routes will be launching at Stansted this year.

Ryanair will be adding flights to Malmo in Sweden from April 1, which will operate twice a week.

The airline will also be adding more flights to Glasgow from March 29.

Budget airline easyJet will start flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle on March 5.

And then AJet will launch flights to Bodrum, Turkey, from June 26.

Jet2.com will also be expanding its summer programme, with new routes to Jerez, Spain from May 1, Samos in Greece from May 7 and La Palma in the Canary Islands from October 26.

Finally, TUI will be introducing flights to Kos from May 7 and BA CityFlyer will launch flights to Olbia, Sardinia, from May 23.

Ciaran Brannigan, commercial director at London Stansted, said: “We’re delighted to welcome new airlines and routes during 2026 that give our passengers even greater choice, value and convenience.

“London Stansted continues to grow as a key gateway for travel across Europe and beyond, and these additions underline our commitment to offering more destinations and better connectivity for leisure and business travellers alike.”

In other flight news, a major airline with bunk beds onboard reveals plans to relaunch UK flights for the first time in five years.

Plus, easyJet’s new UK flights to go to sunny island with three of the world’s best nightclubs.

A Virgin Atlantic flight attendant with five years’ experience has shared the airplane seats they would never choose – with tips to stay comfortable on long-haul economy flights.

Enduring long-haul flights can be a daunting prospect, especially when you’re crammed into economy class for over 10 hours.

But fear not, there are ways to make the journey more tolerable, comfortable and perhaps even more enjoyable .

Medical travel insurance firm AllClear has joined forces with a seasoned Virgin Atlantic cabin crew member to reveal top tips for maintaining comfort in economy class.

The flight attendant, boasting five years of experience in the skies, shared some seating choices they would personally avoid, reports the Express.

While many passengers opt for the bulkhead, emergency exit rows or seats near the lavatories, this cabin crew member wouldn’t follow suit.

They explained: “I don’t like the first row by the wings. People congregate by the toilet, and it can be noisy because of babies in cradles at the bulkhead.”

Despite this, the extra legroom offered by emergency exit seats makes them a popular choice among travellers, although there could be another issue with this seating placement.

If you do decide to sit there, the crew member advises bringing two essential items with you to make it a more comfortable experience.

They warned: “On some older aircraft, it can get quite chilly near the emergency exit rows. I’d usually avoid these seats if you’re sensitive to the cold.”

For those seeking maximum cosiness during their flight, the flight attendant suggests packing a few additional home comforts to keep you snug and warm.

They stated: “There’s nothing stopping you from bringing extra flight socks or even a hot water bottle – we’re more than happy to fill one up for you during the flight.”

They also expressed their preference against sitting at the rear of the plane due to the noise levels. They explained: “The aft [rear] of the plane can be a bit noisy because toilet flushes are quite loud.

“The seats at the back on all our aircraft recline, so that’s not a problem, but sometimes light catches through the galley curtains on a night flight, and it can be noisy as the crew are working. So, I also wouldn’t choose back row seats.”

Two places cabin crew wouldn’t sit

According to the Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, they wouldn’t sit by:

• the first row by the wings; or
• rear of the plane.

The world’s largest indoor beach can be found inside the Tropical Island Resort in Krausnick, Germany, which is an hour drive from Berlin where Brits can fly to in under two hours

The world’s largest indoor beach is double the length of a Premier League football pitch – and it is 26C all-year-round.

The man-made sandy beach stretches 200 metres and is dotted with palm trees and sunloungers. It is nestled inside the Tropical Island Resort in Krausnick, Germany, which is also home to the largest indoor swimming pool and one of the biggest indoor rainforests.

Brits can book return flights to its nearest airport – Berlin Brandenburg Airport – for as little as £47 from London Stansted Airport.

The mammoth indoor waterpark, once the biggest in Europe, is an hour drive from Berlin, and it was built in 2004.

The 10,000sqm space includes four attractions which are Water Worlds, Tropical Rainforest, the outdoor Amazonia area and the Tropical Village where visitors can buy food, drinks and gifts.

The complex is so large that it can accommodate 6,000 visitors at a time who can even take air balloon rides inside the unique resort that is inside a gigantic dome hangar.

Being a balmy 26C no matter the season, there are 900 sunbeds available, and the giant swimming pool in the Water Worlds section is the size of three Olympic sized ones. There is also Bali-style huts that surround a water lagoon while kids can play in a Jungle Splash water playground.

The resort is also home to a sizable slide tower that stands at 27 metres (equivalent to a four-storey building) and a power turbo slide reaches speeds of 43mph. And if that wasn’t enough excitement, there is a huge twisty water slide that is 149 metres long.

Some 50,000 plants can be found inside the Tropical Rainforest also boasting butterflies, flamingos and turtles. There are also mini golf games and a Balinese-inspired village.

Adults can also take advantage of the spa and sauna complex where there are seven spa areas in total while there are also caves inspired by Cambodia, Australia and Malaysia.

Visitors can choose to stay in rooms inside the resort or there are tents available to hire for overnight stays too.

Last year, the Hawaiian themed Ohana Town was constructed, where visitors can stay overnight in lodges, play bowling, eat in a restaurant and sing their hearts out in karaoke.

Day tickets for adults start from around £30, children between four and 12 from £26 while kids three and younger are free.

In a recent review on TripAdvisor, one person wrote: “Prices rise annually. It’s starting to be quite expensive fun. In winter still good, because you feel like on holiday.”

Another called it “beach paradise for families with children” before adding: “Large, warm pools and several waterslides for those who like it.

“Lots of sunbeds but they get busy very quickly so if you want these you need to come early in the morning, then they dibs all day.”

AN Emirates flight attendant has revealed some of her top tips for people planning a trip to Dubai – as well as little-known perks to the job.

Alessandra Piper initially worked in a corporate job in London, before being tempted to become flight crew by a friend already working for the airline.

She told Sun Travel: “The opportunity to explore different cultures while building a career in aviation was incredibly appealing, so I applied, and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.”

She has since worked for Emirates for 11 years, where she currently serves the First Class cabin – her role for the past two and a half years.

When it comes to training, it is certainly intense.

She explained: “Emirates places strong emphasis on professional development, with a seven-and-a-half-week world-class training program at the dedicated Cabin Crew Training Academy covering safety, medical, security and hospitality skills.

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“Working in First Class allows me to provide a highly personalized experience, dedicating more time to each passenger.

“We also undergo specialized courses such as L’art du vin, Emirates’ expert wine program designed to deepen our understanding of the airline’s extensive collection, including tasting profiles, pairing principles and service techniques.”

She has since been to 87 countries and hundreds of cities – although with 140 places the airlines connects to, she has a long way to go.

Not only that, but flight crew can request specific destination to go to, and head to events sponsored by Emirates which include tennis, football and cricket.

Of course, most of the long-haul routes go via Dubai – where crew are also given fully furnished accommodation, free uniform cleaning and free transport to work.

Here are some of Alessandra’s top tips if heading to Dubai – for first timers and those on a budget.

What top tips would you give to Dubai first timers?

Dubai genuinely has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, an incredible dining scene, family-friendly attractions or world-class shopping.

I always suggest booking tickets for popular experiences in advance, as it makes the day much smoother and helps avoid queues.

With malls and attractions open late into the evening, the city offers plenty to enjoy after daylight hours, from waterfront dining to desert experiences, so you can make the most of every day you’re here.

Taxis in Dubai are abundant and affordable, so it’s easy to explore the city.

You can download the Careem or Uber app for even quicker access to taxis.

One practical tip: always carry a light jacket, even during the hotter months, as indoor spaces can be very air-conditioned.

Are there any hidden spots that tourists don’t know about but should?

Dubai’s dining scene is extraordinary.

The city is home to more than 13,000 restaurants and cafés, making it one of the most diverse culinary destinations in the world.

With so much choice, it’s worth exploring beyond the most talked-about spots.

Most high-end restaurants offer business lunch packages – a smaller menu for a very affordable price.

Sushi Samba’s business lunch is my favourite, the restaurant has a 360-degree view of The Palm.

I also love introducing visitors to Jumeirah Al Qasr.

A traditional abra ride through the hotel’s waterways offers beautiful views of the Burj Al Arab, and I usually end the visit with a meal at one of the resort’s restaurants.

Dubai Opera is also a must. Beyond opera, the venue hosts musicals, ballet, theatre and more.

And for those seeking nature, Dubai has much to offer.

You can see flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary or take a day trip to Hatta for kayaking, hiking and mountain scenery, showing an entirely different side of the UAE.

A flight attendant with over five years of experience has shared the ideal seats to book on long-haul flights for maximum comfort – and which rows you should avoid at all costs.

Few experiences test human endurance quite like a marathon economy flight.

Squeezing into those minuscule seats with barely any legroom whilst the journey drags into double-digit hours can push anyone to their limits, yet several strategies can help make the ordeal more bearable.

When embarking on a distant adventure, ensuring your experience is as comfortable as can be is paramount, and industry insiders have shared exactly how to achieve this.

Travel medical insurance specialists at AllClear have collaborated with a seasoned Virgin Atlantic flight attendant to unveil optimal seating choices, areas to steer clear of, and crucially, techniques for snatching some shut-eye during those marathon journeys.

The crew member, boasting over half a decade of flying experience, revealed that nervous flyers should prioritise booking seats positioned above the aircraft’s wings.

They explained: “Seats over the wings usually offer the smoothest ride during turbulence, and the further forward you sit on the aircraft, the less you’ll feel the impact of it.

“Likewise, sitting over the wing is often one of the smoother spots on the plane. Being closest to the aircraft’s centre of gravity, you tend to feel less movement and vibration compared with seats further back.”

Regarding securing some rest during extended flights, striking the right balance proves particularly challenging.

Finding a peaceful spot for slumber becomes essential, though this can prove elusive, the aviation professional warned.

They explained to the Express.: “You can never truly predict the quietest spot on a plane, as it depends on the passengers around you. But the aft [rear] of the plane can be a bit noisy because toilet flushes are quite loud.

“The seats at the back on all our aircraft recline, so that’s not a problem, but sometimes light catches through the galley curtains on a night flight, and it can be noisy as the crew are working. So, I also wouldn’t choose back row seats.”

For the ultimate in-flight experience, the cabin crew member suggested one particular area to aim for when selecting your seat: “The ideal seat would be around five rows from the back, or five rows from the front.

“Crew work front to back simultaneously, or two carts from the front of economy to the back. So, five seats from the front is best as you’ll get your first meal choice.

“It’s also closer to the front for turbulence, as if you’re five from the back you’ll feel it more, and being closer at the front means you’ll get off quicker.”

AFTER a long flight, the first thing you may want to do is take a nice hot shower to freshen up – but experts have warned against it.

Planes can be germy, with their enclosed spaces and recycled air conditioning.

Sitting in one spot for hours can leave you feeling pretty grimy once you land – and many look forward to jumping straight into the shower.

But experts have warned that taking a hot shower directly after a flight could be a bad idea.

This is because your skin becomes very dry onboard an aircraft, and having a hot shower can make matters even worse.

Dermatologist Cristina Psomadakis told CN Traveller exactly how planes dry out our skin.

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“Humidity levels really drop in planes and recirculated air can contribute to overall dryness of our skin”.

In fact, the humidity levels onboard can drop extremely low.

Airplane cabins often have a humidity of around 20 per ent compared to the 40-60 per cent we are used to on the ground.

This is because outside air at 30,000 feet contains almost no moisture.

Therefore when it’s pulled into the cabin and pressurised, it stays dry.

The air is then recirculated within the cabin – without any extra moisture being added back in.

This can lead to your skin feeling more dry than usual.

If you then jump straight into a hot shower, this can dry your skin out even more.

Not only do hot showers post-flight dry out your skin, they can also come with a host of other problems.

One of which is that they can increase your chance of getting acne, explains aesthetician Rhea Souhleris Grous to Apartment Therapy.

They said: “Because dryness triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, hot water can worsen preexisting acne or cause a breakout”.

Hot water can break down natural oils and kill your skin’s good bacteria, which “play a major role in keeping moisture in – and the bad stuff out”.

To help beat the feeling of “airplane skin“, you can treat it onboard instead of relying on your post-flight shower.

To retain your skin’s moisture levels, experts recommend treating your skin both onboard and also ahead of time.

“To best take care of your skin on a plane, follow a hydrating skincare routine before and during the flight” said celebrity skincare expert Sarah Akram to Vogue.

“Avoid touching your face frequently, and reapply moisturiser and face mist periodically”.

“Also, avoid heavy makeup as it can contribute to dryness and clog pores.”

Your skincare routine could include packing a small bottle of nourishing moisturiser, a moisturising sheet mask, and drinking plenty of water onboard.

And if you like a salty snack from the trolley when flying, it’s even more important to keep hydrated.

“Top this off with reduced water intake and salty foods and it can lead to really dehydrated, parched skin” said dermatologist Cristina.

So next time you’re travelling by air, make sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight.

The recommended amount of water for adults is two litres per day – but it is a good idea to increase your intake on days you’ll be flying.

Qantas customer service manager Travys Carinci flies on average 59,952 miles per month – and swears by drinking plenty of water.

“I start my day with a pint of water before my coffee and try to drink 2.5 litres of water every day” he told CN Traveller.

So if you are set on having a shower after your flight, turn the temperature down to lukewarm or cold – and you won’t strip as much moisture from your skin.

Ever wondered what happens if you forget to put your window up during take-off or landing? One flight attendant explained the purpose behind the important safety precaution

Travelling on a plane comes with plenty of safety precautions, like going through security and putting your phone on airplane mode. While it can be nerve-wracking for people to remember these steps, there is a cabin crew to remind you along the way.

Now when you’re about to take-off, flight attendants usually have a checklist to tick off before the plane enters the runway. You must have your seats in a upright position, as well as armrests down. But one crucial part of safety is making sure your blinds are up during take-off and landing, so have you ever wondered what happens if you forget?

In a Reddit post, one person asked: “Why do you have to have the windows up for landing sometimes? This is something I’ve always wondered and I had no clue who to ask!”

Well the reason for having your windows up is quite simple – it’s in case of an emergency.

That’s because if you need to evacuate, you won’t be able to see if the engine is on fire, or there’s any hazard which means you can’t evacuate out of that side.

A flight attendant said: “In case something goes wrong a passenger can see it and alert the flight crew. It also has to do with safety. If you crash upon take-off inside a dark plane, the light could be blinding upon evacuating.”

Putting your window shades up during take-off and landing is for critical safety reasons as it also allows crew and passengers to see external hazards.

It’s also done for quick assessments to help your eyes adjust to light for a faster emergency exit and allows emergency services to see inside the cabin if needed.

Often flight attendants require your blinds to be up during take-off and landing. At night, shades stay open (with cabin lights dimmed) so emergency services outside can see in, meanwhile in the day, it’s so your eyes adjust.

What other safety precautions are there during take-off and landing?

• Seatbelt: Passengers must make sure their seatbelt is fastened and even when the sign is off, it’s best to keep it buckled.
• Seat position: Make sure your seat is in a full upright position
• Tray table: Put it away securely
• Electronics: All devices must be switched off or on airplane mode
• Attention: Watch the safety video and demo
• Exits: Revise your nearest exits in the case of an emergency
• Shoes: Keep footwear on to protect your feet from debris
• Window shades: Keep them open for visibility
• Baggage: Make sure carry-ons are stowed away properly

IF you are itching to book a holiday next year but want to try somewhere new, you’re in luck.

All of the airlines in the UK have expanded their list of destinations with lots of new places to fly to in 2026.

From little-known paradise islands to fairytale Europe city breaks, here’s a round-up of the best new routes launching in 2026.

Short and mid-haul

easyJet – Rome, Ljubljana, Reus, Thessaloniki

easyJet has introduced four new routes for next summer, to destinations in Spain, Greece, Italy and Slovenia.

The major airline flies from 22 airports in the UK to a whopping 130+ destinations.

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Holidaymakers will be able to fly from Birmingham to Rome Fiumicino to explore one of the world’s most popular capital cities.

Flights start from March 5, 2026, and run four times a week.

The new route from Edinburgh to Ljubljana in Slovenia will be Scotland’s only direct connection to the country.

Ljubljana is a fairytale-like city with castle views and pretty cafe-lined riverbanks.

Flights will start on the Easter weekend of April 4 and operate twice a week.

Travellers from Bristol will be able to fly to Reus, Spain and Thessaloniki, Greece.

Reus is an overlooked Spanish city with modern buildings and golden sand beaches.

Flights will operate twice a week, beginning June 25.

Thessaloniki is a port city packed with historical ruins, markets and a busy nightlife scene.

The airline has also introduced 11 new routes from Newcastle Airport.

easyJet will now fly to destinations such as Nice, Corfu and Rhodes from its Northern base.

Jet2 – La Palma, Samos and Sicily

The airline flies from 13 airports across the UK to over 75 destinations.

And Jet2 are adding three new destinations for 2026: La Palma, Samos and Sicily.

La Palma is one of Spain’s Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa, known for their luscious landscapes and year-round warmth.

It’s a lesser-known island which is visited less frequently than its neighbours Tenerife and Lanzarote.

Passengers can fly to the island from London Stansted or Manchester airport from April 2026, with twice weekly flights taking off on Mondays and Fridays.

Samos on the other hand is a dreamy Greek island, with the new flights from May 2026.

It’s a laid-back spot with quiet villages and unspoilt beaches, and will be Jet2’s 15th new Greek destination airport.

Flights will run from Manchester and London Stansted twice weekly.

The airline will also be flying to Palermo, Sicily from May 2026.

Sicily’s capital is known for its glittering mosaics, street food culture and pretty Arab architecture.

Flights to Palermo will depart from Manchester and Newcastle, as well as Birmingham.

Long-haul

British Airways – St Louis, US

In April 2026, British Airways will begin flying to St. Louis in Missouri.

The new route will become the only direct flight to the city from the UK.

St. Louis is known for its blues, jazz and baseball culture – providing a real slice of Americana for UK travellers visiting the states.

The launch of the route even coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66 – the legendary highway which St. Louis sits on.

The flight will run four times a week throughout the airline’s summer season.

Virgin Atlantic – Phuket and Seoul

Virgin Atlantic is expanding their destinations with new routes to Phuket in Thailand and Seoul in South Korea.

Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island, known for its beautiful white sand beaches with turquoise waters.

It’s also popular with young travellers and backpackers, with plenty of beach parties, temples and jungles to explore.

Flights to Phuket will operate three times a week seasonally from London Heathrow – and will begin running from October 2026.

In contrast, Seoul is an ultra-modern city known for its neon nightlife and futuristic skyscrapers.

Plus, fans of shows like KPop Demon Hunters will be pleased.

Seoul is paradise for fans of K-Pop and K-Dramas – home to megastar bands like BTS and Blackpink.

Daily direct flights will launch on March 29, 2026.

Long-haul flights can feel daunting for both passengers and cabin crew. But while travellers can sit and put their feet up, what happens to the flight attendants on a long shift?

Travelling is fun but when it’s a long flight, it can feel quite draining for everyone on board. Passengers, however, get to tuck into countless meals served by cabin crew, watch multiple movies back-to-back and relax.

So when travellers get some shut eye, especially if it’s a night flight, those working on the flight still have a job to do. Luckily there are moments of the trip where they can get their feet up for some rest. A long-haul flight shift for cabin crew can reach up to 18 hours, although it’s around 12-16 hours with in-flight rest. This can sometimes extend to longer if there’s any delays along the way.

Now have you ever wondered how they rest? One flight attendant shared a video which showed a secret area where “no passenger is allowed” and it’s only for cabin crew staff to put their feet up.

In a video, Bryan, who boasts 5,000 Instagram followers, said: “People ask me: Where do flight attendants sleep when they have a 17-hour flight?”

Seconds later, he jumps into his pyjamas before taking his phone to show the secret area cabin crew can go to rest during their shift.

The title, which read: “A place where no passenger is allowed”, then shows the attendant walking up some stairs before showing a hidden cabin with beds and curtains.

It’s called CRC which stands for Crew Rest Compartment, and this is where they go when it’s time for their break. In the sleeping area, there is a seatbelt, which must be fastened in case of turbulence, some blankets and, of course, pillows.

There’s also overhead lights and even curtains for privacy, with a TV for “endless entertainment”.

His post garnered hundreds of likes since it was shared as one wrote: “Wow that’s awesome.” Another added: “I would sleep all the way through. No alcohol. No entertainment. Just rest. We need our bodies to perform on Earth. Thanks for sharing.”

A third posted: “Thanks for sharing! So cool to see ‘behind the scenes’ with the crew.”

How do cabin crew survive long-haul flights?

Flight attendants usually rotate their scheduled rest periods by using the hidden crew bunks. By doing this, it ensures there’s coverage during flights up to 16+ hours.

The crew members manage fatigue with routines, wellness, nutrition and use seniority to bid for better schedules, they also balance intense work with multi-day layovers to explore cities or rest before the next leg of their trip, often spanning several days.

Long-haul offers extensive travel for flight crew, while short-haul provides more home time. Often flight attendants choose this based on lifestyle preference.

Meanwhile extended periods away from home are common, with long blocks of days off after demanding trips to recover from the job.

A woman has issued a stark message to anyone travelling by plane this holiday season – as she reminds them to ‘be generous’ following her recent experience on a flight

When travelling on a long-haul flight, many people make sure to pre-book their seats to ensure extra comfort throughout the journey. That’s exactly what one woman decided to do before setting off to visit her family in San Juan, Puerto Rico, knowing she faced a long, uncomfortable journey otherwise.

She pre-booked a first-class window seat on the left side of the plane so she could see her grandma’s house from above before landing. But her peace was disrupted throughout the flight, as no fewer than three people stopped at her row to ask her the same question. Taking to Reddit, she said: “I was asked to switch seats three times by three separate people on one flight.

“When I arrived to my seat there was a very elderly woman in the aisle seat and another woman in the aisle seat across the way. The younger woman said, ‘this is my mother, she has dementia and she can’t even feed herself. Can we switch so I can care for her during the flight?'”

Feeling awkward, the woman regretfully switched seats with her – but her problems didn’t stop there. She said: “I know I made the choice to switch, this is about the frequency of asks.

“Then two other women come up and gave me another ‘we couldn’t book together but we want to sit together can you move to this other aisle seat please?’

“At that point I was seething, but seeing as I’d barely touched my butt to the new aisle seat, I just said ‘whatever’ to them and moved.

“When a third person came up to me to start the ‘hi um’ I immediately said ‘I have switched twice already, you can take it up with someone else’.

“I know I chose to move for these people, but I’m so upset that I paid for that specific window seat and my options were basically, help a woman with dementia but enjoy my view, or move and sit in an aisle seat by the bathrooms.

“I don’t know. It’s also not lost on me that I don’t look like the traditional first class passenger.”

Sharing a message to anyone who asks other to switch mid-flight, she added: “Listen, if you borked your booking and you want to switch with people, be generous.

“Send me a free drink or something, slip me a £20, tell the cabin crew so I get my preordered meal, be generous.”

Commenting on her post, one user said: “Don’t let other people’s problems become your problems. Sit in your assigned seat. If people need accommodations, they can take it up with the FAs (flight attendants).”

Another user added: “I never understand why they can’t bug the person next to them.”

A third user said: “I would happily move for the grandma but the others are on their own after that.”

Joseph McCabe, who runs his own construction firm and co-owns a party boat business, was jailed for 46 weeks on Friday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after admitting four sexual offences

A former soldier who sexually assaulted four Jet2 cabin crew during a flight to Tenerife has been jailed.

Joseph McCabe groped and slapped the buttocks of two flight attendants before grabbing a third around the waist and attempting to hug a fourth. A court heard McCabe’s behaviour forced the plane, which had left Edinburgh, to be diverted to the Portuguese island of Porto Santo.

Police there arrested the 40-year-old man and, last month, he admitted the four sexual offences. McCabe, who was a private in the Royal Logistic Corps for five years, was jailed for 46 weeks on Friday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

The court heard McCabe made sexual comments to one woman about her tights and make up, asked her age and where she lived and ripped up a written warning he had been given for his drunken conduct. The former soldier also threw his bank card at an air employee and began dancing in the aisle on the plane in March last year.

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The defendant, who now runs his own construction firm and co-owns a party boat business called The Drunken Anchor, has been handed a lifelong ban from flying with Jet2 and has refused to pay the £5,000 fine the airline had imposed on him.

Sentencing, Sheriff Alison Stirling said the offence had involved “a high level of culpability and a high level of harm”. McCabe, who has two children, was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and was made subject to non-harassment orders banning him from having any contact with the victims for an indefinite period. Solicitor Anna Kocela, defending, said her client is a self-employed building boss and had been drinking excessively at the time of the flight due to a family bereavement.

Previously, prosecutor Miriam Farooq told the court the Jet2 flight took off from Edinburgh Airport bound for Tenerife with around 110 passengers on board at around 8.30am on March 15 last year, reports Daily Record.

Ms Farooq said the flight was packed with families and children and shortly after take off cabin crew had noticed McCabe “making multiple trips to the toilet”.

The fiscal depute said around 90 minutes into the flight a female flight attendant was serving a passenger when she “felt someone behind her touching her buttocks”.

The employee turned round to find McCabe was “looking at her with a smirk on his face” and had asked her “where she bought her tights because he liked them”.

McCabe, from Glasgow, was given a verbal warning on the flight and then ripped up a written warning given to him by the air crew for his shocking behaviour.