Flying can be a tiring experience, especially with long security lines and layovers. However, some habits, such as sleeping before takeoff, can be more harmful than helpful. A seasoned American flight attendant, Ale Pedroza, recently went viral on TikTok for sharing crucial advice for travelers. Her tips, which have garnered over 675,000 views, offer insights into safer and more comfortable air travel.
Pedroza, who resides in Orlando, Florida—a region renowned for its Disney parks—emphasized the importance of staying awake during takeoff. Here are the six key tips she shared, along with expert insights on why these practices are essential for your health and safety during flights.
1. Stay Awake During Takeoff
Sleeping before takeoff is not advisable due to potential health risks. As highlighted by Pedroza, “Traveling can be exhausting, and sometimes you just want to sleep right away. But it’s not good for your ears, and you need to be alert during taxiing, one of the most critical phases of flight.”
Barotrauma, also known as barotitis media, occurs when there is a mismatch between the air pressure in the middle ear and the atmospheric pressure. According to medical expert Dr. Drauzio Varella, achieving this pressure balance is crucial to avoid damage to the tympanic membrane and ensure proper hearing function.
Professor Dan Bubb from the University of Nevada explains that “when we’re sleeping, we don’t swallow as much, which helps balance the pressure in our ears.” Remaining awake allows passengers to employ techniques such as swallowing or chewing gum to “pop” their ears, preventing painful and potentially severe ear injuries.
2. Avoid Consuming Your Own Alcohol
Pedroza advises against bringing your own alcoholic beverages on board. “In some countries like the USA, it’s illegal to bring your own beer on a flight because flight attendants are responsible for monitoring passengers to ensure they aren’t becoming intoxicated and compromising flight safety.”
Consuming alcohol purchased outside the airline’s provisions can lead to difficulties in managing passenger behavior, posing a safety risk. Flight attendants are trained to monitor and control alcohol consumption to maintain a secure and comfortable environment for all passengers.
3. Do Not Walk Barefoot on the Plane
Another important tip from Pedroza is to avoid walking around the aircraft without shoes. “If you decide to take off your shoes at your seat, that’s one thing, but don’t walk to the bathroom barefoot. You never know what you might be stepping on, and the floor isn’t always clean.”
Airplane floors, particularly in restrooms, can harbor bacteria and other contaminants. Wearing shoes or slippers when moving about the cabin helps protect your feet from potential infections and keeps the environment more hygienic.
4. Stay Seated Until the Plane Stops
Pedroza also reminds passengers to remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop. “Taxiing is a crucial part of the flight. Standing up to grab your luggage won’t get you off the plane any faster and is not the safest action to take.”
One follower, Gabby, shared her experience: “In one of my recent trips, the plane was taxiing to the gate and made a sudden stop, causing several people who were already standing to fall into the aisle.” Ensuring that you stay seated with your seatbelt fastened until the plane is securely parked can prevent injuries during sudden movements.
5. Follow Proper Etiquette for Trash Disposal
Proper trash disposal is a sensitive issue onboard. Pedroza highlights that passengers should avoid handing trash to flight attendants while they are serving meals. Additionally, if you need to dispose of vomit bags, it’s essential to inform a crew member so they can handle it correctly, as these are considered biohazards.
Disposing of trash correctly and at appropriate times ensures a smoother operation and maintains hygiene standards on the flight.
6. Use Designated Areas for Changing Baby Diapers
Finally, Pedroza urges parents not to change baby diapers at their seats. “Firstly, the tray tables can break. We have designated changing tables in the bathrooms for you to use. Remember, people use those tables for eating.”
Changing diapers in designated areas helps maintain cleanliness and prevents inconvenience to other passengers. It also protects the tray tables from damage and ensures they remain sanitary for meal times.
Flying involves more than just boarding a plane and reaching a destination. Following these tips can enhance safety and comfort for all passengers. By staying alert during crucial phases of the flight, adhering to regulations regarding alcohol, maintaining hygiene, and observing proper etiquette, travelers can contribute to a safer and more pleasant flight experience.
Adopting these practices, as advised by experienced flight attendants like Pedroza, ensures that air travel remains a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.
