If you are a “nervous flyer” or an avid traveler who wants to get your aviation questions answered, you are in the right place!

In a recent episode, we welcomed our first “passenger” guest, Adriana (since most of our guests are flight attendants!). She prepared a list of questions for us about aviation protocol and flying anxieties, and you are in for a treat because we’re diving deep into them.

As flight attendants, we’re going to put these fears to rest (we can’t make promises, obviously), and maybe debunk a few myths along the way.

Listen to our full episode with Adriana Brauckmann here!

Question#1: One of the first things that we’re told to do when we get on the plane is put our phones in “Airplane Mode.” What happens if I just…don’t?

Drew & Rich: The real answer is that it’s a frequency issue. When a phone isn’t in Airplane Mode, the signal can create that annoying buzzing sound you sometimes hear in speakers. If everyone’s phone is searching for a signal, it can mess with the pilot’s headset, potentially causing miscommunication with Air Traffic Control, ground crew, and operations. This is the reason why we ask you to do it.

NOTE: It isn’t the end of the world if you forget to put your phone in “Airplane Mode.” But since it’s still a federal aviation regulation, we have to follow the rules!

Question#2: Sometimes, I have a drink on the plane and I feel like it goes directly to the head much faster than it would on the ground. Is that a fact?

Drew & Rich: It is! Everything is heightened when you’re on the plane, so that drink might hit you a lot harder than you expected. Since the cabin is pressurized to a higher altitude and the oxygen levels are slightly lower, your body reacts differently.

Question#3: I’ve heard people say that you should never get coffee or tea on a plane. Is that true?

Drew & Rich: Airplane coffee isn’t exactly ‘premium,’ but it gets the job done when it comes to keeping you awake! You can definitely order a cup, just don’t expect a 5-star barista experience.

Note: Drew loves his airlines’ coffee!

Question#4: True or False – Is travel insurance a scam?

Drew & Rich: Understand your travel insurance’s terms and conditions before you buy. It’s only a “scam” if you assume it covers everything without actually reading the paperwork.

Question#5: My bag is only a pound over the limit. Are they fat-shaming my bag?

Drew & Rich: People have to understand that a plane is basically one big math equation. Every person and bag is equated to a certain weight, and it’s not really that your bag is “too big.” It’s about the total balance. Just imagine if every passenger on the plane had an extra pound in their suitcase. That adds up quickly and might affect the aircraft’s performance. The one pound affects the magic.

Question#6: Why is there never enough overhead space?

Drew & Rich: As flight attendants, overhead bin spaces are the bane of our existence.

Question#7: What is the likelihood of an actual emergency landing?

Drew & Rich: Drew has been flying for over 20 years, and he has only had one “semi-important” event in his entire career. We don’t want to say it’s not highly likely, but when you consider how many planes are in the sky every single day compared to the rare incidents you hear about in the news, the chances are incredibly slim.

Question#8: Was there a time when you actually felt scared for your safety during a flight?

Drew & Rich: No. We are trained so rigorously and we go through annual re-qualification training for every possible scenario. In those moments, we might feel a split second of fear, but our training kicks in. We start thinking about procedures and what needs to be done, and shift into “trained flight attendant mode” rather than reacting like a scared passenger.

If you feel scared at any moment during the flight, don’t hesitate to communicate with your flight attendant.

Flight Attendant Note: If you see the flight attendants strapped in, you need to be too.

Question#9: What is the best way to get on a flight attendant’s good side?

Drew & Rich: Just acknowledge us. If you ever decide to bring a gift for the crew, don’t do it because you’re looking for an upgrade or a favor—do it just because you’re a kind person!

In our most recent episode, we listed the 16 Ways to Win Flight Attendants Over!

Final Thoughts!

Nervous flyers, you can do it! If you feel nervous in-flight, politely reach out to your flight attendant—we’re always happy to assist you! We understand how nerve-racking it can be for first-time flyers, parents flying with kids, or even solo travelers. Believe us, we’ve encountered every type of passenger out there.

Just take a deep breath, play your favorite song, order a nice drink, and imagine the beautiful destination you’re flying to! We hope this helps ease a few of your travel fears!