If you pay attention, you might notice that flight attendants often bring a banana with them on board. This practice is actually beneficial for their health.
Why Do Flight Attendants Bring Bananas on Flights?
Flight attendants work at high altitudes, where they frequently encounter low oxygen levels and low pressure. They also have to deal with constant time zone changes, which disrupts their biological clocks and can lead to health issues like headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue.
Additionally, their busy flight schedules leave them with limited rest time. In such a harsh working environment, proper nutrition is crucial, and bananas are an excellent choice for flight attendants.
Due to their irregular schedules, flight attendants often have unstable eating patterns, which can lead to stomach and digestive issues. Bananas stimulate the growth of stomach lining cells, helping to protect this lining from the effects of stomach acid. When the stomach lining is damaged, it can lead to irritation, pain, and ulcers. Eating bananas helps flight attendants protect their stomachs and reduce uncomfortable cramps.
Bananas also contain a type of fiber called pectin, which helps to moisten the intestines, improve digestion, and prevent constipation. When a plane ascends, the drop in air pressure can affect blood pressure. With their high potassium content, bananas help the body eliminate excess sodium, control blood pressure, and prevent cardiovascular issues.
Moreover, bananas support vision health, which is important for flight attendants. They are also a great energy source, helping to keep hunger at bay, strengthen bones and teeth, and reduce the risk of cancer and other health conditions.
However, experts advise consuming only 1 to 2 bananas per day. Overeating bananas can lead to issues like headaches, tooth decay, nausea, slowed heart rate, and adverse effects on the nervous system. In short, while bananas are highly nutritious, they should be consumed in moderation to avoid unwanted side effects.
Mandatory Rules for Flight Attendants
The Rule About Wearing Watches
All crew members, including flight attendants and pilots, must wear watches that meet specific size and design standards. Watches are not only essential for managing time efficiently but are also necessary for handling medical emergencies, accident reporting, and other flight-related incidents.
No Tardiness Allowed
Flight schedules are strictly followed, and any delay from crew members can cause significant losses for the airline. Planes depart on time and will not wait for any tardy crew members.
If a crew member misses the pre-flight briefing, the crew manager will immediately replace them with someone from the standby list. Tardiness among flight attendants or pilots is unacceptable, and if it occurs more than three times, it could lead to termination.
Jewelry Restrictions
Airlines enforce strict rules limiting the jewelry flight attendants can wear. Large accessories could interfere with using onboard equipment and compromise flight safety.
Attendants are allowed only one ring and a pair of stud earrings (usually pearl or diamond). Bracelets, necklaces, and other types of jewelry are prohibited. Additionally, accessory colors must match the uniform.
No Refusal of Assigned Flights
Crew members cannot refuse assigned flights, whether they’re on the official schedule or called in from standby. Regardless of the flight time or destination, crew members are expected to comply. Some airlines allow flight swapping between members, but this is not always approved.
No Black Nail Polish
Flight attendants’ nails must be clean, tidy, and well-groomed. Nails should not extend more than 0.32 cm beyond the fingertip, should not be painted black, and artificial nails should not be overly long, as these could hinder job performance.
Hair Must Always Be Tied Up
Keeping hair tied up ensures flight attendants look neat and professional, creates a good impression on passengers, and prevents hair from getting in the way while working.