On the Inside Looking Out - at 35,000 Feet

"Air Travel Tales From the Flight Crew; the Plane Truth at 35,000 Feet" by A. Frank Steward   Impact Publications   294 pages   $14.95

I read this yesterday and found it riveting due to the fact of Richie's years with a Major American Airline ( MAA) and the many flights we've taken (and the many more we've stood by for.)

"A. Frank Steward" is the pen name of James Wysong who was a flight attendant (F/A) for 17 years for a major American international carrier.  His wife, a former F/A, is now a pilot.

The book is full of informative tidbits - did you know that 40 per cent of all F/As are afraid of heights?

The ratio of F/As to passengers by class:
First - one for every three passengers
Business -  one for every 12 passengers
Coach - one for every 50 passengers

Steward wonders why airlines show massively successful films when many of the passengers have probably already seen them?

That 40 per cent of all major airline pilots are named "Bob."

If the airlines can serve inedible food, why aren't the F/As allowed to hand out Rolaids?

And most tellingly:  why do CEOs of airlines in bankruptcy still make so much money?

His tips for getting off of a plane without getting a cold:

Be prepared - bring a decongestant with you

Use the fan located in the ceiling over your seat to direct air away from yourself

Wash your hands often in the waterless hand sanitizer in your purse.  Everything you touch has already been touched by 50 people before you. 

Dress in layers; airplanes are always cold.