Why do flight attendants often bring bananas on board?
Flight attendants often work at high altitudes, where low pressure and oxygen deprivation can take a toll on their health. They also cross multiple time zones, disrupting their body clocks and leading to issues like headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue. On top of that, their packed flight schedules leave them with little rest.
Given these challenging work conditions, proper nutrition becomes crucial, and bananas offer an effective solution. Bananas are a good choice for flight attendants because irregular flight schedules can lead to erratic eating habits, which may cause stomach and intestinal problems. Bananas help stimulate the production and development of gastric mucosal cells, a protective lining in the stomach against attacks from gastric acid.
If this mucous membrane is damaged, the stomach may become irritated, causing pain, inflammation, ulcers, and discomfort. Eating bananas helps protect the stomach and reduces the risk of uncomfortable spasms.
Additionally, bananas contain pectin, a type of cellulose that moisturizes the intestines, aids smooth digestion, and relieves constipation and digestive discomfort. As the plane ascends, the decreasing pressure can affect blood pressure. Bananas, being high in potassium, help the body eliminate excess sodium, regulate blood pressure, and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Bananas also have the added benefit of improving vision, which is essential for flight attendants. They are an excellent source of energy, providing a sense of fullness for longer, and they contribute to stronger teeth and bones while reducing the risk of cancer and other illnesses.
However, experts advise consuming only one to two bananas per day. Excessive intake may lead to headaches, tooth decay, nausea, slow heart rate, and nerve damage. While bananas are nutritious, moderation is key to avoiding unwanted side effects.
Mandatory Rules for Flight Attendants
Timepiece Regulations
All crew members, including flight attendants and pilots, are required to wear watches that adhere to specific size and design standards. Watches not only help the crew manage time accurately but also serve as vital tools in emergency situations, such as accident reporting, medical issues, and flight incidents.
No Tardiness Allowed
Flight times are strictly managed, and any delay caused by crew members can result in significant losses for the airline. The plane will not wait for a late crew member. If someone misses the pre-flight briefing, the flight manager will immediately replace them with a standby crew member. Being late more than three times could lead to termination.
Limited Jewelry
Airlines request that flight attendants minimize their jewelry to ensure safety and avoid interference with in-flight equipment. Attendants are permitted to wear only one ring and a small pair of earrings (such as pearl or diamond studs). Bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry are prohibited, and accessory colors must not clash with the uniform.
No Refusal of Assigned Flights
Crew members are not allowed to refuse assigned flights or calls when on standby, regardless of the flight duration or destination. Some airlines allow flight swaps between crew members or specific destination requests, but these are not always granted.
No Black Nail Polish
Flight attendants’ nails must always be clean, neatly trimmed, and no longer than 0.32 cm beyond the fingertip. Black nail polish and excessively long artificial nails are prohibited to prevent interference with their work.
Hair Must Be Tied Back
Pulling hair back into a bun or a similar style ensures a neat and professional appearance for flight attendants and prevents hair from getting in the way during work. This not only creates a good impression on passengers but also maintains high work efficiency.
No Strong Perfumes
Flight attendants must be cautious when choosing a perfume. In the confined space of an aircraft, strong fragrances can be unpleasant for both passengers and colleagues. To maintain a comfortable environment, attendants should opt for light and refreshing scents or simply ensure they have a neutral odor.
Weight Maintenance
Crew members are expected to maintain their weight within a specified range. Once they receive their uniform, gaining excessive weight will result in the denial of new uniforms. Some airlines, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, have strict weight regulations and may terminate the contracts of crew members who gain weight.
Confidentiality
Crew members often sign confidentiality agreements, committing to not disclosing information about the airline, incidents onboard, or taking photographs while in uniform without permission. While some rules have been relaxed, seeking consent from the airline remains necessary.
These regulations ensure the safety and efficiency of airline operations while maintaining the well-being and optimal performance of the flight crew.