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Why Do Flight Attendants Often Bring Bananas On Board?

As flight attendants board the plane for their shift, they often carry an unusual item - a banana. It's not a random choice, and the reason behind it is quite heart-wrenching.

Administrator

17 July, 2024

The life of a flight attendant is often glamorized and seen as a desirable career path for many young people. However, it’s important to understand the challenges and hardships that come with this profession. One interesting fact is that flight attendants often carry a banana with them when they’re on duty. But why?

Why do flight attendants often carry bananas on board?

Being a flight attendant comes with its own set of challenges and limitations. They work at high altitudes, often dealing with low oxygen levels and pressure changes. Additionally, their work schedules can be demanding, crossing multiple time zones and disrupting their body clocks. This can lead to health issues such as headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue. On top of that, tight flight schedules leave them with little rest. To cope with these pressures and risks, they need to take extra care of their health, and bananas offer an effective solution.

+ Quick Energy Boost: Flight attendants often work long hours without much rest or proper meals. Bananas provide a quick and convenient energy source due to their high carbohydrate content, helping to maintain stable energy levels and reduce fatigue.

+ Digestive Support: Flying at high altitudes can cause digestive issues due to pressure changes. Bananas, being rich in fiber, aid digestion and help prevent constipation, a common issue during flights. This keeps the flight attendants’ digestive system healthy throughout the journey.

+ Stress Relief: The job demands not only physical health but also mental resilience. Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a mood-boosting chemical. Eating a banana can help stabilize the emotions of flight attendants.

+ Cramp Prevention: Standing or moving around for extended periods puts flight attendants at risk of muscle cramps. Bananas are rich in potassium, an essential mineral that helps balance electrolytes and significantly reduces the risk of muscle cramps.

+ Improved Sleep: After long and exhausting flights, a good night’s sleep is crucial for recovery. Bananas contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Eating a banana before resting can help flight attendants fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, aiding their preparation for the next flight.

The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Being a Flight Attendant

While the profession may seem admirable from an outsider’s perspective, there is another side to it. Being a flight attendant is not easy; it comes with significant pressure and risks. Firstly, they undergo strict selection processes and rigorous training. Height, weight, appearance, demeanor, language skills, and other factors must meet specific standards. They have to acquire a wide range of knowledge and skills. Moreover, they must adapt to different time zones and climates, often flying at high altitudes and enduring harsh conditions like low oxygen levels, pressure changes, dry air, and noise. Their body clocks are frequently disrupted, leading to insomnia, fatigue, and headaches.