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Galley Gossip: Stew Shoes (the search continues...)
Ever wonder what flight attendants talk about in the galley behind closed curtains? Oh I bet you do. Most days you'd probably be sorry you asked. For real. It can get a little crazy back there. But recently I had a conversation on-board a flight that was tame enough to share, a conversation that I think all flight attendants at all airlines would be interested in hearing, and it started out something like this..
"I'm sorry," said Diane, my fellow coworker, as she sat on the jumpseat and quickly looked over her shoulder into the dimly lit coach cabin to make sure no one was listening. No one was listening. No one was even there. All of our passengers were actually in their seats with their seat belts fastened. Most likely because we'd already finished the last beverage service of the night, the in-flight movie was just about over, and in less than an hour we'd be touching down in Los Angeles (And on our way to the layover hotel.) That's when Diane leaned in close and half whispered, "But I just can't bring myself to do it."
"Oh my gosh, me neither!" I exclaimed, hopping off the jumpseat in order to grab a glass of water for a passenger who'd stumbled smack dab into the middle of our conversation. I smiled. He smiled. Diane smiled. We all smiled. And then he thanked me for the water and disappeared. Sitting down on the jumpseat closest to Diane, I added, "Don't get me wrong, there are times when I wish I could do it, really I do, but I can't. I just can't do it. I don't know why."
We began giggling when the super cute one with the bleached blond hair dressed in navy blue polyester pants and a starched white button down shirt sauntered into the back galley with a full bag of trash in hand, because he had, in fact, actually done it. He'd done what Diane and I could not bring ourselves to do. Not in this lifetime. What the heck did he do? The Dansko clog of course!
In case you haven't been on an airplane in the last ten years, the Dansko clog is to the flight attendant what the Tumi bag is to the frequent flier. Next time the beverage cart makes a stop at your row, go ahead, take a look, I bet they're there. They're everywhere! Just not on my feet.
What happened to be on my feet the night I found myself giggling away with Diane on the jumpseat in the back of coach on a 767 was a brand new pair of shoes that, after one six hour long flight, had turned out to be a huge mistake killing my feet. They needed to be replaced. And fast! So, once again, the search for the perfect flight attendant shoe began. It's been ongoing for years. Thirteen years to be precise.
All I want is something cute enough to wear through the terminal and comfy enough to walk up and down the aisle, that's it. But that, I have to say, as most flight attendants already know, is next to impossible to find. Oh I'm done with the whole high-heel-change-into-a-flat thing. Done carting around an extra pair of comfortable shoes in my already overstuffed tote bag that I have to change into as soon as we hit our cruising altitude . I mean all I want to do is put on a pair of shoes before I leave the house and be done with it. That's it. I'm over it.
Which now brings me to three distinct types of flight attendant shoes (for women) I've encountered working the line over the years...
THE NEW HIRE HEEL. These clickity clackers can be seen from miles away, because they've probably been paired with a skirt that's just a tad bit too short, as they strut through the airport terminal. Trust me, there is no freakin way these babies can work a flight, which is why they're usually the opening act for the Dansko clog. Yes, this is the flight attendant fantasy shoe - for men. (And I'm not just talking about the men in drag.) Add another inch to this heel and these, to me, scream available! At least on the airplane they do, because in real life I...well...maybe, sort of, kind of, like them...kind of, maybe, sort of. Okay okay, so I actually own a pair (or two), so what! I only wear them hidden under a long jean. Not on the airplane. Nor in the terminal. Why? Because they say, "is there anything else I can get you, sir?" (Wink Wink). They belong to Cockpit Connie. Not you. Or do they belong to my flight attendant friend Steven? Or was it me! Jeez, I can't remember.
THE OVER IT SHOE: Those of you who do not pick up trash at 35,000 feet for a living probably think this shoe belongs hidden behind the cart, or in the back of a closet, or at the bottom of a trash bin, and you're probably right, but ever since our work days have gotten longer and our layovers have gotten shorter (layover, what layover?) this is the shoe for me. Remember, I'm over it, and because I'm so over it (the shoe, people, not the job!) I can't even properly explain it. In fact, I don't even know if it can be explained, whatever it is I'm trying to explain. Or perhaps I've just been flying too much.
THE SENIOR MAMA LOAFER: Can you say retire already so I can finally get a little seniority and fall off the reserve list before I'm 50. Seriously people! Believe it or not, the person who now wears these sensible comfy loafers once wore those sexy white patent leather go-go boots with a hot little mini skirt. She did. Really she did. And maybe, just maybe, he did, too. Hey, you never know. So when you see a pair of these tired looking loafers walking down the nasty carpeted aisle, remember where they've been. What they've seen. And all the things they've done. (That you haven't. And never will.) And don't forget to aways - ALWAYS - respect the loafer!
What will I be wearing on my next flight? Check out these babies from Beautiful Feel, which I purchased from The Walking Store earlier this week. No, they weren't cheap, but if they can make my feet feel beautiful while I'm picking up trash at 35,000 feet, feeling oh so not beautiful, I'll pay whatever it takes. And more.
Filed under: Airlines, Galley Gossip
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ann Jun 12th 2008 5:15PM
I hear you on the shoes. I refuse to bring two pair of shoes to work. I fought the company long and hard over this. They insisted that the pump is the only shoe for women and I had to point out that they had two men dressed as women and that to wear a pair of comfortable shoes that I would dress like a man. I finally won the argument. But what I would really llike you to do a story on is the fact that the airlines won't let us use gloves to pick up trash. I would also like to bring up that it is not okay for people to hand a flight attendant their dirty diapers, snot rags, spit cups and vomit. These are bathroom deposits that should be made by the passenger. I had a woman once that handed me her tray to empty. when i turned it upside down I got vomit all over me. It turns out she would take a bite of her food and then vomit it up. then she placed trash on top of it so that I couldn't see it. Just a reminder we are not allowed to wear gloves and that we don't want to catch nasty diseases and I'm sure the passengers don't either. for the people who say this is a part of my job,please think again. I am the one who is going to serve your next drink. do you really want me to pass it on to you? also do you do this to your waiter at a resturaunt? for the ones who say if you don't like it quit. Can you quit your job? are people calling you left and right to hire you? I think not so stop using that. It's just plain stupid.
karen Jun 12th 2008 11:31PM
Heather, and to any female fa's out there- I have some shoe ideas. I wear clark privos. They kinda look like a ballet flat, but are oh so comfy. The best part is no metal shank, so for crews that means no taking off your shoes at the checkpoint!!
Also, merrell makes a line called the emma, which is sort of a flat mary jane, which is also comfy w/ no metal shank.
FA Jun 12th 2008 10:01PM
Its funny how the older we get the more me talk about stuff like this :) I remember back in the 80's I would wear stiletto pumps, mini skirts and yes dare I say it "big hair"!! Fast forward to 2008 and I turned in my dress for uniform pants so that.... A) I wouldn't be cold on the allnighter and B) so I wouldn't have to change my shoes. It freed up tons of space in my tote and I like being comfy all the time. I do agree that the dress, with all of the accouterments, Is the prettier choice....but at 43 I'll take the sensible shoes any day.
Anna Jun 12th 2008 8:45PM
I found them! It took eight long years of not wanting to tote around another set of shoes. Trust me I have owned all brands with all sorts of heals. These not only suit the company mandated walking with heels through the terminal, they also satisfy the comfort needed enroute. http://www.softspots.com/item.asp?pno=1&ItemID=720930
Enjoy and I love reading the blog!
EA pilot's kid Jun 13th 2008 5:04PM
I don't work for SAS Shoes, but I've been a satisfied customer for decades.
SAS review:
http://shoes.lovetoknow.com/SAS_Shoes
Haven't been in a store recently, found this heeled loafer pump example on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/S-A-S-Womens-SAS-Taupe-Leather-Pumps-Shoes-8-5-N_W0QQitemZ350068983266QQihZ022QQcategoryZ63889QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
SAS loafer w/ wedge heel:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SAS-TRIPAD-COMFORT-FOOT-BED-SHOES-SIZE-9-1-2-WOMENS-USA_W0QQitemZ140240059372QQihZ004QQcategoryZ63889QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Direct sales: SAS outlet stores and catalog sales, no internet sales. My out-of-TX friends have been very satisfied with the catalog service.
http://www.sasshoes.com/
Click on "Contact us", request catalog by phone, email, postal mail.
Online retailers carrying SAS:
http://norbys.stores.yahoo.net/sasshsaswiwo.html
I also like my navy blue SoftSpots "Stephanie". Their "tailored" collection might fit your uniform standards.
http://www.softspots.com/item.asp?pno=1&ItemID=105106
EA pilot's kid Jun 13th 2008 5:28PM
PS--I'm also not an F/A, but I've spent plenty of years on my feet in choirs and public-contact jobs.
Heather Jun 13th 2008 5:25PM
ANN - Gloves to pick up trash would be nice, but then I'd be afraid the hair net would be next, and i don't do hair nets. LOL. That would be like the one and only thing that would make me quit this job.
ANNA - Thanks for sharing. I hope a lot of FA's share their shoe of choice, because we need to know! I actually tried on the soft spot and liked it very much.
FA - You gotta have a sensible shoe to do this job, and that's that, no matter how old you are, how high your hair is, or how short the skirt is. LOL. I remember those days too. I just might have to post an old sunjet picture. very scary
KAREN - Privos - I've heard of those. I think my girlfriend wears them. I'll have to check them out. The Emma sounds cute. I read once that the Merrell was the best shoe for a passenger, so if they've made a good one for the FA, that's great. Checking that one out too.
EA PILOT'S KID - SAS - man, you love that shoe! LOL. I will just have to take a look. Thanks for the info and all the links. That's great.
Heather
EA pilot\\\'s kid Jun 13th 2008 5:32PM
I'm puzzled about the gloves. Did a lot of traveling 2003--2006, DID see gloves used on a major carrier. I take it policies differ among the carriers?
Heather Jun 13th 2008 6:58PM
EA pilot's kid - I think you're right, each airline is different. Plus, I think some FA"s use them even though we aren't supposed to. I know I've seen it.
Heather
sunny Jun 16th 2008 3:32AM
I finally won the argument. But what I would really llike you to do a story on is the fact that the airlines won't let us use gloves to pick up trash.
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sunny
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Sammi Jun 19th 2008 10:40AM
At least you don't have to wear those silly head things that the Middle East airline cabin crew ladies wear. Also, it's nice that American carriers don't make you wear makeup that makes you look like a tart, like in the Middle East...
Devon Jun 20th 2008 6:46AM
I have flown American Airlines frequently, and have seen them wear latex gloves for cleaning up.
Vicki Coles Jun 21st 2008 1:48AM
Two comments - Northwest Airlines issues sanitary gloves for trash pickup in the main cabin (never allowed in WorldBusinessClass). Dansko makes a black patent
"Professional" clog that is VERY cute, I spent the last two years before retiring in them. They are available
at Nordstrom.
Kris Jul 13th 2008 11:40AM
I wear the "new hire" shoe, and Ive been flying for 21yrs. I am happily married to a fellow f/a and am definetely "not" avbl. I get many looks, but mostly from other f/a's who ask "How can you wear those?" and to this I can only reply "How can you wear THOSE?" But seriously, I like them. I dont want to look like a frump. I am in my forties and I refuse to look dumpy! I long for the days of the Stewardess. You can take the glamour out of the job, but you cant take the glamour out of the girl!
Lisa Jul 2nd 2008 11:03PM
I will take the Dansko clogs ANYDAY!!!!! I know... I have to hide my feet while in the domicile and terminal but I LOVE those clogs!!! My other "comfortable" shoes suck!!! I put them on and my feet hurt immediately!!!!
Yep, we're not allowed to wear gloves to clean. Nasty!!!!
Susan Jul 28th 2008 12:30PM
Hi Heather,
Go to highheelshurt.com and email Milady. Tell her you are a flight attendant and that you want to be a tester for her product. She will then send you some of her new foot product to try. You will be amazed at the comfort of your little feet and you will then be happily (really) wearing 4 inch heels as you push that beverage cart through the aisles and rush or should I say strut!)through the terminals I volunteered to try these and boy am I a happy camper in all of my many pairs of very adorable high heels! yippee!!