In the tradition of Plimpton-esque participatory journalism, a New York Times travel writer, Michelle Higgins, trained to become an American Airlines flight attendant and worked two flights, talking to real flight attendants and recounting the experience with a long piece in today’s travel section.
The story doesn’t really break any new ground. Its overwhelming conclusion: Flight attendants have it real hard these days.
Still, it’s a story that’s probably been a long time coming, given the changes that have rocked the airline industry after Sept. 11 and made the whole flying experience a lot less enjoyable for both passengers and crew members alike.
The faux drama of the story’s beginning notwithstanding, there’s some interesting behind-the-scenes reporting here, and the piece gives flight attendants ample space to talk about the pressures and stress that come with the job.
Check it out, and for more insights into the lives of flight attendants, keep up with Gadling’s resident FA, Heather Poole, and her Galley Gossip blog.