Being away from friends, family, pets and home can be really hard for certain people. I decided to ask multiple flight attendants how they handled it and their experience with it.
Hannah
Hannah doesn’t have kids or any pets so she actually enjoys the time away and getting to see new places. She always makes sure to bring a book she’s interested in, and her Roku stick in case she gets bored on her layovers! I asked all of them if they think it takes a toll on their mental health. She said it can get lonely and you may miss holidays and other important events, but she tries to work out and call her family on layovers when she can. I also asked all of them what helped them through it. She said keeping herself busy is crucial, she makes sure she is doing something constantly and she has enjoyed being alone and enjoying her own company.
Destanie
Destanie says it’s fun to be away and usually, it isn’t gone for more than 4 days but it can be hard on your mental health. She explained that the job is super lonely at times and the first year for her was hard because she barely saw anyone but now that she is 2 years in she has been able to navigate a lot more visits. What helps Destanie through the loneliness is the support and friendships of other flight attendants, she said they are like family.
Aly
Aly said she has always been a big traveler and she was in college for a little bit so she’s used to being away from home. She told me she has seen her family twice since Christmas and hasn’t seen her friends since Christmas. When she does go home her friends are usually away at school so she doesn’t get to see them often. During college breaks, they try to see her and she goes to them whenever she can. Something Aly does with her friends and family is FaceTime as much as possible and talk nonstop every day so it can feel like she sees them every day even though she doesn’t get to. Aly lives 3 1/2 hours away from her family so when she has more than two days off she will try to fly and go see them, she explained that her family and friends are used to it and they just have to keep in touch through Facetime and other types of communication.
Rosie
Rosie agreed and said Facetime and communication in general are key also a lot of quality time when she is home. She explained that the toll on mental health comes in waves, sometimes it can be hard, and other times it’s not so bad. Rosie said there are a few things that help her through it. Such as knowing that she has to preserve her energy and rest when she can but she also knows she should let her family members/loved ones know that she is thinking of them even though she can’t spend the time that she wants with them. Rosie says it’s all about balance.
Logan
Logan says it can definitely take a toll on your mental health if you don’t create a routine. She says that being away from your loved ones, partners, and friends can be hard you just have to conduct the appropriate communication to feel like you are involved even when you are away. Logan says goin going on walks, exploring the city you are in, treating yourself to good meals, going to the gym, and picking up your favorite flights can keep you level-headed and help take care of your mental health.
Sarah
Sarah says that in the past when she did layovers non stop she never felt settled and it was really hard for her at times. Often times she would force herself to go outside for a walk or hangout with the crew, also bringing her speaker and listening to music in her hotel room used to be a huge helper for her.
Ethan
Ethan says he handles being away for so long by bringing things that make him comfy. It can still make him and anyone in this lifestyle struggle with missing home. He said he would miss his boyfriend and his friends and he often won’t see his roommate for weeks because they both are in this field. Ethan says it can be really hard to keep up with everyone while flying and it gets very tiring. He tries to bring everything he needs to be as comfortable as possible and “home-like” in his hotel room and will even bring his Xbox sometimes to force himself to stay in his room and relax.
Being a flight attendant requires a lot of irregular schedules, time away from loved ones, jet lag and time zone adjustments, limited personal times, and constant transitions. Its really important to be super comfortable being alone in this field and having support systems through other flight attendants and friends/family. Being a flight attendant is often perceived as super glamorous but the emotional strain it can cause can be super damaging and it is not for everybody.