Mảng Tối Của Nghề Tiếp Viên Hàng Không

Being a flight attendant may seem like a glamorous and exciting job, but behind the gracious and polite demeanor, there are many dark aspects and traps that not everyone understands. Flight attendants face immense pressure in their work, leading them to turn to stimulants. They also have to deal with harassment from passengers, and some even resort to quick money-making schemes like smuggling or prostitution.

For many flight attendants, their job is a joyous experience, working with amazing people, attending parties, and taking advantage of the opportunities to travel the world. However, for some, it can come with a dark side. The high-flying lifestyle at dizzying heights can be accompanied by mental health issues, including sleep disorders and substance abuse. These factors often go hand in hand, leading many cabin crew members to use alcohol and drugs to cope with the stress.

According to Ariana, a flight attendant with ten years of experience at a major US airline, "Many of us in the industry suffer from a truly terrible and overwhelming anxiety. Being stuck in tight spaces with people all day without being able to express our true emotions can be incredibly challenging. I have often cried myself to sleep and screamed into a pillow because I couldn't express my emotions throughout the day. Occasionally, these issues gain attention in the media, particularly cases of alcohol abuse. In 2019, a newspaper reported about a flight attendant on a United Airlines flight from Chicago to San Francisco who got drunk. Another employee of a different airline lost their job after being caught drinking a quarter of a bottle of vodka on a journey between two Australian cities."

Another notable case was in 2010 when a flight attendant named Stup Slblade activated the emergency exit of an airplane and escaped while holding two cans of beer. It became known that the flight attendant struggled with bipolar disorder and substance abuse at the time of the incident. While such incidents may seem unusual, the root of the problem is not so surprising.

According to Adena, "I have lost many friends. They were fired, and one of them drowned themselves in alcohol and drugs and couldn't break free. They eventually died." Slayer, who used to work for WWE and Delter before joining Jeff Blue, explains the various reasons why flight attendants turn to drinking. "The reality is, when you are far from home and not receiving social support, missing out on your holidays, and longing for weekends, you can feel incredibly lonely. So, you get caught up in that world, even though it brings many complications."

Some flight attendants use highly addictive drugs prescribed by doctors to deal with anxiety or depression, including sleeping pills or painkillers. Opinions differ on the number of flight attendants who violate safety rules by drinking alcohol during their duty-free periods. The problem cannot be denied.

Hithahiarly, the manager of the alcohol and drug program for flight attendants at the US Federal Aviation Administration, says, "I have been sexually harassed to the point of having to sell myself." Ms. H, a former flight attendant for an airline in Vietnam, revealed shocking incidents during her many trips. Most passengers were polite, but a small number behaved inappropriately, making unwanted advances or touching the flight attendants. In such cases, Ms. H shared her experience of avoiding and moving away from the passengers. If the passenger called her for service again or continued with inappropriate behavior, she would report it to the cabin supervisor. The cabin supervisor would handle the situation.

If passengers continue to act inappropriately and refuse to stop, Ms. H explains how the issue is escalated. "If the airplane hasn't taken off yet, we would ask the passenger to deplane because intoxicated passengers pose a safety risk. If they don't listen to the warning and cooperate, we inform the cabin supervisor. If the cabin supervisor cannot resolve the situation, they will report it to the captain. The captain has the highest authority onboard. After landing, the captain will deal with the passenger's inappropriate behavior, and it can result in administrative penalties."

Ms. H also witnessed a fellow flight attendant facing a situation where a passenger was intoxicated and verbally abusive towards her. The flight attendant issued a warning, but the passenger was uncooperative, which is hard to avoid in such cases. Ms. H stated, "If the airplane hasn't taken off, we would ask the passenger to deplane because intoxicated passengers pose a safety risk. If they don't listen to the warning and cooperate, we inform the cabin supervisor. If the cabin supervisor cannot resolve the situation, they will report it to the captain. The captain has the highest authority onboard. After landing, the captain will deal with the passenger's inappropriate behavior, and it can result in administrative penalties."

However, being subjected to harassment is just one aspect of flight attendants facing dark situations. Some flight attendants go even further and engage in prostitution to earn extra money. In September 2015, a female flight attendant working for a Middle Eastern airline was fired and deported for selling sexual services to passengers in the airplane toilet.

During a two-year period, the anonymous flight attendant was able to earn around 650,000 euros, or nearly 16.3 billion Vietnamese Dong, through sexual encounters with passengers on various flights and routes. Her preferred destinations were the United States and the Gulf region. This is not an isolated incident in the airline industry. Media outlets have previously reported on a series of cases involving Japanese flight attendants who engaged in prostitution to supplement their dwindling salaries. In just 90 minutes, these flight attendants were able to earn between 300 and 450 euros, equivalent to 7.5 to 11 million Vietnamese Dong, by having sexual relations with pilots.

While it may be tempting to condemn the individuals involved in these illegal activities, it is important to recognize the complex situations that lead to such behavior. The unique nature of the aviation profession, with its constant travel and exposure to different cultures and environments, can push individuals to resort to smuggling or prostitution.

In 2013, a flight attendant named Teme Tayo Daramola from Arik Air was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport for smuggling Class A drugs. Another attendant, Cala Alphaadol, confessed to smuggling nearly 1 kg of heroin from Jakarta to Orlando in 2013. In 2023, four Vietnam Airlines flight attendants were caught with over 10 kg of synthetic drugs hidden inside toothpaste boxes during a routine inspection at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

These cases represent both the tragedy and danger that some flight attendants face. However, it is important to remember that the majority of flight attendants are dedicated professionals who provide exceptional service and ensure the safety of passengers. The actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of the many who strive to make air travel a pleasant experience for everyone.