Trolley Stories #1: Former flight attendant KLM and Etihad Airways

Trolley Stories is a new concept on Travelbecks. In here I will share interviews with (ex) flight attendants from across the world, who have flown for different airlines. Flight attendants always have interesting stories to tell as it can get pretty wild up in the air. Besides that, they might have some secrets to share! We start off with my close friend Fraukje, with whom I lived and worked with in Abu Dhabi.

Passport

Name: Fraukje Peeters
Age: 30 
Nationality: Dutch
Country of residence: The Netherlands
Years in aviation: 3 total
Airlines: Etihad Airways and KLM

How and when did you get into the aviation industry? 

I graduated in 2015 and started a career at the Rabobank. After 1,5 years working there, I got an early quarter life crisis and couldn’t believe I would end up doing this for the rest of my life. I had applied for Etihad (and got hired) during my studies but didn’t go because I wanted to get my diploma and met Thijs during that period. That is why I made the decision to stay after graduation. But after 1.5 years I really needed a new adventure and saw that Etihad was recruiting again. I talked to you about it and we decided to apply together. BEST DECISION EVER!

What do/did you always carry with you on a flight?

To be honest, I didn’t carry anything special with me. I always had my passport and lip balm.

What do you miss the most about being a flight attendant?

At first, I missed the jet set lifestyle, but now I am glad I have a Monday – Friday job with my weekends off – it is more peaceful. However, I do still miss seeing new places, feeling and tasting new cultures, being a globe trotter, and meeting new people (while getting paid for it).

Could you share the weirdest/craziest/most interesting experience you had on board a flight? 

On one of my first flights, a guest on our flight had managed to take out the door of the toilet and handed it to me. I had no idea how to put it back so that was an awkward situation. Never happened again.

What is the downside of being a flight attendant?

The downside of flying is that you’ll often have to miss important events like Christmas, baby showers, weddings etc.

Do you have a secret or tip to make a flight more comfortable? 

I don’t have a tip to make it more comfortable, but my secret in aviation is that I usually enjoyed the aircraft food and I would eat a lot on board haha. 

What’s the biggest misconception about flight attendants?

I think that a lot of people don’t know what it’s like with the jet lags and everything. Most of the flights run smoothly, but I think every flight attendant has experienced a stressful flight with medical cases or crazy fights on board. We are trained to deal with the situation at hand and have to make sure everyone stays calm – it is not like we can escape. 

Do you have a preferred aircraft and why?

The Dreamliner (Boeing 787) – at the time it was a very new aircraft, so everything was nice and clean and just smooth.

What was your favourite layover destination and why? 

I always loved going to Australia with Etihad. We flew to a couple of cities there. With KLM I really enjoyed my trip to Panama, Venice, and Cartagena

Which country or place is still on your bucket list?

Georgia is on my list! And I really want to go camping in Norway next summer.

What do you currently do and do you think you will ever return to the skies?

I am an intermediator at the moment and have been for the past 3 plus years. It’s totally different from being a flight attendant but I’m still working with people. I don’t know if I will go back into aviation, but never say never!